As they arrived at the resort, Jake couldn’t help but be amazed by its beauty. The grand entrance was adorned with cascading waterfalls, and the architecture seamlessly blended modern design with the natural landscape. Klara’s excitement was infectious, and Jake’s heart swelled with gratitude for her meticulous planning — especially with everything else that had been competing for her time.

As they checked in at the front desk, Jake felt a jolt of excitement as they were addressed as “Mrs. and Mssr. Tsai” for the first time. His new last name would be an enduring symbol of his devotion to his new wife.

When they reached the door to the bridal suite, Klara set down their luggage and swiped the key card. When the door clicked open, she lifted Jake up and cradled him in her arms as she stepped over the threshold.

Their accommodations were spacious and elegantly designed. Large windows offered panoramic views of the mountains and the lake, while plush furnishings and tasteful decor provided an inviting atmosphere. Klara had ensured that the suite was equipped with all the comforts they would need, including a cozy fireplace and a private balcony.

As Jake unpacked the suitcases, Klara’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She bent down and flashed her new husband a playful smile. “I can’t believe we’re finally here, Jake. Our honeymoon.”

Jake couldn’t help but return her smile, his heart filled with happiness. “It’s like a dream come true, Klara. A perfect getaway after all the stress and activity of the last several months.”

After settling in, they spent the afternoon exploring the resort’s amenities. The picturesque grounds were perfect for leisurely walks, especially along the lake. The mountain air was crisp and invigorating, and the peaceful surroundings helped them forget the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.

The first three days of their honeymoon were a blissful escape from reality. Jake and Klara reveled in the tranquil beauty of the resort and each other’s company. They had never had this much uninterrupted time together, and their laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly. The worries and pressures of their busy lives seemed to melt away in the serenity of their surroundings. In the evenings, they dined at the resort’s gourmet restaurant, savoring exquisite dishes prepared by the resort’s world-class chef. The soft candlelight and romantic ambiance further heightened the experience.

While Klara’s full-term pregnancy limited their nighttime passions, they still made the most of the privacy of the bridal suite. Jake noted a sense of newfound boldness from Klara in the bedroom, which only caused him to desire her more.

After breakfast on the fourth day of their honeymoon, Klara surprised Jake with a special activity she had planned. She led him to a secluded spot by the lake, where a small boat awaited them. With the gentle lapping of the water and the distant calls of birds filling the air, Jake and Klara settled into the boat. Klara took the oars and guided them away from the shore, her movements graceful and confident. Jake watched her with admiration, feeling a sense of awe at her ability to navigate the boat so effortlessly.

“Your turn,” Klara said with a mischievous smile, offering Jake the oars.

Jake hesitated for a moment, his fingers wrapping around the wooden handles. He tried to mimic Klara’s movements, but he had neither the reach nor the strength to manage what Klara had accomplished so effortlessly.

“It’s okay, darling,” Klara told him, sliding the oars out of his hands. “You know how much I love and respect you, but there are something things that are just best handled by a woman.”

Jake chuckled, his pride slightly wounded but his heart warmed by Klara’s words. “I guess rowing isn’t my strong suit.”

Klara grinned and leaned in to give him a peck on the cheek. “That’s alright, Jake. You have plenty of other strengths. Which brings me to something important I want to talk to you about.”

“Is everything okay?” Jake asked, a little concerned.

Klara took a deep breath and looked down directly into his eyes. “Everything’s more than okay. But with the twins on the way, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. As parents, we’re going to need to shift our priorities.”

Jake looked up at Klara with both curiosity and a little unease. “Shift our priorities? What do you mean, Klara?”

Klara’s gaze remained steady as she spoke, her tone earnest. “Jake, you know how demanding both of our careers are. It’s become clear to me that having both of us working these intense jobs isn’t what’s best for our family.”

Jake’s brows furrowed slightly as he processed her words. “Are you suggesting that one of us should stay home and take care of the twins full-time?”

Klara nodded gently. “Yes, that’s what I’m thinking. And it’s obvious that that person to be you.”

Jake’s brows furrowed slightly as he processed her words. He had always been dedicated to his work, and he knew Klara was too. The idea of changing that dynamic was both intriguing and a little unsettling. “You want me to quit my job?”

Klara reached out to gently touch Jake’s hand, her eyes filled with empathy. “Jake, I’m not saying this lightly. I know how much your work means to you, but I also want what’s best for our family. We both grew up with fathers who were focused on raising us, who were there for every milestone, every moment. Our twins deserve to have that, too.”

Jake’s mind raced as he tried to wrap his head around Klara’s proposal. Quitting his job? It was a concept he hadn’t seriously considered before. He had worked hard to establish himself in his career, and he enjoyed the challenges and rewards that came with it. At the same time, it should have been obvious. How many working fathers did he know? Did he know any?

Jake let out a sigh, his internal struggle evident on his face. “I just… I don’t know, Klara. It’s a big decision. And what about our mortgage? Can we really get by on one income?”

Klara understood his concerns, and gave his shoulder a supportive squeeze. “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of this, but with my new role, I’m making more than both your salary and my old salary combined. I’ll be able to meet all of our family’s financial needs without a problem. Senior management has already hinted that I might be up for another promotion soon if I play my cards right.”

“Two promotions in under a year,” Jake noted aloud. “Whereas I’ve been stuck in my entry level position for the better part of a decade.”

Klara looked down at him with genuine concern. “I’m not trying to belittle your accomplishments, Jake. But it’s increasingly clear that my career is on an upward trajectory that yours can’t match.”

Jake sighed, his shoulders slumping as he absorbed Klara’s words. “I know you’re right, Klara. It’s just… I’ve already sacrificed so much for my career goals and aspirations.”

Klara leaned in close, cupping his little cheek affectionately with her large palm. “And I admire that about you, Jake. Your dedication and ambition are part of what makes you so amazing. But I have to make decisions based on what’s best for our family as a whole. And I know you’ll be an amazing stay-at-home dad.”

Jake sat in the boat, the oars resting between his fingers as he absorbed Klara’s words. He couldn’t fault her logic, even though he hated the idea of giving up the career he’d worked so hard for.

“I vowed to obey you and serve you when we got married, didn’t I?” he said finally. “You’re the head of our family, and I’m just going to have to trust that you know what’s best for all of us.”

Jake’s acknowledgment was met with a warm smile from Klara. She set down the oars and pulled him into a tight embrace. “Thank you for understanding, Jake. This isn’t an easy decision, but I know it’s what’s right for our family. And remember, it’s not about giving up your career forever. You’re just shifting your focus until our children are older.”

Jake looked out at the serene lake, his mind still processing the implications of Klara’s edict. He knew that being a stay-at-home dad was an important role and a valuable contribution to their family, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was leaving a part of himself behind. Still, he tried not to let his disappointment show. Instead, he focused on being the best husband he could for the rest of their honeymoon.

That became especially important on their last night at the resort. As the sun began to set, Jake found himself sitting across a candlelit table from Klara at the end of a secluded pier that extended out onto the lake. The water shimmered under the warm hues of the twilight sky, creating a tranquil and romantic ambiance. The setting couldn’t have been more romantic, but Jake could tell that Klara was distracted.

“Just a little cramping,” she insisted when he asked. “Nothing to worry about. You’ve been so great about accepting my vision for our family, I wanted to do something really special for you. I hired a private chef for the evening, to make all of your favorite dishes.”

Jake gazed at Klara with a mixture of appreciation and concern. He could tell that she was trying to make the evening special for him, despite the discomfort she was experiencing.

“Klara, you’re incredible,” he said, his voice filled with admiration. “I know you’re going through a lot right now, and I appreciate all the effort you’ve put into making this evening wonderful for both of us.”

Klara smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting her gratitude. “I just want you to know how much you mean to me, Jake. Our journey as parents is going to be an incredible one, and I’m glad we’re facing it together.”

Jake nodded, his heart swelling with affection for his wife. “I’m glad too, Klara. I’m committed to being a devoted father to our twins, as well as a supportive and obedient husband to you.”

Their private chef appeared, bringing a delicious assortment of dishes to the table. The aroma of the food filled the air, and Jake’s worries were momentarily forgotten as they indulged in a feast of flavors. The combination of Klara’s thoughtful planning and the stunning lakeside setting created a truly magical atmosphere.

But things took a dramatic turn on the walk back up to the resort. Klara stopped suddenly, clutching her stomach.

Jake’s heart raced as he rushed to her side. “Klara, are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Klara looked down at him, her unease evident on her face. “I think my water just broke, Jake.”

Jake’s eyes widened with a mixture of shock and concern as he processed Klara’s words. “Your water broke? But you’re not due for another week!”

“I know, Jake. It’s earlier than expected. I wasn’t prepared for this.”

Jake’s mind raced as he thought about what to do next. He had read enough about pregnancy and childbirth to know that water breaking meant labor was beginning. “Stay here, Klara. I don’t want you to strain yourself. I’m going to run back to the resort and get help.”

As he ran up the hill, he cursed his short spindly legs. He knew a woman’s long powerful legs could cover the distance in less than half the time.

Jake’s heart was pounding in his chest by the time he reached the front desk. He urgently explained the situation to the young woman working there, “Kelly” according to her nametag. Jake felt some of his anxiety dissipate as Kelly immediately sprang into action. She called for medical assistance and arranged for a golf cart to transport them back to Klara.

When Kelly and Jake reached Klara, she was seated on the retaining wall along the side of the path, her face flushed and her breathing uneven. But Jake could see her expression brighten when she spotted him in the golf cart. “Jake, you’re here.”

He rushed to her side and reached up to place a hand on her belly. “I’m here, Klara. Everything’s going to be okay.”

The ambulance arrived quickly, and the EMTs quickly assessed Klara’s condition and confirmed that she was indeed in labor. They helped her onto a stretcher and prepared to transport her to the nearest hospital.

“We’ll take good care of her,” one of the EMTs assured Jake. He found himself comforted by her decisiveness and obvious competence.

The EMT turned to Kelly. “Can you give him a ride to the hospital?”

Kelly nodded. “My car’s parked right by the main entrance. I’ve already arranged for someone to cover the front desk.”

She motioned for Jake to hop into the golf cart with her. As they sped down the path towards the entrance of the resort, Jake’s mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts. He couldn’t believe that their honeymoon had taken such an unexpected turn, but he was determined to be there for Klara every step of the way.

“Are you okay, sir?” Kelly asked, as she retrieved a booster seat from her trunk and strapped it into the passenger’s seat.

Jake took a deep breath, his nerves evident in his voice. “I’m a little overwhelmed, to be honest. But Klara needs me right now, and I’m going to do everything I can to support her.”

Kelly gave him a kind smile. “I’m sure you’ll be a great support to her. Just remember to stay calm. I know how emotional men can get.”

She hoisted him into the booster seat, buckled him in, and then darted over to the driver’s side. As soon as she turned the key in the ignition, she sped off toward the hospital. She was going so fast that they were able to catch up with the ambulance.

When they got to the hospital, Kelly pulled up to the curb. She reached into her purse, pulled out a business card, and handed it to him.

“I’ve got to get back to the resort, but this has both the direct line for the front desk and my personal cellphone number on it. Don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything I can do to help.”

Jake glanced down, and saw the front desk phone number typed and the cellphone number written in blue ink.

“I think I’ll be okay from here, Kelly. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for Klara and I tonight.”

The young woman smiled. “I just wish I could have done more. But your wife is in good hands, and it’s clear she’s a fighter. Let me know how you make out.”

As Kelly drove off, Jake rushed inside the hospital. At the information desk, the receptionist looked at him suspiciously. She pointed at the sign on the wall that read, “No unaccompanied male persons beyond this point without special authorization.”

“You don’t understand,” Jake shouted up at her. “My wife was just admitted via ambulance. She’s just gone into labor, but she’s not due yet.”

“Please be patient,” the receptionist told him. “A patient care assistant will be out to meet with you shortly.”

Jake fidgeted in the uncomfortably large waiting room chair, his anxiety growing with each passing moment. He glanced at his watch and then back at the information desk, hoping to catch sight of someone who could provide him with information about Klara. The hospital staff had been alerted about the situation, but he felt a strong sense of helplessness as he waited for news.

After what felt like an eternity, a man wearing pink scrubs approached Jake with a sympathetic smile. “Mssr. Tsai?”

Jake immediately stood up, his heart pounding in his chest. “Yes, that’s me. How is Klara? Is she okay? Are the twins okay?”

The man extended his hand. “My name is Kyle. I’m here to provide you with an update.”

Only women could be doctors and nurses, so becoming a patient care assistant was one of the few ways men could work in the medical field. As a result, it was one of the few male-dominated occupations. That was fine with Jake; he just was grateful to have someone in his corner who could understand his situation and relate to his concerns.

“Your wife is in the labor and delivery unit. The medical team is evaluating her condition now. They may need to do a Cesarean section, but Dr. Ramirez thinks there is still a strong possibility that the babies can be delivered naturally.”

Jake let out a sigh of relief, his tension easing slightly. “Thank you for letting me know. Can I see my wife?”

Kyle nodded. “Of course. Follow me, and I’ll take you to her.”

Jake followed Kyle through a maze of hallways and corridors filled with towering women in green scrubs and white lab coats. When they finally reached Klara, she was lying in a hospital bed in a private room, hooked up to monitors and IV lines. She managed a weak smile when she saw Jake.

“Hey,” Jake said softly, his voice filled with concern as he approached her bedside.

“Hey yourself,” Klara replied, her voice a mixture of exhaustion and relief. She reached out to take Jake’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Jake pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down, never letting go of Klara’s hand. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Klara. How are you feeling? Are you in a lot of pain?”

Klara managed a weak smile. “It’s not really painful, more uncomfortable than anything else. The doctors and nurses are taking good care of me.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the only sounds in the room the beeping of the monitors and the soft hum of medical equipment. Jake felt like his hand felt was caught in a vice, Klara’s grip was so tight. But he kept his discomfort to himself.

Just then, a tall Hispanic woman in a pristine white lab coat entered the room with a smile. “Hello there, I’m Dr. Ramirez. How are you feeling, Klara?”

“I’m okay,” Klara told her. “Just a bit tired.”

The doctor crouched down to make eye contact with Jake. “And you must be the father. It’s great that Klara has you here for support. We’re monitoring Klara closely, and my team is ready to assist her through labor.”

Jake nodded, grateful for her reassurance. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

“Of course! Don’t worry, she’s in good hands.”

Dr. Ramirez explained that they would monitor the twins closely to ensure their well-being, and that they were still aiming for a vaginal delivery. Klara’s labor progressed steadily, and Jake stayed by her side, providing comfort and reassurance.

And then, as Klara gripped Jake’s hand so tightly he was certain that she broke some bones, their firstborn made her entrance into the world.

The room was filled with the cries of their baby daughter, and Klara’s exhaustion was momentarily forgotten as she held their precious child in her arms. Tears welled up in both Jake and Klara’s eyes as they gazed at their daughter, their hearts bursting with love and joy.

As Klara cradled their daughter, the medical team continued to monitor the second twin’s progress. Their son was much smaller, so he arrived quickly and with minimal effort required from Klara. Soon his cries were filling the room alongside his sister’s.

“You did it, Klara!” Jake whispered, his voice filled with wonder.

“We’re parents!” Klara replied back, sounding equally awestruck.

As the medical team attended to the twins, Klara’s exhaustion finally caught up with her, and she closed her eyes with a contented smile. Jake sat by her side, his heart full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman who had just brought their children into the world.

Jake and Klara knew the journey ahead would be filled with challenges and adjustments, but they felt ready to face them together as a family.