Hello everybody! I know the last chapter was slightly on the random side, but things should start clearing up soon. Also, this part of the story is going to go quite fast, so I apologize if you feel like I'm skipping stuff. I just don't want to put in a bunch of fillers (even though this chapter kind of is one). Fillers seem kind of pointless to me. I just want to get to the meat of the story with all the exciting stuff! (If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty impatient). Hope you don't mind!

I don't own Harvest Moon

Chapter 24

Akari's POV

"Ugh!" I groaned, "I hate being fat!"

Luke smiled at me as I looked at myself in the mirror. My due date was fast approaching, and my stomach was ridiculously big. My shirt barely managed to cover my stomach. I tried tugging it down, but it didn't help.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," he assured me, "You always do."

I smiled in appreciation, but kept trying to suck in my belly. My baby was due soon and both Luke and I were extremely excited. After Kathy and Owen got married, she and I spent a lot of time together, preparing for life as moms. Since then, Toby and Renee had gotten married and were expecting and Candace and Julius were on their honeymoon. It was funny how fast everyone was committing to each other.

"I just wish I didn't look like ate a seal," I moaned, "Aren't pregnant women supposed to have cute, round bellies? Like Kathy? What's wrong with me?"

Luke came behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, placing his palms against my inflated stomach.

"Nothing's wrong with you," he whispered in my ear, "You're absolutely perfect."

Now that both Luke and I were ready for a baby, we'd gotten even closer than before. We were practically inseparable. Even when I went to see Kathy, Luke would come so he could hang out with Owen. It was sweet how close we'd all gotten.

"Come on," he sighed, "I don't wanna miss lunch. I'm starving!"

I laughed as he pulled me away from the mirror to the door. Nothing got between him and food. We were meeting Kathy, Owen, Toby and Renee at the Sundae Inn for lunch, and I had to admit that I was excited about seeing my fellow soon-to-be mothers.

Once we got to the inn, I spotted the others at a nearby table and dragged Luke over to them. My stomach was roaring furiously now after suddenly becoming empty. I plopped down between Luke and Kathy, looking at the menu hungrily.

"Hey, guys!" Owen said, "How are you? Akari, you look like you're going to explode!"

I narrowed my eyes at him over the menu, but Kathy did me a favor by slapping him on the arm. He just smirked and put his hand on her perfectly round belly. She was only a few weeks behind me and therefore about as big as me. Still, her belly was cute while mine was just… gross.

"The baby's coming soon," Luke said excitedly, "I can't wait!"

He beamed at me and squeezed my hand. It really was adorable how excited he was about becoming a dad.

"I bet," Renee said, "I just don't get why you don't want to know what gender it is."

It was true. Luke and I had agreed that we wanted to wait to find out what gender the baby would be. That just made it even more exciting!

"It'll be a surprise," Luke explained, "And surprises are good!"

I was tempted to contradict him, but I decided not to. Now wasn't the time for me to be a pessimist. I had to think happy thoughts.

"What if there's more than one baby?" Renee asked warily.

"Jin told us it was just one," I assured, "One that has to take up so much room in my stomach that I look morbidly obese!"

They all laughed and Luke just put his arm around me, giving me a gentle squeeze. I was so lucky to have him. He'd be a great dad; I just knew it.

After we finished lunch, we all went home. I was kind of glad because I was suddenly exhausted. The first thing I did when I got home was lie down on the bed, holding my pillow close.

"Tired, honey?" Luke asked as he sat beside me.

I nodded as he ran his fingers through my hair, smiling warmly at me. How could he be so calm? He was always so hyper, yet when it came to having a kid he was relaxed. What?

"Are you nervous?" I asked.

He shrugged as he kept stroking my hair.

"A little," he admitted, "But I think that a baby will bring us closer… we're young, but we can handle a baby. Right?"

I smiled and nodded, reaching out to hold his hand. It was strong and warm against mine, making me feel secure.

I knew that he and I could handle anything together, but a baby? Were we really ready?

Yeah, short and boring, but it's kind of a filler. If it were up to me, I would've jumped even farther ahead! But I don't want you guys feeling rushed, so I'm trying my best. Just a heads up, but the reason I'm going so fast is because most of the remainder of the book will be focused on the rival kids (Don't worry, Luke and Akari aren't going to just disappear).

As usual, I'm going to have to ask you to please review. Pretty please?