"Rika is pregnant with twins.”

“No, that's not right either. Don't say Rika. Say ‘my wife Erica.*

Please delete it and send the message again."

The smile left Matthew's face. This was more troublesome than he had expected. Traces of frustration reflected in his expression as he shook his head. But, he knew that it would be unwise to Lose his temper. Now that his wife was pregnant, she was the boss. So, he sighed with resignation and withdrew the message again.

The messages had been sent and deleted so quickly that none of the other people in the WeChat group had been able to read them. Confusion coursed through them as they wondered what was happening.

Debbie wrote, "Matthew, what's going on?"

Sheffield asked, "What are you doing? Is your wife pregnant with

Nezhax?"

(IN: Nezha is the mythological boy who travels around on fiery wheels.)

Joshua teased, "Are you too excited?"

Soon, Matthew's third message brought everyone's phone to life.

“Matthew's wife, Erica, is pregnant with twins."

Terilynn's brows shot up at the formal declaration.

"Wow, you're showing off your love in our group!"

Evelyn grinned, and her fingers flew across her screen as she typed,

“Congratulations!”

Carlos' message followed soon after.

"Rika is awesome!"

Even before anyone else could reply, Carlos dialed Wesley's number.

“Hi, old buck!" How time flies! In the blink of an eye, the two good friends had become handsome old men with a house full of children and grandchildren.

The memory of being marooned on a desert island with Debbie and being rescued by Wesley was still fresh in Carlos' mind. It was as if it had happened just yesterday.

“Hey, Carlos, how are you?" Wesley's eyes twinkled as he also recalled the days when he and Blair, Carlos, Debbie, and their other friends had vacationed at the seaside resort.

In a flash, they were old and had even become in-laws.

The sentimental memories didn't sadden Carlos. After all, he had just gotten such good news.

“Wesley, my daughter is carrying twins," he said smugly.