When Jack strolled into work, he was caught completely off guard. His colleagues were celebrating something with the usual abundance of tea and biscuits. Is it some kind of special occasion today? Jack wondered aloud, scratching his head. Absolutely! piped up an employee, beaming. My wifes finally expectingwere having a baby!
Everyone was delighted for Mark, who was soon to become a father. Suddenly, another coworker sidled up to Mark and said, Mate, youre the first bloke Ive ever seen celebrating pregnancy. Usually, people throw a party after the babys actually arrived. Youre brilliant! Just brace yourselfeveryone around heres about to bombard you with unsolicited advice and spine-chilling stories about parenthood. Jack couldnt help but raise an eyebrow.
The employee nodded gravely. For the next nine months, prepare to cater to your wifes every whim. When our first was on the way, my missus wouldnt give me five minutes peace! Shell have you running to the shops for odd cravings, and chasing after checks she wants cashedthen you might start questioning your choice of celebration. How many kids have you got, and how old are they? asked another.
Two, I think, Mark mused, scratching his chin. My daughter must be seven or maybe shes six? It all blends together after a while. Jack just stood there, rather speechless.
When Jack got home that evening, he hugged his lovely wife tightly. Thank goodness no one at work told you that youre meant to have the baby in a few days. They all still reckon youve got nine months left. You wont be able to resist blurting it out, will you? She laughed, Ill try my best not to, darling!
Soon enough, Jacks wife brought a healthy baby boy into the world, and they named him Max. Jack took a bit of time offproper paternity leave, paid in poundsto help his wife and baby settle in. Jack started rushing home after work, while his mates at the office couldnt quite fathom what had got into him. Family always came first for Jack, no matter what the others thought.
