Finished! I want to thank everyone for all your kind reviews and encouragement on my first Playful Kiss fic! Now, I am going to concentrate on The Fake Engagement. Then we will see what I have in store for new Baek Seung Jo and Ha Ni stories. Hope you all enjoy the ending and let me know what you think!
Baek Seung Jo tugged the mattress flat onto the large frame. With a deep groan of relief, he collapsed on top of it. "Finally."
From the floor, Ha Ni nodded tiredly as she looked around their new space. It had taken three days to get everything moved into their new apartment. All their stuff was still in boxes scattered all over the place and she couldn't even walk to the kitchen.
Thankfully, they still had two weeks before the baby was due to get everything in order. She stretched her legs out in front of her and rubbed her large tummy. She could not be more ready to meet their little one. It had been a long, exhausting nine months. Thankfully, the drama with Parang was over with Doctor Choi being fired and the board terminating Chairman Soon.
Parang had also agreed to give Ha Ni early medical maternity as way of apologizing. Basically Ha Ni could take as long as she wished to come back and her job would be waiting for her. Since this allowed them to keep a second income, Seung Jo had decided they could afford to move into the place only a block away from his family.
However, they had decided to wait closer to her due date before officially moving in since Seung Jo didn't like her being alone during the day while he was at work. Her pregnancy had not been an easy one. The morning sickness had never really let up so Ha Ni was constantly battling dehydration which made her dizzy often.
The scariest moment of Seung Jo's life was coming home three weeks after their meeting with Chairman Soon to find Ha Ni passed out on the kitchen floor from a severe dizzy spell.
She went into the hospital for a few days just to make sure everything was okay. Although Ha Ni was declared perfectly fine it had taken the combined efforts of both Doctor Gu and three other physicians to convince Seung Jo. He finally agreed she could go home but ordered someone to stay with her at all times in case it ever happened again.
He would have done it himself but since the board had officially given him his grant after replacing Chairman Soon, his work had multipled. It would be hard enough to take a few weeks off once the baby was born let alone the months leading up to the birth.
Besides, Ha Ni would not have let him stay with her. Not only because his work but because she knew her husband would go crazy being cooped up in the house all day. Seung Jo would become snappy or irritated with his family or with her which would make him feel guilty and more stressed. So, Ha Ni had been very clear that she would be fine staying with Geum Hee or Chris who had officially moved back to Korea to be with Bong Joon Gu a few months ago.
Ha Ni stared at the pretty little balcony which was connected to their bedroom. She envisioned sitting out there in the mornings with the baby and Seung Jo making breakfast on the weekends. Although she loved their family, it was nice to have their own space to make a home of their own. Except Geum Hee had not taken the news very well when Seung Jo had first told them.
His mother had pouted but didn't argue causing Seung Jo to believe she understood their decision. However, whenever she was alone with Ha Ni she kept trying to convince her that it would be so much better if they stayed there. Geum Hee could help babysit so Ha Ni could rest or what if Seung Jo got held up at the hospital? Constantly mentioning how much she had always dreamed of having a huge family all under one roof with big, teary sighs.
The guilt had eaten away at Ha Ni until Baek Seung Jo walked into the bedroom one night to find her crying in anxiety over hurting Geum Hee. To say he was not happy would be an understatement. It resulted in a very long intense argument between Seung Jo and his mother in the office. It wasn't until Soo Chang had intervened to side with Baek Seung Jo that Geum Hee had agreed to stop trying to manipulate Ha Ni to move back in.
Ha Ni shook herself out of her wanderings and looked over at the bed. "Seung Jo," she called trying to wiggle herself up off the floor. It was no use, Ha Ni had no leverage. "Seung Jo?"
With no answer, Ha Ni slumped back down with a sigh and peered at her husband. He was completely passed out and she smiled. The poor guy had been moving nonstop for weeks trying to get them ready to move, the extra work at the hospital so he could stay home for a few weeks after the baby was born, and generally worrying about her. Ha Ni settled back against the wall deciding to let him rest for a while.
Seung Jo opened his eyes blearily surprised to see the sun setting. It had only been late afternoon the last time he checked. As he sat up slowly, he gazed around the spacious apartment. It was a mess of boxes and random items right now but once they got everything put away, it would be a nice living space. The nursery would need to be put together first but at least they had a bed now.
Seun Jo frowned when he realized Ha Ni was not lying next to him. He looked around thinking she was puttering around in the bathroom but his frown deepened when saw a blur of movement in the corner where his wife sat on the floor asleep.
"Ha Ni," Seung Jo called confused and her eyes fluttered open. "Hi."
"Why are you on the floor?"
"You fell asleep and I couldn't get up by myself."
Seung Jo grumbled under his breath quickly moving to her side. "Silly woman. Next time throw a pillow at me or something."
Ha Ni groaned as he gently pulled her to her feet. The blood rushing into her aching limbs and Seung Jo rubbed her lower back. "Are you okay?"
"I think so," Ha Ni mumbled as sharp pains radiated down her legs. "It just feels like I've got needles poking me."
"Sorry." Seung Jo kissed the base of her neck. "Here get on the bed."
"No," she took a few cautious steps. "I think I need to move a little bit."
He watched her navigate through the maze of stuff and Seung Jo ruffled his hair with a yawn. "I will be glad when we get everything sorted and put away. It feels slightly claustrophobic in here right now. I will ask Eun Jo to come and help tomorrow."
"I can help too," Ha Ni began but Seung Jo cut her off with a shake of his head. "No. I don't want you doing anything overly strenuous."
"I don't think opening a box or putting away a few dishes is strenuous Baek Seung Jo." Ha Ni tried to argue but as she made another round across the room, she stopped suddenly. Her face paling with a sharp gasp. Seung Jo stared at her alarmed, "What's wrong?"
"My water broke."
Seung Jo blinked heavily, "what?"
"My water broke," Ha Ni repeated with a sharp edge from the new pain. Her husband stood as still as a statue. "But you are supposed to have two more weeks."
"Well, you can tell them that at the hospital." Ha Ni said breathlessly as spasms began radiating in her lower back. "Which by the way, I would really appreciate getting to as soon as possible."
That brought Seung Jo back to earth. He grabbed her bag and sent a quick text to his family to meet them at Parang. "I think that's everything," Seung Jo said after calling Doctor Gu to let him know Ha Ni was coming in. "Did I forget anything?"
"Me." Ha Ni raised her hand and Seung Jo chuckled. He moved over to her kissing her forehead. "Come on. Let's go have a baby."
Ha Ni nodded nervously. "Okay."
Five hours later and Seung Jo could only stare in amazement at Ha Ni. She had been in intense labor since they had arrived. Doctor Gu had advised against doing an Epidural or any kind of pain-numbing because Ha Ni did not react well to medication. So, his poor wife was dealing with almost non-stop contractions for the past five hours. While he had initially expected to yell or cry (not that he would have blamed her if she did) Ha Ni had been extremely quiet. Seeming to do better by internalizing the pain.
When they first arrived, his whole family had been in the room. Geum Hee had fussed over her and helped get settled into the bed but as the pain became worse, Ha Ni couldn't handle having everyone around her. She grabbed Seung Jo and quietly begged him to get them out.
Baek Seung Jo immediately barked at his family to go to the waiting room. While the others had quickly agreed, it had taken him growling at his mother and forcibly pushing her out the door with his father pulling to get her to leave. Knowing Geum Hee would try to sneak back inside, Seung Jo gave strict instructions to the staff that no one was allowed to come into the room unless summoned by him.
"Thank you." Ha Ni exhaled softly once they were alone.
Seung Jo pushed her sweaty hair out of her eyes with a slight laugh. "I feel like our roles have reversed."
Ha Ni opened her eyes, "What do you mean?"
"I feel like I should be talking and you want quiet." Seung Jo teased and she smiled at him which quickly turned into a sharp gasp as another wave hit her. Ha Ni went stiff from the pain and clung to his hand.
Seung Jo laid his forehead against her temple, whispering in her ear until she was able to relax again with a deep sigh. The door opened and Seung Jo whipped around with a glare at the intruder but met the kind face of Doctor Gu. "How are doing Nurse Baek?"
"Tired." Ha Ni slurred and Seung Jo knew she was weakening. He moved to Doctor Gu, "She can't keep this up much longer."
Doctor Gu agreed and moved to examine her process. He smiled at them, "good news. You are ready to push."
Ha Ni almost wept in relief and Seung Jo kissed the top of her head. His eyes on the monitor which showed her heart rate was getting a little high.
"Distract her," Doctor Gu mouthed over to him knowing she needed to calm down before they started pushing.
"Still think it's a boy?" Seung Jo asked casually.
"Yes," Ha Ni mumbled. "You?"
"I don't know," Seung Jo shrugged. "I wish they would have cooperated more during the ultrasounds. Then we could have picked a name easier."
"They are stubborn like their daddy." Ha Ni told him with a small smile while Doctor Gu and Doctor Park got her ready for delivery.
"Very funny," Seung Jo grumbled good-naturedly stealing another kiss. "Besides, I am not the stubborn one."
"Four years," Ha Ni reminded him. "Four years to even get you to admit you liked me."
"Four minutes," Seung Jo corrected. "It took four minutes to get me to like you. It just took me a few extra years to gather up the courage to say it."
"Oh right." Ha Ni poked him but then catching the signal from Doctor Gu, she nodded anxiously. Seung Jo took her hand more nervous at the moment than Ha Ni. "I love you."
"I know." Ha Ni gave a deep push. Her eyes widening and her first small whimper all day coming from her lips. "I love you too."
It took about five minutes of hard pushing with Ha Ni becoming more drained with each one. Her face went gray while her limbs trembled violently from the effort. Doctor Gu and Nurse Park gently encouraging her since Seung Jo had gone deathly quiet at the sight of his wife in distress. Summoning all her strength, Ha Ni gave one last push and finally the cry of the baby erupted around them.
"It's a girl," Doctor Gu declared happily placing the infant on her stomach. Ha Ni burst into tears completely exhausted. Her hands gathering her up into her chest while Seung Jo curled protectively over them both. Doctor Gu and Nurse Park exchanged relieved sighs, giving the new family a moment to recover.
Understanding Seung Jo was not physically capable of leaving Ha Ni at the moment, Nurse Park took over cleaning up the baby and cutting the cord. Ha Ni was being treated by Doctor Gu who knew she was completely depleted. If the delivery had taken even a few more minutes, he would have declared an emergency C-section out of concern for Ha Ni.
Seung Jo realizing Ha Ni had been in danger could not bring himself to leave her long enough to even watch them swaddle their new little girl. He leaned over to whisper to her privately and Ha Ni clung to him, heavy tears still streaming down.
"Is the baby okay?" Ha Ni asked once she caught her breath and Seung Jo smiled shakily, running a hand over her hair. "She is fine."
"It is a girl." Ha Ni stared at him surprised. "I wasn't expecting a girl."
"Me neither," Seung Jo admitted with a chuckle. "You were so sure it was a boy that you convinced me too."
"Congratulations," Nurse Park interrupted softly handing the infant back over to Ha Ni. "What's her name?"
"We never really picked one for a girl." Seung Jo told them, helping Ha Ni gently cradle the baby. "Any ideas?"
"Baek Na Ri," Ha Ni whispered looking at Seung Jo tearfully. "After my mom."
Understanding he pressed a light kiss on both of their heads. "Baek Na Ri it is."
Ha Ni passed her over to him and Na Ri squirmed slightly before turning her face into his chest, reminding him eerily of Ha Ni. He grinned down at his wife who beamed sleepily at the sight of them together.
After about an hour of quiet and letting Doctor Gu and Nurse Park clean up Ha Ni, Seung Jo agreed to let his family come back into the room. Oh Ki Dong had immediately teared up at the sight of Na Ri while Geum Hee fussed over Ha Ni.
Seung Jo stayed close by the bed in case Ha Ni needed a break from the constant barrage of interactions. Eventually, his wife looked over at him wearily, silently asking for some space.
Seung Jo nodded before taking the baby back from his father. "Visiting hours are over. Ha Ni needs to rest."
"Oh no," Geum Hee cried. "I wanted to stay over in case you needed- "
"We're fine Mom," Seung Jo cut off firmly. "You can come back in the morning."
"Come on honey." Soo Chang grabbed his wife's arm. "It's been a long day. Let's go home."
"Fine," Geum Hee moaned before kissing both Ha Ni and Seung Jo with one last tender stroke of Na Ri's cheek. "See you tomorrow."
As they were heading out, Bong Joon Gu poked his head in with flowers. "Hi."
"Come in Joon Gu." Ha Ni gestured for him to enter knowing Seung Jo was about to refuse.
"I won't stay long," Joon Gu said putting the flowers next to her bed. "I only wanted to drop these off and say how happy I am for you both."
"Thank you," Ha Ni told him as he walked over to Seung Jo to meet Na Ri. "She's beautiful." He clapped Seung Jo on the back. "I can't wait to learn from you on how to do this whole thing."
"What, why?" Seung Jo asked slowly and Joon Gu gave them a sheepish smile. "Me and Chris… We're going to be parents too."
Surprised Seung Jo looked over at Ha Ni who was a little wide-eyed. She smiled tentatively, "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Joon Gu shuffled sheepishly. "We only found out last week. It took a little convincing but Chris agreed to marry me and I plan on going to England to meet her family soon."
Ha Ni tried to answer but a big yawn stopped her and catching the look from Seung Jo, Bong Joon Gu nodded. "I should go."
He gave Ha Ni a quick kiss on the cheek but as began to leave, his eyes light up. "Hey, maybe mine will end up being a boy. Wouldn't that be something...Then we could arrange a marriage with him and Baek Na Ri."
Ha Ni had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the expression on Seung Jo's face as he clutched Na Ri a little tighter into his chest. "We will see how it goes. Tell Chris congratulations for me."
"I will." Joon Gu waved goodbye and as soon as the door closed, Seung Jo turned to Ha Ni. "My daughter is not marrying Bong Joon Gu's son."
His wife laughed holding her arms out for Na Ri. "I don't think you need to worry about it for a while."
Seung Jo was still grumbling under his breath as he handed over the baby. He sat on the edge of the bed gazing tenderly at Ha Ni. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired," Ha Ni admitted. "But happy."
"I'm so proud of you," Seung Jo said quietly, "You did amazingly well."
"Thanks," Ha Ni kissed him softly. "It was a little scary there for a minute but she was worth it."
He ran his hand over her back as she began to feed the baby. Ha Ni was pale from the events of the day, exhausted, and slightly nervous about doing something wrong but he honestly didn't think she ever looked more beautiful. "I love you."
She smiled at him knowing today had been as tough on him as it had been on her. "I love you too. We did it."
"Not me.This one was all you," Seung Jo told her firmly and Ha Ni smiled down at Na Ri. "She's beautiful. I think she looks like you, Seung Jo."
Her husband shook his head emphatically, "she has your eyes."
"Uh-oh."
"What?"
"Well, Joon Gu always said it was my eyes he liked so if his baby is a boy and if she has my eyes-"
"Yah!" Seung Jo yelled and Ha Ni laughed while Na Ri looked at them curiously like she was trying to decipher what they were talking about. Especially once her daddy started poking her mom in the side until she giggled causing Na Ri to bounce a little from the movement.
Seung Jo leaned in for one last kiss before taking Na Ri so Ha Ni could get some sleep. As she began to doze, he sank into the chair content to just watch over his girls throughout the night. He looked down at Na Ri who stared at him with big brown eyes so much like her mothers.
"Hi," Seung Jo said softly taking her tiny finger. "I'm your dad. It's nice to meet you."
