we might be falling in love - patricio o' ward

the engagement

The morning sun showed its face through the curtains of their villa, casting a warm light over Pato and Astraea as they lay entwined in each other's arms. The air was filled with the lingering scent of their passion from the night before, a sweet reminder of the love they had shared.

Pato stirred awake first, his gaze tender as he looked at Astraea's peaceful expression. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, whispering, "Buenos días, mi diosa."

Astraea smiled sleepily, her eyes fluttering open. "Buenos días, mi amor," she murmured, reaching up to caress his cheek.

They lay there for a moment, savoring the quiet intimacy of the morning. Pato brushed his fingers through Astraea's hair, marveling at how the golden strands caught the sunlight.

"You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," he whispered, his voice filled with awe and love.

Astraea's heart swelled at his words. "And you are my everything, Pato," she replied, her voice husky with emotion.

Unable to resist any longer, Pato leaned in and captured her lips in a tender kiss. It started soft and gentle, a reaffirmation of their love and commitment to each other. But soon, the kiss deepened, fueled by the passion and desire that had ignited between them.

Their hands roamed freely, reacquainting themselves with every curve and contour of each other's bodies. Clothes were forgotten, discarded in their urgency to feel skin against skin. Pato whispered endearments in Spanish, calling Astraea his reina, his amor, as he worshipped her with kisses along her neck and collarbone.

Astraea moaned softly, arching into his touch, her fingers tracing patterns over his back. Their bodies moved together in a rhythm as old as time, a dance of love and desire that transcended words.

Moments turned into hours as they made love with a fervor that spoke of their deep connection and newfound commitment. The outside world faded away, leaving only the two of them locked in an embrace that was as passionate as it was tender.

When they finally lay spent in each other's arms, Pato pressed gentle kisses along Astraea's forehead, her cheeks, her lips. He held her close, their bodies entangled, their hearts beating as one.

"I love you more than words can say," Pato whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

Astraea smiled blissfully, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his chest. "And I love you, Pato. Always and forever."

As the day wore on, Pato and Astraea found themselves caught in a whirlwind of post-engagement bliss. They couldn't stop smiling, stealing glances at each other as they walked hand in hand through the quaint streets of the village where they were vacationing.

"Astraea, can you believe it? We're getting married," Pato exclaimed, his voice filled with awe and excitement.

Astraea grinned, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I know, Pato. It still feels like a dream come true."

They stopped by a small café with outdoor seating, settling into a table overlooking a cobblestone square. Pato reached across the table to take Astraea's hand in his, squeezing it gently. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Her heart swelled with love for him. "Me too, Pato. You make me so happy."

But amidst their joy, there was a twinge of sadness in Astraea's eyes. Pato noticed immediately, his expression softening with concern. "Mi amor, what's wrong?" he asked gently.

Astraea took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the distant horizon. "It's just... I wish my parents were here to see us like this," she admitted softly.