"On such a jubilant occasion, can't we have some words of positivity?" Abigail nudged him playfully, a grin dancing on her lips.
Sean's smile remained subtle, his emotions veiled as always. Ever since Abigail fell pregnant, the glow on his face remained steadfast.
The pair leaned into each other's embrace within the car.
Abigail gazed at the ever-changing scenery outside, feeling a wave of weariness washing over her. Slowly, she succumbed to sleep, her eyelids drooping.
Observing her drift into slumber, Sean tenderly held her.
Upon reaching home, Abigail stirred awake, stretching languidly before emitting a tired yawn. "I've been swamped lately; even with a bit of free time today, I feel drained."
"Perhaps it's due to the pregnancy," Sean suggested, stepping out of the car and waiting for her by the door.
Abigail yawned once more, offering no retort.
She retreated indoors and collapsed onto the couch, surrendering to further sleep.
Scarlett draped a blanket over her form.
"Dad, Mom, I'm stepping out for a bit," Sean informed Lawrence and Scarlett.
"Make sure to return for dinner tonight," Scarlett reminded him with a smile.
As Lawrence prepared to depart as well, he accompanied Sean.
As they ventured outside, Lawrence broke the silence, addressing Sean first, "You haven't been with us for long, and I don't claim to know you entirely. Abby has stood by your side through thick and thin for many years. If she ever does something to upset you in the future, I hope you'll treat her kindly."
"Where's this coming from, Dad? If she does something to upset me, it's my own issue," Sean swiftly retorted.
"I trust your sincerity now, but marriage is an enduring journey. You'll spend the next thirty, forty, or even fifty years together. During that time, temptations may arise, but I won't tolerate any missteps," Lawrence stated gravely.
"Dad, I've made it clear that if I cause her any pain in the future, I won't have a favorable outcome," Sean replied with a solemn expression.
"There's no need for such severe words. I'm just laying out the terms clearly upfront. Abby is the cherished gem of our family. If she endures any suffering because of you, my entire family will descend upon you without mercy," Lawrence reflected on the trials Abigail had faced over the years, earnestly wishing for her future to be smooth and secure, free from mishaps.
"Understood," Sean replied earnestly, his expression grave.
He apprehended that should he fail to take things seriously, he would incur Lawrence's wrath with physical repercussions.
"Where are you off to?" Lawrence's tone softened a touch.
"To the bookstore. I'm not quite sure what a husband should do when his wife is pregnant, so I intend to purchase some books on pregnancy and parenting," Sean explained.
Lawrence nodded in approval. It's wise to seek more knowledge.
Word of Abigail's pregnancy spread swiftly, yet she and Sean maintained a modest profile. They only distributed monetary gifts to their company's employees, eschewing any elaborate wedding gifts.
Sean insisted that the wedding gifts would be distributed at the actual wedding ceremony.
Later that evening, Kevin summoned Sean to the club, but Sean was hesitant. "I'm a married man now. I can't keep frequenting these places. My father-in-law will not let me off easily if he finds out."
"You haven't had the wedding yet. What do you mean by 'married man?'" Kevin inquired, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
"We are married," Sean affirmed.
If he needs to drown his sorrows, just let him be.
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