Author's Note: I felt that the ending, despite how much I loved it, was rushed. And there could've been a lot more stories in between the birthday proposal and the wedding itself. So here's my take of what could've and what I wish happened. :)
* * *
The ring glimmered on her finger but it wasn't as sparkling as the smile on Andy's face. Their entire family had sat down to eat but neither she nor Andy had touched their food. They just sat there, staring at each other and smiling, safe in each other's arms. No one could really blame them---when Trevor tried to throw a piece of chicken bone towards Andy "Hey, bro! We're here too, you know!", Andy defended himself saying, "I can't help it! I missed her so much!"
Despite knowing how much Andy loved her and having been used to his affectionate demeanor, Jade still blushed whenever he said things like that. She tried to sit up straight without dislodging herself from Andy's embrace, saying "Fine, fine. We'll eat now." Turning to Andy, she said, "Babe, let's eat. I'm actually a little hungry..."
Andy smiled, kissed her forehead, and said, "Yeah, me too."
The whole family ate in high spirits. Menchu and Zheny launched into full planning mode, asking the pair about their plans for the wedding. Jade was relieved that unlike before, everyone seemed to be excited to help out with the wedding. Amethyst even volunteered to be a part of the entourage this time and offered to revamp the designs of the gowns. "This is the third time Andy proposed, we have to make sure your gowns are bongga!"
As soon as they were done eating, Andy excused himself and took Jade's hand in his. "Guys, please excuse us. There's just something we need to discuss."
"Discuss or do?" Trevor joked, and that earned him a whack on the head from Amethyst. "What?? They were sleeping in the same room already!" It made everyone on the table laugh but it made both Andy and Jade blush.
"No, I just want to tell her something in private," Andy said sheepishly and Jade laughed. "It's okay, Andy. Let's go out to the terrace."
Catcalls and wistles followed them as they finally found a spot outside. Andy wasted no time gathering Jade into his arms as soon as they were out of their families' view. "God, I missed you so much," he whispered into her hair.
"I missed you, too," Jade whispered back.
Andy pulled back only to cup Jade's face in his hands and slowly lean forward for a passionate kiss. They didn't break apart until they were both gasping for breath. "Yup, you definitely missed me!" Jade tried to joke as she felt a little lightheaded from the kiss. Neither of them wanted to let go of the other, for fear that they'd disappear. "Let's get married tomorrow," Andy pleaded between kisses. He kissed her nose, her cheeks, her chin, everywhere but her lips as though allowing her to speak.
Jade could only laugh.
"You know we can't do that. How about next week? That will be enough time to prepare for everything."
"Alright," Andy breathed out, finally stopping from showering Jade with kisses. "Next week. Let's just get a planner or something. I want us to spend time together and not stress out over the wedding plans."
This time, it was Jade who stood up on tiptoes and planted a kiss on Andy's lips, "Okay."
"Where do you want to go for our honeymoon?"
"Honeymoon agad?"
"Trust me, Jade," Andy said as he moved his lips closer to Jade's ear, "If it were up to me, we'd be honeymooning right now."
"Andy!"
"What? Your dad wants us to have babies soon."
"Babies talaga? Plural" Jade asked as she laughed, trying to feign annoyance but deep inside, she felt excited as well. The prospect of starting a family with Andy was making her knees weak.
"Yes, babies. One every year. Until we're senior citizens." They both laughed at that.
Trevor and Amethyst broke into their little world, forcing them to turn around and disengage from the embrace. Andy never let go of Jade's hand, though. "Dude, we're heading out early. It's Abby's yaya, it's her day off today. So Amethyst and I will be babysitting muna."
"You should have just brought her here," Jade suggested.
"And corrupt her infant mind with your PDA??" Trevor joked.
Before Andy could retort, Amethyst waved her goodbyes and dragged Trevor away from the couple. They were replaced by Menchu. "Hey," she said as she walked over to the couple, "I'm gonna go ahead too. I still have some commissioned artworks to finish. But I'll call you later, Jade. I have a recommendation for a wedding planner."
"That's great, Ma. We really need one."
Jade gave Andy's hand a squeeze before letting go. She hugged her future mother-in-law. "Thanks, Tita. We've already started with a few things but we can really use a wedding planner. I'll wait for your call."
Jade and Andy followed Menchu back into the house and found Zheny and Amor cleaning up the table. Immediately, Jade helped them out. Andy went on to walk his mother to the door. He was about to bid her goodbye when he heard Amor and Zheny scream out Jade's name. When he turned, he saw Jade passed out in Papa Chen's arms.
To Be Continued...
