XV

The last of the confetti had drifted down, a shower of silver and gold that mirrored the shimmering joy swirling inside me. I stood at the back of the reception hall, watching the guests mill about, their laughter and chatter a sweet symphony of celebration. My eyes searched for Jerome, spotting him across the room, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the dance floor. He was talking to his father, a broad grin splitting his face, and a warmth spread through my chest. I was married to him. To Jerome. The man who had stolen my heart, the man who had filled my life with laughter and love.

My wedding day. A dream come true, a culmination of years of hopes and dreams. I had envisioned this moment countless times, picturing myself in a white dress, walking down the aisle, feeling the weight of his gaze upon me. And now, it was real. It was here.

I remember the day of our wedding, our wedding vows it made my heart warms. And then there was him, Jerome. Standing at the altar, his eyes shining with unshed tears, his smile a beacon of love that lit up the world. As I walked toward him, the world seemed to shrink, leaving only the two of us, our hearts beating in unison, our souls entwined.

I remembered the way he held me, his touch strong and reassuring, his presence a soothing balm to my anxieties. I remembered the vows we had spoken, promises whispered with tenderness and sincerity. We had stood before our families and friends, two souls pledging their hearts to one another, a vow etched in our souls.

As I stood there, lost in the memories, a hand gently touched my shoulder. I was taken back in reality when I feel someone hands at my shoulder.

"Ang ganda ng anak ko ah." It was my mother kaya mahina akong napatawa sa sinabi niya, her voice filled with emotion. "Jerome is a lucky man." I hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth of her embrace, I miss mama.

"I am lucky to have him too, mom" I whispered, feeling a wave of gratitude for the love and support she had always given me. My mother pulled away, her eyes twinkling. "He's a good man, anak. You've found a good man."

I smiled, knowing that she was right. Jerome was more than a good man; he was my everything. He was my best friend, my confidante, my lover, my partner in life.

Later that night, as the reception wound down, I found him standing on the balcony, gazing at the city lights. I joined him, slipping my arm into his, feeling the warmth of his body beside me.

"Ganda mo so much mama." He said, his voice a soft murmur in the night. I smiled shyly then my gaze lingering on his handsome features, his eyes holding a depth that never failed to captivate me.

"Parang panaginip lang mama na kasal na tayo." He said ins o much happiness in his voice. I chuckled, leaning my head against his shoulder. "Neither did I. But here we are, I'm now Ashley Fotel." I giggled saying my name with his surname.

We stood there in silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company, the city lights reflecting in his eyes, a million tiny stars that mirrored the love burning bright within us.

__

The nursery was awash in soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over the crib where our baby, Jero, slept soundly. It was impossible to believe that it had been years since we said "I do." Those years had been a mix of emotions, a roller coaster ride of laughter, love, and the occasional frustration. But it had all been worth it, every single moment as long as I have Jerome at my side, everything is worth it.

I had become a mother. A title that had seemed so distant, so unattainable, just a few years ago. But now, cradling my son in my arms, I realized that it was the most natural thing in the world.

Jero had changed everything. He had filled our lives with a love so pure, so overwhelming, that it had redefined our world. He was our sunshine, our laughter, our joy. Our little miracle.

I watched him sleep, his tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. His face was serene, his lips slightly parted, a faint smile gracing his features. He was an angel, a beautiful gift that had filled my heart with a love I never knew existed. Mahina akong napatawa habang tinitigan ko si Jero, dinala ko siya ng siyam na buwan but he looks like his papa. He's my little Jerome.

I traced his delicate features with my fingertips, marvelling at the perfection of his tiny hand, the softness of his skin. It was a love I had never felt before, a love that consumed me, a love that made me feel whole.

I heard the door open and turned to see Jerome enter, his face etched with weariness but his eyes sparkling with love as he looked at Jero. He tiptoed over, his movements gentle as he settled beside me.

"Pogi ng anak natin mana sakin," he whispered, that made me laugh but his voice thick with emotion. "Our son."

"He's perfect," I agreed, a tear rolling down my cheek.

Jerome reached for my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. "You know, I always thought I'd be a father, lalo na king ikaw ang pagiging mama" he said, his voice soft. "And now I can't imagine my life without you my queen, and without our prince."

I smiled, squeezing his hand. "Me neither, asawa ko."

We sat there in silence for a while, simply watching Jero sleep, our hearts overflowing with love and gratitude. He was our little miracle, our reason for being, our greatest joy.

"Mama alam mo po," Jerome said after a moment, his voice soft, "I can't believe it's been three years."

"Three years?" I echoed, a tinge of disbelief in my voice. "Parang kahapon lang when were standing at the altar, saying our vows."

He chuckled, leaning his head against mine. "Three years have gone by so fast. It's been an incredible journey."

"An incredible journey," I agreed, my thoughts drifting back to that day, the day we had pledged our hearts to each other, a day filled with joy and hope. And now, we were a family, complete and whole, our love woven into the fabric of our lives.

Jerome leaned in and kissed my forehead, his touch tender and loving. "I love you soo much mama," he whispered, his voice a soft caress against my skin.

My heart overflowing with love for the man who had become my everything, the man who had filled my life with laughter, love, and a little miracle named Jero.

We sat there for a while longer, our silence filled with the unspoken words that only our hearts could understand. The warmth of his hand in mine, the gentle rise and fall of Jero's breath, the soft glow of the setting sun streaming through the window. It was a moment of perfect contentment, a moment that encapsulated the essence of our life together, a life filled with love, laughter, and the promise of endless happiness.

And as I looked at our son, sleeping peacefully in the crib, I knew that this was just the beginning of our journey. Our family was complete, and the future held endless possibilities. We would face challenges, of course, but we would face them together, hand in hand, with the love that bound us together, a love that would forever be etched in our hearts.