"Hey Khan!" Jack called out and rushed down the hallway 

 

"Heeey...I called you" 

 

"Sorry, he was drilling me for an hour" 

 

"Everything ok?" 

 

"Yeah...Shouldn't you be with Theta?" 

 

"I should" she huffed "I'll go as soon as we're done" 

 

"You need to get married Khan" 

 

"Oh, not you as well" 

 

"Just saying" he smirked and nudged her shoulder "You'd get a lot more privileges at work if you did...Like time off for things like this." 

 

"I knoooow. It’s not that easy. Come on let's get this done" 

 

It's been a year and a half since they started dating, and life brought a lot of changes and challenges for them both. Although they spoke about it on many occasions and the topic of the wedding was on the menu more than once, they had a very different vision of it from the rest of their family. But deep down she knew Jack was right. 

 

... 

 

Yaz huffed and rolled her eyes leaning over the table "So, for the fifth time Barry, where were you on Saturday 23 of March at nine forty-five pm?" 

 

"Told you, home watching telly" 

 

"Oh, for god sake...Stop lying" 

 

Almost an hour later she finally left the interrogation room and called Theta straight away. 

 

"I'm so sorry babe.... I got fucking stuck..." 

 

"It's alright...I get it...Hey...listen" she smiled cheerfully and moved a phone from her ear closer to the ultrasound. The sound of a heartbeat echoed through the phone and a massive smile stretched across Yaz's face. 

 

"Oh my god..." 

 

"He's so beautiful" 

 

"You're making me soppy" she smiled as her eyes filled with tears "Is everything ok?" 

 

"Everything is fine...we're both doing really well. I'm done soon. Are we still going for lunch?" 

 

"Definitely, I'll be there in half hour." 

 

"Goodie...Alright love, see you soon" 

 

Yaz rushed to meet her after work. Theta waited in the small restaurant and waived cheerfully when she saw her. 

 

"Hey baby" Yaz leaned over dropping small kiss to her lips 

 

"Hey love. Your timing is perfect. I literally got the food a minute ago" 

 

"I'm starving" 

 

"Me too" 

 

As soon as she sat down Theta took the ultrasound picture out of her bag and slid it across the table with a massive smile across her face. 

 

"God he's so pretty." Yaz brushed her fingertips over it. 

 

"Look, tiny hand" 

 

"So sorry I didn't make it" 

 

"That's alright babe, you'll be there next time" she smiled "Oh, look what I got. I got it on sale" she pulled out the cute, knitted baby jumper with small green leaves sprinkled all over it. 

 

"That's so adorable" 

 

"Well, I figured he's coming in August, so it's gonna be just the right size for him in autumn" 

 

"Two more months babe" 

 

"Two more months" she smiled haply 

 

"You meeting Ashley later?" 

 

"Yap, are you still going to your parents?" 

 

"Yes" 

 

"Say hello from me. Oh, I got her a card" she dug through her bag and passed it to Yaz 

 

"She's so happy about this job" 

 

"She deserves it. She worked so hard" 

 

"She has. I'm really happy for her. Poor woman is finally getting a break after all these years. Oh, Malik and Wali are coming on Saturday to help with the furniture" 

 

"Oh, are they? That's really nice of them. Mum's coming too. She will help me with unpacking." 

 

"Seems so weird being in a new flat" 

 

"I do miss our old one" 

 

"Me too...but we need more room. And you're closer to work now" 

 

"That's true. And closer to your dad's shop" 

 

"That's true as well." 

 

"I can pop in at lunchtime" she smiled 

 

"Yeah, get a sandwich" she laughed "You can leave him a kid for babysitting. He's already having plans how to get him in on a job" she laughed 

 

"I don't doubt that. How was work?" 

 

"Fine...He finally admitted today" 

 

"OMG, it was about time" 

 

"I was seriously pulling my hair out." 

 

"Also...here...I got some names today." She took a paper out of her bag and gave it to Yaz "Look at it later" 

 

"Noo...I’m looking at it now....Edward?" She laughed 

 

"It's a nice name" she smuged 

 

"Yeah, if you're the next king" she laughed 

 

"Fuck off" 

 

..... 

 

Yaz rang the doorbell of her parents’ apartment for the second time and stood waiting impatiently. 

 

"Heey...Sorry" her mum opened up "Your timing is perfect. I was on the toilet" 

 

"I wondered what took you so long" she laughed kissing her cheek "Congratulations" she pulled out flowers and a little gift bag from behind her back 

 

"Thanks honey...they are beautiful...Where's Theta? " 

 

"Oh, it's her grannies’ anniversary. She went to the graveyard with her mum. She's got the card for you. It's in the bag with some chocolates" she said sitting at the table 

 

"That's nice. Your brothers got me a cake" she said taking it out of the fridge 

 

"Waaaw...that's very thoughtful of them. What's going on?" She laughed 

 

"I knoooow...I almost fainted" she laughed and brought it to the table 

 

"Oh, I almost forgot" she took the ultrasound photo out of her pocket and slid it across the table 

 

"OMG!" 

 

"I knoooow" she smiled softly 

 

"He is getting so big" 

 

"So is Theta" she laughed "She's like a birthday balloon" 

 

"Honestly Yaz when are you going to marry this woman?" 

 

"Oh, come ooon...Don't start" 

 

"You do wanna marry her, right?" 

 

"Course I do...What kind of a stupid question is that" 

 

"Just saying Yaz. This is so tits upwards. It's not like this baby just happened to you" 

 

"We're just not that obsessed with the paper like you lot are. Besides, we just got a new apartment, we are not shitting money mum. Weddings cost" 

 

"So do babies" she put the photo on the table 

 

"Yes well, we have different priorities, ok" 

 

"I can see that. But legally Yaz, you really should get married" 

 

"And maybe we will. And when we do, it won't be like what you imagined" 

 

"Yeah, I got that by now." She rolled her eyes "Have you found a name yet? Or you're leaving that as well for when he's born?" 

 

"Not yet. And yes, he will have a name mum" she laughed 

 

"I hope so" 

 

"Oh, for fuck sake" 

 

 

....

 

 

Theta opened the oven. Hot steam hitting her face then turned around looking for oven gloves. She was still getting used to the new kitchen and most of their stuff was still packed away in boxes. But their lives were busy, and they only had time for unpacking at weekends. 

 

"Don't...let me" Yaz said from the door and rushed grabbing gloves from her hand 

 

"I can do it" 

 

"I know you can.... Just don't want you burning yourself" she grabbed the big baking tray and pulled it out on the kitchen top "That tummy is really big now" she took the glove off and ran her palm over Thetas stomach kissing her temple 

 

"I am getting more clumsily" she smiled 

 

"Mum loved the card and the chocolates. She sent you some cake. Went gaga over the scan and asked about us getting married again" 

 

"Oh god." She huffed "I do feel bad for our parents." 

 

"I do too, it's becoming harder to explain" 

 

"I don't think we will ever be able to explain" she laughed 

 

"She says we're doing things tits upwards" 

 

"Well, you must admit babe, we are a bit...Can’t argue that one" 

 

"Well, the doctor said, it was now or never. So that's argument enough for me. We could just go to the registry office like we want and be done with it. Have dinner in some nice restaurant just us and closest family" 

 

"We could. I told you I don't want fuss. I'm not interested in having twenty of my family members pretending to be happy for me. But I also don't want everyone getting upset either. I'm so torn." 

 

She huffed taking the plates out of the cabinet and started setting the table. 

 

"You think too much. We should just do what we want. I must admit I always thought you'd be the first one to want a big princess dress and three tear cake" 

 

"See, just proves I still have some aces in my sleeve to surprise you" she giggled kissing her cheek and picked up salad from the kitchen top 

 

"I should take Lola for a walk soon. Looks very ominous outside" 

 

"It does look like it's gonna chuck it down" she looked at the sky getting darker by the minute "Maybe you should go now before dinner. Don't want you getting wet" 

 

"Yeah, you're probably right" 

 

As Yaz left Theta sat at the table and ran her palm over her belly thinking about the conversation they just had. Both sides of the family pushing their way felt exhausting at times, as well as feeling compelled to justify their decisions. She sighed and stood up to finish setting the table. 

 

.... 

 

The weekend came fast, and it was a busy day ahead of them. Yaz got up early leaving Theta to have much needed sleep. She was still not used to the layout of the new apartment and the bathroom being in the hallway. It was a beautiful apartment on the first floor of a newly built apartment block overlooking the small park. The building wasn't big, and the road was nice and quiet. Most of the furniture from the old place fitted perfectly and the bedroom was just a little bit bigger. Next to it, a small room perfect for the baby. Becoming a mother was exciting but also scary for Yaz. Although she would never admit it. She was over the moon and petrified all at the same time and it was confusing. She was also worried about Theta. Her blood pressure was spiking and had to be monitored at all times. Being warned that it could potentially lead to more problems for her, and the baby wasn't helping her anxiety. And as much as Yaz enjoyed in her pregnancy she was also impatiently waiting for it to be over. 

Theta on the other hand took it all in her stride, cheerful as always, she decided not to burden herself and put all her faith into her doctor, enjoying every second of it. Pushing 44 and being told she needed to decide if she ever wanted a family propelled them to make a fast decision. But in spite of the challenges they faced she was determined to remain positive and make it happen. 

 

.... 

 

"Door!" Yaz yelled from the bedroom 

 

"I got it" Theta tapped to the intercom "Yeees?" 

 

"Your removal company ma'am" Malik said 

 

She laughed "Goodie...Come up" she pressed the buzzer and opened the door waiting for them outside 

 

"Hello mama" Wali hugged her from the door 

 

"Hiii" 

 

"Hey sweetie...How's the wobbling?" Malik kissed her cheek and hugged her tight 

 

"Getting there...Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it" 

 

"Don't be silly, what's family for" 

 

"OMG how much tools" 

 

"Everything we need and some we don't need" Malik laughed as they placed two big boxes of tools on the floor 

 

"Hey sis" 

 

"Hi, I unwrapped the wardrobe. I think we should do that first" 

 

"That's the big inbuilt one?" Malik asked 

 

"Yeah. Did you bring everything?" 

 

"I think they brought enough to build us the furniture" 

 

"Yeah, we got everything. Saw, drilling kit, screwdrivers...the whole lot" 

 

"Wanna a drink?" Theta asked 

 

"Yes please" Malik lifted his hand 

 

"I'm fine thanks" 

 

"Alright babe, we're gonna get on with it. Maybe keep out until I hoover all the dust" 

 

"I'm not made of sugar you know" 

 

"She thinks you are, enjoy it" Malik leaned into her ear making laugh 

 

"It will fit, right?" She asked concerned 

 

"I must" Yaz said 

 

"We'll make it fit" Wali said 

 

"Now you're scaring me" she chuckled  

 

The interphone buzzed again, and Theta rushed to it. 

 

"Aaaa...mum" 

 

..... 

 

An hour later she was sorting boxes with her mother whiles Khans were busy in the other room assembling a massive wardrobe. 

 

"I don't know where to put this painting?" Theta said, "Above the sofa?" 

 

"Yeaaaah...I think so. You should tell them to hang it up for you whiles there here" 

 

"You got a point" 

 

"I was thinking" Ashley said "If it's too much for you I can take on some of your clients" 

 

"Noo mum, I'm fine for now. Thanks. Maybe when the baby comes. I think I'll need a lot more help then" 

 

"Alright. Just thinking, the doctor did say you need to take it easy" 

 

"I am taking it easy. I'm literally 5 minutes down the road" 

 

"I know but still, sitting down eight hours a day" 

 

"Neah, I'll be fine mum. Don't worry." 

 

"I booked a pedicure for us on Wednesday" 

 

"Oh, did ya?" 

 

"Yes...Well, you can't reach your feet, so I thought we go and pamper ourselves a bit" 

 

"Pampering sounds brilliant" she laughed 

 

"How's Yaz's job?" 

 

"She's doing really well. She's a lot happier bless her. I don't know why I fussed so much about it." 

 

"You didn’t fuss, you were worried...there's  a difference" 

 

"Her hours are more normal as well. I'm glad she's still working with Jack. Although she misses him as a partner" 

 

"Well, you never know. Maybe in the future they can be put together again" 

 

"I hope so." 

 

"Hey...wanna see?" Yaz peaked from the hallway 

 

"You're done?" Theta jumped excited 

 

"Yap" 

 

"OMG that's a perfect fit." 

 

"Told ya" Malik smuged 

 

"You lot have done a great job" Ashley said 

 

"What can I say, we're professionals" Malik joked 

 

"You really are" 

 

"Happy?" Yaz nudged Theta with her hip 

 

"Very happy" she slipped her arm around her waist leaning on her shoulder 

 

"We should get on...still so much to do" 

 

.... 

 

"So, sis, how does it feel assembling a cot?" Wali joked as they were unpacking the box 

 

"Nice, you should try it" 

 

"Oh nooo...I'm leaving it all to you" 

 

"Don't worry, mum's gonna leave you alone for a while now" Malik laughed "Do you have a name?" 

 

"No, not yet" 

 

"Well, you better hurry up or dad's gonna name him" 

 

"And it will by his great, great grandad" Wali laughed 

 

"No way" she rolled her eyes 

 

"Well, no more fun for you" Wali said 

 

"I'm having a kid not dying, you dipstick" 

 

"Oh, they'll have fun. Between Ashley and mum, they'll have 24/7 free child care" Malik nugged her 

 

"You're probably right" she laughed "Here hold this" she passed him a part of the cot "Did you decide about the club?" 

 

"I decided I want it. I'm just not sure if I'll be able to have it" 

 

"Depends, if they give him the money" Malik said 

 

"They will give him the money. He's been doing really well for the past two years." 

 

"You never know with these things Yaz. I'm worried after COVID banks are not so enthusiastic about it" 

 

"Oh, you'll get it." 

 

"I hope so" 

 

..... 

 

By the evening the furniture was assembled, and everyone left. Theta was sorting out the nursery unpacking some of the clothes they already got and hanging them neatly in the wardrobe whilst Yaz was fiddling with a mobile screwing it to the cot. It was hand made from Etsy in a woodland theme of the room. Theta insisted on Beatrix Potter and Yaz gave into it after a month of cruising around the stores and being overdosed by bunnies and bears. She did get her way in choosing the furniture in beautiful natural wood.

There was a lot of stuff they still needed to buy and instead of a list getting smaller it was somehow getting bigger. The one thing they both managed to agree on was the pram. The only condition Yaz had was that it didn't have any frills on it and Theta wanted a big space underneath for Lola. They chose the olive green, and it ended up being a gift from Thetas parents. 

 

"It's so pretty" Theta stepped behind her kissing her shoulder 

 

"It is actually. But I'm still not into bunnies and ducks" she laughed palming her hands on her stomach "I'm all sweaty. I need a shower" she turned in her arms running hands down her sides. 

 

"That was a lot of work. But you did a great job." Theta smiled draping her arms over her shoulders playing with little curls at the back of her neck and dropped a short kiss to her lips "Take a shower, I'll make some dinner" 

 

"We can order in" 

 

"You don't believe my cooking?" She chuckled 

 

"It's alright" 

 

"Oi!" 

 

"We could go for a meal tomorrow" 

 

"Is that a date night?" She mumbled into her skin kissing her neck 

 

"Coud be" she smirked rocking her side to side 

 

"Alright then. Italian?" 

 

"Yeeeah, why not. I need to work at the club next weekend" 

 

"Oh, how come?" 

 

"Wali is still looking for someone. He needs my help. I promised, sorry" 

 

"That's alright. Can I come?" 

 

"You're pregnant" 

 

"Pregnant women can go to a club. Hey, at least you know nobody's gonna be hitting on me" she laughed "I can ask the girls. I bed they'll say yes. They can't wait to get away from kids" 

 

"Under one condition" 

 

"Yeees" she flapped her lashes twirling her braid through her fingers 

 

"You stick to the upper floor and don't go down to the crowd. I'm worried someone might push you or elbow you by mistake. You know how it gets." 

 

"Yes ma'am" 

 

She moved her hands from her shoulders and pointed a finger at her "I'm serious Theta." 

 

"So am I" she hooked her fingers in her jeans pulling her hips "You look very sexy when you're serious" she said kissing her neck and Yaz rolled her eyes 

 

"Dear god" she laughed 

 

.... 

 

"125 over 80" Yaz said taking sphygmomanometer off her hand 

 

"Little bit high" she said lifting the duvet and getting into bed 

 

"You need to rest. You've been up the whole day" 

 

"I feel fine. Just a bit tired" 

"You always say that" she said putting the machine back in the drawer then got into bed herself "C'mere snuggle bug" she opened her arms and Theta snuggled up 

 

"You are happy with this?" 

 

"What do you mean?" 

 

"The baby...us?" 

 

"What kind of a stupid question is that? Course I'm happy. Why the fuck would you even ask that?" 

 

"I don't knoooow..." 

 

"Do I look like someone who's depressed?" She laughed 

 

"Nooo" she giggled playing with the edge of her tank top 

 

"Did someone say something to you? Cause if they have..." 

 

"Nooo...No-one said anything." She took a deep breathe "I think it's just all this thing with a wedding...just stressing me out" 

 

"You mustn't let it get to you like that. I'm not stressed...We'll do what we wanna do, end off. I'm only holding off for you to be honest." 

 

"Why for me?" She looked up confused 

 

"You're too nice. You're struggling cause you're trying to please everyone and don't wanna upset anyone. I'm not like that, never was. I'll do what you want, and if you decide to go with all the family, we will do that if it makes you happy. But I can see that it doesn't. So, you have to stop thinking about everyone else and think about yourself. It's your wedding not theirs. They already got married." 

 

"I know you're right. But everyone's being so nice to us" 

 

"And they still will be, you don't owe them wedding of their dreams just because they are being nice to you darling...They're gonna be disappointed and get over it...believe me" 

 

"It's that simple to you?" She chuckled 

 

Yaz hooked a finger underneath her chin raising her gaze "Yes...This is about you and me...It cannot be more simpler to me...But you're being cute and it's one thing I love about you." She planted a small kiss to the tip of nose 

 

"I love you" 

 

"I love you too..." she kissed her gently and pushed her head down to her chest "Come on...You need to sleep it's been a long day darling. " 

 

"Night, night" Theta whispered and snuggled closer. She started to relax as her fingers sifted through her hair slowly lulling her to sleep. 

 

...