Chapter 2

3 years later...

Ambrose and Matthew enter Ambrose's parents' home. They were invited to a party with their friends and family. Ambrose's mom kept on complaining about how his son barely visits them anymore after he got married. Matthew grabbed Ambrose's hand as they walk to the backyard where their parents and guests are.

"Oh, my dear Ambrose," Melanie cooed as she pulled her son into a tight hug.

"Hey, mom," Ambrose greeted as he wrapped an arm around his mom.

Melanie pulled away before pulling Matthew into a hug. "My dear Matthew," she cooed into his ear.

She let Matthew go and let the two to the tables. They were greeted by their friend before taking a seat across from Melanie. On the other side of Melanie was Lucas, Ambrose's dad. The family chatted as they settle in and wait for the food to be served. Ambrose complained about Matthew's habits like any spouse would do and the table laughed. Matthew tried to defend himself, but almost everyone sided with Ambrose. Matthew feigned offense and promised to do better.

Ambrose rolled his eyes. The food was finally served and the chatter continued over the food. Matthew helped Ambrose slice up his steak and in everyone's eyes, they were the perfect couple. Melanie was awed at the scene in front of her.

"You two are so adorable. When are you going to give us grandchildren?" Melanie asked.

Matthew, who was sipping on his wine, almost choked on the liquid. Ambrose was shocked to hear the question but maintained a calm facade.

"You're turning forty soon, Matt and we're not getting any younger," Lucas said before popping a piece of steak in his mouth.

Beside Ambrose were his sister, Alana, and her husband, Drake.

"We're doing an IVF and we're extracting my eggs in a few weeks. I could donate some of my eggs to you guys and we could use Matthew's sperm," Alana suggested.

The two looked at each other in worry. After years of marriage, the two never thought that their parents would demand grandchildren. This is something they didn't consider when they got married.

"I, uhm, we'll think about it. Thank you, Alana," Ambrose said.

"What do you mean you'll think about it? The opportunity is already there. What are you two waiting for?" Melanie asked.

"I can carry the child for you as well. It would be cheaper and I really want to experience carrying twins as well," Alana said.

Ambrose swallowed dryly and quickly excused himself from the table. Matthew excused himself as well and followed Ambrose inside the house. The two entered a guest room. Matthew stood by the door as Ambrose paced restlessly around the room.

"Ambrose," Matthew called out, but Ambrose ignored him.

"Ambrose," Matthew called out again, but then ignored once again.

Matthew sighed and pulled Ambrose into a tight hug to calm him down.

"We didn't think of this part," Ambrose muttered against Matthew's chest.

"I know," Matthew replied.

Ambrose sighed and pulled away from Matthew. "They just brought it up so suddenly. I got overwhelmed, I'm sorry."

"How many times do I have to tell you that you don't have to apologize for things you can't control?" Matthew said.

Ambrose sighed and muttered a sorry. Matthew kissed his forehead gently.

"Do you want kids?" Matthew asked.

"Yes," Ambrose answered. "But I'm scared I won't be a good parent."

"You have me. We're here for each other, right?" Matthew asked, reassuring Ambrose.

Ambrose sighed and nodded. "Should we just agree? I mean, it's so sudden, but should we?"

"I'm not opposed to it," Matthew said.

"Fine," Ambrose said.

"We can talk more about it when we get home. For now, we can agree to it and maybe they'll shut up about it for a while," Matthew said, making Ambrose chuckle.

The two then went back to the table, giving everyone an apologetic smile. Melanie reached out to hold her son's hand.

"I'm sorry for pushing it to you so suddenly my dear. I just got excited. I didn't mean to overwhelm you," Melanie apologized.

"It's okay, mom. I understand," Ambrose said as he pulled his hand away slowly. "Matthew and I agree with Alana's suggestion."

Melanie clapped her hands in joy and Alana pulled her brother into a hug.

"Oh my god, I'm so excited. Our children would be besties," Alana squealed.

Ambrose returned the hug and kissed his sister on the forehead.

"Are you sure you want to carry both? Wouldn't that be hard on you?" Ambrose asked.

"Maybe, but it will be worth it," she replied.

The rest of the meal went on smoothly. Matthew and Ambrose kept up with their facade the whole time. They were already used to it so it doesn't take much effort from the two. As the day ended, the two bid their goodbyes as they got in their car. Ambrose was distracted, looking out the window as they drive home. Matthew grabbed his hand and placed a kiss on the back of it.

"You don't have to do that. We're alone in here," Ambrose said.

"What? I can't be comforting even when it's just the two of us. We're still married you know," Matthew said.

Ambrose rolled his eyes, but a smile crept up on his face.

"We need to set up a nursery, and then we will need a car seat and stroller as well," Ambrose said.

"For someone who was skeptical about having a kid, you sound quite excited about buying baby stuff," Matthew said.

"Look, buying baby stuff and taking care of a baby are two drastically different things. You can return what you purchased, but you can't return a baby," Ambrose reasoned and Matthew burst into laughter.

Ambrose smacked his arm in annoyance. "I'm serious!"

"I know! I know, but it was still funny!" Matthew exclaimed.

They soon reached home and the two went straight to their room. Ambrose helped Matthew as he untied his tie before moving onto his shirt. Matthew watched as Ambrose carefully unbuttoned his shirt. Matthew took off his shirt after Ambrose unbuttoned it and then he removed his pants and underwear as ambrose undressed as well. Ambrose took their clothes to the hamper before hopping into the shower together.

They took a quick shower before getting out and drying themselves off with a towel. Ambrose slipped into an ankle-length nightgown as Matthew wore a plain shirt and flannel pajama pants. Matthew went downstairs to cook dinner as Ambrose took the hamper downstairs to the laundry room. With how they act, people wouldn't question their marriage.

Ambrose sat on the barstool, watching Matthew as he moved around the kitchen. Matthew has always been in charge of cooking. Even when they were still in university, Matthew would always cook their meals in their apartment. Ambrose couldn't cook for shit and ever since Matthew started cooking for him, he gave up on learning how to. Matthew placed a plate of lasagna in front of him before taking a seat beside Ambrose.

"Matt," Ambrose called out.

"Yeah?" Matthew responded.

"Do you think they'll find out?" Ambrose asked.

"I don't think so. I mean, it's been three years since we got married so I think we're good," Matthew replied.

"Yeah, but this is different. We'd have to be around them more, especially Alana. Unless we ask for a different surrogate, but I don't think we can convince Alana with that," Ambrose.

"Look, I think we need to just focus on preparing for the baby more than anything. If they point out anything suspicious, we could just tell them that we're stressed about the baby. How about that?" Matthew suggested.

"You know what, that sounds plausible," Ambrose said. "What do you want to do for your birthday in a few weeks?" he asked.

"There's a new club opening the same day as my birthday. Maybe we can go there," Matt said.

"Aren't we too old for that?" Ambrose asked.

Matthew groaned in response. "What do we do then?"

"Why are you asking me? I'm the one who asked first and you're the one who's having a birthday," Ambrose shrugged.

"Want to try fucking then?" Matthew said and Ambrose's face scrunched in disgust.

"That's disgusting Matthew. I bought you toys for a reason," Ambrose said as he shoved a spoonful of pasta in his mouth.

"I was joking. I haven't had sex in three years and those toys might've ruined all the fun of normal sex for me," Matthew said.

"You act as if people still want to fuck an ancient man with cracking joints," Ambrose teased.

Matthew feigned offense before pinching Ambrose's side. Ambrose slapped his hand away and they continued eating their dinner.

"Want to go back to the beach house where we had our "honeymoon"?" Ambrose asked.

"I mean if I can't think of anything else and then we can go there," Matthew replied.

Ambrose then cleaned up the dishes after their dinner before following Matthew back into their room. He went into the bathroom and started to brush his teeth beside Matthew. Matthew spit the foam into the sink and turned on the faucet before splashing the water on Ambrose's face. Ambrose glared at him but he just stuck his tongue out. The two then lay on the bed and Matthew wrapped his arm around Ambrose's waist.

"Good night," Ambrose muttered as he closed his eyes.

"Night," Matthew said.

Matthew kissed Ambrose's forehead before closing his eyes and falling asleep.