Chapter 42

Sanjul leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose as he let out a frustrated sigh. Smoothie and Galette sat across from him, their faces a mixture of concern and barely contained anger.

Things had gotten out of hand.

"Alright, let's lay it all out," Sanjul said, his voice low and controlled. "We need to address this shit before it spirals completely out of control."

Smoothie nodded, her long legs crossed as she drummed her fingers on the armrest. "It's getting ridiculous. Just yesterday, I caught Pudding 'accidentally' dropping her towel right as you walked by. The little minx had the audacity to wink at me afterward."

Galette snorted, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Pudding's the least of our worries. Did you hear what Custard tried to pull? She cornered Sanjul in the training room, practically begging him to 'teach her some new moves.' And the bitch is married!"

Sanjul ran a hand through his hair, his jaw clenching. "It's not just Custard. Cinnamon has been relentless too. And don't even get me started on the granddaughters. It's like they've all lost their damn minds."

"I thought a lot of men would love to be in your shoes?" Smoothie remarked, her tone making it clear she wasn't blaming Sanjul.

Sanjul gave her a pointed look. "I'm not. The last thing I want is to end up fucking like 4 of them and causing a lot of family drama that will end with my head on a platter or soul sucked out. I may be family, but I'm not blood-related. Linlin listens to me as long as I'm useful. Start fucking a bushel of her own daughters and granddaughters and things happen with some sort of fight? Think about who gets punished."

"Plus Custard, Cinnamon, and Ruby are married," growled Galette. "I can't believe them. Wanting to cheat on their husbands just to have a good time with you. They wanna fuck the Grand Admiral who's helped our family these past few years, and they won't take no for an answer because they haven't been told no their entire lives."

Smoothie leaned forward, her expression darkening. "Apparently having two wives who are Big Mom's daughters makes it seem like a lot of women think they can get an easy mark. Sanjul, I'm not blaming you. I know you've been 100% loyal to both of us and told us every time. It's just every time they get told off, they wait and get sneakier. And another pops up."

Sanjul nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly from her verbal reassurance. "We're going to have to find a way to deal with this after the wedding. I'm open to a solution. If we can't find one, I'm going into semi-exile. This isn't going to end well in the medium term if I stay here."

Galette stood up, pacing the room as she summarized the situation: "Before you created your Rite of Passage, Sanjul, everyone with the name 'Charlotte' got everything they wanted. Mama spoiled a lot of the younger children; they don't like taking no for an answer. Now imagine them having a plaything they can fuck, which isn't incestuous, that is powerful and an attractive man."
Seeing her husband perk at the compliment, Galettte gave an impish wink. "Yes, you're attractive, and I'll say it every day, Sanjul. But you got a bunch of overpowered, spoiled women of a Yonko family with a choice cut they want and can't have. So they're trying to have it now. And because they're Mom's daughters and granddaughters, we can't kill them."

"Especially Pudding, who we need for the wedding with the Vinsmokes... before we kill them, at least," reminded Sanjul.

"Fuck," all three said in unison, the weight of their predicament settling over them.

Sanjul stood up, walking to the window and staring out at the candy-coated landscape of Whole Cake Island. "Let's break this down. We've got Cinnamon, Custard, and Ruby - all married, all in their thirties or forties, and all acting like horny teenagers."

Smoothie nodded, her expression grim. "Don't forget the granddaughters—especially Lilac and Pudding. Every single one of the granddaughters, from ages 19 to 35, seems to think you're fair game."

Galette snorted. "Fair game? More like a prized bull they're all trying to rope and brand. The shit they've been pulling is beyond belief."

Sanjul turned back to face his wives. "You're not wrong. Just last week, I found Lilac 'accidentally' locked in my private bath. She had the nerve to ask if I wanted to 'scrub her back' while she was stark naked."

Smoothie's eyes narrowed dangerously. "That little skank. I'll wring her out like a wet towel if she tries that again."

"And what about Cinnamon?" Galette added, her voice dripping with disdain. "She's been leaving her used lingerie in your quarters, Sanjul. With notes about all the dirty things she wants you to do to her. It's fucking disgusting."

Smoothie felt awkward at the statement and opted to trust the judgment of Galette and Sanjul over her own.

Sanjul nodded, his expression a mixture of disgust and concern. "It's not just the obvious attempts either. They're getting sneakier. Lilac's been 'borrowing' my clothes and wearing them around, practically busting out of them to show off her curves. And Pudding? She's taken to walking around topless near my usual routes, claiming it's 'too hot' for a shirt."

Smoothie slammed her fist on the armrest, her patience clearly wearing thin. "This is beyond unacceptable. They're not just disrespecting you, Sanjul. They're disrespecting us, our marriage, and the entire family structure. If this keeps up, it's going to tear the crew apart."

Galette nodded in agreement. "It's already causing rifts. I overheard some of the other siblings talking. Some think it's all in good fun, that Sanjul should just 'enjoy' the attention. Others are disgusted by the behavior. It's creating factions within the family. Thankfully Katakuri's on your side. But Perospero seems to just want to let it play out!"

Sanjul's expression darkened. "That's exactly what I was afraid of. This isn't just about me anymore. It's threatening the stability of the entire Big Mom Pirates. If we don't nip this in the bud, it could lead to a full-blown civil war within the crew."

Smoothie leaned back, her mind clearly working through scenarios. "We need to consider the long-term consequences here. If this continues, it's not just our family that's at risk. Our reputation could take a massive hit. Imagine if word gets out that the Big Mom Pirates are too busy fighting over who gets to fuck the Grand Admiral to actually be a threat on the seas."

Galette nodded grimly. "Other crews would see us as weak, divided. They'd smell blood in the water. We'd be facing attacks from all sides while we're busy dealing with this internal bullshit."

Sanjul ran a hand over his face, the weight of the situation clearly wearing on him. "And let's not forget the biggest wild card in all of this - Big Mom herself. If she catches wind of what's happening, there's no telling how she'll react."

Smoothie's expression turned grim. "She could see it as a threat to her authority. Worse, she might think you're encouraging it, Sanjul. And we all know what happens when Mama feels threatened or betrayed."

"Soul Pocus," Galette muttered, a shiver running down her spine.

Sanjul nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "Which is why we need to handle this ourselves, and quickly. We can't let it get to the point where Linlin feels the need to intervene. The fallout would be catastrophic."

Galette stood up, pacing the room as she spoke. "Okay, so what are our options? We can't kill them, as much as I'd like to hunt them like wild animals. We can't exactly exile them either - they're still family, and some of them are too valuable to the crew."

Smoothie tapped her chin thoughtfully. "What about a more... direct approach? We confront them head-on, make it clear that their behavior is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated."

Sanjul shook his head. "I've tried that. They either play dumb or treat it like a game. The more I resist, the more determined they seem to become. It's like they see it as a challenge now."

"Fucking spoiled brats," Galette spat. "They've never been told 'no' in their lives, and now they can't handle it when someone actually has standards and loyalty."

Sanjul nodded in agreement. "That's part of the problem. They've been raised to believe they can have whatever they want, whenever they want it. The concept of respecting boundaries is foreign to them."

Smoothie leaned forward, her expression intense. "What if we turn the tables on them? Make pursuing you so unpleasant, so uncomfortable, that they give up on their own?"

Galette raised an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"

"We could start spreading rumors," Smoothie suggested, a wicked gleam in her eye. "Make it seem like anyone who sleeps with Sanjul outside of marriage suffers some terrible fate. Play on their superstitions."

Sanjul considered this for a moment. "It's not a bad idea, but it's risky. If they figure out we're behind the rumors, it could make things worse. Plus, some of them might see it as an even bigger challenge."

Galette nodded in agreement. "And knowing our sisters and nieces, they'd probably try to find a way to twist it to their advantage. 'Oh, Sanjul, I heard about the curse. Maybe if we get married, it won't affect me,'" she mimicked in a sickeningly sweet voice.

Sanjul shuddered at the thought. "For the love of Nika, I can actually hear Pudding saying that. No, we need something more definitive, something that doesn't leave room for loopholes or misinterpretation."

The room fell silent for a moment as they all contemplated their options. Finally, Sanjul spoke up, his voice low and serious.

"What if... what if I did leave? Not permanently, but for an extended period. A long-term mission or something similar. Give them time to cool off and find new obsessions."

Sanjul paced the room, his mind racing with possibilities as he laid out his thoughts to Smoothie and Galette. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of their decision hanging heavy over them.

"Look," Sanjul began, his voice low and urgent. "We need to get the fuck out of here early this year. Frostfang Island is calling our names, and not just for the usual reasons. We need to clear our heads, get some breathing room."

Smoothie leaned against the wall, her long legs crossed at the ankles. "If that's what you think is best, I'm with you. But are you sure about this, Sanjul? Leaving your duties as Grand Admiral early... Mama's gonna want a damn good explanation."

Sanjul ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his every movement. "I know, I know. But I don't see another permanent solution. We've got five options, and none of them are perfect."

He began ticking them off on his fingers. "Option one: we stay put. We get caught in the crossfire of all this family bullshit, your sisters and nieces treating me like their personal plaything. Fuck that noise."

Galette nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Yeah, that's not happening. What else you got?"

"Option two," Sanjul continued, "we bail for Frostfang early. Do our month there, plan out how to collect the Senneyru Blood we need for the year, then head back. It's not ideal, but it gives us some breathing room."

Smoothie raised an eyebrow. "And the third option?"

Sanjul's voice dropped even lower, aware of the ever-present threat of eavesdropping homies. "We trigger the Collector Mission early. The impossible heist I've been planning for years. But I'm not sure we want to go nuclear just yet."

"And the fourth option?" asks Galette
"Fourth Option is going looking for the Yecnin Empire. I've heard whispers about the Yecnin—somewhere out there, they exist. They might be important, but details are sparse and unreliable. Their true nature remains largely unknown," he shrugged. "Plus it's been a while since I actually did any actual exploration. I've been too busy collecting debts or being Grand Admiral to do what I used to do before"
Smoothie notices a trend "And the fifth? Another exploration?"
Sanjul nodded. "I've heard of floating islands from old tales and travel logs. They suggest a possible route between the Blue Sea and the White Sea, but the details are still unclear. I was hoping to find it."

He shook his head, his eyes darting around the room. "Honestly, I'm leaning towards option two. It's the safest bet, all things considered."

Galette stood up, moving closer to Sanjul. "What about your rotation? How does that factor in?"

Sanjul's jaw clenched. "That's the fucking problem. If we stay, I'm stuck in this 1:3 rotation. One week in Totto Land, three weeks as Grand Admiral. Or worse, three weeks here and nine weeks out there. And I've gotta spend at least three weeks a quarter in this candy-coated hellhole."

Smoothie pushed off the wall, her expression thoughtful. "The Frostfang option... that's our usual gig, right? The one with your Spectral Pirates?"

Sanjul nodded, a flicker of a smile crossing his face. "Yeah, that's the one. Big Mom and her crew don't know shit about it, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Galette's eyes narrowed. "And the Collector Mission? That's a whole different beast, isn't it?"

"Fucking right it is," Sanjul muttered. "Three months minimum, maybe longer. It'd get me away from Linlin for a good long while, but the risks..."

"So why not the Yecnin or the floating islands thing?" asks Smoothie.

"Because they're still very unknown. I've only read a few vague maps and heard some fragmented stories," Sanjul reminded them. "Old texts and local legends aren't reliable firsthand accounts. Look, that doesn't mean I can't go. But I'm not a 20-something pirate Captain anymore. Or that suicidal 18 year old. I'm a Grand Admiral of the Big Mom pirates, your husband and the father of your children. I have responsibilities and that includes caring for you."
"Awww!" both his wives said, both kissing him on separate cheeks. The pleasant surprise was enough to distract him from the matter at hand.

He blushed, shaking his head. "No, Frostfang is our best bet. We go early, lay low for a bit, come back with some bullshit excuse about rare ingredients or some shit."

Smoothie nodded slowly. "Alright, I'm in. But we need to plan this out carefully. Mama's not gonna let you just waltz out of here without a fight."

Galette smirked. "Leave that to me. I've got a few ideas on how to smooth things over with the old lady."

Sanjul looked between his two wives, a mix of love and pride swelling in his chest. "You two are fucking incredible, you know that? Most women would be tearing each other's hair out by now."

Smoothie laughed, a rich, throaty sound. "Oh, we've considered it. But we're practical bitches, aren't we, Galette?"

Galette grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Damn straight. Now, let's figure out how to get our asses to Frostfang without starting a fucking war."

The three of them huddled together, their voices dropping even lower as they began to plot their escape. The air crackled with tension and excitement, the promise of adventure and freedom hanging just out of reach.

Sanjul's mind raced with possibilities, weighing the risks and rewards of each potential move. He knew that leaving early would raise eyebrows, but staying put was becoming increasingly dangerous. The political landscape of Totto Land was shifting, and he could feel the noose tightening around his neck with each passing day.

"Alright, here's what we're gonna do," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "We start laying the groundwork now. Smoothie, I need you to start dropping hints about some rare ingredient we've heard rumors about. Something that could revolutionize Big Mom's candy production."

Smoothie nodded, her expression serious. "I can do that. Any specific details you want me to focus on?"

Sanjul thought for a moment. "Make it something obscure, something that only grows in extreme cold. We can use that as our excuse for heading to Frostfang early."

Galette chimed in, her voice low and urgent. "What about the timing? When do we make our move?"

"We've got to be smart about this," Sanjul replied. "We can't just up and leave tomorrow. We need to build this up over the next few weeks. Drop hints, plant the seeds of curiosity in Big Mom's mind. Make her think it was her idea to send us on this mission."

Smoothie smirked. "Classic misdirection. I like it."

Sanjul continued, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "While Smoothie's working the rumor mill, Galette, I need you to start subtly rearranging our schedules. Make it look like we're gearing up for a big project, something that requires a lot of preparation."

Galette nodded, already mentally cataloging the tasks ahead. "I can do that. I'll start shifting things around, make it look like we're clearing our schedules for something big."

"Good," Sanjul said, his voice tight with tension. "And I'll start dropping hints to my crew about a potential long-term mission. Nothing specific, just enough to get them ready for the possibility of an extended voyage."

The three of them fell silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of their decision hung heavy in the air, the knowledge that they were about to set in motion a plan that could change everything.

Smoothie was the first to break the silence. "What about the Senneyru Blood? How are we going to explain that?"

Sanjul's expression darkened. "That's the tricky part. We can't let on that we're after it specifically."

Galette leaned in, her voice urgent. "And what if Big Mom demands we bring it back to her? You know how she gets when she hears about rare delicacies."

Sanjul's jaw clenched. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we focus on getting to Frostfang. Once we're there, we can figure out our next move. I've gone there every year for the past decade. What's one more?"

The tension in the room was palpable, the gravity of their decision weighing heavily on all of them. They knew that once they set this plan in motion, there would be no turning back. And if they failed...they didn't want to think about it.

Smoothie reached out, taking Sanjul's hand in hers. "Are you sure about this?"

Sanjul squeezed her hand, his eyes meeting hers with fierce determination. "I'm sure. We need this, all of us."

Galette stepped closer, her hand joining theirs. "Then we're in this together. All the way."

The three of them stood there, hands clasped, a moment of perfect unity in the midst of chaos. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, fraught with danger and uncertainty. But in that moment, they were unshakeable in their resolve.

Sanjul took a deep breath, his mind already racing with the details of their plan. "Alright, let's break this down step by step. We've got a lot of work to do if we're going to pull this off."

Smoothie and Galette exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of concern and contemplation.

"It could work," Smoothie said slowly. "But it's not without risks. Your absence could create a power vacuum and lead to more infighting among the crew."

Galette nodded. "Not to mention, it doesn't solve the root problem. What happens when you come back? They might pick up right where they left off, more determined than ever."

Sanjul sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're both right. It's a temporary solution at best. But maybe that's what we need right now - a temporary reprieve to buy us time to find a more permanent solution."

"It's a start," Smoothie agreed. "But we need to think about the long game too. What happens when the missions are over? When you inevitably have to return to Whole Cake Island?"

"When has anything worth doing ever been easy?" Galette retorted, a fierce determination in her voice. "We're the children of Big Mom, the most feared pirates on the Grand Line. If anyone can reshape this family, it's us."

Sanjul looked at his wives, feeling a surge of love and admiration for their strength and loyalty. "You're right. Both of you. It won't be easy, but it's necessary. For the sake of our family, our crew, and our future."

Sanjul looked at both of his wives, feeling a surge of pride and determination. "This won't be easy. We're essentially trying to reshape the entire culture of the Big Mom Pirates. But if anyone can do it, it's us. We've faced worse odds and come out on top."

Smoothie stood up, pulling Sanjul and Galette into a tight embrace. "We're in this together. No matter what happens, we've got each other's backs."

Galette nodded, her voice fierce with loyalty. "Family first. Always. And we're the core of this family now. It's time we started acting like it."

Sanjul kissed each of his wives, his resolve strengthened by their unwavering support. "Alright then. Let's get to work. We've got a future to secure."

For the next several hours, they huddled together, speaking in hushed tones as they hammered out the details of their escape plan. They discussed every possible angle, every potential pitfall, leaving nothing to chance.

As the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, they finally broke apart, each of them exhausted but filled with a sense of purpose. They knew the road ahead would be challenging, but for the first time in a long while, they felt a glimmer of hope. The tension that had filled the room earlier had transformed into something else - determination, resolve, and the unshakeable bond of a family united against all odds.

The game was afoot, and the stakes had never been higher. But for Sanjul, Smoothie, and Galette, failure was not an option. They would reshape their family, their crew, and their future - or die trying.

As Sanjul left the room to begin preparations for his extended absence, he couldn't help but smile. The Charlottes had no idea what was coming. But by the time he returned, things would be very different indeed. The era of entitlement and unchecked desires was coming to an end. A new age of discipline, respect, and true family loyalty was about to begin.

Sanjul watched as Smoothie and Galette made their way to their respective rooms, his heart swelling with love and gratitude. He knew that without them, none of this would be possible. They were his anchor, his compass, guiding him through the treacherous waters of Big Mom's empire.

As he settled into bed, his mind still racing with plans and possibilities, Sanjul allowed himself a small smile. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever obstacles they might face, he knew that with Smoothie and Galette by his side, they could weather any storm.

And heaven help anyone who stood in their way.

XXX

On the night before their departure, Sanjul, Smoothie, and Galette met one final time. They gathered in Sanjul's quarters, their voices barely above a whisper as they went over the plan one last time.

"Remember," Sanjul said, his eyes intense as he looked at each of them in turn. "Once we're on that ship, there's no turning back. We have to be prepared for anything."

Smoothie nodded, her expression resolute. "We're ready. Whatever happens, we face it together."

Galette reached out, taking both of their hands in hers. "For better or worse, this is our path now. No regrets."

As they broke apart, each heading to their own quarters to get what little sleep they could, the air was thick with anticipation. They knew that come morning, everything would change. For better or worse, their fate was now in their own hands.

XXX

The Ghostly Gale cut through the calm seas, its dark hull a stark contrast against the vibrant blue sky. On the main deck, Galette and Smoothie lounged in comfortable chairs, their growing bellies evidence of their shared second trimester.

Galette stretched, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "You know, I never thought I'd enjoy just... existing on a ship this much."

Smoothie nodded, sipping a colorful smoothie. "It's surprisingly peaceful. Though I bet having Sanjul around helps."

As if on cue, their shared husband appeared from below deck, a tray of snacks balanced in one hand and a stack of papers in the other.

"Ladies," Sanjul greeted, setting the tray down between them. "I thought you might be hungry. And Smoothie, I've got those reports you asked for."

Smoothie raised an eyebrow. "Already? I only mentioned them this morning."

Sanjul shrugged, a small smile on his face. "I had some free time. Figured I might as well be productive."

Galette reached for a piece of fruit, her fingers brushing against Sanjul's as he handed her the plate. "Always the overachiever, aren't you?"

"I wouldn't say that," Sanjul replied, taking a seat next to them. "Just trying to keep up with you two."

The trio fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the sound of waves lapping against the ship and the occasional rustle of papers as Smoothie reviewed the reports.

After a while, Galette spoke up. "Sanjul, have you given any more thought to the nursery designs?"

He nodded, pulling out a small notebook from his pocket. "I've been sketching some ideas. Nothing too fancy, but I think they'll work well." He flipped it open, revealing rough drawings of cribs and toy chests.

Smoothie leaned in, her eyes scanning the pages. "These are... actually pretty good. "

Sanjul chuckled. "I'm no artist, but I can manage a straight line or two. What do you think about this layout?"

As they discussed the nursery plans, a commotion from the crow's nest caught their attention. One of the lookouts was waving frantically.

"Ships approaching from the east!" the lookout shouted. "Looks like trouble!"

In an instant, the peaceful atmosphere shattered. Sanjul was on his feet, his posture shifting from relaxed husband to Grand Admiral.

"Galette, Smoothie, I need you two below deck," he said, his voice firm but not unkind turning to his wives with a concerned look. "I'll handle this."

Galette frowned. "We can fight too, you know."

Sanjul's expression softened. "I know you can. But right now, our priority is keeping you and the babies safe. Please?"

"Sanjul, I'm a Sweet Commander," Smoothie reminded him. "I can fight while pregnant. Galette, I could understand, but me?"
That earned her a pointed look from her sister-wife but Smoothie was adamant. Sanjul looked at Smoothie for a few moments before giving in.

Sanjul sighed. "The moment the ships come too close you're going below deck. And stay at range while you sword slash. Galette, stay with her. Please?"

After a moment of hesitation, both women nodded.

They could hear Sanjul barking orders to the crew, his voice carrying across the ship with authority.

True to their word the battle was manageable but that didn't mean it was easy. Smoothie, per her promise to Sanjul, stayed out of range though her balance was slightly off due to being pregnant. And even though they could handle the ship-to-ship battle, one pleading look at Sanjul once they were within shooting range made the two women head down below deck.

In the safety of their cabin, Galette and Smoothie exchanged glances.

"He's not exactly a knight in shining armor," Smoothie mused, "but he gets the job done."

Galette nodded, a small smile on her face. "That he does. That he does."

The sounds of battle echoed above them, but neither woman seemed particularly concerned. They knew Sanjul would handle it, as he always did - not with flashy heroics, but with steady competence.

Half an hour later, when the danger had passed and the Ghostly Gale was once again sailing smoothly, Sanjul joined them in the cabin. He looked tired but satisfied.

"Everything's taken care of," he reported, sinking into a chair. "No major damage to the ship, and the crew performed admirably."

Smoothie nodded approvingly. "Good work. Any injuries?"

"A few minor scrapes and bruises, nothing serious. I've already seen to them."

Galette stood, moving to massage Sanjul's shoulders. "You should rest. You've been on your feet all day."

Sanjul leaned into her touch, a soft sigh escaping him. "I will, but there's still the evening meal to prepare. I promised the crew something special after their hard work today."

Smoothie raised an eyebrow. "You're cooking? I thought we had a chef for that."

"We do," Sanjul replied, "but I like to pitch in sometimes. Keeps me connected to the crew, you know?"

As Sanjul left to start dinner preparations, Galette and Smoothie shared a look.

"He's not exactly a pro-chef in the kitchen," Galette said with a chuckle, "but his food is always... edible."

Smoothie nodded, a wry smile on her face. "That's our Sanjul. Consistently adequate in all things."

Later that evening, as they sat around the dinner table with the crew, enjoying a meal that was indeed edible if not spectacular, Galette found herself watching Sanjul. He moved from person to person, checking in, offering words of encouragement, ensuring everyone had enough to eat.

"You know," she said quietly to Smoothie, "he might not be the most romantic man in the world, but he cares. Really cares."

Smoothie nodded, her gaze following Sanjul as well. "He does. In his own steady, reliable way."

As the night wore on and the crew dispersed to their various duties, Sanjul, Galette, and Smoothie found themselves back on the deck, stargazing.

"I've been thinking," Sanjul said, breaking the comfortable silence, "about names for the babies."

Both women turned to look at him, curiosity piqued.

"Oh?" Galette prompted. "And what have you come up with?"

Sanjul pulled out his notebook again, flipping to a page filled with lists. "I've done some research on popular names, family traditions, meanings... I thought we could go through them together, see if anything stands out."

As they pored over the lists, discussing and debating various options, Smoothie couldn't help but smile. It was so typically Sanjul - thorough, prepared, considerate, if not particularly inspired.

"These are all... nice names," she said diplomatically. "Very sensible choices."

Galette nodded in agreement. "They are. But maybe we could add a few more... unique options? Just to spice things up a bit?"

Sanjul looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I got caught up in the practicality of it all. Why don't you both suggest some names you like, and we'll add them to the list?"

As they continued their discussion, the conversation drifting from baby names to future plans to random anecdotes from their pasts, Galette found herself feeling utterly content. Sanjul might not be the most exciting partner, but he was attentive, caring, and always striving to be better.

Later that night, as they prepared for bed, Smoothie caught Galette's eye. "You know, I think we lucked out with Sanjul."

Galette nodded, a soft smile on her face. "We did. He's not perfect, but he's perfect for us."

Sanjul, overhearing their conversation, looked up from where he was arranging pillows to support their pregnant bodies. "I'm just trying my best," he said, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I hope it's enough."

Both women moved to embrace him, their growing bellies pressed against him from either side.

"It's more than enough," Galette assured him.

"It's everything we need," Smoothie added.

As they settled into bed, Sanjul in the middle with Galette and Smoothie on either side, there was a sense of rightness, of pieces fitting together perfectly. It wasn't a fairy tale romance, full of grand gestures and passionate declarations. Instead, it was something quieter, steadier - a love built on mutual respect, shared goals, and unwavering support.

In the quiet of the night, as the Ghostly Gale sailed on through calm seas, Galette and Smoothie exchanged a final glance over Sanjul's sleeping form. No words were needed. They both knew that while their husband might not be the stuff of legends, he was exactly what they needed - a partner who would stand by them through thick and thin, who would support them in their ambitions and comfort them in their sorrows.

As they drifted off to sleep, lulled by the gentle rocking of the ship and the steady rhythm of Sanjul's breathing, both women felt a deep sense of contentment. Their lives might not be perfect, their relationship might not be the most exciting, but it was theirs, and it was good.

And really, what more could anyone ask for?