CHAPTER 140: CHAPTER 140 – “ONE LAST TRIP BEFORE THREE”

The countryside was alive with soft rustles of late summer wind. Morning dew glistened on the edges of their wooden porch as birds chirped lazily. Inside their warm home, the walls were filled with laughter, the occasional hum of Lucia keeping track of environmental controls, and the sound of soft footsteps—Aoi’s, now slower and careful.

She stood in the living room wearing one of Ren’s oversized shirts, her hand resting on her rounded belly.

"She’s kicking more lately," Aoi said with a gentle smile, wincing slightly as another flutter tickled her ribs.

Ren looked up from his tablet at the dining table, his fingers pausing mid-swipe. "That’s because she’s ready to meet the world... just like her mom."

Aoi rolled her eyes. "Smooth."

Later That Day

While Aoi was resting upstairs for a nap, Lucia’s voice chimed in Ren’s ear.

"Sir, all reservations have been confirmed. Aircraft is prepped. Weather along the destination path is optimal."

Ren gave a slight nod and whispered, "Perfect. We’ll leave tomorrow morning before she even realizes what’s happening."

He tapped the last details into the portable AI navigator—a new, low-energy aircraft disguised as a luxury seaplane that would take them to a remote island resort, surrounded by coral reefs and protected by digital cloaking. There’d be no press, no drones, no business—only sun, sea, and silence.

Sunrise – The Surprise

The next morning, Aoi rubbed her eyes as she woke up to the scent of lavender and vanilla. A tray sat beside the bed with breakfast—and a small note written in Ren’s familiar handwriting:

"Pack light. Bring swimsuits. The baby’s first trip begins now."

She blinked. "...Eh?"

"Come on, sleepyhead," Ren called from downstairs. "Lucia already packed your stuff. Don’t make your pilot wait!"

Aoi waddled downstairs with cautious joy, still in disbelief. "You’re not serious."

Ren grinned and held out a palm. "Would I ever joke about quality time before we become a family of four?"

The Flight

The aircraft lifted off from their private airstrip, and Aoi leaned against Ren, her head resting on his shoulder as they soared above layers of clouds painted in gold and rose.

"You didn’t have to do all this," she whispered.

"I did," Ren replied softly, "because it’s the last time we’ll ever do something like this—just you and me."

Tears pricked her eyes. "Ren..."

He pressed a kiss to her temple. "You’ve carried so much—for me, for her, for our family. I want you to remember this quiet, this peace. Before diapers and midnight feedings."

Lucia’s voice chimed from the cockpit.

"ETA: Two hours. Would you like ocean jazz or romantic ballads for descent?"

Aoi laughed through her tears. "Ocean jazz. Let’s see what that even means."

The Island Arrival

The sea sparkled like diamonds under the sun. The resort was nestled between two cliffs, wrapped in palms, hammocks, and wooden villas with private hot springs. No one else was around—just the sound of the waves, birds, and their own breath.

Their villa had glass floors over the water, soft beds shaped like sea shells, and a special baby-safe pool where Aoi could float without pressure.

Ren handed her a white sundress and said, "For the photos I’m going to take every ten seconds."

"Y-You’re being too sweet," she said, trying not to cry again. "Stop it, I’m pregnant."

Nightfall

They sat on a candle-lit deck, her head on his lap, stars reflecting in the ocean below.

"I’m scared sometimes," she admitted. "That I won’t be enough for two."

"You don’t need to be enough," Ren whispered. "We’ll be enough. Together."

He placed his hand on her belly. The baby kicked.

Aoi smiled through tears. "She heard you."