"Come sit on my lap, coure mia." Kalish opened his arms to invite his wife who has just finished hanging their newly- laundered sheets outside, something he allowed her to do only because she begged him and he couldn't deny her anything.

Smiling, she strode towards him and fall on his lap as she wrap her arms around his neck, his strong arms around her tiny waist. He buried his face on the crook of her neck and inhaled her delicate scent making her giggle. The sound she made had made the noise from the busy plaza from the neighborhood bearable.

Kapistahan ng barangay kaya naman maraming mga dayong kamag- anakan ng mga taga- roon idagdag pa ang peryahan at mga tyanggeng nakahilera sa pinakasentro ng barangay kung saan may maliit na chapel na siyang pinupuntahan nila tuwing Linggo at tuwing may novena.

Kalish was aware that their marriage would not ever stop Holly from practicing her vocation and he was more than happy to support his wife with everything she wanted to do not to say that it makes him so proud of her. The people there had learned to love his wife because of her kindness, the way she carries herself and most especially with her unpretensious service on the small chapel there. He had made sure to donate generous amount of money for the complete construction of the chapel with the help of his cousin's company.

Inabot niya ang mga kamay ng asawa upang hagkan ang magkabilang palad nito. Holly stared at him lovingly. "Napagod ka ba?" Tanong niya sa asawa. Holly smiled and shook her head. He caressed her face and pressed his lips to hers, tasting the sweetness only he can find on his wife's lips. He licked the corner of her lips making her gasp and he took the chance to assault the insides of her mouth with his tongue.

"K- Kalish..." Holly whimpered as his hand crawled at her nape, the other one supporting the small of her back. She grabbed a fistful of his shirt her blush slowly creeping all over her body. She was thoroughly loved by her husband in the morning she can still feel him inside her. The delicious ache was a reminder of how he had kissed every nook of her body, how his tongue tasted her skin, how his length had pushed in and out of her tight body'til she became incoherent and only his name was the only word she could remember to say over and over. She was becoming even wetter and if Kalish haven't pulled away, she would not remember to breathe. Her breathing came out like a sigh as she shivered against his warmth. He pressed a kiss on her forehead.

The cold wind wafted around reminding them that they were just outside, in a small nipa shed Kalish had constructed on their backyard overlooking the wide fields and the winding river. Soon, he will build a beautiful home here for Holly. He knows she had started loving the place and the people here. As soon as he could settle the Consiglio and her grandparents, he will build their home and start their family.

"Everyone's so excited about tonight." Holly softly said, breaking him from his trances. He kissed her forehead again before replying to his wife.

"Do you want to go?" He asked softly as he studied her eyes. His wife has the tendency to deny herself of something that could make her happy and that's what he's working with. Denying Holly happiness is unacceptable.

"Am I allowed to?" She looked at her shyly and when he doesn't answer she lowered her head. "You don't want crowded places. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, coure mia. Gusto ko sa lugar kung nasaan ka." He caresses her hair. Her eyes were full of excitement when she looked up.

"I've never been to a plaza before." She breathes.

"Then let's change that." Lalong lumawak ang ngiti niya. Kalish's heart could only take so much of his wife's heavenly smile. Now he feels like his chest was going to burts.

"Marissa told me there would be lots of street foods and stalls. There's also a perya though I'm not sure what that is." She mused like a child and he smiled at her innocence.

"Tonight you will surely come to know what that is." He playfully poked her button nose. She smiled at him lovingly.

"Thank you, Kalish."

"Why should you thank me, my love? It's husband's duty to make his wife happy. I want you happy."

"I want you happy, too." Maagap na sabi nito kapagkuwa'y nawala ang ngiti ng tila may maalala, "My doing the laundry does not make you happy, though." Bumagsak ang balikat na anito.

He lifted her chin and kissed her lips softly, "It makes you happy so I'm happy." Malumanay niyang sagot na nagpangiti sa asawa. She pressed a kiss on his cheek and the softness of her lips only aroused the beast in him. She jerked in surprise upon feeling the twitching of something hard against her ass. Without warning, Kalish stood up carrying her and her hands automatically wrapped around his neck. She unknowingly looked at her husband who only kissed her lips.

"Now, let's do something that makes us both happy." With that, she was carried inside the house and Kalish had made her body sing in every ways possible.

💛

Humigpit ang pagkakakapit ni Holly sa braso ng asawa ng makita kung gaano karaming tao ang nasa plaza. She was never been in a crowded place before and now it made her anxious. She was excited coming there tonight but did not expect the place to be swarmed with that many people. It was the official opening of the barangay's fiesta thus explained the mass of people there that night. Marahang inalis ng asawa ang kamay sa braso nito upang malaya nitong maipulupot ang kamay sa kanyang beywang. Nakaramdam siya ng kapanatagan ng maramdaman ang init ng katawan nito. He offered her a smile saying that everything was okay when he looked at him. But she was still quite anxious thinking about her husband's discomfort with the crowd. Was she too selfish to ask this from him?

Kalish leaned down to whisper on her ears, "I'm okay, coure mia. Please don't worry about me." He said smiling, touching the frown on her face as if trying to ease it. He kissed her forehead bringing her comfort.

Getting assurance from her husband, Holly's eyes began to search the place as they slowly walk. In front the long line of stalls, some food, majority were stalls of different goods, was the community center where the opening for the fiesta was held. Mang Tasyo being the barangay captain was currently speaking giving his welcome speech. People were coming to and fro, obviously enjoying the festivity. And she was amazed at every small things she could see, from the banderitas, to the middle- aged man selling native pancakes, to the young boy selling balut, and even the group of teenagers crowding a certain stall to buy some posters from foreign boy groups. Every house have visitors, even the small ones had prepared lots of food for the event. Everything around was so full of life and her initia discomfort had dissipated. She could only feel delight and excitement right that moment.

And Kalish was watching her with a fond smile, enjoying how the love of his life gasp and smile with everything she found amazing, even the small things. He swore to keep that lovely smile on her wife's beautiful face even if it means facing the Consiglio sooner than necessary.

"Kalish, look. A cotton candy stall." Holly delightfully gasped seeing the stall with colorful sweets.

"Let's go get you one." He walked her into the stall, waiting for a two young girls to finish buying then asked her what color she liked. She pointed at the pink one, smiling like an innocent child as the vendor handed her the confection. Her heart burst with love as a group of children arrived in front the stall and her husband had bought one for each of them. He handed a one thousand bill to the vendor when she wasn't looking and discreetly shook his head when the old man had told him he doesn't have enough change for his money. He wrapped his arms around him and silently walked away from the stall leaving the old man smiled at their backs, feeling indebted with Kalish.

"Kalish! Holly!" Sabay silang napalingon kay Marissa. Agad na lumapit ang nakangiting dalaga sa kanila. "Buti naman at nahanap ko kayo agad. Katatapos lang ng part ko para sa program. Nandito lang 'yong bahay ng kapatid ni Tatay. Inimbitahan niya tayong kumain doon."

Holly felt his husband's arm tighten around her waist.

"Tapos na kaming kumain pero salamat." Magalang na pagtanggi ni Kalish dito. Nawala ang ngiti ni Marissa ngunit agad din itong nakabawi nang makita ang hawak na cotton candy ni Holly.

"Tiyak akong nauuhaw na si Holly. Gusto mo ng buko juice 'di ba?" Pagkumbinsi nito sa dalaga. Holly looked at her husband, seeking approval. "May iba pang native delicacies doon na magugustuhan ninyo. Tara." She pulled Holly from his arms and Kalish had no choice but to follow his wife.

After a small walk they arrived in front a modest house. He immediately wrapped his arms around his wife's waist feeling protective as he saw a group of men drinking liquor, one of them busy singing in front a karaoke machine. Mayroong mesa sa terrace ng bahay kung saan nakahanda ang iba't ibang klaseng pagkain. Dumako ang tingin ng mga naroon sa kanila at isang middle- aged na babae kahawig ni Mang Tasyo ang masayang sumalubong sa kanila

"Marissa! Sila na ba 'yong bagong kapitbahay ninyo?" The woman asked excitedly.

"Opo, auntie. Si Kalish at Holly po." Pagpapakilala sa kanila ni Marissa.

"Magandang gabi po." Sabay nilang pagbati sa ginang.

"Magandang gabi din sa inyo. Totoo pala ang sabi nilang para kayong mga artista!" Kinikilig na wika pa ng ginang. Maging ang mga nagiinuman ay sa kanila na nakatingin. Isiniksik ni Holly ang sarili sa katawan ng asawa nang makaramdam ng hiya sa atensyong nakukuha nila. Kalish protectively tighten his arm around her waist, kissing the top of her head softly to silently reassure her that she's safe

"Auntie, 'wag po masyadong fangirl. Naiilang na po sila." Natatawang saway ni Marissa sa tiyahin. She smiled apologetically to them and they were relieved when the woman finally invited them inside the house away from the fleeting gazes of the curious people outside.

There were also some people inside the house whom Marissa had greeted. They were lead in the small dining room where food was already prepared. There were already three people occupying the seats, a man who has a semblance with Marissa's aunt and two women probably their ages.

"Maupo kayo." Paganyaya ng ginang sa kanila. Holly was feeling uncomfortable with the stares they got from the three people there but Kalish's touch and warmth had helped her calm down. Pinaghila siya ng upuan ng asawa at naupo ito sa tabi niya. There was no space in between their seats so Kalish could still wrap his hand around her slim waist. Marissa found a seat beside Kalish.

"Kalish, Holly, ito nga pala si Viktor, pinsan ko. Anak siya ni auntie Gemma." Pagpapakilala ni Marissa sa lalaking nakaupo sa tapat niya. "Si Jenny mapapangasawa niya, tapos ito si Aira, kaibigan namin. Dayo siya mula sa kabilang bayan." Pagpapakilala pa nito sa dalawang babaeng hindi matanggal ang tingin kay Kalish. Isang tipid na tango ang isinukli ni Kalish sa mga ito.

"Holly, okay ka lang ba?" Tanong ni Marissa sa dalaga.

Iniangat niya ang tingin sa asawa. Kalish pressed a kiss on the top of her head.

"Kailan kayo ikakasal?" Tanong ni Jenny kay Kalish. Hindi maiaalis sa mga mata nito ang paghanga sa binata.

"Kasal na kami." Matipid na sagot nito. Tila nagulat naman ang mga kaharap sa naging sagot.

"Pero ba't walang singsing?"

Ipinagpasalamat ni Kalish ang pagdating ni Aling Gemma dala ang mga plato at kubyertos na gagamitin nila. Dahil doon ay hindi na niya kailangang sagutin pa ang tanong dahil humarap na rin ang ginang at sinimulang magkwento.

Holly ate silently, Kalish's arm were never removed around her waist. It was like her shield, enough to make her feel at eased despite the stares she got from the man in front her. She also felt the need to wrap her arms around his husband to lay claim but she's not confident doing that. She was not designed to do that. Although the stares Kalish got from the two women somehow made her jealous, she couldn't be rude and tell them off.

"Holly, ilang taon ka na?" Biglang tanong ni Viktor na ikinatahimik ng lahat. Dahan- dahang ibinaba ni Holly ang hawak na kubyertos upang hawakan ang kamay ng asawa.

She cleared her throat, fearing that her voice would come out scratchy from not using it for half an hour now, "T- Twenty."

"Kakakasal niyo lang?" Tanong pa ni Aira na tila curious na curious sa kanila.

"Oo." Matipid na sagot ni Kalishna maingat na itinabi ang kubyertos na hawak. Holly was awed how composed her husband was; how his calm composure had the women in front them followed his refined movement like they were enchanted.

"Ikaw, Kalish. Ilang taon ka na?" It was Jenny's turn to ask.

"Twenty- four." He answered in his velvet voice that even Holly still find so seductive even after hearing it everyday.

"Malapit na din kaming ikasal ni Viktor. Nakapili na kami actually ng singsing. Medyo mahal pero worth it naman kasi maganda." The air in Jenny's voice couldn't be concealed with her smile.

Although Holly felt regretful over the wedding ring she had lost, she smiled, genuinely happy for the woman in front her.

"'Di ba dapat may singsing kayo kasi married na kayo?" Jenny asked making Holly's smile fall. "Nagpakasal kayo ng walang singsing?" Jenny looked at Kalish like she was accusing him of his negligence.

"Nawala ko 'yong singsing." Holly said before even realizing it. She felt Kalish's arm tighten around him. She looked at him and offered him a reassuring smile to ease the worry on his face. Surely, he was worried for her, not with accusation the woman was trying to throw at him. He was always doing everything he can to protect her, to make her happy. Now it's time to protect the man he loves so much.

"My husband decided to stop wearing the ring when I lost mine. It was my fault." She smiled longingly, embarrassed at how careless she was. Kalish squeezed her reassuringly. The room seemed to get silent.

"Ang sabi ni Kalish noon ay pinagiipunan niya pa." Marissa said breaking the silence.

"Yes, I only want her to give the best." He looked at her lovingly, and when she looked back with same intensity, everything around them faded into background.

"Ang sweet naman." Someone sighed breaking their trance. He kissed her nose and her giggles made him smile. Only Holly can make him smile like that.

💛

Kalish was contented watching his wife enjoying buying things from the small stalls. At first she was hesitant to spend some money but after stopping in a stall that sells books, she finally gave in 'til they buy something almost from every stall there. They even went to the perya which he found interesting. But he enjoyed watching Holly more as she happily bounced while trying the games and her giggles everytime she wins were a balm to his heart. Her smile and laughter even made the night brighter. His heart was full of love he's afraid it could burst at any moment.

"Kalish, hiramin muna namin si Holly, huh? May bibilhin lang kami doon." Marissa asked pointing somewhere where they sell some dresses. She looked at his wife and see that she also liked going with the woman. It seemed as if she had started to losen up even after the awkward incident at Marissa's aunt's house. Although Jenny and Aira were there too, he would feel a bit confident letting Holly go with Marissa.

He smiled at his wife. "Maghihintay ako dito." Aniya. Holly excitedly smiled like a child and tiptoed to kiss his cheek making him chuckle. Marissa smiled fondly watching them while Jenny still has her bitter gaze at Holly. "Please take care of my wife." Aniya kay Marissa.

"Syempre naman." Masayang umabrisete si Marissa kay Holly. And Kalish watched his wife's back. Inalis lamang niya ang tingin nang tawagin ni Mang Tasyo.

"Kalish! Halika muna, hijo, at ipapakilala kita sa mga kumpare ko."

It would only be a little time 'til Holly comes back to him. Then she would be in his arms again.

💛

"Sa'n mo nakilala si Kalish?"

Gulat na napalingon si Holly kay Jenny na 'di niya namalayang tumabi sa kanya. Masayang namimili ng damit sina Marissa at Aira habang nagkwekwentuhan habang sila ni Jenny ay nasa bukana ng stall. She unconsciously wringed her hands in anxiety at how the woman looked at her.

"U- Una ko siyang nakilala sa isang religious retreat." Pag- amin niya saka ibinaba ang tingin. Sa tanong nito ay naalala niya ang pagtalikod sa bokasyon. Tila ba'y hinuhusgahan siya ng tingin nito. Nguni hindi kailanman marunong magsinungaling ang isang Holly.

"Religious retreat?" Tumikwas ang kilay ng babae. Tumango lamang siya. "Pinatagal moba ang panliligaw niya?"

Umangat ang tingin ni Holly sa kausap. Ngumisi ang babae.

"Hindi noh?" She smirked, "Sa itsura ba naman ng asawa mo, syempre hindi mo na pakakawalan." Then she assessed her from toe to head making her squirmed in discomfort. "Nagpanggap kang buntis? Pinikot mo?"

Umawang ang labi ni Holly sa narinig. Her throat parched, the corner of her eyes stinged. Why was the woman talking to her like that? Like she was not worthy of Kalish.

Muling ngumisi ang babae, "Sayang naman 'yong singsing na nawala mo." Sabi pa nito bago ito tumalikod upang lapitan sina Marissa at Aira. Her chest tightened, recalling the night when her grandfather tied her in bed, he grandma telling her of her disgrace, of her cousin and aunti hating her. She seemed to have lost everything she had. But Kalish was there, and offered her his name, his ring. But she lost it. She looked down at her shaking fingers, specifically to her naked ring finger.

Hindi niya pinikot si Kalish... pero hindi nga ba? Did he marry her because he had no choice? Now he had to run away from his family, from his title, from his life. All because she came into his life so suddenly...

But Kalish loves her... She can feel it. Had felt it everytime Kalish looked at her, touched her, kissed her, made love to her. Who was she even have doubts of his love for her? When did she become faithless? When did she not trust God's plan for her? And that plan is Kalish. To have Kalish in her life.

A tear fell when she lifted her head to search for her husband where she left him and her body shook when she couldn't see him anywhere. She forgot of Marrissa and of Jenny as she walked away desperately searching around for Kalish. She accidentally bumped people as she searched the crowd, her tears falling, sobs trapped in her throat.

She needed Kalish. She have to be in Kalish's arms. She needed her husband.

A gasp escaped her throat when someone suddenly bumped into someone so hard she fell back. A man, lean and tall approached her and offered a hand. She was shaking as people gathered around her, curiously gazing at her. Some offered to help but the man in front of her had helped her into her feet, forcing her hand around her waist to steady her on her feet. Nanlalaki ang mga matang lumayo siya sa lalaki.

"Sorry, miss." Tila nahihiyang napakamot sa batok ang lalaki. His timid smile somehow made her losen up a bit. "Okay ka lang ba?" Bakas ang pagaalala sa boses nito. Tipid siyang tumango nang bigla na lamang siyang hatakin palapit ng lalaki upang iiwas sa mga batang nagtatakbuhan. Inalalayan siya nito hanggang marating ang gilid ng daan. Agad siyang lumayo sa lalaki na mabait naman siyang nginitian.

"Dayo ka ba dito?" Tanong nito at muli lamang siyang tumango.

"Figures. Ngayon lang kasi ako nakakita ng kasing ganda mo dito." The man looked at her, enchanted. Tila naman nagbalik ito sa huwisyo nang mapansing 'di pa rin siya nagsasalita. "Anyway, taga- dito ang grandparents ko kaya nandito ako tuwing fiesta para bisitahin na din sila." He cleared his throat, his face flustered.

"Nakita kita kina Viktor kanina pero may kasama ka. Boyfriend mo ba 'yon?" Tanong pa nito.

Sa narinig ay muling nilibot ni Holly ang tingin sa paligid. Nasaan na si Kalish? Her heart began to worry.

"A- Asawa ko siya." Sagot niya sa lalaki.

"Asawa?" Tumingin ito sa kamay niya. "Pero wala kang singsing--"

"Holly!"

She gasped as she felt the familiar strong arms around her waist, the soothing fragrance confirmed her thoughts.

"Coure mia, I was so worried." Kalish's voice was strained, like he just finished running. She turned around and clinged on her husband, his hands wrapping around her tighter.

"Where have you been?" She sobbed, "You said you'll wait for me."

Kalish gently pulled away and trapped her face on his palms, "I'm so sorry, my love. I promise not to let you away from my sight anymore. Are you hurt?" He inspected her face then down her body. "I'm so sorry." He kissed her tears and put her back in his arms. A cough broke them apart from their own world.

"Okay naman siya. Medyo nataranta lang kanina." Sabi ng lalaki.

"You are?" Kalish asked, his body stiff as he glared at the man.

Nahihiyang napakamot sa batok ang lalaki. "Pasensya na, brad. Akala ko kasi single pa siya. Suotan mo na kasi ng singsing. Sa ganda ng asawa mo hindi lang ako ang mapapatay mo ng tingin." Anito saka itinuro ang ilang kabinataan sa isang tabi na nakatingin kay Holly. "Pasensya na ulit." Paghingi pa nito ng paumanhin bago sila iwan.

"Damn." She heard Kalish cursed but she was too comfortable in his arms to even care. And besides, she's too tired to even do anything.

She's back to her husband's arms. She's back to her safety.

💛

"Damn, Kalish. Do you even know what time it is? Alam ba ng asawa mo na gising ka pa?" Kalish sighed, his remaining patience wearing thin as he listened to his cousin Onyx on the other line. He made sure his beloved wife was sound asleep and comfortable on their bed before going out to make a call. This couldn't wait 'ti the morning. This is needed to be settled now.

"I need a ring." He did not beat around the bush.

"No bullshit!" His cousin cursed.

"Yeah, no bullshit. I need a ring."

"Are you planning to have the wedding again?" Onyx asked, somehow exasperated knowing that the Cosiglio was still looking for them.

Yes. Soon. But I need a ring now."

"This is the first time you act spoiled." Onyx remarked amused. Kalish didn't answer and that was Onyx's hint that he was really serious. "When do you need it?" He asked without further question and he was able to breathe. A little.

"Tomorrow."

"Bullshit, Kalish."

"Enough with your bullshit, Onyx. I need the ring tomorrow."

"I don't even have my pilot right now. He's in vacation!"

"Then bring the ring to me."

"My wife is pregnant!"

"Then I'll go there." He declared, serious.

"Hey, have you gone crazy? I'm not enduring the harassments from your fucking Consiglio and definitely not lying at your mom about your whereabouts just so you could fuck this up because you need a fucking ring!" He berated.

"Tell that to me again when everyone started hitting on your wife because she isn't wearing your ring in her finger." He ran his fingers on his air, as exasperated as his cousin or maybe even more.

"Okay." He answered making him quite surprised.

"Okay?"

"Yeah. Tomorrow."

"I owe you." He told his cousin before cutting the call.

He looked inside the house then up the clear sky. The stars were dusted in the galaxy like millions of lights. He was able to breathe evenly now. Just few hours more and Holly will have his heart on her finger. Then no one would doubt that she was his