While I was waiting for Enrique to come home for our wedding, I attended two. Kina Celeste at Ravi, tapos kina Karlo at Nadia.

Celeste and Ravi's wedding is small and intimate. Nagpunta kaming lahat sa Isabela para sa kasal nila. No one is allowed to bring phones during the ceremony or take unauthorized pictures of them.

Piling-pili ang mga imbitado. Halos kami-kami lang rin ang narito.

During the reception, while Ravi and Celeste were having their first dance, I caught a glimpse of Karlo's fiancee, Nadia. Nasa gilid ito at may pinipinta. Celeste asked her if she could paint their wedding, and she agreed.

Kumuha ako ng wine glass at lumapit sa kaniya. As soon as she turned, I gasped in astonishment. Both for her beauty and talent.

"Ang galing mo!" Bulalas ko nang makitang sina Celeste at Ravi pala ang pinipinta niya, habang nagsasayaw sila.

"Thanks." She smiled politely.

"Hindi, seryoso, ang galing talaga!" Mas lalo pa akong lumapit para pagmasdan ang gawa niya.

She chuckled. "Thank you, again?"

She captured the magical moment between Celeste and Ravi. She's so damn talented! Ano bang nakita niya kay Karlo?!

"Lulu, tingnan mo... ang galing!"

Our friends started to crowd her one by one, in awe of her talent. Si Karlo naman, ngising-aso na dahil pinupuri ang fiancee niya.

"Ang galing, diba? Fiancee ko yan!"

"Ingay mo, Karlo."

Just three months after Celeste and Ravi's wedding, it was Karlo's turn. I thought it was going to be a traditional Chinese wedding since he's a full-blooded Chinese, but he adjusted everything for his bride.

Nadia is stunning. She's the epitome of an elegant woman. Nakakahiya kasi yung asawa niya, parang pinulot lang sa kanto. Pero buti na rin dahil magiging kaibigan na namin ang isang tulad niya!

Enrique tried to keep in touch with me as soon as he could. Kapag bumababa sila ng bundok, nagkakasignal at tumatawag siya sa akin. Kung hindi naman, matiyaga lang akong naghihintay kung kailan ulit siya makakagamit ng cellphone.

"Nareceive ko na ang wedding invitation! Ang cute!" Lulu exclaimed as soon as I answered the phone.

I chuckled, glancing at the wedding invitation that we worked so hard during the preparation. In honor of Enrique's service to the army, we included his rank insignia. It was subtle yet an elegant touch to send out invitations to our friends and families.

"Are you sure you don't want a bachelorette party?" She asked once more.

Umiling ako kahit hindi naman nakikita ng kaibigan. "We both agreed not to have pre-wedding parties, Lulu. 'Tsaka, baka magdala ka pa ng macho dancer dun, 'no!"

She laughed on the other line. After giving birth to their new baby, Lulu looked beautiful. Her skin got radiant and her eyes sparkled in motherhood joy.

"I'm not! 'Tamo, noong bachelorette party ko, si Ivo ang pinasayaw natin, diba?!"

I grimaced at the memory. "Past is past, Lulu. Ayoko nang maalala yun!"

She laughed again. "God, it was so easy to bully him into coming! Buti nalang talaga hindi pumunta si Raya sa party. I doubt she'd still want to marry Ivo after seeing him in that state!"

Nagtawanan kaming dalawa habang inaalala ang mga nangyari sa kasal niya noon. After talking and catching up, I ended the call and prepared to go to the airport. The wedding is in three weeks and Enrique is coming home today.

I was so excited when I stepped out of the boarding house but my smile faded when I saw someone standing outside the gate. My heart picked up its pace. Dahan-dahan akong bumaba at tinanguan ang babae sa labas.

"Magandang hapon po, Tita Judy..."

She nodded at me. Ni minsan ay hindi ito bumisita sa akin o nakipag-usap kaya kinakabahan ako kung bakit narito siya ngayon. Wala naman siyang balak pigilan ang kasal, diba?

Because I've made up my mind to marry her son no matter what it takes.

"Gusto kitang kausapin..."

"Gusto niyo po sa loob? Mainit dito sa labas—"

"Hindi ako dadalo sa kasal."

Natigilan ako at napatingin sa kaniya. I couldn't even read her eyes. She looked away from me and sighed.

"Pero hindi ko rin kayo pipigilan dalawa."

Hindi ako makapagsalita. Honestly, I don't know what she expects me to say after this. We invited her because she's important to Enrique... I saw how disappointed he was when she couldn't attend his Ring Hop Ceremony before. Pati ba naman ang kasal ng nag-iisa niyang anak na lalaki?

"Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ang galit ko sa'yo." Pag-amin niya. Tumawa ito nang sarkastiko. "Wala ka namang ginagawa sa akin. Pinagtitiisan mo lahat ng ginawa at sinabi ko sa'yo noon. Akala ko nga hindi ka na makikipagbalikan sa anak ko dahil ayaw mo akong makita, eh."

I bit my lower lip and bowed my head.

To some extent, what she said was true. Isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit dalawang beses kong itinulak si Enrique palayo ay dahil ayaw ko na siyang makita ulit. She gave me anxiety when I was raised in an environment full of love. She destroyed the confidence that I worked so hard to build throughout these years.

"Siguro kasi... nagseselos ako. Nagseselos ako kasi alam kong hindi ko mararanasan ang pagmamahal na nararanasan mo sa anak ko. Habambuhay akong magtatago sa dilim kasi kabit lang ako..." her lips quivered. "Nasusuka ako sa kabaitan mo. Gusto kitang hanapan ng mali para makumbinsi ang sarili ko na hindi ka karapat-dapat para kay Kiko..."

Nanikip ang dibdib ko sa narinig. I reached for the gate to steady myself.

Lumandas ang isang luha mula sa mga mata niya pero agad niya itong pinalis.

"Kahit alam kong mali... ginagawa ko pa rin. Pero huwag kang mag-alala dahil wala naman na akong balak makialam sa inyo. Hindi ko kayo guguluhin dalawa." She turned to me. "At... pasensiya na sa lahat ng nagawa ko."

"Tita Judy..."

Hindi na ito umimik at tinalikuran ako. I was so stunned while watching her walk away. I blinked back my tears and when she was gone, I gave myself a gentle pat on the back.

"You did well, Avery..." I whispered. "For holding on throughout these years, you finally got your closure. You did well..."

I fixed myself before going to the airport to welcome Enrique home. As soon as I saw him, I ran into his arms and hugged him tightly.

"Welcome back..." I whispered.

"Is there something wrong?" Sinilip niya ang mukha ko, at bakas din ang pag-aalala sa mga mata niya.

I shook my head and smiled at him. "I'm just happy that you're back."

Enrique hugged me tightly. Sa sumunod na mga araw ay naging abala na kaming dalawa sa kasal. When I told him that his mother wasn't coming, he just nodded in understanding. Para bang inaasahan na niya ito mula sa sariling ina.

We picked an old church inside the military base. As soon as I saw it decorated with flags, Enrique's unit banners, and his military colors, I almost cried in joy.

"Huwag iiyak, ha?" Paalala sa akin ni Lulu.

Tumango ako. Si Raya naman ay abala sa pag-aayos ng skirt ng wedding gown ko sa loob ng sasakyan. She is my maid of honor for this wedding. Salitan kaming apat kapag may kinakasal at dahil ako ang pang-huli, siya ang naging maid of honor ko.

I wore a traditional wedding gown in vintage lace and a sweetheart neckline. I wanted it to look elegant yet simple. Lulu pinned three silver stars arranged in a triangular pattern on my chest in honor of Enrique's rank insignia. Raya fixed my veil and we waited anxiously until we were signaled to enter the church.

The wedding began with a processional, accompanied by a military band. As soon as the doors to the church opened, my gaze automatically fixed on Enrique waiting at the altar. Only You started playing in the background.

He's dressed in his full dress uniform, standing tall and unwavering as I walk down the aisle. It's customary for military officers to wear their uniforms on their wedding days, displaying his rank insignia, medals, and ribbons.

The gold buttons of his coat are emblazoned with the army's emblem. As usual of him, his uniform was meticulously pressed, shoes were shined, and all insignia and medals were properly aligned and polished.

I walked slowly, trying to take it all in. My family, my friends, and workmates... his squadron, his superiors, and friends... they were all here.

Mas lalo pa akong kumapit kay Ron dahil pakiramdam ko ay matutumba ako anumang oras. Hinigpitan naman nito ang kapit sa akin habang si Tita ay naluluha habang pinagmamasdan ako.

"Kiko," Ron nodded towards Enrique when we reached the altar. He gently held my hand to him and Enrique accepted it.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join Enrique Jacob Cabrera, a captain in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Dr. Avery Felicia Perez in holy matrimony. This is a special occasion where we celebrate not only their love and commitment to each other but also their dedication to their country..."

I looked at Enrique. Even with his uniform, I could see how vulnerable he was. He's trying to blink back his tears and maintain a stoic face. I let out a small laugh and turned to the priest. This is not a formation, you know? You can let it all out...

"Captain Cabrera, as you have served your country with honor, so too will you serve your marriage with dedication and love. Dr. Perez, as you have supported Captain Cabrera in his service, so too will you support him in this new journey together."

We faced each other and joined hands for the vow.

"Enrique," I took a deep breath. My hands were trembling and I'm sure my voice shook as I let out all the words I've been meaning to say to him. "You are the most patient, loving man I have ever been with. Walang araw na hindi ko iniisip kung anong ginawa ko sa mundo para mahalin mo. During your cadetship days, you endured a lot but kept on loving me. When you finally joined the army, I slowly realized what it means to love someone who is devoted to serving the country. I will walk with you in all directions of life and be with you until the day I die. Mahal kita, Captain Cabrera..."

Tuluyan na akong naiyak kaya agad akong inabutan ni Raya ng panyo. I discreetly wiped my tears while still holding Enrique's hand. When I calmed down a bit, I turned to him.

His eyes were glassy as he reached for the microphone and started talking.

"Avery..." he gave my hand a gentle squeeze before he continued. "All my life, I thought becoming a soldier and serving my country is my ultimate dream. When I met you, my life started to change. Mas tumayog ang pangarap ko. Mas lumawak ang mundo ko. Mas ginusto kong mag-pursige para mabigyan ka ng magandang buhay. My success is rooted in my devotion and love for you. I'm not successful without you, Avery. You are the reason I'm still alive after endless battles with enemies. I only need to remember your face to know that I'm not going to die each time I step into the battlefield. Times will pass, my rank will change... but you will always be my Commander, Avery. I'll follow you wherever you go and will gladly spend the rest of this lifetime with you. I'll always be your shelter, Dr. Perez..."

We were both crying by then. The priest waited for a bit before requesting our rings. When Enrique slipped it on my finger, I felt complete... as I waited all my life just for this moment.

"By the power vested in me by the Church, and the authority of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I now pronounce you, husband and wife... you may salute your bride."

Enrique brought his right hand up smartly, saluting me, before lifting my veil. He gently grabbed my waist and kissed me softly in front of everyone. Nagpalakpakan na ang mga tao pero nalunod lang ang ingay nila sa mga halik ni Enrique.

"Friends and family, it is my great honor to present to you, Captain and Mrs. Cabrera..."

After the closing prayer, Enrique held my hand and guided me under the Arch of Swords. Military officers held the swords above our heads as we exited the chapel. The last two officers lowered their swords to prevent us from passing. Enrique turned to me and kissed me again as the swords slowly rose, sealing our marriage.

Before we finally stepped out of the church, I glanced at him. In his eyes, I saw my future ahead of us... our future together. I smiled and allowed him to guide me there.

"Beh, tangina ni Ivo pinaglalaruan ang saber ng asawa mo!" Nas-stress na wika sa akin ni Celeste habang magka-video call kaming dalawa.

We were on our second day of our honeymoon when I called to check up on them. They were the ones assigned to take care of everything after we left, including securing all the military insignias and swords that we used for our wedding.

"Tingnan mo..."

Itinutok ni Celeste ang camera kay Ivo na ngayon ay umaaktong may kalaban habang winawasiwas ang espada ni Enrique. We used his military sword in cutting our wedding cake.

I groaned. "Is he for real?"

"Gagi, parang ang talas ata nito..." pansin ni Ivo habang nakatitig sa espada. He turned to Celeste's phone and when he saw my face, he held up a peace sign. "Yow, happy honeymoon!"

"Kingina mo, Ivo."

Tumawa lang ito at sa wakas ay ibinalik na ang espada sa case nito. Enrique is still in the shower, while I'm on the bed. We decided to spend our honeymoon in Palawan. He had no impending military duties so we can stay as long as we want here.

"Ayusin niyo yan, ha. Pag may nawala sa mga insignia, ipapahabol ko kayo sa asawa kong sundalo," banta ko sa kanila.

"Te huwag mo kaming tinatakot! Gagawin naming alay si Karlo!"

"Gago, dinamay pa ako. 'Tsaka, engineer lang ako, oy! Hindi ako nakikipag-resbakan!" Depensa naman ni Karlo.

I laughed and talked some more. When Enrique stepped out of the shower, I ended the call and smiled at him.

"I'll just take a shower and then we can eat outside."

Tumango ito at nagtungo sa kama. His lips were cool when he pressed a kiss on my forehead.

"Don't take too long, I might be tempted to take a shower again..." he whispered.

"Landi mo, Cabrera." Tinulak ko ang dibdib niya at tumayo. He laughed and caught me in his arms. Napatili ako nang ihagis niya ulit ako sa kama. Kaagad siyang pumaibabaw sa akin bago pa ako makawala.

"On the other hand..." he started kissing my neck. I groaned and closed my eyes, knowing that all our dinner plans will go down the drain if this continues.

"Seriously, let's eat something." Reklamo ko.

"Fine." He stood and pulled me up. Hinalikan niya ulit ang dulo ng ilong ko. "Maligo ka na."

I grinned and went to the bathroom.

We moved into the house he bought at Valor Heights after our honeymoon. Wala namang masyadong pinaayos dahil hindi naman nagamit ang bahay. I sold most of my furniture and appliances so that we could experience buying our own as a newlywed couple.

Dahil bago pa lang kami doon ay hindi pa kami gaanong pinapansin ng mga kapitbahay namin. I've already introduced myself to them. Tango at ngiti lang ang palitan namin sa nagdaang mga linggo.

One night, a storm swept down La Union. I stayed inside the house and waited anxiously for my husband to come home. When I heard some engine noise outside, I threw the door open. Dali-dali itong tumakbo papasok dahil wala naman itong dalang payong. I was so relieved to see him but something caught my eyes.

"Enrique..."

The little puppy whimpered in his arms, looking so fragile and vulnerable. Napakaliit nito at halos magkasya na sa kamao ni Enrique. He held out the puppy to me. My heart broke when I saw how thin it was.

"Nakita ko sa daan habang umuulan. Pwede ba nating...?"

I nodded, getting emotional. His fur is jet black. Pati ang mga mata nito'y itim. He looked around frantically, afraid and shaking.

"Hey there, little guy," I whispered, gently rubbing the puppy's head. "You're going to be okay now... you found a family."

Enrique set down the puppy on the couch. Kumuha ito ng tuwalya para ipambalot sa nanginginig na aso. We'll take him to the vet first thing in the morning.

For now, all he needs is assurance that he's going to be loved and taken care of from now on...