It'll Come Naturally

It slipped her mind that the baby couldn't still see, and was unaware of what was happening. But Leena felt awkward being so intimate with her husband in front of the baby. Kevin stopped and held his wife at arm's length, drinking in the sight of her, before it hit him.

"Richard? The baby's name is Richard?" he asked. Finally, he released Leena. Hearing his son's name felt strange.

"Yes, that's right," she replied. Leena brushed back her sleep-mussed hair. "I forgot to tell you that he is Richard, our son. Dad gave him the name. It sounds perfect. How do you like it?" she spoke quickly. Whenever she talked about the baby, Leena was always delighted. "Not bad. But..." Kevin slightly frowned. He blew out a breath. The early bird indeed catches the worm. Obviously, in this case, the early bird was his father. Kevin had wanted to name his son. But Nathan beat him to it. Wait! Their son? A boy? Justin must be extremely depressed! The little boy had told Kevin how much he wanted a baby girl. So, he didn't get his wish after all.

"But what?" Leena prodded him. "I think it's a good name." She pursed her lips, so they curved into a smile. The name was like a gift from their father. "Good? Not at all. I doubt it," Kevin remarked. He was busy inspecting his wife. Her figure was fuller after giving birth. And she looked charming and sexier.

Oblivious to Kevin's lustful looks, Leena laughed. "Don't be unreasonable. It's a good name. And all of us think it is, so, you're outnumbered," she taunted. Sometimes, Kevin behaved like a child, like he wanted to pick a fight with another kid, and this was annoying. "A good name will leave a good impression. I want nothing but good health and happiness for our boy," Kevin said. He turned to look at the crib again and stared at the tiny human being lying there. His wish for his son was simple. Happiness and good health were what mattered most.

"I like his name. It sounds gentle but strong," Leena said. She held Kevin by the waist, and looked into his eyes, forcing him to agree with her.

"Nana, can we stop quarreling about the name? I just got here. Isn't there anything you want to tell me?" he sighed helplessly. Arguing about the baby's name was a waste of time, and Kevin had other things in mind. They had been apart for too long.

Inhaling deeply, she cried out, "Say what? That your son and I miss you very much?" All the pain she suffered during childbirth was worth it as along as she had her husband back safe.

"Did you hate me very much when you were giving birth? I'm truly sorry I couldn't be there for you then," he said apologetically. He touched his forehead to hers. Kevin heard how painful giving birth was, and women usually cursed their husbands with terrible words. He wondered if Leena did the same.

"No! Why do you think that? I missed you so much then," Leena said hoarsely. She pulled his head down to kiss his lips while reaching out to cover Richard's eyes. Such a shy and silly woman!

"I missed you too, darling. I was so restless and kept blaming myself for not being there with you. It was agony to think of you giving birth without me at your side. I'm sorry that I can't be like other husbands because of my job," Kevin said miserably. Although he had made arrangements so he could be with Leena when she gave birth, it was difficult to predict the outcome of their mission. Kevin truly wanted to be with Leena to welcome the arrival of their baby, so his wife knew she was not alone. But as a soldier, he had to follow orders. "Do you know what I want the most, Kevin? I want to see you come back safely every time. That's all that matters. I promise to be strong and fix my life during those times when you can't be with me. I will always be here at home, waiting for you. You don't need to be sorry, because I'm just glad you're back now," Leena said, her voice full of emotion. Each time they were apart, Leena simply imagined life with her husband, like when he accompanied her to go shopping, or the times Kevin helped carry her bags from the supermarket. But Leena was realistic enough to know such moments would be very few, given her husband's line of work. Kevin was a soldier. So, she would do what any loving wife and mother would do, hope and pray for his safety while taking care of their child and home. Sighing deeply, Kevin said, "Thank you, darling. Thank you for your understanding and support. And thank you, for Richard, for my son." He wrapped his arms around her and held Leena even tighter. As if on cue, their little prince started to wail. He was probably feeling ignored by his parents. Richard was now crying for attention.

"Hey, baby Richard! Are you hungry? Or do you need a change of diaper?" Leena had gotten the hang of holding her son masterfully. After weeks of caring for her child, she had become more skillful at handling him.

Standing to the side, Kevin carefully watched to learn how to change diapers. He still felt guilty because Leena had to work so hard to care for their child, instead of living a rich life, all because she was married to a soldier. If Leena didn't marry him, she would probably be enjoying life traveling the world. And this stabbed at Kevin's heart."

"Kevin, can you please turn around?" Leena requested. She finished changing Richard's diapers when she suddenly made the request.

His brows furrowed, Kevin asked, "Why?" It was a strange request that he didn't understand.

"I need to feed the baby now," she said. Leena blushed. Although they had been married for quite some time, she still felt shy around him when it came to bearing her body.

His face lit up mischievously before laughing. "Darling, you're still feeling shy around me? I'm your husband, not just anyone," he coaxed. They were a couple and had to be frank with each other, both in mind and body.

"I know. But please, just turn around. I can't get used to it," Leena answered meekly. Leena bit her lips anxiously. The thought of Kevin watching as she breastfed Richard made her heart pound. She couldn't help but be embarrassed.

Kevin gave in to her request. "All right. I'll go and take a shower," he said. His wife needed time to ease the transition, so Kevin would give her the time and space she needed to be comfortable.