Once the doctor has made sure that I am fine, Panda holds my hand and takes me to the Neonatal ward. The nurse gently picks up a sleeping Cub and hands him over to me. It feels both wonderful and fascinating as I feel my child in my arms.
"It's best to feed him your own breast milk for the first year, then he can be weaned onto baby food later." She explains as my eyes are still fixated on him.
I nod absentmindedly, too busy gazing at this cute baby. "Yes."
"Thank you for taking care of Cu-our son." Panda says with a smile. He wraps his arm softly around my waist and gently manoeuvres me out of the room.
"He is so cute." I say quietly, touching Cub's soft hair.
"Just like his dad." Panda grins.
I chuckle, "No way, he obviously takes after his mum."
"Of course. His mother is the most beautiful woman." Panda hugs me to him. "I'm glad I have the chance to love her."
My face warms up, "I love you too Pan."
He leans closer and kisses my cheek, taking me by surprise as we walk out of the hospital doors.
"I'll bring the car over. Wait here love." He says, walking towards the hospital car park.
Cub is still asleep and I can hear his small soft snores. I never thought I would ever have a baby. I had lived most of my life being mistaken as a male so I never really gave much thought regarding a future marriage or children.
I bend down and kiss his forehead gently, "I'll do my best for you baby."
***
Of course returning home is awkward. Dad and Mint are waiting for us with serious faces as we step into the house. I can't keep eye contact with them and instead focus my attention on my tiny son.
"Will you explain?" My dad asks as he stares at the baby in my arms.
"Explain what?" I ask in confusion.
"Why you suddenly became pregnant and never mentioned it to me or your brother." His voice is stern as he speaks.
I keep my eyes on my baby and smile a little when he curls his fingers around my thumb. How do I tell him what happened?
"I know you probably don't want to tell me but I have already spoken to Mr Panda King and he has already explained his version but I want to make sure he hasn't missed anything."
I glance up in surprise. Panda told him already? My father gives Panda a cold stare. Does he disapprove of him?
"Whatever Panda told you is the truth." I say quietly. "It was an accident." Kissing my son's chubby cheek, I smile, "But I honestly do love Panda."
My dad seems to be staring through me as I feel his eyes on me. Does he not believe me?
"Well, in that case, I suggest you two become a proper family. I know how you are Tina. You wouldn't lie about loving someone." He says.
Panda who was sat stiff beside me, relaxes a little. He was probably afraid my father would reject him. "I will marry Tina." He says firmly. "My mother might be an obstacle but I will convince her to let me marry the woman I sincerely love."
A gentle smile suddenly breaks onto my father's face as he glances at us. "This is a son-in-law I can be proud of."
My face heats up as I glance at Panda. He looks happy to finally be approved of by my father. "Dad, you're embarrassing me." I hiss.
"What? My daughter can actually feel embarrassed?" He says with a chuckle and I hear Mint snort.
"Dad, she is actually a real woman now. Before, I thought I had another brother." He laughs.
I glare at my brother. "I've always been a woman. You just don't have eyes."
A chuckle from beside me, makes me snap my head to Panda. He seems to be having fun watching us. "Tina, you honestly had me believe you were a guy all this time. Does that mean I didn't have eyes?"
I scowl at him, "Yes, you were blind to my feminine qualities."
"You honestly should have told me the truth from the start otherwise I wouldn't have..." He trails off and his face and ears turn red.
Blushing in sync, I remember all the times he climbed onto my bed in the middle of the night and the time he was completely stark naked in front of me.
My dad and Mint stare at us oddly. "For now, Tina will stay here with the baby. You're welcome to stay too Panda. Once your side is sorted, we will talk about marriage." Dad says.
Panda nods, "That's the best thing for Tina. I will have to return home to discuss with my parents. I'll pop by again tomorrow."
Dad and Mint glance at me. Why do they know me so well? Of course they know that I won't let him leave so easily.
"Can't you stay over tonight? Please Panda. I want to stay with you longer." I widen my eyes and put on a sorrowful expression. "I haven't recovered yet."
Panda bites his bottom lip and finally sighs, "I can never win against you love." He pats my head and sits down again.
I grin and hold his hand, "Come on, I'll sort out the guest room for you. It's a little small but–"
"He'll sleep in your room." Dad interrupts.
My eyes stare at him in shock, "Huh?"
"He will be your husband soon. It's alright for him to sleep in your room." Dad grins, "Just keep it quiet."
My face heats up. What is my father saying? Did he take the wrong medicine today? "Dad!"
Mint laughs, "My sister gets angry real quick so you'll have to learn how to calm her down."
I want to slap his mouth shut. I huff and turn away from the men.
"I need to change Cub's nappy." I say and march up the stairs.
"Tina, wait." Panda knocks on the door to my room but I keep the door closed.
"Sleep somewhere else." I mutter, changing my son's nappy.
"Why are you mad at me? I'll apologise so open the door love." He calls.
I smirk. This man is such a softie for me. Not that I am any different.
"Fine." I stand up and open the door. "But you need to throw this away first." I hand him the bag.
"What is it?" He curiously glances inside and immediately holds his nose. "I'm only doing this because he is my son." He mutters as he leaves with the dirty bag.
I laugh and pick up a newly changed Cub. "Daddy is such a fool for you."
"Not just him, for you too love."
I jump as his voice whispers into my ears from behind me. How quickly did he return? He wraps his arms around my stomach.
"You threw it away already?" I ask curiously.
He rests his chin on my shoulder, "Mint did it for me."
I roll my eyes. My brother is really trying to get in his good books.
"Fine, you can stay here tonight." I mumble, leaning back into him.
"Thank you love." He tilts his head and kisses my cheek.
I blush, "Are you really going to marry me?"
"Of course silly. Do you think I lied to your dad? You're the only woman I want."
My chest feels warm. Maybe meeting Panda King was fate. "You're like fungi." I mutter with a grin, "You grew on me as time passed."
Panda chuckles, his voice low and deep. "You're such a weird woman."