Fading Echoes

Epilogue

The sun dipped lower over the Spanish vineyards, casting a warm, golden glow over the estate where Greggy and Irene had just exchanged vows. As the celebration continued in the background, the videographer pulled Greggy aside, asking if he'd like to record a message for their future selves. Greggy grinned, adjusting his tie with a playful wink at the camera.

"To us, ten years from now," he began, his eyes twinkling. "First of all, if you're watching this, congratulations on remembering where you saved the video. That's probably all Irene's doing, because we both know I would've forgotten." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Today, I married the most incredible woman in the world, and I'm hoping that ten years later, I'm still making her laugh... or, at the very least, I'm still making her roll her eyes."

He glanced down, rubbing the back of his neck, then softened, his gaze serious for a moment. "Irene, I hope that a decade from now, we're still sticking by each other through every crazy twist and turn. I hope our love has grown and that we're still this happy, still this head over heels... maybe with a few more kids running around, who are just as funny and stubborn as their mom." He laughed, then added, "And by the way, Future Greggy, if you're watching this and still have hair, you're winning at life."

He paused, smiling with a gentle warmth. "But seriously, Irene, today you've made me the happiest guy on the planet. And I can't wait to see what the next ten years will bring. I love you more than words can say... which is saying a lot for me, considering how much I talk." With a final wink at the camera, he leaned back, grinning.

Later, Irene recorded her own message, and when the videographer brought it to her, she stood with one hand resting on her belly, smiling softly as she spoke. "To my future self, and to you, Greggy... today feels like a dream come true. I'm standing here as your wife, and soon, as the mother of our little one. My dream, my deepest hope, is that I'll become the best wife and mother you and our future kids could ever wish for. I want to be there for every joy, every challenge, making our home a place filled with laughter, love, and warmth."

She smiled, a soft, determined light in her eyes. "I hope that ten years from now, when you look at me, you'll see someone who has loved you with her whole heart, someone who's worked every day to be your partner in all things. And I hope our kids will see in me the same strength and love I see in you, Greggy—the kind that makes life brighter, no matter what comes our way."

Her voice grew tender, and she added with a gentle smile, "Greggy, you've given me everything I could ever dream of, and I can't wait to spend every day showing you just how much that means to me."

And when they watched those recordings years later, laughing at Greggy's jokes and holding onto the love that had only grown, they would know they had truly lived the love story they had dreamed of on that beautiful day in Spain.

Irene

The sun was warm, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers from the garden. We had spread out a blanket under the large tree in the corner of our yard, turning the afternoon into a family picnic—just like the kids had suggested. Greggy had set up a small table of snacks, filling it with sandwiches, fruits, and cookies, while I leaned back, soaking in the playful sounds of our three children: Lui, aged 10; Lia, aged 6; and our youngest, Liam, who was now 3 years old.

"Mommy! Kuya won't let me borrow his toy!" Lia whined, stomping over to me. Her little face was flushed with frustration, and she crossed her arms in a huff, making her look even more adorable despite her pout.

Lui followed closely behind her, clutching his prized robot toy. "It's a boy's toy, Mom! She should be playing with dolls, not robots!" he declared defensively, puffing out his chest like a little warrior.