A love story involving a nice, wholesome young woman with enormous breasts, and perhaps the only man on the planet who both loves enormous breasts and can treat a woman who has them like a regular person.
Mature themes in Part 5 include gigantomastia (extremely large breasts).
Part 5 includes the following chapters:
Chapter 17: Put a ring on that giga
Chapter 18: Brad meets the parents
Chapter 19: Weddings and honeymoons
Chapter 20: The genetic mystery
Chapter 17: Put a ring on that giga
As the months went on, both Brad and Tessa remained deeply in love and convinced that they had found their life partners. They had talked endlessly of their hopes and dreams for the future, and those were always expressed in the context of them being together as a couple. They were in agreement on pretty much everything important. It went without saying that they would marry and have a family together. But it still needed to be said.
Brad knew he needed to make it official by proposing to Tessa, but he wanted to do it in just the right way, something that showed some initiative on his part and would be meaningful and memorable to Tessa, but wouldn’t be too public or flashy.
So, in September, on the Saturday closest to the six month anniversary of their relationship, Brad picked up Tessa and Samson to go walking in a park that they frequented. Tessa noticed that Brad seemed a bit nervous that day, but it didn’t occur to her that something might be up. So they went on their usual walk through the park. As they rounded a bend in the path, a picnic shelter came into view. Tessa noticed that there was an unusually large crowd at that particular shelter that day, but again didn’t give it any thought. But then Brad guided her toward the shelter rather than past it, which confused her. Then she looked again at the people there, and realized that she knew everyone. What was going on here? Could it be?
Bella stepped forward and took Samson’s leash from Brad, and rejoined the group. Everyone was beaming at them. And then, in a flash, Brad was down on one knee, gazing up at her, holding a small box with a beautiful diamond ring inside. Like women do everywhere, Tessa involuntarily put her hands up to cover her mouth, and tears filled her eyes. It was finally happening!
Brad: Tessa, the past six months with you have been the absolute best of my life. I don’t want this to ever end. I can’t even imagine life without you at my side. I know with absolute certainty that it was God who arranged for us to meet and almost immediately fall deeply in love. He heard our respective prayers, and he knew we complement each other perfectly. I am so incredibly blessed to have you! And I know you feel exactly the same way. So, Tessa Cartwright, will you marry me?
Tessa: I thought you’d never ask! [laughter] I can’t wait to marry you, Brad Collins! A thousand times YES!
And the crowd erupted into cheers and enthusiastic applause. Brad slipped the ring on Tessa’s finger. It fit perfectly. He stood, and they embraced and kissed passionately for the longest time.
Starting with Bella, everyone came forward to congratulate them one or two at a time. There were quite a few people from the singles group at church. Several of Tessa’s coworkers were there, including her mentor Amanda. A few of Brad’s coworkers who had met Tessa were as well, including Zander, who had become much more tame around them. And Claire, Brad and Tessa’s one mutual friend before they started going to the same church, was there.
Quite a bit of food and drink had been prepared and set out, and everyone there enjoyed a meal together with the happy couple. During the meal, various people stood and told the assembled group cute anecdotes about Brad and Tessa, how much they admired them, and so on. But it was Amanda and Zander who shared how Tessa and Brad, respectively, had each searched in vain for years for the other, without having any idea that the other even existed, and how they each knew their prayers had been answered when they finally found each other. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
Chapter 18: Brad meets the parents
Tessa’s family had not yet met Brad, as Tessa had not been back home since they began their relationship. Now that they were engaged, Tessa knew she needed to bring Brad to meet them. She knew it would not go well, and she agonized over having to even make the call to arrange the visit. She prepared Brad as best she could about what to expect. Brad repeatedly told her that they didn’t have to meet them if it induced that much anxiety. But Tessa knew she couldn’t chicken out. She was too strong for that now.
Tessa being Tessa, she addressed the issue both as directly and respectfully as she knew how. She called her parents, told them the news, and scheduled the trip. She didn’t give them the opportunity to make any snide remarks. Then she laid down the law.
Tessa: I expect both of you to be on your best behavior when we visit. I do not want to hear any commentary about me or my life choices, and I especially do not want to hear anything negative about Brad or his family. The matter is already settled. I’m marrying Brad whether you approve or not. So I suggest you make the best of it, and welcome your new son-in-law into the family. If you don’t think you can do that, please tell me and we just won’t come. Do I make myself clear?
Her parents both sheepishly agreed to comply with her requests.
When the appointed day arrived, Tessa and Brad headed for her hometown of Strickland, about two hours east of the city, in the opposite direction from Brad’s family. Tessa reminded Brad about her relatives. Her parents were Frank and Helen, and her non-identical twin brothers were Paul and Matt, older than Tessa and single. While Helen, and to a lesser extent Frank, were opinionated, judgmental, and critical, the brothers suffered from low self-esteem and were quiet and passive. Their way of coping with their demanding parents was to comply and not rock the boat. While that strategy may have helped them survive a difficult childhood, it did not serve them well as adults. They had never been in therapy, and it showed. The two men shared an apartment not far from their parents. They couldn’t have been more different than the confident, outgoing woman Tessa had become.
As Tessa described her brothers to Brad, she made the observation that she might have ended up much the same had she not gone away to college and sought counseling. But Tessa had chafed under her parents’ strict rules and had been determined to escape as soon as she could.
It was an awkward gathering, to say the least. Tessa did most of the talking, and she updated them on her life, especially concerning her relationship with Brad, since she had last seen them. Her mother was really trying to not be critical, but that left her with little else to say. Tessa thought that she could see her mother literally biting her tongue. Her father, never much of a talker, seemed to be afraid of saying anything that might set her mother off. The brothers hardly spoke the whole time. When Brad tried to engage them, they had difficulty making eye contact and replied with as few words as possible. But it was going much better than either Tessa or Brad had expected.
Frank had mentioned that he enjoyed woodworking and had a shop in the basement. He suggested that Brad join him in checking it out, and Tessa’s brothers tagged along. That left Tessa and her mother alone together.
Tessa: So what do you think of Brad? You can be honest with me while we’re alone together.
Mom: Well, he seems all right, I suppose. I noticed he doesn’t leer at you.
Tessa: No, he doesn’t. That was the first thing I noticed when I met him, and it’s just one of many things I love about him. He’s always treated me well.
Mom: He’s not gay, is he?
Tessa: No, I can assure you he’s not.
Mom: Because that might be the reason he doesn’t look at your chest.
Tessa: You have nothing to worry about, Mom. He’s as straight as they come. He doesn’t look at my chest because, first, it’s no big deal to him since he has a family of big-boobed women, and second, he’s a gentleman. Plus, we’ve been together for seven months now, so he’s used to being around me.
Mom: Well, I still think…
Tessa: Let it go, Mom. You’re just going to have to trust me on this.
Mom: Well, anyway, you seem happy together.
Tessa: Happier than you can possibly imagine. Happier than I could have possibly imagined.
Just then, the men returned and the conversation was over. They visited for a while longer, but they ran out of things to talk about, and there was no invitation to stay for a meal. So Tessa and Brad said their goodbyes and headed home.
Brad: That wasn’t too awful. Certainly not as bad as you led me to expect.
Tessa: No, it wasn’t that bad. And get this: My mother told me she supposed you were all right. That’s high praise, coming from her.
Brad: Your father told me that I seemed like a good man. So I guess they both approve.
Tessa wasn’t seeking her parents’ approval, and certainly wasn’t expecting it, but it was a relief to get it, nevertheless.
Chapter 19: Weddings and honeymoons
Tessa turned her attention to planning her wedding. Knowing they would have to work around Brad’s class schedule, they looked to the weekend after spring mid-terms. Not intentionally, but perhaps not by coincidence, that Saturday would be the anniversary of their having first met.
The biggest problems were going to be where to have the wedding, and how to deal with Brad’s family’s reluctance to travel or be in a room full of strangers who might gape at them, take photos of them, and tell the world about Robertsville.
It seemed that perhaps the best solution might be to have two weddings on the same day, one in Capital City and one in Robertsville. The more Tessa thought about it, the more she liked the idea. Brad agreed that it was a creative solution to the problems. Tessa made inquiries, and found out that Belhaven Church in Capital City and Brad’s home church in Robertsville were both available that day. She reserved both. So, the Robertsville wedding would be attended by Brad’s family and local friends, and the Belhaven wedding would be attended by everyone else. Only the bride and groom, maid of honor, best man, and parents would attend both. Also their pastor, Jason Brubaker. He graciously agreed to officiate at both weddings despite the distance of the one.
There was never a question that Bella would be Tessa’s maid of honor. With Bella living with Brad since the start of the school year, they had had plenty of time to become very close, and as a fellow giga, they shared a bond that Tessa had with no one else. Bella also already knew most of Tessa’s and Brad’s friends in Capital City, especially because she had also been attending their church. Brad thought about having Zander be his best man, but he just couldn’t risk having Zander come to Robertsville, and he couldn’t stomach the idea of Zander escorting his giga sister down the aisle. Instead, he chose his cousin Brandon. The couple asked Amanda and Zander and a couple they knew from church to be attendants at the Capital City wedding, and Brad’s two older sisters and their husbands to be attendants at the Robertsville wedding.
Due to the logistics and cost of two weddings, and Brad’s family’s desire to keep a low profile, the ceremony and reception would both be simple, modest affairs at both locations. That’s how Tessa and Brad wanted it, anyway. They were not out to impress anyone. They asked the wedding party to wear their own dresses and suits, which made it much easier for the gigas. Tessa was able to get a beautiful, second-hand wedding gown from one of Brad’s relatives. They had no need for a band or DJ or banquet or bar; just hors d’oeuvres and punch and cake in the respective church fellowship halls. Photography would be kept to a minimum. Even though the events would be relatively inexpensive, Tessa’s parents were willing to pay for one but not both. Brad paid for the second one himself.
Tessa and Brad were unsure about what to do for a honeymoon. Brad’s classes were on spring break the week following the wedding, so there was nothing stopping him from going on vacation. But it was the same issue as on their dates. Tessa didn’t like being limited by her size and shape, but there were some practical considerations they had to take into account, both physical and emotional. Physical, such as not being sure whether Tessa could fly on an airliner comfortably or handle walking on uneven terrain when she couldn’t see her feet. Emotional, such as the possibility of their fun be ruined by some moron who couldn’t keep his eyes, or his big mouth, or his hands to himself.
Brad really wanted to find the right balance of fun and privacy without them feeling too isolated, but he was coming up empty. Tessa suggested that he talk to his family to see if any of them had any suggestions. But his family kept much more to itself than Tessa preferred, so he wasn’t sure if any ideas they might have would work for Tessa and him. He decided to start with his brothers-in-law; maybe one of them had come up with an idea that his wife had shot down, but which would be perfect for Tessa.
Ryan, his sister Bethany’s husband, suggested that they go on a cruise. He had tried to take Bethany on one for their honeymoon but she had nixed the idea. Anyway, Ryan said, they would have lots to do on the ship, as well as port calls and a variety of land excursions from which to choose. The ship staff would keep any obnoxious passengers in line. Depending on the port of departure, they might be able to drive to it if flying was a concern. Both Brad and Tessa thought that was a great idea. Considering the time of year, a Caribbean or Mexican cruise made the most sense. Now it was just a matter of finding the right one.
Ryan texted Brad the next day and said that he had mentioned Brad’s inquiry to Bethany. Bethany responded that she thought she would enjoy going on a cruise if she were with a giga like Tessa. Ryan told Brad that he knew it was a strange request, and it was completely up to Tessa and him, of course, but that if they didn’t mind the company, he and Bethany would like to go with them on their cruise. Brad thought about it. One on hand, it would seem like his older sister was going to chaperone him on his honeymoon. But on the other hand, it might be fun to go with another couple, and Tessa might be more comfortable with Bethany along. So he gingerly floated the suggestion to Tessa, really expecting her to immediately reject it and get on his case for even suggesting it.
Tessa: I would love to have them come with us. I think it would be fun for all of us.
Brad: You would?
Tessa: That is, if you have no objection.
Brad: I suppose not. It just seems a bit weird, having my sister along on our honeymoon.
Tessa: Believe me, I get it. I sure wouldn’t want one of my brothers tagging along. But hear me out.
Tessa: When we first got together, I was thrilled about how perfect we were for each other. Then I considered how great it was that I was also getting your family, but only from a selfish perspective – how I would gain a wonderful support group. And I have, and I treasure it. But when Bella asked me for help getting into Capital College, I realized something much more profound. God also let me go through the life I’ve experienced and put the two of us together so I could be there for your family in ways that no one else can.
Tessa: Look at how well Bella is doing, going to college in the big city. She never would have done that without me. I know she’ll probably go back to Robertsville when she graduates, but she will never feel that she’s trapped there. Regardless, I know she’ll do amazing things with her life that wouldn’t be possible had she not had this experience. I don’t say this to be prideful; I’m so grateful God enabled me to help her, it’s very fulfilling. And so, I decided I would never pass up an opportunity to help another giga in any way I could.
Tessa: Bethany’s been married for what, 14 years now, and she’s never had a proper honeymoon. She’s never even had a proper vacation, all because she’s been afraid to venture beyond Robertsville. Now she’s being brave and wants to try something new and scary, but only if I can be there to give her moral support. That’s no big sacrifice on my part; I was going to be there anyway. It’s the least I can do! So yes, I definitely want them to come with us!
Brad: Well, when you put it that way, how could I possibly object? I’ll let them know they’re welcome to join us.
Chapter 20: The genetic mystery
Tessa: Brad?
Brad: Yeah, babe?
Tessa: Explain to me the genetic mystery in your family that you’re trying to figure out. I mean, I took biology classes and I know basically how genetics work, but I guess not well enough to understand why gigantomastia shouldn’t be passed down the way it is in your family.
Brad: Okay. Well, you know that human cells all have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and those contain genes that determine traits each person has – physical traits like eye color and body shape, but also other traits like intelligence. Each pair of chromosomes consists of one that came from the person’s mother, and the other that came from the father. There are corresponding genes on each chromosome in a pair, and some genes are dominant and others are recessive. If a person has one of each, the dominant gene wins and he or she will have the trait from the parent with the dominant gene. A human egg and a human sperm each have only 23 single chromosomes, so that when the sperm fertilizes the egg, the resulting cell has 23 pairs.
Brad: A person with one dominant and one recessive gene will have the dominant trait themselves, but half of their eggs or sperm will have only the dominant trait, and the other half will have only the recessive trait. If they have a child with someone who also carries the recessive trait, whether or not they display it themselves, that child might get the recessive gene from both parents and will actually display the recessive trait. So, in a population that has both traits, children could end up with either trait, in a somewhat but not completely random pattern, including skipping generations.
Brad: 22 of these chromosomes are always matched pairs. The 23rd chromosome is different, because it determines a baby’s sex. There are two different kinds of 23rd chromosome, the X and the Y. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one X and one Y. So human eggs always have an X, and human sperm can have an X or a Y, at about a 50-50 ratio. Whether the egg is fertilized by a sperm with an X or Y chromosome determines the sex of the baby.
Brad: You probably know all of this already, but I’m just catching you up in case you had forgotten any of it.
Tessa: Yeah, I’m with you so far. The refresher helps, though.
Brad: So here’s the part that doesn’t make sense. It’s possible for a trait to always be passed from a father to his sons and their sons, but never to his daughters’ sons. That could happen if the trait were carried on a gene on the Y chromosome. But since females have two X chromosomes, they always have genes on their pair of X chromosomes that came from their father as well as their mother, just like they do on their other 22 pairs of chromosomes. They can never have a gene that came only from one parent. There should never be a case where a trait is always passed on from a woman to her daughters and their daughters but never to a son’s daughters. Yet that’s exactly what happens in my family. There’s obviously another factor at play here that we haven’t discovered and don’t understand.
Tessa: What do you think it could be?
Brad: Well, here’s my theory, but at this point it’s just a guess. I’m thinking that there must be a gene on the X chromosome with very strange characteristics that affect the fertilized egg at the moment of conception in a way we’ve never seen. I call it the giga X gene. The giga X gene somehow destroys the corresponding, non-giga X gene in a cell fertilized with a female sperm and replaces it with a copy of itself. Or maybe it just causes the non-giga X gene to change to a giga X gene. But the giga X gene somehow gets changed to a regular, non-giga X gene if the cell is fertilized by a male sperm with a Y chromosome. All of this would have to happen as the egg is being fertilized by the sperm, or immediately afterwards, before it had a chance to divide. That’s the only way I can make any sense of it, but I have no idea how this giga X gene came to be or how it can possibly behave in that way.
Tessa: What about gigas in your family having mostly daughters? How does that fit in to this?
Brad: Since a baby’s sex is determined by the father, not the mother, and the fathers come from various non-giga families, it’s another mystery. There must be something about a giga’s eggs that make them more receptive to being fertilized by sperm with an X chromosome. That would either have to be another trait from the giga X gene, or from a different gene on the X chromosome that behaves the same way.
Tessa: Do you think I have a giga X gene?
Brad: I really can’t say. Gigantomastia can be, and usually is, caused by other unknown factors that are not genetic in nature, or that are genetic in the normal way. So I would say, chances are, you don’t have it. If you do, it would have to be a mutation of the same type that my original giga ancestor had. Well, the mutation would have more likely actually occurred in one of the parents of the original giga, and in one of your parents, without directly affecting them. But since you don’t have sisters or nieces, and frankly probably won’t, there won’t be a way to know at least until you have a daughter who reaches puberty, and maybe not until you have granddaughters who reach puberty from both a son and a daughter. That is, unless we actually find this giga X gene and then test you for it.
Tessa: I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, then. If I don’t have the giga X gene, do you think my odds of having a giga daughter are greater since you’ll be the father?
Brad: Again, I can’t say, but if my theory is correct, I wouldn’t think so.
Tessa: Well, we’re going to have amazing kids whether they’re gigas or not, and it doesn’t matter to me either way.
Brad: Me neither. And yes, they’ll be amazing. I can’t wait to meet them.