Chapter 50

Chapter 50
Mia nodded. "Congratulations, though. Your dream finally came to pass."
Melvin nodded but said nothing.
"Daddy?" Liam waved slightly.
He was standing beside Mia.
"Come here," Melvin gestured. Liam ran towards him, and he pulled him into a hug. "How are you, big boy?"
"Fine, daddy," Liam answered.
"Come sit here, Mia." Charlotte tapped the space beside her.
Mia walked up to her and sat down.
"We were talking about Liam's birthday. And we both think you're the best to plan it," Charlotte said.
Mia nodded. "Of course, I am."
"So we don't have to worry about it, right?" Melvin asked.
"Yes, you don't," Mia answered. "I will write out some plans and let you know."
"Thank you, Mia," Charlotte said.
Mia smiled. "Where is Bella?"
"She left for the Academy," Charlotte said. "Remember, she has some clothes to send out."
"I do. She hasn't sent them out yet?"
"She asked Audrey to, but you know she still needs to follow up."
Mia nodded. "Yeah."
"I'm leaving." Melvin stood up. "I need to get some sleep."
"You should. I don't want you getting sick," Charlotte said.
Mia chuckled. "Okay?"
Melvin smiled. "Thank you, love. I won't get sick."
"Are you leaving with Liam?" Mia pointed at Liam, who was holding his Father's hand.
"Come here, Liam," Charlotte said. "Your dad needs some rest."
Liam reluctantly left Melvin's hand and walked towards Charlotte.
"He can come with me," Melvin said.
"He won't let you sleep," Charlotte answered.
"Don't worry. I know how to keep him busy."
"You should let him go," Mia said.
"Fine," Charlotte said. "He can go with you."
Liam smiled. "Thank you, Mummy." He ran back to hold his Father's hand.
"You see, he really wants to go with him," Mia said, and Charlotte nodded.
"We are leaving," Melvin said.
He left with Liam holding his hand, and Charlotte waving at them.
"What are we going to do now?" Charlotte asked. "I'm so bored."
"Should we watch a movie?" Mia asked.
"Movie? I wish I could go out, though, but the doctor said I have to rest for a few days."
"Then the movie it is." Mia stood up. "There's this new movie. I'm sure you'll love it."
Charlotte nodded. "If it will kill my boredom."



Mia began the preparation for Liam's birthday, just like she promised. She hired an event planner to work with her, and after drafting three different party ideas and showing them to Charlotte and Melvin, they finally settled for an in-house party.
One of their suggestions was to have a hall party, but during one of their meetings, Melvin was against it.
"My baby needs to be close to the house," he said. At first, everyone thought he was talking about Liam. But then he added. "My baby is no longer one. We can't stress her." They realized he was referring to Charlotte.
He was against the beach party too, but this time, he was more concerned about the children's safety.
With the venue chosen, they went on with the rest of the preparations. Mathew offered to help; everyone was busy. Ryan was out of the country with his wife for his honeymoon. David also left to spend time with his wife to build their relationship. Melvin needs to take care of Charlotte, and Bella has been busy running her Academy and Charlotte's company.
With Matthew helping out, work became easy. Jade also joined them after she returned a week later; her mother was getting better. Mrs. Miller wasn't left out either. She'll also invite her friends to have a double celebration of Liam's birthday and the news of Charlotte's pregnancy.
"Let's have it at the old house," she told them. "It's bigger and more accommodating."
"Will my baby be okay with it?" Melvin asked.
"I'm fine with it," Charlotte answered.
Although Charlotte would have preferred having the party at her place, which is smaller and private, the old house is bigger and has places children could play.
"Are you sure?" Melvin asked. "I don't want anything that will give you discomfort."
"It's about Liam and his friends, not any of us," Charlotte said. "The old house has a bigger space and a playground for the kids."
Melvin nodded. "I'm not against the old house for as long as you're okay with it."
Mia was informed about the change of venue.
"Thank goodness we haven't sent out the invites yet," she said. "Or how are we going to tell people about the change of venue?"
The venue was changed, and soon they could send out invites. A lot of people were invited, mostly those with children within Liam's age group. They began to receive confirmations from those who would be available; it was going to be a closed party that would be attended strictly by invitation.
With the invites sent out, the rest of the job was split; Matthew was in charge of the children's gifts. Mia and Jade were in charge of food and decorations.
A week before the birthday, Mia, Matthew, and Jade reconfirmed everything needed for the birthday to make sure everything was ready. They spoke to the vendors in charge of food and drinks. Matthew also confirmed that the gifts he ordered would get to them two days before the birthday.
Charlotte was happy with their hard work. To appreciate them, she invited them over for a little get-together, where they could talk and have fun.
Mia and Jade were the first to show up. They helped with preparing the snacks while Mrs. Helen was in charge of the food. Matthew was with Melvin to get the drinks: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
"Do you know Ryan is back in town with his wife?" Matthew asked on their way back.
"Really? When?" Melvin asked.
"I think two days ago. You didn't see it in our group chat?"
"Man, I've been busy lately. You know, taking care of the company as well as Charlotte in the past few days has been hectic."
Matthew nodded. "I know. Charlotte's sickness this last week scared the hell out of me. I was worried she wouldn't get well before Liam's birthday. I'm glad she bounced back."
"I am too, man," Melvin said.
"I told him about today's get-together, though."
"Is he coming?" Melvin asked. "I've missed him."
Matthew shrugged. "I don't know. He said nothing about it."
Melvin nodded. "He just got back from his honeymoon. He must be very busy."
They drove silently back home only to meet Ryan and Catherine waiting. David and Melissa were there too.
"David?" When did you get back?" Melvin was surprised.
"A few hours ago," David said, standing up. "It's been a while, man." They hugged each other. "And congratulations, man. I heard the good news."
"Thanks, man," Melvin said. "Hello, Melissa. You're glowing."
"Thank you, Melvin. It's been a while. And congratulations."
Melvin smiled. "Thank you." He waved at Catherine. "Hi, Catherine. Welcome back."
"Thank you," Catherine answered. "Congratulations too."
Melvin smiled. "Thank you. Ryan, you look different. Marriage looks good on you, I must say."
Ryan scoffed. "Is that the welcome I get?" He stood up and pulled Melvin into a hug. "Don't you miss me?"