He stepped forward, pretended to look serious and said,"Hey, what are you doing here?"
"Charles, you're back!" an ecstatic Autumn cried. She giggled at her husband's antics and said,"I'm talking to Chris. She'll soon get married, and I'm not ready to be separated from her."
Charles was busy at work all day while Gary was getting older. Chris was the only one similar in age to Autumn and was not very busy with work, so Chris could keep her company. They also shared many interests and always had several topics to discuss.
So it was Chris who usually kept her sister-in-law company since she became pregnant.
Their shared affection was evident, and when Chris announced she was getting married soon, Autumn became sick at heart. That meant she would move out to live with Sam, while Autumn would remain at the Lu family's house.
Without Chris as a companion, Autumn would be very lonely since there was no one else who could spend as much time with her.
"Why are you so late coming home today?" Chris addressed her brother rather sharply. "Don't you know Autumn needs your companionship during this time when her condition is so delicate?" she pointed out.
Her wedding to Sam was happening soon, but she was spending more time with Autumn than preparing for the event. It was time to remind Charles of his responsibilities. "You do know that once I move out of here, it will be your duty to take care of Autumn. And you're going to be held responsible if something happens to her because you've been remiss," she warned her brother.
Charles only glanced at his sister but said nothing.
"Chris, don't make fun of your brother," Autumn pleaded. She wrapped her arms around Chris and urged her,"It's late. You get some rest. And thank you."
Suddenly, Charles spoke up while glaring at Chris. "You are really a horrible sister of mine," he teased,"Autumn is my wife, so of course I will take care of her!" He flashed her a big smile of gratitude.
Chris heaved a big sigh of relief. "Well, at least that's clear. You really should be spending more time with her," she suggested. But Chris knew her brother would take good care of his wife when the time came. She turned to Autumn. "I'm off now and I am going on a break."
Charles and Autumn headed to their bedroom once Chris left. Charles started reading papers from work and waited for Autumn to come out of the bathroom. "You still have a lot of work to do?" she inquired.
"Oh yes. I'm very busy these days," he replied while grinning. Charles pulled his wife towards him and helped her sit on his lap. "You're pregnant, and soon our babies will be born. That's why I have to work harder so I can provide a better life for my family," he said teasingly.
"You're making fun of me again, Charles," Autumn pretended to complain. She put an arm around her husband's shoulders and said,"The babies won't be coming any time soon. There's still a lot of time before you begin worrying about them." Charles laid his hand on Autumn's belly. "But I'm worried about you," he said gently.
Autumn savored his touch. She then laid her forehead on his before saying,"You also have to take care of your health. I'm worried that your long working hours would eventually drive you crazy."
"Thank you, but you don't have to worry about me. I promise to take care of myself because you and our babies need me. I have to be a responsible husband and father, right?" he said tenderly. Charles then buried his face in Autumn's neck, enjoying her sweet scent. After they learned of the pregnancy, Charles had to control his sexual desires but missed the intimacy with his wife. He held her for a long while before raising his head. He said,"It's getting late. Why don't you get some sleep."
Autumn looked into her husband's eyes. "Charles…" she whispered. She held on to his hands and looked at him shyly.
"What is it, Autumn?" he asked. Charles was having a hard time keeping his passion in check.
Autumn was mumbling and muttering but could not express herself clearly. "Do you want…" she stopped. "It's been so long," she said softly.
"What are you saying?" Charles asked, his grip tightening. He was unsure about what Autumn was trying to say, but seeing her embarrassed look, he understood then. "I miss you, too. But how about the babies? How can we…"
Charles stopped in mid-sentence. His sexual desire was building, and he was having a hard time controlling his urges. But he had to consider Autumn's condition. She was pregnant with twins, and he was afraid of hurting the babies. Charles was always careful turning in bed while Autumn slept and only held her very gently.
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