August 25th, 2004
Week 22
A boy and a girl. One of each. Perfect, Michael thought. Naming them he knew wouldn't be as easy, but he was leaving the first names to Neela. She had traditions in her family she wanted to follow, but the middle names were up to him. He was excited.
"What do you think about the name Tamara?" Michael asked.
"Doesn't go with the names I picked out." Neela said.
"Why don't you tell me what our children's names are?" Michael suggested.
"Because it's a surprise." Neela said. Michael sighed picking up the baby name book that Susan had given them.
"I would just rather hear what you picked out, Neela." Michael said, "it'd be easier for me to choose middle names. I think I have a right to know their names. I understand not telling anyone else, but me?" Neela smiled softly.
"They're Indian." She said. He chuckled. why did she always think he didn't want to embrace her culture? He did.
"I suspected as much." Michael told her, "Please."
"All right." Neela bit her lip. Why was she so nervous? "For the girl, I'm chosen Teja. It means radiant. And for our son I've chosen Chander. That means moon." She looked at Michael. "You hate them don't you?" Michael shook his head.
"I think they're very cool." He said. They were perfect.
"Really?" Neela grinned. Michael nodded as he caressed her stomach.
"Yes really." He said, "I think they're awesome and I have the perfect middle names."
"Okay Shoot." She rubbed her belly. This was so exciting.
"Teja Monet Gallant." Michael beamed with pride.
"Oh Michael, that's perfect. That's really perfect." Neela rolled the name over her tongue, "And what about Chander?"
"Chander Taylan Gallant." Michael said with a grin.
"Taylan...Chander Taylan Gallant." Neela sat there for a moment taking the name in. She nodded, "I think I can handle that."
"If you don't like them, just tell me." Michael said. Neela giggled softly.
"I like them, baby." She said, "They're kicking my bladder so I think they approve too." Michael smiled looking at her belly.
"Hello Teja and Chander." he rubbed her belly. He felt a foot kick against his hand. "Hey there! Don't kick Daddy."
"Don't kick mummy." Neela said.
"Oh it doesn't hurt that bad does it?" Michael asked.
"When I have two little feet kicking my lungs it does." Neela said, Michael's hands continued to caress her belly. The babies began to settle down. The always seemed to calm down when Michael made them. He was going to be a great father.
September 8th, 2004
Week 24
The wedding plans were slowly coming together. Everything was booked. Everyone was coming that they invited. They were going to have roasted duck covered in mango sauce. The wedding dress was being let out to make room for Neela's stomach come November.
"I think Chicken will be good." Neela said going to the fridge, "Most people like chicken."
"It's fine." Michael said as he lay on the couch. Neela sighed deeply.
"It's fine? Are you just saying that to shut me up?" She asked.
"No." He chuckled softly. "You can talk all you want." Neela pulled out the tub of ice cream.
"I don't want to talk anymore." She said pulling out a spoon. Michael groaned as he sat back up.
"You're mad at me." He said.
"No I'm not. I'm just...frustrated. Am I not allowed to be frustrated anymore?" She asked him.
"Of course you can be." Michael said, "but why are you?"
"You could careless that we're getting married." Neela said. Michael shook his head.
"That is absolutely not true." He said. "I am utterly thrilled you're going to be my wife."
"I want you to help me with this wedding though." Neela said.
"You seem to have everything under control." Michael said, "I could set up hotel rooms for your family if you want." Neela nodded.
"Yes. Please do that." Neela caressed her stomach, "Come feel." Michael pressed his hand to her stomach. He grinned when he felt his children beneath his hand.
"I can't wait to see them." He told her. Neela nodded.
"Same here." She sighed slightly, "I never wanted kids you know, but now that I feel these lives growing inside of me, I want a billion of these."
"Lord, not a billion." Michael laughed.
"Okay, maybe three or four." She said. Michael nodded.
"I can handle that." He stood up, "I'm going to go book some rooms. Take a nap."
"Yes, Sir." Neela winked.
Michael walked down the hallway to their bedroom. Neela was curled up in bed. He smiled softly crawling into bed with her. He caressed her stomach. Neela stirred and opened her eyes.
"Hey." She mumbled.
"Hey Sleepyhead." Michael smiled, "I got the rooms all reserved." Neela nodded.
"Good. My parents will be happy and if they're not, I don't care.' She told him.
"Now Is that true?" Michael asked.
"No." Neela chuckled. Michael gave her a small hug. "Everything will be all right though. It's all falling into place and our wedding is going to happen."
"Of course it is." Michael chuckled, "I will see to it that we get married."
"Thanks." Neela was worried that something was going to go wrong. She had heard too many wedding day horror stories. She knew how her family could be too. She was going to give her and Michael a lot of shit, but she didn't care. She was going to be Dr. Neela you would like an update on my fics or just general discussion, then join my e-mail list. Just e-mail me to join