"I will get it," Dark said, handing Ivy to Daizi, who immediately snuggled her up tightly, and then went inside to get it. He knew where it was, it was faster if he got it. And having a few moments alone inside was something he needed. He was so happy, after everything they had been through as a family this was so much of what they wanted, and needed. And as soon as the paperwork was filed, everyone in the world, so long as those records existed, would know they had been family.
So why did he still feel hollow? Deep down at his core, why did he still feel numb? Surrounding all of it was genuine joy, and he knew it was what he wanted, but as soon as he was out of sight, he exhaled, and his shoulders fell slightly. How selfish could he be. This was wonderful, this is what he wanted, and what Daizi wanted, and what the twins wanted, after months of praying they would want it, and there he was, feeling happy but not. He had everything he wanted, now. He won.
And yet.
As he went to get the dessert, a voice from somewhere in the back of his mind berated him. It was selfish for him not to be simply happy. It was disrespectful. It was abnormal. It would be beyond hurtful if they found out. All he could do, really, was clench his jaw, lower his head, and bring out the fancy cheesecake, clean plates and forks, and a knife to cut it with, flinching when he accidentally caught sight of his reflection.
Then, he went back outside, set the cheesecake out, distributed everything, and kissed his wife, "Happy Mother's Day, darling."
"I don't think I will ever have a better one."