The Yoon family had been in California, exactly three and a half weeks.  They both reported for work the very next day after their landing.  Jihoo already had patients scheduled.  He’d studied their medical history on the plane ride home and was ready to meet them in person.  Ilana reported to the office; with both she and JungMin out, she needed to assure her team that they weren’t abandoned, even though she had been in constant communication with them by Email and WebEx.  Her first order of business was a presentation to the board of a summary on the current state of the Seoul branch; the second was the outside facade of the new bed and breakfast, and lastly working on a joint project between the Seoul office and Corporate.  JungMin had been working on hard on getting the Korean Tourism Board account.  It was a government account that would open many doors.  They finally decided to give them a shot.  All this happened upon her return to L.A.  JungMin did what he could by phone and it was Ilana and the rest of the L.A team to implement exactly what that board was looking for.  If successful, they could get the account for every office around the world, not just Los Angeles.

Ilana had fought through her Jet lag in her usual manner; Jihoo was always fine after a good night’s sleep.  The man could sleep anywhere, so it was never a question of not getting that good night’s sleep.  They had been working six days a week, since their return.  Combined with the busy schedule she left in Seoul, Jihoo and Ilana both were beginning to tire of it.  Jihoo was looking forward to spending a quiet evening at home.  His wife hadn't gone to the office today and their morning consisted of sleepy birthday kisses.  Though Nana had gone all out for her Niña’s birthday, inviting not only Juan Carlos's family but some of their closest friends from Church, Jihoo had insisted he only wanted his immediate family, which of course included Nana and Brendon.  His wife had already surprised him earlier in the day when she and HaEun brought Korean lunchboxes for him and the office staff.  She didn’t stay long, having her own work to do.  She figured it would be a nice icebreaker for her naturally reserved husband.  He brought a lot of experience to the office and a brilliant track record, but as at NYP, his young age made some a little reserved around him.  What they didn’t understand and Jihoo wasn’t going to explain was that he didn’t need the money or the prestige.  He had to be the best for his beloved Grandfather and to honor his parent’s memory and for his wife who for some reason thought he was perfect.  Later, he would that she was trying to market him.

Pulling into the driveway, Jihoo saw his wife rushing out the door, toting their daughter, who was gnawing on a teething ring. This meant her troublesome tooth had yet to break through.  Stepping out of the car, he greeted his two loves with a kiss.  A slow and tender one for his wife and a quick smack on the cheek for his baby girl.  HaEun began to whimper, “pa pa…pa…pa…,” she stretched tiny arms to Appa.  “Vete con Appa (Go with daddy),” Ilana handed the fussy baby to Jihoo and took his medical bag Instead.

 - “Aigoo…is dtal the reason Umma is wearing so much makeup?”

 - “Anieyo!”  He knew her too well.  Between HaEun and work, she wasn’t getting enough rest.  She was up and checking emails as soon as HaEun was done with her early morning snack and didn’t stop, except to feed HaEun or give her a little attention, until Jihoo was due to arrive.  This week HaEun’s teething had sapped what reserve energy she had and was starting to show on her face.  No matter how hard she tried to keep a natural and flawless makeup ‘look’, he knew when it wasn’t Natural or her usual.  “It’s a special day, na wanted to be yippeun for Nampyon.”  She smiled brightly and turned to the door.

 - “Umma thinks Appa can’t tell she’s working too hard,” he told a somewhat attentive HaEun.  “It’s a good thing Ajussi Park will be back to help her.  And dtal needs to pass that tooth so Umma can sleep.”  Jihoo gave her forehead a kiss, as her teething ring was back in .  He sat her down in her play area, which had been down sized.  The network of tunnels, tents with toys, and open spaces, didn’t usually get shrunk until after dinner. “Wae is her play area put away?”

Ilana turned guiltily to her husband.  “Juan Carlos, Gloria, and the boys are coming.”  Before he could get Angry she quickly explained.  “They…just invited themselves and I-I couldn’t say ‘no’,” she bit her lip worriedly.

Jihoo sighed, “Sarang, how many times have Na told you to let me bite your lips for you."  He climbed up to the fourth step, where she stood, and nipped teasingly at her lips, before wrapping his arm around her waist and indulging in a sweet and slow kiss.  Quite often, Nana or Jesse would walk in on such a scene and walk back out smiling.

 - “You’re not angry?”  Ilana said in relief when he freed her lips.

 - “Gwenchana, Sarang can owe me some intimate moments after they leave, arraso?”  Ilana’s face warmed at his gaze and words.  It had been at least a week or more since they had last made love and he was quite ready to end this unplanned for fast.  “Don’t get too tired and make sure they leave on time.”

Ilana wrapped her arms around his neck, “alguesubnida…,” she grazed her lips over his and then gave the left corner of his lip a little bite.  She loosed his tie, making him want to forget about dinner.  “Palli and get ready,” she smiled.  “The sooner we eat, the sooner they’ll leave.”  She ran upstairs to put away his bag.

 - “Estas son las mañanitas que cantaba el rey David…”  They sang the happy birthday song in Spanish and Ilana, HaEun and the boys followed in Korean.  “Saeng il chucka hamnida, Saeng il chucka hamnida…”  Jihoo blew out the candles.  “Bravo!!”  Ilana clapped HaEun’s hands together as she squealed with glee.  “Besito para Appa (A little kiss for daddy),” Jihoo presented his cheek for a slobbery kiss.  “Here, take gongju (princess) and I’ll cut the cake.”  Nana and Ilana had worked together and made an ice cream cake; she was confident that the taste would meet his approval.

 - “Mm, masheesuhyo, kansamnida.”  He loved the glow on his wife’s face when he praised her efforts.

 - “Here you go, Jihoo.  Happy Birthday,” Juan Carlos presented him with a gift box.  “This is from the Contreras family and Brendon.”

 - “Hyeong…” Jihoo unwrapped a Samsung S3 smartwatch.  “This is too much!”

 - “It’s okay; I ordered one for myself and got a discount on a second one.  I figure we owe you for taking my baby cousin’s pain away and making her so happy.”

 - “Baby, Juan Carlos?”  Ilana huffed and Jihoo laughed.

 - “Hyeong, I can’t accept, I didn’t do anything.  The Lord did it all.”

 - “Just take it as our blessing to you.”

 - “In that case, I will accept, thank you.”  It was an extremely expensive gift and Jihoo was touched by the gesture.  Nana made him a homemade unscented shaving cream that he couldn’t wait to use and his wife presented him with an engraved leather-bound journal that she designed.  The top left page included a Bible verse, while the opposite had a picture of their family in the bottom right corner.  “Komapta, Sarang, yippeun.  When did you have the time to put this together?”

 - “Na started it in Seoul and I nearly didn’t finish in time.”

 - “Kansamnida, na promise to use it daily.”

They continued reminiscing and counting their blessings.  “I can’t believe I was such a jerk,” Juan Carlos stated.

 - “Papa, you weren’t that bad,” Juan, Jr. defended his dad.

 - “Hijo (son), yes I was.  If it weren’t for the miracle, Jesus did in your tía Ilana’s life; I’d still be lost, putting selfishness and pride above love and humility.  I’m grateful to the Lord that you never really saw that side of me and thankful to your Mama for putting up with me.”

 - “That’s because Gloria is a saint,” Ilana teased.

 - “Not really, I just knew that the man that made me love him was still under there somewhere.  And really, Ilana, he just wanted to protect you, just didn’t know how to.”

Ilana nodded and Jihoo squeezed her hand.  He knew how, in the past, she had much hate in her heart for her cousin and even he had nothing to like about the man.  “If it weren’t for the arrogant Jerk, Juan Carlos, Jihoo wouldn’t have had the insight about me.  God really does fix our messes.  Neither Juan Carlos nor I were walking with the Lord and yet and you didn’t know what would happen when Jihoo read my medical record and it became his personal mission to help me.”

 - “Hyeong…did you have her followed?  You weren’t thinking of abducting her, right?”  Jihoo was always curious what his intentions were.  He suddenly remembered how he offered to pay him to send her home.  Ilana turned to them in shock; this was something she never knew.  “Mian, Sarang, I never told you.  I didn’t trust your cousin and had JaeKyung’s men following you while I was in Seoul after your Pneumonia and for some time afterward.”

 - “Prima, Perdóname otra vez (Cousin, forgive me, again).  If I thought you were a danger to yourself, I would have brought you home.”

Ilana let out her breath in surprise but smiled at Juan Carlos.  “It’s all forgotten, Juan Carlos.”

Juan Jr, being sneaky decided that would be a good time to pop a question.  “Can I go to Seoul with you guys this summer?”

 - “¿Hóyeme, a quien le pediste permiso (Listen here, to whom did you ask permission)?”  Juan Carlos glared at his son.

Ilana laughed, looking at Jihoo for guidance.  At his nod, she answered the boy.  “If your parents agree, it will be our pleasure.  Jihoo and I will put you to work.”

 - “I don’t mind!  ¡¿Por favor, papá (Please, dad)?!”

 - “I want to go too!”  Little Memo also began to beg.

 - “We’ll talk about it later; that’s enough for now,” Juan Carlos said.

 - “Hyeong can take a break and go with the boys,” Jihoo said, helping the two kids win their case.  “Take Gloria Noona to Jeju and we’ll take care of the boys in Seoul.”

 - “Juan Carlos, that sounds like fun!”  Now it was three against one.

 - “We’ll see!  End of discussion.”  Juan Carlos gave Jihoo a “thanks-a-lot,” look.  Jihoo quickly schooled his face to his politely bored look, even though Ilana could see the humor in his eyes.  The conversation soon turned to sports, mainly futbol/soccer, making Ilana’s eyes gloss over.  Thankfully, it was time for HaEun’s bedtime.  After kisses and good night’s all around, Ilana disappeared upstairs to nurse and put HaEun down for the evening.

As guys often do, they got caught up in discussing their favorite sport, while Gloria and Nana cleaned up.  Thirty minutes later, Ilana had not returned, and Gloria was ready to go.  It was also past the boy’s bedtime.  “I’ll get her, Noona, HaEun’s been teething and fussy.  She might be giving anae a hard time.”

 - “No…no, don’t interrupt a nursing mother.  HaEun’s almost a year old; it might not be much longer that they have this bonding time.  Just give her a hug for me,” she gave Jihoo a hug and an air kiss.  “Ah, Jihoo, I know your wife is stubborn, but make sure she gets enough rest.  I caught her dozed off in front of the computer, yesterday.”

 - “Noona, chincha?  She didn’t tell me.”

 - “Probably too embarrassed,” Gloria said.

 - “Annyeong!”  The boys fist bumped him, and Juan Carlos slapped him on the back.

 - “Happy Birthday again.  I’ll see you around the hospital.  I don’t have to ask you to take care of my cousin.”

 - “Deh, hyeong,” Jihoo smiled.  “Drive safely, kansamnida.”

Jihoo placed his gifts in the office and went upstairs.  Nana had already retired to her room and Brendon did also.  Peeking his head into their room, only Joy was waiting on the bed for them.  The comforter was already turned down; there were times he swore Nana was a fairy.  Heading down the hall, to the nursery, he opened the door to find Mother and daughter both asleep in the lounger.   He smiled at the sweet picture.  Even in her sleep, Ilana had a firm grip on HaEun.  He carefully removed her and placed her in her crib.  "May the Lord bless you and watch over you, may He give you a Spirit of power, love and sound mind."  After giving their daughter her nightly blessing, he turned to his wife.  “Sarang, jaljeo kaja (let’s go to bed),” he gave her a gentle shake.

 - “HaEun-ah?!”  Half awake, she startled at her empty arms.

 - “Gwenchana…, she’s in her crib.”  Ilana nodded, relaxing into the lounger once again and closing her eyes.  “Ani,” Jihoo smiled.  “Sarang has to go to bed.”  His wife nodded her head but didn’t move.  “Arraso…, ja (sleep);” he picked her up and carried her back to their room, laying her gently on the bed.  Removing her cardigan, he decided the white knit dress was comfortable enough to sleep in.  Since this was a nursing dress, her bra covered s were exposed to him.  The temptation to molest them was strong, but he just tucked her in and got himself ready to join her.

After his nightly routine, he exited the bathroom with her makeup remover and some cotton.  “Sarang is not going to be happy to wake up with smeared makeup.”  Very gently, he removed her eye makeup, where most of it was concentrated.  That went smoothly and tried to run a wipe over the rest of her face but she shied away from the damp towelette.  “Arraso, Sarang.  This will have to do,” he leaned down and gave her lips a very light kiss.  Slipping under the blankets next to his wife, she automatically turned to him.  “Aigoo…” he tucked her unbound hair behind her ear.  “Sarang falls asleep without me and now wants to share my warmth?”  He drew her closer anyway and gave her another kiss; this time soft and slow.  When he was done, he saw the cutest pout on her face, making him kiss her again.  “Should I be worried, Sarang?”  She suddenly looked thinner and without makeup, he saw the newly uncovered dark circles and he ran a finger over her eyelids.  Rolling away briefly, to turn off the light, he then brought her head to lay against his chest.  “Gwenchana, this weekend is ours.  No working allowed.”  In honor of their anniversary, he had booked a sunset Gondola ride and dinner at Gladstone’s.  Just like on the 100th day after they were married.  That was in the evening, before that, he looked forward to spending the entire Saturday morning in bed with his wife.  Sleeping or not sleeping.  Whatever selfish moments the cat and HaEun let them have, he would take.  “Yesu, give anae the rest she needs.  Kansamnida for these two years and kansamnida that Park JungMin will be back next week and her schedule will get back to normal.”  He gave her one last kiss and closed his eyes.  He was extremely proud of her, but he hated seeing her so tired after putting in twelve-hour or more days.  Though it was only just past nine, he too fell asleep, dreaming of their anniversary weekend and not working.

        .      April 1, 2017

As the newest member of the pulmonology department, Jihoo was on call more often than the other doctors.  It was like a fraternity hazing of sorts, but he didn’t mind too much.  He knew his abilities were above some doctors who’d been in the field even longer than him.  If not, he’d wouldn’t have been given the job with his schedule demands.  He had to leave for the hospital in the middle of the night.  An emergency patient was brought in and he had to make a quick decision whether to do surgery or not.  Either way, the risk of losing the patient was high.  To not do the surgery, was to lose the patient.  To leave the surgery in unskilled hands also meant losing the patient.  He thanked God for giving him the skill and quick thinking to save the patient.

Jihoo arrived back home close to five in the morning, tired but happy.  He’d given someone another chance at life.  His wife had taken over his side, as usual, and HaEun’s whimpers were heard over the monitor.  He was looking forward to sleeping in.  “Sarang…” he shook her.  “HaEun-ah is up.  I’ll go get her, deh?  Sarang…” he spoke a little louder but his wife was sound asleep.  HaEun was also getting louder, with her ‘I’m hungry’ cry.  Looking at the monitor and looking at his wife, Jihoo left to take care of their daughter.

HaEun was standing in her crib, tears glistening in the darkened room.  He the soft light and lifted her from her prison.  “Yah, yah…Umma is still tired.”  HaEun didn’t care and cried even louder.  She rooted into his shirt.  “Gongju (princess) won’t find any milk there, I promise.”  He laid her down on the changing table after removing a fresh diaper from the drawer.  “Gongju can’t start her morning with an overfull diaper.  What will we do if she gets a rash?” He cleaned her up as quickly as possible.  “How’s that tooth coming along?”  He talked as he worked.  “Is gongju uncomfortable, having a growth spurt, or just want Umma’s milk?”  He quickly cleaned his hands with the nearby hand sanitizer and pulled down her lip.  “Ah…we need to go show Umma your new tooth!”

With a dry bottom, but still wet tears, he took her back to the room where he expected Ilana to be waiting for them but was still asleep.  “Gongju is going to have to wake up Umma today,” Jihoo told HaEun.  He placed her on the bed and she immediately crawled over to Umma.  “Sarang…you need to wake up.  Gongju has a new tooth.”  His wife wasn’t playing, she was still asleep.  “Sarang knows she won’t take a bottle in the morning.”

Between Jihoo’s gentle tapping and HaEun’s, Ilana managed to wake up enough to unclip her nursing bra.  “Mian, Beba, Umma is tired,” she said groggily without opening her eyes.  Thankfully, HaEun knew what to do, Ilana steadied her little head and began to drift back to sleep.

Jihoo climbed on the bed next to them, “Sarang, don’t fall back to sleep just yet.”  He saw his wife nod.  She’d fallen asleep early almost every day that week; as soon as he drew her into his arms, within seconds she was already asleep.  They’d hardly had any time for talking this week and Jihoo was looking forward to having some time alone with her and not coming home until after HaEun was asleep.  “Mianhae na was gone so long last night.  Na hope you weren’t startled to see me gone.”

 - “Na read your text…HaEun was…whimpering,” she mumbled.

 - “She’ll be all better now; her tooth came in.”  His wife smiled sleepily and kissed the soft little head, all without speaking or opening her eyes.  HaEun took extra-long to nurse that morning.  It was most likely due to not having had much of an appetite that week because of her tooth coming in.  When she looked to finally be done, Jihoo got up to change his clothes.  “Jankkanmanyo,” he walked to the closet, where he left the pajama pants he removed after being called in.  He had planned on not turning on the room light when he returned home.

Ilana, still disoriented with sleep, didn’t bother moving HaEun to the co-sleeper.  She just didn’t have the energy.  Forgetting it was Saturday and their anniversary, she blindly got up to check her emails like she’d done every morning since their return from Seoul, but today something felt off.  While bumbling toward the little writing desk, Joy came out of nowhere and entwined herself at Ilana’s legs.  “Joy-ah!”  Ilana lost her balance and fell to the ground.  Without any energy to pull herself up, she sat there still in a daze, not quite understanding why her head felt so heavy that morning. 

Jihoo heard the commotion and left his pants where they were, not bothering to hang them up.  “Sarang?  Gwenchana?”  He said, seeing his wife on the floor.

 - “I tripped over Joy…help me up?”  She shook her head, trying to dispel the fog that seemed permanently settled there.

Instead of helping her to stand, he wrapped her arms around his neck and scooped her off the floor.  He sat her back down on the bed, adjusting the pillows and turning on the light.  “Sarang, what’s going on with you this week?”  She wasn’t feverish but felt her forehead anyway.  “You’re not running a temperature, but you’re a little pale” he cupped her cheek and then ran his thumb under her eyes.  “Sarang, I see the shadows under your eyes, wae?  You’re falling asleep earlier and earlier each day?  And you’re losing weight?”

 - “Mianhae…” she said, suddenly distressed at upsetting him.

Jihoo saw the ‘near-to-tears’ look in her eyes.  “Sarang…?”  He pulled her in for a hug and kiss, “let’s figure out what’s going on, deh?”  Gently, he took her wrist to check her pulse, grinning at her pouting.  He set his concentration on the rhythm of her pulse.  It was fast, not exceedingly, but not normal, either. There was something more, he could have sworn he felt it slip.  Could it be what he was thinking?  “Sarang, the lab is just opening.”  Jihoo stood and grabbed her a knit dress to throw over herself.  “Get dressed,” he ordered.

Twenty minutes later, Jihoo was carrying his protesting wife to the door of the Quest diagnostic lab.  Thankfully, Nana was always up early and answered her door when Jihoo knocked with a sleeping HaEun in tow.  That and a brief explanation took five minutes, getting his protesting wife dressed and carrying her out the door into the car took ten minutes, and other seven minutes to arrive at the lab.  “I’ll be fine…pigonhaeyo…things will be back to normal next week when JungMin returns.”  Ilana still protested.

 - “Does Sarang want to go out this evening?”

 - “This evening?”  Her days were all lumped together and had no clue it was not only Saturday but their anniversary.  “Sarang…mian…” was all she could say when it hit her.  “Let’s do this next week, I promise.  Let’s enjoy today,” she caressed his face and leaned in to kiss him.  “Happy anniversary.”

He sat her back down just outside the door.  “Happy anniversary,” he gave her a quick peck on the lips.  “Sarang won’t change my mind.  Na want to enjoy our day, that’s why we’re here.  Ara, we won’t get the results until the week, hajiman at least we’ve done something.  Even if it’s nothing,” he stopped her protest.  “Na won't be at peace until we having evidence that it’s nothing.”

Ilana sighed in defeat, either she let him get her arm pierced with a needle or he wouldn’t take her out on their date.  “When my results come back fine, you owe me another date.”

 - “With pleasure,” he kissed her cheek and led her in the door.

It took a little while, as it was Saturday morning and they didn’t have an appointment.  One of the technicians knew Jihoo from when he was with the mobile clinic.  “I’ll take her back as soon as I get a chance,” she said.

By the time the technician called her back, Ilana was ready to fall back asleep again, but the sickly-sweet scent of disinfectant was making her stomach turn.  She had her nose buried in Jihoo’s shoulder and scent the entire time.

 - “You’re a fainter, would you like to lie down?”

Somehow, Ilana thought that would just be worse.  “No…, thank you, can we just make this quick?”

 - “Sure thing,” the tech smiled reassuringly and got to work, not bothering with explanations.  Everything was fine for a second, until the suffocating bitter scent of the tech’s latex gloves and the band wrapped around her arm, overwhelmed Ilana, making her gag.  “Hey now, stay with me,” the tech handed her a bag to hold with her free hand.  When the tech began to position the needle, last night’s dinner came right up.

Jihoo was hovering near the desk and though she couldn’t see him, he saw her and immediately went to her side.  “Gwenchana, Sarang…gwenchana.  It will be over quickly and then we can have our date.”  As quickly as it would take to fill three vials; he had ordered a complete blood count.  She was due for one next month anyway but given the circumstances, he ordered it early.

The tech backed off at Jihoo’s nod, “why don’t we move her to one of the rooms?”

Ilana was shaking her head ‘no’, but Jihoo ignored her.  “Yes, let’s do that.”

 - “If I don’t…get my energy back next week, I’ll have Brendon…bring…me back.”  She was going to get sick again and Jihoo quickly ushered her into the bathroom.  “I…promise…!”  She threw up again.

Jihoo didn’t know what to do.  Perhaps, he could just bring a technician home or maybe if he took her outside for some fresh air, she’d feel better.  The nausea seemed to have stopped, but she was still trying to catch her breath.  “Give us a few minutes outside,” Jihoo told the technician.  “Let’s go outside until you start to feel better, deh?”  Ilana acknowledged, but couldn’t move, just like when she tripped in the room and couldn’t get back up on her own.  With Jihoo’s support, Ilana took a few steps and when they got to the door, she didn’t quite know what happened.

 - “Sarang, I’m so tired,” feeling wobbly, she grabbed his jacket.  The room shook around her and what little strength she had, left her.

 - “Sarang!”  Ilana’s hand had lost its grip and she out.  “Sarang!”  Jihoo had a tight hold on her and sat on a chair, trying to see if she’d wake up on her own, but his wife was completely unconscious.

 - “Dr. Jihoo, I’ll call ER and have them expect you,” the tech that had been helping them, said.

Jihoo just nodded and drove her down the block to the main hospital.

Getting out of the car in front of the valet, he quickly took Ilana on his back to the ER entrance and immediately back to one of the beds.  “I need an IV and a CBC,” he told the nurse assigned to them.

 - “Right away, Doctor.”

 - “Sarang…can you hear me?”  Her eyes fluttered momentarily but closed again.

A few hours later, Ilana was still unconscious, but her vitals were becoming more stable.  Thankfully, she was just in need of rest, extra calories, and extra vitamins.  If Juan Carlos and Gloria hadn’t come as soon as Jihoo called them, he didn’t know how he would’ve survived the wait for the blood test results.  Juan Carlos, aside from Pastor Jonathan, was the closest friend Jihoo had in Los Angeles; being a Doctor and Ilana’s cousin, he was the first one Jihoo called.

  They left not long after the blood test results were out.  Juan Carlos and Gloria had taken charge so that Jihoo didn’t have to leave her side.  “Well, Mr. Yoon,” Juan Carlos, said a little playfully.  He knew Jihoo was worried, he would be too if his wife collapsed suddenly.  “You’ll need to make an appointment with her physician.  Should I have my admin make it for you?”

Jihoo smiled a bit.  “Yes, Dr. Juan Carlos, please do.”

 - “The appointment will be on her discharge papers.  She’s free to go as soon as she wakes up and the IV is done.”

 - “Kansamnida, Sunbae…Noona,” Jihoo said.

- “Thank you for calling us, we’ll keep praying for you guys.”  They had already surrounded Jihoo and Ilana with prayer upon their arrival.  Jihoo was torn between being the Doctor or the husband.  He couldn’t ignore either calling until Juan Carlos came and became the mediator between the two.  “Chukahae…” Juan Carlos gave Jihoo a hearty hug.  “Isn’t that what you guys say?”

 - “Enjoy your anniversary,” Gloria gave him a kiss on the cheek.  “But don’t let her get too tired!”  She gave him her best ‘Mom’ look.

 - “Deh Noona.  Kansamnida.”

They had been at the hospital almost all morning.  The IV bag had about another hour to go.  The numbers on the monitor had been normal for a little while.  His wife should be waking up any minute.  A baby’s cry was heard from a few beds away.  Jihoo stood to stretch, thinking he should call Nana and that’s when his wife woke up.  “HaEun-ah?”  Ilana sat up quickly, ready to run to her baby, but was assaulted by black dots and nausea.

 - “Sarang!  You’re awake!”  He eased her head back against the pillow after raising the upper half.  “Gwenchana?  Exhale slowly.”

 - “Begopahyo…what time is it?”

Instead of answering, he just said.  “There’s about an hour left of your IV, Sarang.  Just be patient a little longer.”

 - “What happened?”

 - “Fatigue and a little dehydration.  Nothing to worry about.  We’ll make an appointment with a nutritionist on Monday to make sure you’re getting the right number of calories.  I’ll call the nurse and get her to bring you a snack.  Then when we get ready to go home, I’ll get Nana to make you one of your favorites.”

 - “Omo!  Our date!”  Ilana suddenly remembered.

 - “Gwenchana…it’s still early.  Sarang needs to rest a little longer and then we’ll still go out tonight.”  She nodded, relieved.  Glad their anniversary wasn’t ruined.  Jihoo felt a little guilty being the first to know again, but at the same time, he felt right, that the news should come from him.

They arrived home around noon and Jihoo ordered his wife straight to bed.  Nana, of course, made Ilana a hearty, but healthy meal.  She had some suspicion in what might be wrong with her little girl, without the secret smile on Jihoo’s face when they arrived home.

After food and another nap, while Nana watched HaEun.  Ilana felt herself back to normal.  They were both excited about their date.  Jihoo couldn’t wait to tell her the news and Ilana just couldn’t wait for a beautiful evening with her husband.  Though, she’d be quite happy just to stay home with their little family and have all electronic devices well out of their reach.

The gondola ride went perfectly.  Jihoo brought a chilled bottle of white Jasmine sparkling tea to celebrate with and a bouquet of red roses, with one burgundy rose and one red chrysanthemum awaited his wife.

 - “Felice anniversario,” the gondolier said, handing her the bouquet.  “Da tuo marito (From your husband).”

 - “Mille grazie,” Ilana responded to the gondolier and then flashed her husband a brilliant smile.  “Kansamnida,” in her heels, she didn’t have to reach too far to kiss his cheek.

 - “Anieyo…,” he helped her to sit and covered them with the lap blanket.  “Knyumil uhl chukhahehyo (Happy anniversary),” he tilted her face toward him and slowly covered her lips with his.  “Yippeun,” he’d made her wear the white dress she wore for the grand opening of Club Eden.  Everything that had been slightly loose on her now fit her new body perfectly.  This dress hadn’t hung on her back then, but it fit her so much better, now.

 - “Sarang is staring,” she said, as her face began to warm under his scrutiny.  He laughed and broke his gaze.  “Happy Anniversary.  Sarang didn’t have to get me flowers.  They’re beautiful,” Ilana inhaled the sweet fragrance of the flowers.  “I’m sorry; our day didn’t start off very well.”

 - “It’s not Anae’s fault,” he leaned her head on his shoulder as they began the slow cruise through the canals.  “The important thing is that you are well, now, and we didn’t have to change our plans.”

The red chrysanthemum had peaked her curiosity.  He’d never added a red chrysanthemum to the rose bouquets he gave her.  “Joy…and optimism, deh?  For the chrysanthemum?”  She searched her brain for the meaning of the flower.

 - “Deh…Sarang is my joy.  The future is always better with you in it.”

 - “Mine too,” she laced her fingers through his.  The sun was about to set and as promised, no two sunsets are ever the same.  The water shone as if liquid gold had been poured in and was floating on the surface.  “Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky,” Ilana quoted.  “I read that the other day and now with the sunset as our backdrop, I can see it.  Whatever has transpired during the day, whatever clouds…just makes that sunset, much more beautiful?  As the day winds down, find peace and comfort in this quiet hour that the Lord has provided.”

 - “Just like this morning’s clouds gave way to this beautiful sunset.”

Ilana lifted her head to see her husband’s handsome smile enjoying the scenery.  “Mian, Sarang knows that I hate to make him worry.”

Jihoo kissed the hand that was linked to his.  “When you love, you’re bound to worry at times.  Does not Sarang do the same to me?”

 - “Deh…I worry that HaEun will wake you up too early.  I worry that you’ll spend too much time with your patients and not eat lunch.  I worry about you taking that backstreet home, late at night, when too many people like to speed through there or drive drunk.  I can only pray that the Lord will put his covering over you and keep you safe.”

 - “I think we have more work to do on this Earth, what does Sarang think?”

 - “Mollah…na used to be afraid of the future.  Mainly because I thought Sarang would one day tire of me and leave.  So, I didn’t want to think of tomorrow, today was enough for me.  Now, I feel peace, because I’m trusting in the Lord for our days and our tomorrows.  May he arrange them as he wills, and may I be willing to follow his directions.”

 - “While I waited for you, the rest of the F4 were so angry at me because I didn’t go after you.  It took everything in me not to and trust that the Lord would bring you back to me.  His promise that he would, is what gave my day’s direction and peace.  Na looked forward to every sunset, thinking maybe tomorrow is the day you would come back home.  Na cherish each today, hajiman…na look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us tomorrow.”  Passionate about his thoughts, he slipped back into their usual Kor-glish.

 - “Na do, Sarang.”

 - “How is Sarang feeling?”  He let go of her hand to cup her face, tenderly.

 - “Choah.  I didn’t feel stressed, really.  Tired, yes, but not stressed.  It only really hit me this week.”

He worried any pungent ocean smells might get to her, but it seemed that she was truly fine.  “I think the IV helped.  Sarang needs to listen to her body more.”

 - “Deh…ajussi uissa.”  Jihoo laughed at the old nickname she used to call him.  They remained silent, enjoying the view, occasionally pointing out a particularly pretty house or funny name for a boat.  Ilana mentally wondered if for Christmas she should get him a boat.  She knew he enjoyed sailing and it would be for the entire family.  She mused about doing some research, perhaps with JunPyo’s help.  Though she wondered if he could keep a secret that long.

Jihoo noticed his wife giggling to herself.  “Wae…?”

 - “Ani…na was thinking of our chingu.  Maybe we can plan a beachside holiday again.”

 - “Guerae!  Sarang…na would like it if we traveled less this year.”  He was suddenly thinking he didn’t want her traveling at all during these next nine months.

 - “Eottoke?  How do we travel less than we do?”

 - “Mollah…let’s not think of work today.  Would Sarang like some tea?”

 - “Deh.”

Jihoo poured the sparkling tea into the flutes provided.  “To tomorrow’s sunset,” he said.  “Wherever we are, as long as we’re together you and I and HaEun and however many children Yesu cares to give us.  Gonbae.”

 - “Gonbae!”  Ilana clinked her glass with his and took a sip.  She didn’t even question that he had brought the sparkling tea instead of sparkling wine, still preferring not to drink alcoholic beverages.  “Sarang…how many kids do you want?”  They had received a text from Jaejoong, Abigail was expecting again, with JaeHyeon just less than five months old.  Ilana had been wondering if the Lord would bless them soon as well.  It wasn’t like they were doing anything to keep from getting pregnant but her cycles were never normal and hadn’t returned to anything resembling normal since she was nursing.

 - “Mollah…at least a little brother or sister for HaEun.  What about Anae?”

 - “I just don’t want HaEun to grow up lonely.  It would be nice to have at least one more, hajiman two or three more would be nice too,” she was grinning with a slight pink tint on her face.

 - “Na…will enjoy making many more children with anae,” he gave her pink cheek a quick kiss.  “Hokshina Yesu will bless us tonight,” he said quietly in her ear.  She retaliated by giving his side a poke.  “Dtal will be one in a little over a month, how long will you be nursing?”  He didn’t mind at all, it was just one of the contributors to her being exhausted and passing out today.  He didn’t know if it was possible for her to continue.  Thankfully, HaEun was eating more and more solids.

 - “Mollah…we’ll see how it goes after her first birthday.  I work from home, so it doesn’t bother me at all.  Does Sarang want me to stop?”  She looked up at him with concern.

 - “Anieyo…we hadn’t discussed it, so I was curious how you felt?”

 - “Mollah, if I’m ready to let go, Sarang.”

 - “Algeusubnida, Sarang.”  Jihoo wanted to tell her right then and there but thought to enjoy his secret a little longer.  They spent the rest of the ride reminiscing the last two years.

Sitting on the heated patio of the restaurant, Ilana was enjoying her Lobster Mac N’ Cheese.  For some reason, her usual salmon was not calling to her and the idea of the rich, cheesy entrée, made water.  Jihoo ordered the salmon, just to be on the safe side, in case she decided it wasn’t what she wanted after all.  He needed not to have been concerned as she dived in with relish.

“Masheesuhyo!  Wae have I never tried this?”

Jihoo laughed.  “Would Sarang like a bite of Salmon?”

- “Anieyo gwenchanayo, hajiman Sarang needs to try this.”  She heaped a generous portion onto his plate and he was surprised to find the cheesy dish enjoyable.  Though she needed the calories, he didn’t want her ruining her desert and made her take a small portion home.

The dessert had just been served:  a white chocolate crème brulée with fresh berries.  After the heavy, Lobster Mac n’ cheese, it was the perfect compliment.  Light and not overly sweet.  They each took a spoonful and bumped spoons.  “Gombae,” Jihoo said.

 - “Gombae!”

 - “If the Lord wills it, na would like at least fifty more years at Sarang’s side.”

Ilana closed her eyes thinking of growing old alongside her wonderful husband.  “HaEun can have the Yoon residence, Adul the Contreras home and Sarang and I can retire in Barcelona or maybe even Jeju.”

Jihoo laughed.  “Choah…hajiman, what if HaEun has a yeodongsaeng and not a namdongsaeng?”

 - “Anieyo…she’ll have a namdongsaeng.  Sarang was adamant about having a dtal, naega adamant about adul.”

 - “Arraso…what of after adul, what’s next?”

Ilana grinned in thought.  “Mollah…hokshina another adul.  There are too many yeoja and not enough namja.  We’ll see what Junnie Oppa and YiHyun Unnie have and then we’ll decide.  Ah…and don’t forget Jaejoong hyeongbu and Abigail?”   

Jihoo laughed a little longer.  “Jaejoong teased Abigail that he wanted ten kids, it seems like he might accomplish his goal.”

 - “Is Sarang asking me to have ten kids?”  Ilana was a little nervous.

 - “Anieyo,” Jihoo laughed.  “Like Anae said, two or maybe three more would be nice.  Hajiman…we’ll see.  Yesu might want us to have six more.”

 - “Sarang…maybe we should hold off wishing until we have a second one.  Na don’t really think I can handle twins.”

 - “Gwenchana…as far as I know, there are no twins in the family,” he smiled at his wife.  Resting his spoon on the plate, he took Ilana’s spoon as well and took her hand in his.  “Sarang, nae sarang.  These two years, you’ve made me the happiest namja.  Not only do I have you, you’ve given me our gongju and now there is a wangja on the way.”

 - “Mworago?”  Ilana shook her head, thinking she’d misheard.

Jihoo gave her hand a kiss.  “Sarang, na was waiting all day to tell you.  We…you…are six weeks pregnant.”

 - “Mwo?!”  Ilana practically shouted and looked around embarrassed.  “Sarang…chincha?”  Jihoo nodded, with a wide smile on his face.  “Omo!  Omo!  Omo!”  She tore her hand from his and ran over to his side of the booth, throwing her arms around him.

Jihoo held her back, just as tightly.  “Sarang must take care of herself, no more working twelve-hour days, deh?”

 - “Deh!  Nomu haengbohkae!  Chincha!”

 - “Na do, Sarang, na do.”  He would discuss later with her, that he didn’t want her traveling while pregnant.  He’d have to travel alone, but wouldn’t stay long.  Harabeoji would have to come to see HaEun here in Los Angeles until the baby was born.  If his wife wanted a little boy, then he would be praying for one.

They finished their evening with a walk along the harbor and though they didn’t climb into bed until close to midnight, they were both too restless to sleep.  A caress led to a kiss, which led to another kiss, which led to them slowly making love.  Jihoo was surprised to feel the subtle changes already in his wife’s body from two weeks prior.  Had they made love sooner in the week, he might have noticed.  He tickled her still relatively flat tummy with kisses before trailing down to her legs and the sweet center of her pleasure.  They indulged in each other’s body without care for the time.  After HaEun’s early morning wake up call, Ilana felt a little nauseated.  Jihoo would turn off the alarms and let them sleep in.  Though they had much to be thankful for that Sunday morning, they wouldn’t make their way to Church until that evening and receive all the prayers of well-being from their friends there.  Their intent was to surprise Harabeoji when he arrived next month for HaEun’s first birthday; however, it was impossible to keep Suzy from knowing the truth and, of course, JungMin immediately told the rest of the gang in Seoul.  YoungSaeng told Mina, who let it slip to Harabeoji and Emily told JanDi, who told JunPyo, who told the remaining friends.       

May 13, 2017

Ilana cried and begged when Jihoo told her she wouldn’t be traveling until the baby was born but was given a surprise for HaEun’s first birthday.  She had sent formal announcements of HaEun’s first birthday to their international friends and JunPyo decided to round everyone up for a whirlwind trip.  Soon, he would have to add more seats to the plane to accommodate everyone and their families.

The Contreras-Yoon house was bursting at the seams again.  Jihoo and Ilana could not accommodate everyone as most dropped in by surprise.  They only had two bedrooms open.  The office and media room couches were available and floors were widely available in the formal living room and music room.  Below stairs, was Brendon’s converted living room and a storage room.  JunPyo minded a little, but JanDi gave him the ‘don’t be difficult’ look.  They didn’t have enough of the large suites at the inn available for everyone and the bed and breakfast wasn’t up and running yet.  No one seemed to mind and they plugged in wherever they could.  After taking inventory of blankets and pillows, Jihoo, Brendon, YiJung & GaEul ran off to Kim’s Homestore to fill in what was needed.  They brought back floor mattresses, pillows, pizza, and they had a party before the party.

Ilana couldn’t be happier to see everyone and HaEun even recognized her InSo Oppa and InHei Unnie.  She was weary of Jaejoong’s growing family as she didn’t know them and JaeWook wasn’t quite as calm as InSo was.  Their Princess was radiant in her Dol-bok as were Umma, Appa, and Harabeoji in their hanbok’s.  She wasn’t too happy at not being able to walk in it without tripping.  She had surprised them the day after their anniversary.  Joy was sound asleep in a nice little spot of sun when HaEun realized there was nothing stopping her from touching her.  HaEun was up and walking over to where the cat was sleeping before she or her parents even realized it.

They were both on the bed.  Jihoo was reading, while Ilana watched a drama on her tablet.  Their daughter’s bobbing head passing by the foot of the bed caught Jihoo’s eyes.  He nudged his wife, but with his hand gestured her to be still.

“Omo!”  Ilana whispered.  Joy sensed her peace being disturbed and jumped onto the bed.  The spell was broken and HaEun promptly fell back on her rear.

Grinning, Jihoo got out of bed and scooped HaEun up from the floor, bringing her onto the bed.  “Aigoo…nae gongju is so smart,” he gave her rosy cheek a kiss.

- “Joy-ah, HaEun loves you so much, she walked for you, but not for us,” Ilana laughed.

- “Yi!”  HaEun squealed happily.

Joy gave Ilana an exasperated look and twitched her tail, but otherwise stayed still, while HaEun and Ilana pet her.  “Bebe,” Ilana addressed her tummy.  “Did you see your sister walk?”

Jihoo kissed his wife, over HaEun and Joy.  “Anieyo, he was under the blanket.”  His wife burst out laughing at his little joke and he laughed with her.

It was tradition for the Mother or Grandmother to say the prayer for Baby’s first year (Even though they were celebrating two days early).  Harabeoji and Nana had already given HaEun her blessings; Jihoo prayed over her during her 100^th day and dedication; Ilana wanted this opportunity to give her baby girl a special prayer.  “Thank you, Lord, for bringing such a wonderful and sweet girl into our lives, with her smiling face and beautiful spirit. Please help us to remember that she is Yours, and you have given us the privilege and challenge of being her earthly parents. You knit her together in my womb and know everything about her, and the plan YOU have for her life is the one I pray you help us to lead her toward.  Thank you, for this wonderful first year with HaEun, and for being by our side every step of the way to help give us wisdom and strength to be parents.  I ask that you be with HaEun all the days of her life. Show her your presence and keep her heart pure so that she can see YOU. Help her to remain healthy and strong in her body and mind to ready her for all the amazing things you have in mind for her to accomplish one day. Give her a thirst and a longing for a relationship with you and a love for others that transforms her. Give her strength to deal with life’s hardships and help her to grow from them without a bitter spirit. Protect her from Satan and the traps he likes to set for those of us on this earth…”  By this time, Ilana was already in tears.  “In Jesus name...”

Ilana’s voice faded, but everyone answered “Amen!”

Since this was a princess themed party, they sat HaEun in her new princess chair and set up a table in front of her with various items.  “Gwenchana, gongju, pick something.”  Normally, she wouldn’t grab anything but Jihoo encouraged her; also, they’d made everything pink or at least colorful to draw her attention.  She went straight for a pair of teddy bear shaped scissors.  The point was protected, but Jihoo was ready to grab them if needed.

 - “Yi!!”  Mistaking the bear, for a cat, she didn’t let go of the scissors but waved them happily.

 - “She’ll be dexterous,” Harabeoji said.

 - “She just might be an idol,” JanDi joked.

 - “I’ll be her manager,” WooBin said.

 - “Andwaeyo!”  Jihoo, Ilana, and YoungSaeng all shouted at once and then looked at each other bursting into laughter.  While everyone was distracted, HaEun grabbed a purple quill pen  and was about to put it into , when Jihoo caught her.  “Anieyo…anieyo…,” he took it from her and tickled her cheek, making her giggle.  “Gongju is going to be good in school?”

 - “Unlike her keun abeoj (Father’s older brother),” JanDi husband

 - “Ha!  More like her Keun eomma (Father’s older brothers’ wife),” JunPyo shot back.

Ilana took HaEun into her arms.  “Arraso, gongju.  It’s time to get your party started, deh?”  She turned to all the little ones.  “Who wants to play?”  Mom’s helped their kids clap.  The adults were free to indulge in food, while Ilana led the Mom’s and babies in games and HyungJun captured every minute of duck-duck-goose, hot kitty (hot potato with a stuffed cat), ring around the rosy and more.  Ilana had something special in mind for the kids and left HaEun with Amye, one of the kids from Church, to get ready.  “Mina-yah, I might need your help.  Mian, Oppa,” she smiled apologetically to YoungSaeng, whose arm was glued to Mina’s waist.  “Jankanmanyo, arraso?”  Mina shrugged her shoulders at him.  He couldn’t say no to Ilana.

Likewise, pregnant Ilana couldn’t disappear from her husband’s site.  Jihoo excused himself from the other guys and ran after her and Mina.  “Sarang?  Gwenchana?”  This pregnancy was completely different from her first; she’d had no adverse side effects, so far.  The morning sickness hadn’t been strong at all but Kike’s cologne still made her gag, making her brother very annoyed.

 - “Deh, I’m going to put on Mama’s riding habit and take the kids around the exercise ring.”

 - “Sarang is not getting on a horse, while pregnant,” Jihoo said.

 - “It’s only Basilio, he’s too old to do anything.  We’re just going around the yard.”

 - “Sarang, anything can happen, why risk it, deh?”  He knew a storm was coming and had to act quickly to appease her.

 - “If it was up to you, I’d walk around in a bubble!  We talked about this!”

 - “Sarang, we talked about the event, not that you would be getting on the horse.  We’ll get Amye to bring the carriage and we can all go for rides, deh?”

Mina was caught in the middle but knew Jihoo would not back down on this and Ilana was going to get angry or start crying any second.  “Ilana…I’ll do it!”  Mina said.  She wasn’t an expert horsewoman but could handle taking the little ones around the yard.

Ilana sighed, not happy, but knowing she’d never win her overprotective husband.  “Overprotective Ajussi,” she grumbled and blinked back a tear that threatened to fall.  She’d been looking forward to taking the kids out with Basilio.  She looked to Mina, “the costume only lets you ride side saddle.  Can you handle that?”

Mina looked at Jihoo but spoke to Ilana.  “Just guide me.  I’ll get dressed and then you can show me and lead us around the ring until we’re certain I won’t fall off.  If not, maybe you can walk Basilio and the kids, instead of ride with them.  Does that sound fair?”  To her relief, both Jihoo and Ilana reluctantly agreed.

Riding side saddle wasn’t as comfortable as one would think, but Mina managed.  YoungSaeng was right there to strap the kids in with her, while Jihoo kept Ilana safely on the sidelines.  Jaejoong, having accidentally overheard the entire conversation, leaned over to his wife.  “Na would never let you get on a horse, either.”

Abigail, a little more pregnant than Ilana, glared at her husband.  “Don’t try my patience, mister, or you’re sleeping with Basilio tonight.”

Jaejoong gave his wife the smirk that always managed to distract her.  “I love it when anae is feisty.  Too bad we’re sharing a room with the kids.”

Jaejoong was leaning in for a kiss when Abigail stopped and snapped out of her trance.  “Jae…knock it off!”

The little ones were enjoying their ride.  HaEun looked as if she wanted to cry at first but relaxed when she saw Umma and Appa and crazy Ajussi Jun was following them, making funny faces.  KangMin, being the youngest in attendance got the second ride after HaEun and was a natural.  “He’s part Mal (horse),” Suzy laughed.

 - “He’s nae adul, deh?”  JungMin agreed.

JaeHyeon, was already used to horses because Noona Isabel took both her little brothers for a ride when they picked her up from her lessons.  InSo and Hana smiled the entire ride, while JeongHee cried the second she was sat on top of the animal.  Kike’s boys, Valentino & Mateo were also naturals.  Kike took them on pony rides and planned on starting them on lessons when they turned two, in three months.  Their aunt was a horse breeder and dealer, so he told them it was mandatory that they learn.  The cute twenty-three-month-old, JaeWook was upset that they were going so slow, “Mal, mash rápido!”  He was saying horse in Korean and faster in Spanish, making everyone laugh.

The grand finale to the short, baby appropriate party was the cake.  A pink three-layer cake edged in pink pearls at the base.  The first layer was decorated with golden swirls, the second, gold studs; the third tied with an off-white ribbon and cascaded in matching fondant all the way down the front.  A golden crown topped the whole thing off.  HaEun clapped and squealed appreciatively as they sang Happy Birthday in several languages.  The top layer was for her to smash, but being the princess that she was, HaEun had no intention of getting dirty.  “Yah, InSo-ah, see…HaEun didn’t smash her entire face into the cake!”  JanDi complained to her son.

InHei began to laugh and whispered in Isabel’s ear, “Appa told him to bite the cake.”

Isabel laughed; InHei’s Appa was just as funny as hers.  She confessed to her friend: “On Wookie’s Dol (first birthday), Appa smashed his face in the cake.”

InHei laughed behind her hand, “Omo!  Michin Appa-deul!”

The gift table had an impressive number of gifts and some envelopes as well, that would be opened later, with just the immediate family.  HaEun thanked her guests for coming.  “HaEun-ah, say kansamnida.”

 - “Nita!”  HaEun said and bowed politely to her elders with Appa.  Most of the guests were spending the night and leaving in the early afternoon, therefore there was no real rest for the Yoon family.

Ilana saw YoungSaeng, Kike and JungMin all huddled together, probably talking ‘shop’.  Poor YoungSaeng was yawning.  He had only come for the day and Mina, instead of coming a day earlier with the rest of their friends, joined her boyfriend on this turn around trip.  They walked in her door at seven thirty that morning and needed to leave for the airport at ten that night.  “Sarang, do you think we should talk to YoungSaeng, now?”  Ilana asked.  HaEun was now one and still had no Godparents.  No matter how much she prayed, YoungSaeng was always the answer.  And why not?  He was her first best friend.  Jihoo and she had so many special people in their lives but HaEun was their first.  Her Godparents should be extra special.

Jihoo looked over at the man that had been both a blessing and a curse in his wife’s life and whose love story, almost mirrored his own.  He didn’t know much about being or having a Godparent but he thought it a very special honor.  They listen to, stay connected to, pray for their godchild, and celebrate their life with them.  Just like they did for HaNa he was sure YoungSaeng and Mina would willingly do so for HaEun.  The only reason Jihoo and Ilana hadn’t asked yet, was that they were waiting for them to announce their engagement.  His wife, getting impatient, came up with an idea.  "If Sarang thinks it's a good time, na won't mind.”

 - "Gomawo," Ilana stood on her toes to give him a kiss.  "Should we both go?"

 - "Anieyo, Sarang can tell him, it will mean more coming from Sarang."  He was still a bit awkward with YoungSaeng but he truly felt it would mean more coming from his wife alone, rather than from them both.

 - "Arraso, jankkanmanyo," giving her husband a bright smile, she walked over to YoungSaeng and the others.  "Jeogiyo, YoungSaeng Oppa, a word with you, please?"  Ilana spoke politely, as if speaking to a client, and tried not to laugh.

 - "Deh?"  YoungSaeng asked, a little nervous.

 - "Yah, now what did you do?"  JungMin asked.

 - "YoungSaeng, if you want to make a run for it, I can easily hold her back," Kike teased.

 - "Yah!"  Ilana yelled with mock impatience, making everyone but JungMin jump.

 - “Dude,” JungMin smacked his friend on the back.  “You know how yeoja are, just go with her and get it over with.”

While YoungSaeng glared at his often-overbearing friend, Ilana did too.  “Yah, Mal...you’re lucky I like you.”  As JungMin never addressed Ilana formally, she didn’t either.

JungMin shrugged, “Enrique-ssi, let’s go find the others.”

 - “They’re with the kids, let’s go.”  The two would end up stopping for conversation with Brendon and Juan Carlos before meeting up with the rest of the guys, wives, and kids.

Ilana escorted YoungSaeng into her office, making him even more nervous.  “Cin...I-Ilana-yah?”  He was biting and releasing his lips, still awkward and not sure how to address her.

 - “Anja, juseyo,” he sat down on the sofa, while she sat in a chair.  “Yah...I was just teasing Oppa back there, I’m not upset with you,” she grinned.

 - “Agassi...you really know how to worry me.”

 - “Mian...anyway…” she didn’t quite know to tell him her wish.  JaeKyung had just announced it to her and Jihoo that they’d be HaNa’s godparents.  Perhaps, that would be the easiest.  “Oppa’s friendship means a lot to me and nampyon knows that Oppa is a very special person in our lives.”  YoungSaeng had a confused look on his face, making Ilana grin.  “Oppa...na would like you to be HaEun’s godfather.”  YoungSaeng’s eyes opened wide at that.  He didn’t know what to say, but she didn’t let him say anything yet.  “Hajiman…there’s a condition.”

 - “Deh!  Whatever it is, tell me,” he was completely surprised and honored.

 - “Chincha?  Should I tell Oppa?”  She laughed, unfazed by his death glare.  Unlike Jihoo, there was no hint of playfulness in his gaze.  “Aigoo...maybe I should consider a less grumpy godfather.”  Likewise, he wasn’t threatened by her and waited patiently.  “Arraso...Na want Mina as her godmother, hajiman...,” Ilana saw the furrowed brows.  “You two must be married before officially receiving the title.  By the time HaEun is two, na want to be able to name you two her godparents, deh?”

 - “Ilana-yah, Mina-ssi is the one for me, chincha.  It’s just difficult right now because of my career.”

 - “Alguesubnida...that’s why I’m giving you a year.  If you really love her, nothing you can do will make her love you more, deh?  At least announce your engagement.”

YoungSaeng couldn’t help giving a little smile, thinking of his girlfriend.  “Neaga currently working in that direction.  Give me until the end of the year to take another step.  Na have given her my complete commitment.  Na just need to get through all my work commitments for the year.  Kol (deal)?”  YoungSaeng stuck his hand out to her.

 - “Umm...deh?”  Ilana laughed as she shook his hand.  She might have heard the word once in all her time around the Korean language and only vaguely new its meaning.  “Ah...hajiman...if Oppa takes longer than a year Na will choose an already married couple.”         

 - “That’s discrimination,” he grumbled.

 - “Mollah!  You can have nae adul.”

 - “Yah...Ilana-yah already knows the ahgi is a namja?”

 - “Not for sure, na just have this feeling.  There’s a 50/50 chance I’m right.”

 - “Pabo!”

 - “Just wait until Mina is expecting a little Otter,” she teased.

 - “Aigoo...mollah...that seems so far away.  Na haven’t thought that far.  Na was just thinking of the day Na will have her to myself.”

 - “Oppa will have her all for himself soon.  She's not going anywhere; Na will fire her if she does.”

YoungSaeng grinned, knowing Ilana would make good on her threat.  "Ara Ilana won't need to do that.  Mina-ssi knows she's mine."  YoungSaeng bit his lip from wanting to tell her his plans. 

 - "Possessive Otter."

 - "Maja!"

 - "Just remember, Oppa has one year!"

 - "One year for what?"  MiNa had been searching for her boyfriend and heard his and Ilana's voices coming from the open office door.

 - "Amugatdoanya (Nothing)," Ilana said, standing from her chair and offering her childhood friend a hug.  "Gomawo, Mina.  Gomawo, Oppa," she also gave YoungSaeng a hug.  "You must be exhausted, nomu haenboghkae you made it.  Na will tell HaEun how much her Imo & Ajussi deul love her to come all this way just for one day."

 - "I got to see Mami and Papi, so that's okay," Mina said.  “And I got to spend a little time with Ajussi."

 - "Yah...who is jagiya calling Ajussi!"

Ilana laughed at the cute pair.  "Rest, the party is over.  Oppa, take a nap on this couch and Mina, Nana will let you use her room.”

Mina felt her boyfriend’s eyes on her but didn’t waver.  “Anieyo...Orabeoni can take a nap if he wants Na want to visit with Mami and Papi.”

 - “Arraso, I’m going to get HaEun to take a nap.”  Ilana yawned, herself.

 - “Yah!  Ilana-yah needs to rest too!”  YoungSaeng scolded.

 - “Deh!  After everyone leaves, tomorrow,” she smiled at them.  "Rest, juseyo, I have a princess to put down for a nap.”  The Princess and her royal court did not immediately go to sleep and once asleep, didn’t stay asleep for long.

The Southern California evening was still warm.  The Yoon family changed out of their Hanboks to watch the kid’s play outside in the setting sun.  Their princess was one and Lord willing, a little prince would follow.  Ilana laughed at her thought, “didn't YoungSaeng say his favorite book was 'Le Petit Prince?'.  Are we giving him and Mina the wrong baby, Lord?"  She asked, silently.

 - "Sarang?  Gwenchana?"  Jihoo noticed her perplexed look and worried that she was in discomfort.  "Begopah?"  He, JungMin, and Brendon took off in different directions to buy fast food for thirty people.  There was no way they could all show up at a restaurant or even order take out from just one place.  Not that everyone could decide on one place.

 - “Anieyo…half a sandwich was just enough.  Besides, KyuJong Oppa gave me some of his French fries.”  She had been talking with Emily and was unknowingly staring at KyuJong’s plate.  Trying not to laugh, he quietly slid the plate of fries within her reach, until she realized she'd devoured half the plate.

 - "Omo!  Oppa?!  I ate all your fries!"

He did laugh at her horrified face.  “Gwenchana!  That's why I placed them there; so, you would just grab and not think."

 - "Oppa!  I ate too much!  Suzy is going to scold me for gaining too much weight."

Suzy and KangMin were sitting nearby.  "Unnie can just walk a little extra this week."

 - "Guerae...like I have all this extra time," she said sarcastically.  Even with JungMin back, she was still busy.  He was training someone new on their team, leaving Ilana to sometimes make calls and do research that he would normally handle.

 - "Unnie-yah!  Gwenchana!  You're doing great!  First trimester is over anyway.  This is the trimester to start gaining weight."

 - "Deh...," she grumbled.  Jihoo and Suzy kept her on her toes with her calorie count.  This was the reason for her collapse when she first found out about the pregnancy.  Though she was not skipping meals, often she was too busy to eat anything more than an apple with peanut butter or banana and cottage cheese between breakfast and dinner.  Hardly enough to be nursing as well as sustain another little life.  It was no wonder that HaEun had kept waking up in the middle of the night.

Kike, Jaejoong, HyungJun, and YoungSaeng were conducting the official 'after party' with all HaEun's new toys.  Mostly everyone was walking, except for KangMin and JaeHyeong, they were enjoying the maze of tubes and tents they had set up for them to crawl around in.  It was perfect for Mom's to relax on a chair and watch.  The kids that could walk were all over the guys or playing on HaEun's new Ybike (courtesy of Tío Kike), riding on play horse (from Jaejoong & Abigail), and HaEun was quickly learning how to pedal her brand new pink classic roadster.  It looked like it came from the fancy toy store in their town center.  YoungSaeng had let go and the little car and grinning driver were making their way to Jihoo and Ilana.  "Beba!"  Ilana called her.  "¡Ven, mi amor (Come my love)!"  Ilana stood and crouched down (she still could) to receive her little driver.  "Choah?"

 - "Mma!!  Mma!!"  She squealed excitedly.

Jaekyung came up to them with HaNa.  "She needs accessories.  A white scarf, hat, sunglasses and don't forget driving gloves.  That would be so cool, maja?"

 - "oo!"  HaEun repeated.  Imo JaeKyung was teaching her funny words.

 - "Chincha Beba?  You'd look cool?"  Ilana looked at her husband.  "Arraso, Umma and Appa will get you a costume with the gift that Imo & Ajussi Song got for you."  WooBin and JaeKyung had given her a designer handbag, with a modest sum of money inside.  "I wonder which of Umma's Oppa-Deul bright idea the car was.  Certainly, Appa wouldn't get such a lavish gift for his one-year-old Princess?"  The car had come from Brendon & Nana, but something told her, her husband and Kike were also involved.  She didn't need to see the price tag to know it was several $100 dollars.

 - “Mollah…”  Jihoo smiled at his Princess.  “Aigoo, kyopta gongju likes her car?  Let’s give Wookie-ah or HaNa a turn.”

HaEun’s little face began to melt as Appa began to pull her from the car.  “Aww...it’s her Birthday!”  JaeKyung defended HaEun.  “Let her have a little longer.  Hana, Wookie-ah, let’s go look for goyangi, deh?  We’ll come back to the car, later.  JaeWook Appa, is that okay with you?”

Jaejoong had one of the twins on his back and came to make sure JaeWook was not the one making HaEun cry.  “He’s a bit of handful…” Jae hesitated.

 - “So is HaNa,” she said.  “They take after their Appa-deul,” she laughed.

 - “Hokshina…," he grinned.  “If you’re willing, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Jae crouched down to his son, looking him straight in the eye.  “Listen to Ajumma,” he received JaeKyung’s death glare.  “She has my permission to call ‘el cucuy’ and he’ll take you away and eat you for dinner.”

 - “Anieyo Appa!!”  The normally fearless little boy, was deathly afraid of ‘el cucuy’ (boogeyman equivalent in Spanish)’, making him stop whatever mischief he was into when he remembered, which was seldom.

 - “Dokkaebi (Korean)?  Does it work?”  JaeKyung asked.

 - “For a second and then he forgets all about it.”

JaeKyung laughed.  “Kaja Wookie-ah, HaNa...behave and I won’t have to call Dokkaebi or El Cucuy,” she took the two and led them on a scavenger hunt for the cat that was safely hidden from little hands.

 - “Hyeongnim!  Chincha?”  Ilana scolded.  “Don’t scare your child like that!”

 - “Yah...just wait until you have a little gomiho instead of an angel.”

Jaejoong’s only angel and her partner, InHei, came running out of the house.  Not going anywhere without their American Girl dolls, they ditched poor JeongYul and decided to play dolls.  “Appa!”  Isabel came out to show him one of the outfits InHei, who owned every American Girl outfit possible, lent her.  "Look what Maryellen let us wear!"

 - “Wau...Isabell-ah is yippeun!  And Agassi, mianhae, Na have forgotten your name...” he lent his ear to InHei’s doll.  "Ah, deh...Maryellen-ssi.  Now I remember.  Maryellen has fine taste; does she take after Harabeoji?"  InHei giggled, looking to make sure her Father was not around.  They had nothing to fear.  He was chasing InSo around the little playground and her Mother was playing with the babies, KangMin, and JaeHyeong.

Ilana lifted her legs onto the porch swing and made herself comfortable against Jihoo.  Every corner of the yard had an adult or child in it.  Had her home ever been filled with so many people?  Of course, it had been, but it was still unbelievable to her that she had these people as her family now.  She had Jihoo and he had her and they had their HaEun and maybe a little boy on the way.  Placing her hand on her small bump, HaEun at this stage was still unnoticeable, but second pregnancies, she's been told are noticeable right away.  "Saranghae, adul," she moved her lips only, thinking she'd wake him up if he heard her voice.

 - "Sarang, gwenchana?"  He saw his wife covering her stomach with her hand and though her lips moved, no sound was made.  "Are you uncomfortable?

 - "Gwenchana...," she said quietly.  "Na didn't want to wake adul."

Jihoo covered her hand with his and gave her forehead and lips a soft kiss.  "Na would think it a miracle he would be sleeping with all the noises of kids screaming and laughing around him.  He probably can't wait to come and play with them."  His wife insisted they were having a son and since this pregnancy was complete opposite of her last one, perhaps she was right.  They would get confirmation in few weeks when they went in for an ultrasound.  "Adul will be running around with them before we know it."

 - "Mmm...," she closed her eyes, a little drowsy.

 - "Does Sarang want to lay down and Na will wake you before YoungSaeng & Mina leave?"

 - "Anieyo...gwenchana...where did Oppa and Mina go?

 - "Na believe Rodriguez Byeonhosa & Ajumma were inside having coffee with Nana, YoungSaeng and Mina-ssi must be out here somewhere.”

YoungSaeng and Mina had snuck away for some one on one time.  They still had very little time together.  Other than the temptation, it was just too difficult to spend the night together.  YoungSaeng didn't have time to be trapped in Mina's apartment and she couldn't be caught sneaking out of his.  They had mostly slept on the plane, but at least they were together.  The premium economy seats on Singapore Airlines were surprisingly comfortable and were only two-seat rows.  Perfect for a loving couple and no one would suspect an idol to travel economy and not the usual Korean Air or Asiana.  Mina sat on the swing in the middle of the grove of trees in the back of the property and YoungSaeng pushed her gently; stopping only to give her kisses from time to time.  They were in one of those kisses, YoungSaeng having forgotten all about pushing the swing, when Mina felt something on her knee.  Opening her eyes in surprise, she pulled away from YoungSaeng to see one of Kike's boys staring up at them.  YoungSaeng coughed a guilty laugh and Mina took the little boys hand, avoiding her boyfriend’s eyes.  "Hello...what's your name?"  She didn't know them well enough to tell the twins apart.

 - "Valentino!"  He said proudly.  He had wandered from his Father, who was now at JungMin's house, looking over a piece of music.  They had left the front door open and forgotten to close the screen door.

 - "Where is daddy?"  He pointed somewhere behind him.  "Did you get lost?"  The little boy shrugged, grinning.  There were pretty flowers in front of the house and he couldn't help plucking a few.  He'd seen Mina and YoungSaeng walking and after being bored in the garden, he decided to go look for them, his treasures, still crumpled his little hand.  "Hmm...you're a mischievous little sprite, aren't you?"  Mina ruffled his hair.

 - "Yah...ruffling another namja's hair?"  YoungSaeng teased.

Mina laughed while reaching up to dishevel her boyfriend's hair.  He pouted a little and smoothed it back into place.  He was still fastidious when it came to his hair but didn't mind too much if it was his girlfriend messing it up, especially if they were sharing passionate kisses and she couldn't help herself.  "Valentino, what are you hiding in your hand?"  She noticed he kept one hand behind his back.

At this, he grinned excitedly and dumped about four different flowers, a little wilted, on Mina's lap.  "Pretty!"

 - "Wau...very pretty!  Thank you, Valentino, for sharing your treasures with me.  My boyfriend doesn't bring me flowers, but you did."

 - "Yah...!  I've been busy!"

Mina loved to torment him.  Adorning her hair with the flowers, she asked Valentino how they looked.  "Is Aunty pretty?"  The little boy nodded.

YoungSaeng couldn't argue.  "He has a good eye, too bad you're mine," he whispered in Mina's ear.

She made to sock him in the arm, but he was on to her and moved away quickly.  "Would you like to ride on the swing with me?"  The little boy eagerly nodded and she placed him on her lap.  "Uncle YoungSaeng, push us," she demanded.

 - "Aigoo..." he grumbled but complied anyway.

The little boy had settled in Mina's lap and giggled appreciatively as the swing picked up speed.  "Wee!!  You're having fun?"

 - "More!  More!!"  He laughed.

 - "Arraso, arraso!"  YoungSaeng pushed them faster, smiling at how cute his girlfriend looked with the little kid on her lap.  It made him want to kidnap her and marry her on the spot and have a little boy just like Valentino.  Both Mina & Valentino screamed as the swing got higher and higher.

She held on to him tightly.  "Orabeoni!  Slow down!"

 - "Valentino likes it!"  The little boy was laughing in delight.  "Kyopta!"

 - "I'm scared I'm going to drop him, Orabeoni, slow down!"  Mina only held on with one hand, so she could hold Valentino with the other.  She made sure he was holding on tight.  "Hold on tight, sweetie!"  She told him.

 - "Arraso!  I'll stop pushing and let you guys stop on your own."  He gave one final push and went to sit on the patch of wild grass that had sprung up not too far away.  Mina and YoungSaeng locked gazes, smiling, for a bit.  The picture of Mina on the swing with the little boy was idyllic and beautiful.

  - “One of these days na won't have the power to say 'no'...Then Orabeoni will have to marry me the very next second…”

He remembered her threat and smiled.  He’d marry her on the spot, but he had to establish his career first.  He also wanted to give her the beautiful wedding she deserved, not just a trip to city hall.  He just needed this year.  He’d have another album, a musical, he was already contracted to record a few OST’s, and not only was he the official model for H&M Korea, he would be the face for a new cosmetics store.  He didn’t have to worry about getting work; his marketing director was biased toward him.  The thought of kidnapping her, having a quiet wedding, and then having their wedding, in Japan, later had not left his brain.  Unfortunately, he’d be out of the country again this summer but perhaps in the fall?  “A guy can dream, can’t he?”  He mumbled.  “Mollah,” he shook his head at her questioning look.  “Naega wondering how nae jagiya would look holding our aghi.”

 - “Orabeoni!!”

 - “Let’s have one in two years, married or not,” he continued to , enjoying the pretty flush on her face.

 - “Yah...Orabeoni can go back home by himself,” she had stopped swinging to glare at her boyfriend and the little boy squirmed in her lap, wanting her to keep going.

 - “More!  More!  Peeeeesh?”

 - “I’m sorry, Valentino,” she began to swing again.  “Mr. Heo distracted me.”

 - “Mithter?”

 - “That’s right.  That’s Mr. Heo, but Valentino can call me, Mina.”

 - “Mi-na?”  Valentino tried the name out.

 - “That’s Miss Mina, to you, little man.  That’s my girl.”

 - “Mine,” the little boy said.  Mina laughed and swung them higher, sticking her tongue out at her boyfriend.

After a while, Kike, followed by JungMin, came looking for his son.  They’d looked in the garden with the play equipment and he wasn’t there.  The stable yard was locked, so he couldn’t go in there.  The house door was also closed, so that left the grove.  “Valentino!  Son, I’ve been looking all over for you!”

 - “Papi!!”  The little boy waved but made no move to get off his perch.”

 - “Enrique-ssi, your son is trying to take my girlfriend away,” YoungSaeng complained, with a smile on his face.  The little boy was cute, regardless.

 - “He’s much better looking than you,” JungMin jabbed.

 - “JungMin, do you want to be dead before your son is one?”

 - “Grouchy...Mina-yah...hurry up and propose to him!  Maybe his personality will improve.”

Before YoungSaeng could decide whether to choke or punch his friend, Mina stopped swinging.  “Valentino should go with Papi.  Mr. Heo is getting jealous.”

 - “More!”

 - “¡Hijo, no te mandes (Son, don’t take advantage)!”  Kike opened his arms to greet his son but Valentino didn’t move.  “Hijo...ven (Son...come).”

Mina gave the little guy a gentle push.  “Bye-bye, sweetie!”  Mina waved at the still pouting boy, who reminded her of her boyfriend when he sulked.

 - “Dile gracias a la muchacha bonita (Say thank you to the pretty girl),” Kike said.

 - “Gashash!”  The little boy blew her a kiss.

 - “Yah, rascal…” YoungSaeng ruffled the kid’s hair.

 - “Hey,” Kike told his son seriously.  “You can’t flirt with another man’s girlfriend.  I don’t want to see you getting into fights when you get older.”  The little boy didn’t quite understand what his dad was saying and just ignored him.

While YoungSaeng laughed, Mina scolded.  “Yah...Kike...how could you tell him something like that!  He’s not even two!”

 - “Gotta teach them manners early.  Right, Valentino?”  JungMin gave the kid a hi-5.

 - “Thank you for watching him, his brother, I’m sure is looking for him.  I’ll see you guys before you leave.”

Mina was still shaking her head as they walked away.  “Kyopta,” YoungSaeng said.

 - “I’ll leave you two to what you were doing,” JungMin laughed.  “Just remember there are kids around.”

 - “Park JungMin!”               

 - “Yah, Mal!”  Though they both shouted at him, JungMin still walked away laughing.  YoungSaeng walked toward Mina and the swing, with his flirty Otter smile.  “If I sit on your lap, can I swing with you?”

 - “Andwae!!”

While YoungSaeng meant to sit on her lap, Mina was pushing with all her strength.  “Arraso, arraso!”  He laughed.  “Get up and jagi can sit on my lap.”

 - “Shiro…” she pouted, but he made her get up anyway.  “Anieyo!”  He was pulling her on top of his lap.

 - “Deh,” he trapped her against him by hooking his arm around her waist.

 - “Yah!  Let go!”  She was strong, but he was stronger.  The countless hours of training had left his shirt well filled. 

In just a black printed tank top and black skinny jeans, he was a feast for the eyes.  The porcelain skin on his strong and bare arms had left her a bit dizzy.  She’d stopped struggling and in her state of weakness, he took advantage and kicked up his legs, beginning to swing.  “Ay!  Orabeoni!  I didn’t say to swing!  Stop!  I’m slipping!”

 - “Hold on!  Naega still holding on to jagi’s waist, Na won’t let you fall.”

 - “Orabeoni!”  She held on to his neck and one hand on the rope.  The creaking of the tree above them, made her close her eyes.  “Orabeoni!  If we fall and live, I’m going to kill you.”

 - “Jagi has already killed me.  In fact, na will only regret, a little, dying and not having made love to you hajiman nomu hangbohkae right at this moment.”  While she held on to his neck, her tank top covered chest crashed into his every time he moved his body to set the swing in motion and her bare legs would soon be making it difficult for him to breathe.  He gave them one more push, making her cling tighter to his neck.  Her neck was right in line with his lips and he grazed the delicate skin, making goose bumps form on her arms and legs, despite the warm weather.

 - “Hajiman…” she whined.

 - “Annchoah?”

 - “Mmm...”

 - “Chincha?”  He parted his lips and assaulted her flesh once more, nipping at it, leaving damp circles to dry in the passing breeze.  He kissed her arm and shoulder and then back to that ticklish spot behind her ear.  When she unconsciously tilted her head closer to him, he slowly slid the hand on her waist, up just below the line and then let go to bring it to her face.  “Annchoah?”  His voice, against her neck, reverberated through her entire body.

“Mmm,” she sighed, still trying to play their game.

  - “Chincha?”  They’d forgotten everyone else and it was just the two of them in the back of the property.  Even if they were still aware of their surroundings, JungMin had already warned everyone not to wander to the trees as YoungSaeng and Mina were having some couple time.  He nipped at her collarbone with his teeth, until he made her sigh again and played with her lips, kissing them very lightly, making her press herself forward to make contact.  “Choah?”  He grinned against her lips, while his hand moved under her hair, gently caressing her beautiful neck, he parted his lips, coming close to hers and then drawing back.  He felt the thumping of her heartbeat under his fingertips.  He fit his lips over her bottom lip, holding the position for about a four count.  Mina parted her lips wanting more, she smiled, thinking of little Valentino.  “Choah?”  He whispered against her lips.

 - “Mmm…”  Mina’s ‘yes’ was more of a whining sound and felt her face heat up immediately after.  She was hopelessly addicted to his kisses but hated that desperation that he created in her.  Like a drug addict, she needed her fix or she’d come unglued.  She bit his lip in retaliation; he would get an earful from the make-up Noona, for sure.

 - “Now you’re in trouble.”  He didn’t even know when he had stopped swinging.  Settling her more firmly on his lap, he let his hand linger on the sweet roundness of her bottom.  Mina opened to protest and he brought a hand to the back of her head, crashing her lips to his.  He wasn’t going to stop until she begged for mercy.  These moments were too few and far between nowadays; he was determined to get his fill. Consuming her lips hungrily, he only released them for a split second before he was devouring them again.  He gave a quick bite to her plump bottom lip and took advantage of her open mouth.  His tongue gave hers a hint of what he really desired from her, but couldn’t.  At least, not until he placed a real ring on her finger.  He groaned at the thought.  Mina gasped, but he didn’t let her go, until he had her clinging on to him and trembling.  He made her feel things, she’d never felt before and although he didn’t touch her anywhere inappropriate, his caresses and the way his tongue insinuated things, and the way his body brushed against hers, could hardly be called innocent.

The dawning realization, that they weren’t in their apartment, finally crept into YoungSaeng’s awareness.  He slowed down but continued with soft kisses and then moved to bury his neck into hers.  Mina hadn’t let go either and just rested, letting the waves of adrenaline subside.  “Orabeoni,” she said once she could find her voice.  “You make me have to go to confession, but I can’t possibly discuss these feelings with a priest!  I just have to trust that Jesus will continue to give me strength to resist temptation.”

YoungSaeng couldn’t help laugh.  “Nado, Jagi!  Even more so!  Jeongmal, jagi, don’t expect a very long wedding reception.”

 - “Orabeoni!”  She socked his arm and after, he kissed her one more time.  A little softer, this time, not wanting to get lost again in their passionate kisses.  Something that's very easy to do.

 - “We...na...just have to be patient.  Remember that Jagiya belongs to me.  All of you is mine,” he glared at her with that hungry smoldering look of his and was rewarded with her red cheeks to match the red stains in the sky, left by the setting sun.

 - "And Orabeoni belongs to me..." she took his face between her hands and kissed him slowly, again, letting his lips make their impression on hers.  These moments must last her at least a few weeks.  They couldn't enjoy these kinds of kisses in the stairwell.  When they returned to Seoul, Monday morning, she would have to return him to his fans.  Lifting her head, she smiled.  "Choah that Orabeoni's lips are all mine...," she traced them with her finger.  “...to do with..." she inched closer again.  Whatever I want."  Though she meant only to give him a light kiss, he took her head and pressed her firmly against his, needing to satisfy his heart's clamoring for those watermelon pink lips.

May 14, 2016

Jihoo and Ilana lounged lazily on the patio lounger.  All their guests had finally left, except for Kike and the boys.  Harabeoji had gone for a walk, Nana had gone out with her friends, the kids were all napping, Suzy had to work (babies don't care that it's Sunday), Brendon, JungMin, and Kike were all enjoying the pool on this lazy afternoon.  All in all, the house was just too quiet after the whirlwind of the previous forty-eight hours.

The kids didn't stop playing.  They went from one section of the property to the other.  It was a good thirty minutes past HaEun's bedtime before Ilana said "enough"!  With a great show, Brendon led HaEun to the garage, where he'd already prepared a parking spot just for her new car.  He painted a pink box right next to the White Aston Martin.  It was a six-car garage and they only had three; four if you counted, Suzy's car.

 - "Nae?"  She said cutely.

 - "Yes, Princess HaEun, this is your parking spot."  Brendon guided her in, until she was in the little box.

 - "Wow!  Our Princess is a great driver!"  He gave her a hi-5.  "Princess HaEun needs to teach her Mama how to drive."

 - "Ma-ma?"

 - "Yes, Mama.”  HaEun was vocalizing more and more, everyone loved to strike up a conversation with her.  "Now, we need to cover your car, so that it doesn't get dirty, okay?"

 - "Oh..."

Brendon cut up a white dust cover to fit over the little pink car.  "Say goodnight to the car."

 - "nigh?"  She gave the car a little pat and he took her by the hand back to her parents, who'd been secretly watching not far away.

Ilana was getting drowsy.  They hadn’t had nearly enough sleep the last two days.  How could they, wanting to catch up with everyone, especially Abigail and Jaejoong?  Ilana smiled, remembering how InHei and Isabel cried and hugged goodbye.  InHei would not be consoled the entire way to the airport.  The two called and texted each other the entire day.  They only got to see each other once, possibly twice a year.  That didn’t mean they weren’t in constant contact.  She laid a hand on her bump, caressing it.  Picturing the two little siblings playing on the grounds along with the rest of the F4 kids.  InSo and HaNa will probably be the leaders of the pack, if they were anything like their parents.  Ilana laughed out loud.

 - “Sarang?”  Jihoo was dozing off in the afternoon sun, next to his wife, when he heard her laugh.

 - “Amugatdo,” she brought his head back to rest on her shoulder and lovingly caressed the dark blond, almost brunette strands of hair.

 - “Wae…,” he settled closer on the lounge and brought his hand on top of hers.

Ilana nuzzled her cheek against his head.  “Doesn’t Sarang feel a little lonely, this afternoon?  It’s too quiet?”

Jihoo gave her cheek a kiss, “Oh, is this not a good thing?”

- “Hajimaseyo…” his thumb on top her hand was tickling her stomach and she moved to dislodge him.

 - “Eeliwah,” he dragged her back against him and leaned her head on his shoulder.  “Na don’t feel lonely, Na have anae and dtal.  We have our family here, deh bogoshipo our chingu, hajiman...soon dtal and adul will be running around the property and they’ll have chingu from the neighborhood or from Church coming over and then a few times of year, when we get together with everyone, it will be that much sweeter.  Doesn’t Sarang think so?”

 - “Deh...it’s nice when we come back from Seoul and it’s just us and things are peaceful, hajiman...having everyone over the weekend also made me happy.  We don’t have the liberty to just pick up and go like they do and now Sarang has refused to let me travel during this pregnancy...it might have been an entire year before we met our chingu again!”  The thought made Ilana’s eyes get a little teary.

Jihoo laughed; perhaps it was because he knew the F4 would never let them disappear for a year that he didn’t worry about it.  He’d had a missing puzzle piece for many years.  It was the link between him and his friends, Ilana was that missing piece.  Whether she had business in Seoul or not, she would be pushing him to visit Harabeoji and the F4.  Their children would have to spend time with their friend’s children.  The F4 would ‘reign’ again, Lord willing for the better this time.  This time, the children wouldn’t bond from loneliness but out of love.  This extended family had more love contained in it than all his friend’s blood relations combined.  JunPyo and JanDi would never let him isolate himself again and Ilana and the other wives were in constant communication, even if they couldn’t see each other face to face.  Jihoo could honestly say he preferred this life much better than the isolated one he lived before meeting Ilana.  “Ani, Sarang, that wouldn’t happen.  Gu JunPyo couldn’t bear to apart from me that long and Na think Sarang’s chingu would find a way to come for a visit at least once, deh?”

 - “Deh!  HaEun needs her favorite photographer.  She might take after her Nina (godmother), though her Nino (godfather) might have something to say about that.”

 - “So would her Appa.” Jihoo gave her his ‘stern’ look.”

 - “The kids are allowed one teeny tiny rebellion,” Ilana grinned.  “Aigoo!  Yesu help us if they do?”  They both laughed at the thought of having to parent during difficult situations.

 - “Na guarantee they won’t be worse than the F4.”

 - “Aigoo...Sarang has never exactly ‘told’ me what the ‘F4’ was about and Na have this feeling I don’t want to know.”

 - “Maja,” he gave a peck on her lips.  “Sarang doesn’t need to know.”  Ilana smiled, but then began to yawn.

 - “Sarang, ka lie down.  Na will listen for dtal and the boys.”

 - “Arraso, a little nap won’t hurt.”  She took the lift upstairs and stretched out on the bed.  “Goyangi!  ¡Gatita!”  She pat the bed, knowing her cat was in the room somewhere.  Joy pounced on the bed with a loud meow.  “There you are…” Joy purred loudly in Ilana’s face.  “Take a nap with me,” Ilana the head, lovingly for a little longer and then declared it was naptime.  The cat made herself comfortable and the two didn’t wake up for an hour when Jihoo and HaEun made their way into the room to ‘see’ if Umma was awake.

December 1, 2017

 - “That’s it, Unnie!  If you feel like pushing, make it a good one.”  Suzy instructed.  It had been a long day for Ilana.  Unlike with HaEun, this baby was not early.  He decided to take his sweet time in arriving.  He was due on the 25th and Ilana hadn’t even begun to feel a contraction until after Jihoo left for the clinic.  He was officially on leave since the Thanksgiving holiday and he wouldn’t begin seeing patients again until the last week of February.  There was a meeting he needed to be at and he wanted to make sure everything was in order before the baby was born and before they left for Seoul.  Once his wife was in labor, he wouldn't be thinking about anything.

This pregnancy was the complete opposite of the last one.  Ilana worked up until the day before.  She had stopped going to the office just last week but up until then, she was still going twice a week.  When Jihoo came home from the clinic, they would place HaEun in her stroller and walk for at least a mile.  Though she complained bitterly about being bigger than with HaEun, it really was all baby.  While Jihoo didn't exactly want to leave his wife's side during this time, he knew she and the baby were in good health and he had responsibilities to take care of back home.  ILC Seoul was more set up for working remotely than the foundation was.  Though, Jihoo was slowly getting his board there.  He had flown back to Seoul five times, during the pregnancy, for a few days each visit.  Just like he had done in New York, he stayed only long enough to take care of business and come home.  He missed and worried for his wife too much, as well as their princess and unborn son, to take more time than necessary even if it meant going without sleep.  Ilana would be just as sleep deprived by the time he got home.  She didn't know how Suzy handled it when JungMin had to make short trips for work.

Ilana gathered her strength and gave the final push to bring their new baby into the world.  "Saranghae..."  Jihoo's voice shook with emotion.  The birth of baby number two was no less a miracle then number one.  He had gone to lunch as planned, with Juan Carlos and some of the other Doctors.  Even though he expected a call, none came; that too should have been expected.  Since she wasn't in 'active' labor, she wouldn't want to worry him, but finding her squatting, using her desk for balance, to ride out a contraction wasn't supposed to worry him.

 - "There you go, Umma," Suzie handed her the baby.  "Say annyeong to your son."  Ilana was still in the tub, which was just as nice as their tub back home.  The birthing center that Suzy was affiliated with could easily pass for one of the suites at ILC inn or their newly opened bed and breakfast.  Mediflower in Seoul was nice, but certainly not as nice as this one.  Harabeoji, Nana, Brendon, Gloria, Juan Carlos, Kike, and JungMin were all in the living room, waiting to say hello.  Juan Jr. & Memo were watching HaEun and the twins. “Hola chiquito (Hello, little one),” Ilana greeted their new baby boy.  “HaNeul-ah?"  She called him, curious if he'd answer to his name.  "Aigoo...he's still tired, begopah?"  He was doing what babies do, rooting for nourishment.  "Kyopta, nomu kyopta."

 - "Unnie, let's move to the bed before the placenta comes."

 - "Arraso."

Once resituated, Jihoo the little furry head.  “He takes after Umma, with all that hair,” he gave the top of her head a kiss.  "HaNeul-ah looks just like Umma."

 - "Anieyo, he's got your dirty blond hair and he has your chin," she giggled, tickling the little chin.  Ilana's eyes sparkled with joyful tears.  Even if they'd already had HaEun, HaNeul was still a miracle and a blessing.  "Harabeoji was right, you are heavenly."

 - "Perfect, just like Umma.  The rest of him is all you, even down to his hands."  He picked up his wife's hand and kissed it.  "Gomawo, Sarang, gomawo," forgetting about Suzy, he leaned in, kissing his wife softly on the lips.  Despite being sticky and sweaty; despite not having delivered the placenta; Ilana didn’t care, she was elated with their new baby and indulged not guiltily in their kiss.

Suzy, grinning from ear to ear and cleared .  “Hyeongbu and Unnie can get back to what you were doing after the placenta is delivered.  And Unnie will have to wait six weeks before Hyeongbu tries for number three.”

 - “Suzy-ah!”  Ilana’s cheeks were already slightly flushed from the exertion of pushing, now more so.

Jihoo turned his face away to avoid getting teased by his wife’s friend and midwife at the sight of his own flushed face.  Quickly schooling his face, he held Ilana’s hand.  “Arraso, Sarang...just the placenta and you can rest.”

 - “Deh,” Ilana was ready for a good rest but knew it wouldn't come soon.  HaNeul will need to be nursed every two hours, regardless of how she felt.

Relaxing would not come anytime soon.  The rest of their family came in to congratulate them as soon as Umma and baby were decent.  Harabeoji was the first to hold his new great-grandson.  "Yippeun-ah," Harabeoji inspected him with great care, just like he did with HaEun, trying to memorize every little feature.  There’s always that little spot in a man's heart that wants a son or grandson, now he had both.  After being reunited with Jihoo and was forgiven, he had adopted his son's child into his heart as his own.  Now that child had his own son.  "Kansamnida, Yesu.  These little ones have brought joy and blessing to an old man.  Had I not been a fool and wasted so many years..."  Harabeoji wiped the tears of joy that streamed down his face.

 - "Harabeoji..."  Jihoo stood and hugged his grandfather and son.  "Na don't think they were wasted years.  Yesu knew we needed to be stubborn so we’d eventually tire of it and finally turn to Him."

Ilana had been entertained by Gloria's story of little Memo's birth.  Now, having her second baby, she knew why women liked to recount their pregnancy horror stories.  At the time, they are painful and frightening but after you first hold the blessing that came out of that trial, the trial itself pales in comparison to the joy that comes from it.  She overheard her husband's conversation about being stubborn and couldn't help grin. Her eyes turned to him; had she not been so stubborn herself, would she know such love?  "No," she thought.  "Those forgiven much, love much," she mumbled the Bible verse.

Jihoo and Harabeoji had now been joined in conversation by Juan Carlos and Nana stole HaNeul away from Harabeoji.  Jihoo caught his wife, staring at him.  "Gwenchana?"  He questioned her silently with his eyes.

Ilana inclined her head subtly.  "Nomu saranghae," she mouthed.

 - "Nado," he mouthed back.

Ilana smiled and leaned her head back against the pillows closing her eyes.  Everyone was busy at the moment, talking amongst themselves.  HaNeul was being passed around like a roasted sweet potato, perhaps no one would notice if she took a nap.  "Thank you, Lord, for HaNeul," she prayed.  "You rescued me from that pit and you gave me so much.  You taught me how to love, how to accept love, and how to give love.  My life is yours, Yesu.  I will treasure you and all the gifts you've given me.  I will be a blessing to my husband, children, and friends."

Jihoo managed to extricate himself from the men, who had now joined Brendon and Kike in the living room of their suite. The women had taken over HaNeul.  Suzy was giving him his first examination and Nana and Gloria were hovering over her.  Soon, they would have to move to a post-partum room.  Jihoo saw his wife had dozed off and lay on the bed next to her.  "Na precious ruby," he mumbled next to her, bringing her head to rest on his shoulder.  Between them, their family was worth a several hundred billion, but his wife and children were priceless to him.  Just as fatigued as his wife, he let out his breath and soon he too was sound asleep.

Well, I don’t know if this is considered an epilogue or not, but I’m calling it one.  Two more epilogues to go, so stay with me, deh?

P.S.  Not sure if that picture is Valentino or Mateo or whether he's 2 but it kind of fit so, use your imagination.  :)