Chapter 21

Romeo and Wendy were still overcome with emotions when they returned to the guild. They had just made the biggest decision they would ever make, but now they had to tell their families about it.

As they headed back to their table, Lucy approached them. "How was the walk?" she asked.

"Good," Wendy said, her voice shaky. "Hey, I was wondering if we could all sit down again. Romeo and I have some news."

Lucy nodded, hoping they had finally made a decision. "I'll talk to Macao and invite them both to dinner. We can talk about it there."

Later that night, they all sat around Lucy's newly repaired dining table. As the weeks passed, Wendy's appetite had gotten better. She ate a good portion of her spaghetti while Romeo scarfed his down.

They made small-talk until about halfway through. "Wendy, you said that you and Romeo have something you want to share," Lucy said, looking at them both with a raised eyebrow.

Wendy exchanged a glance with Romeo, resting her hand gently on her stomach. Taking a deep breath, she began by saying, "Yeah, um, we've been doing a lot of thinking, and considering everything, we've decided… we're going to give the baby up for adoption."

A hushed silence settled over the table. The news hung tensely in the air as they waited for a reaction with crouched shoulders.

"Wendy, Romeo," Lucy finally broke the silence, her voice a mix of understanding and concern, "that's a big decision. Are you both sure about this?"

Romeo nodded with determination in his eyes. "We've thought a lot about it. It's what's best for our baby right now. We're not ready to be parents."

Natsu, who seemed surprised, spoke up, "Well, that's not an easy choice, but I respect your decision. Just make sure you're both doing what you believe is right."

Macao, who had been quietly listening, chimed in, "You kids have been through a lot, and this is a mature decision. I'll support you in whatever you choose."

Wendy looked at Lucy, her eyes searching for reassurance. Lucy, though surprised, smiled warmly, soothing Wendy's frayed nerves. "Wendy, Romeo, I know this wasn't an easy decision, but I think it's a good decision. Now, your baby can be raised by someone who has the means to take care of them."

Wendy smiled in relief. She was happy that they were supportive of their decision. "I know," she replied, gently reaching for Romeo's hand.

"Have you thought about who you would want to be the adoptive parents?" Lucy asked, her thoughts running a mile a minute.

"Not really," said Wendy, thoughtfully. "I figured we would go through an agency to find the parents best suited for our child."

"Well…—" Lucy took a deep breath "—what if I knew someone who might be interested in adopting a child?" Lucy asked, her words coming out in a rush.

Everyone at the table was surprised by what Lucy said. "Who are you talking about, Luce? We don't know anyone struggling to have kids," Natsu replied. He racked his brain to recall if he knew such a couple, to no avail.

Lucy sighed and said, "They aren't open about it, but I know a couple." Lucy pressed her hands together and wrung her hands before saying, "…you know them too, Natsu. They might even be interested in an open adoption."

"Open adoption?" Romeo questioned curiously.

"Yes, an open adoption. It's when the adoptive parents allow the birth parents to be in the child's life," Lucy explained. She hoped that Yukino and Sting would allow Wendy and Romeo to be a part of their child's life, if only for the sake of their hearts.

"Wow, people do that?" asked Wendy, hope blooming in her chest.

"Yes, they do," Lucy said.

"So, who is this couple?" asked Macao.

"Sting and Yukino Eucliffe," she replied in a whisper. She felt like she was breaking their confidence by admitting this, but they may have a chance to adopt a child, so it was all in or out.

Natsu dropped his fork in shock. "Oh my God. I never knew that!" he exclaimed.

"They didn't want anyone to know," Lucy said sadly. "But Yukino and I are good friends and she confided in me."

Wendy finally spoke up again to ask, "So you think they would want to adopt our baby?"

"Maybe," Lucy said, looking unsure. "I already told her about your pregnancy. I figured you would give this route serious thought and wanted to prepare her. I'll give her a call, and we will see."

Wendy and Romeo looked at each other with a smile.

Maybe this wasn't the end. Maybe this was a way they could give their child the life they deserve while being in it.