To Love Him Once More (USFIL Book 2) - Completed

Chapter 19

JEARRI

Umuwi kami sa Pilipinas upang doon ipagdiwang ang Bagong Taon. Laxer was so excited about it. As soon as the plane landed, we went straight to Mama's grave. I haven't visited her tomb in years either.

Nilapag ko ang dala-dalang bulaklak sa kanyang puntod, kasabay ng hindi ko mapigilang pagbagsak ng mga luha ko. "Mama, I missed you," I whispered. Naglatag si Laxer ng tela upang makaupo ako sa tabi niya. I noticed how her tomb was surrounded by different flowers—some already dried, while others were still fresh.

"Did you visit her?" tanong ko kay Laxer.

"Yes, every time I went home to you, I would visit her first. I'd talk to her and promise her that I would take care of you for her. Even during the times I thought I lost you, I was here. After all these years, she's still my go-to person, and she still guides me to you. I believe she brought me back to you—she brought us together."

I hugged him.

"Thank you for looking out for her while I was busy pursuing my dreams," I said then turned to look at my mother's tomb. I knelt down to embrace her gravestone. "I'm in a happy place now with Laxer. I hope you're not worried about me anymore. I've done many things already. I'm successful in my chosen path. I just hope you're still with us. I love you, Nanay."

I could feel the cool breeze brushing against my skin. Pakiramdam ko tuloy ay nandito si Nanay sa tabi namin. "Nay, we're getting married," pinakita ko ang suot kong singsing. "I'm sure you didn't expect this, but we love each other. I hope you're happy for us."

"I promise to love her more, Nanay Almira," Laxer said, trying to hold his tears. "I promise to take care of her like you used to, and I promise to make her happy every day. Thank you, Nay, for bringing such an intelligent and beautiful woman into this world. Wala siyang katulad. Thank you for bringing us together. Kung nasaaan ka man ngayon, Nay, I hope you're at peace and happy. No more pain or suffering for any of us. We survived. We love you, and we miss you so much."

Ilang oras pa kaming nanatili roon bago magtungo sa AJD. Laxer said they have special events for New Year's Eve, and he wanted to show them to me, starting with the fireworks display. He also introduced me to his employees as his fiancée.

"The fireworks display is about to start, love. Let's go," he said, after I finished getting ready. He reached for my hand, and I held it tightly. We intertwined our fingers.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind as the employees began the countdown. "It's beautiful!" I exclaimed when the fireworks started.

"Yes, sobrang ganda," aniya. When I turned to look at him, I noticed that his attention wasn't on the fireworks—it was on me. He smiled and kissed me on the lips—brief, but it made my heart race. "Happy New Year, love. This is our first one together after so many years. I'm so happy. I love you!" he said, hugging me tighter.

"Happy New Year, love. I can't wait for more firsts with you. I love you," tumingkayad ako upang mahalikan siya sa pisngi.

Just when I thought the fireworks display was over, Laxer pointed to the sky again. What appeared there was something I didn't expect: I love you, Artzell Jearri Lacsamana-Del Valle.

Everyone cheered for us.

"I'm so excited to marry you," he whispered.

"I'm more than excited too."

The next day, we headed back to the mansion.

I spread my arms, feeling the coolness and freshness of the air. A smile crept across my face. So much had happened between Laxer and me. I'm so glad that now, I'm sure we're really meant for each other. I took a deep breath.