One More Chance by Jaycelle Rodriguez

Chapter 197: Happily ever after is a choice

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you... Happy birthday... happy birthday... happy birthday to you!"

Everyone sang and cheered during the birthday celebration of our four-year-old son, Marky. Yes, Luke was right with what he said 'father's instinct' as I gave birth to a healthy baby boy four years ago. We named him after us... Mark Samuel. "Okay, blow your candles, my little boy," I said motioning my son to blow the candles on the chocolate cake in front of him.

He looked at me with eyes full of joy before looking back at the cake.

"Yeheey!" We all cheered again after he proudly blew his candle.

At that moment, I couldn't help but hold him in my arms and peppered him with kisses all over his chubby cheeks and face.

I couldn't explain exactly how I felt when I saw my husband staring and smiling at us that time. I with a smile. Different emotions could be seen in his eyes as they met mine. But I know one thing is for sure... he's happy. He's satisfied, fulfilled, and contented. A few seconds later, I felt the arms of my firstborn wrapped around my waist before Luke could pull us into a family embrace.

"Happy birthday, my little boy," he said kissing his son on the forehead. He even kissed Cali on top of her head before giving me a quick kiss on the lips. "I love you,"

I smiled when I heard him whisper near my ear.

"I love you too," I whispered in the air.

Food and drinks were served a few minutes later. After helping my children get their food and let them have fun with their friends, I found myself on the balcony with a glass of my favorite red wine in hand.

A smile after a deep sigh left my throat painted against my lips as I looked at the now flowering daisies in Cali's garden. She loves flowers just as I do.

I was about to sip my wine when I felt a hand slide around my waist followed by my husband's voice near my ear.

"Hey, what's with the sigh? Are you alright?" The concern was laced in his voice.

"Yup, I'm alright," I smiled as I turned around to look at him.

"Then... can you tell me what's bothering you?"

My smile widened and sipped my wine before answering his question.

thinking about how the time flies so fast. Remember the first time we got married? We were too young

"Uhuh..."

I still remember how I felt when I had them and gave birth to them. But now..." I paused as another sigh escaped my lips. "...look at them. Our Cali is

my sentence when he took me into his arms with a

to have those thoughts in your mind? Marky is only four. Cali is just a teenager. That

don't get my point," I stared at him after breaking free from

know, I also think about those things sometimes and I don't want them to happen right away either. But sweetheart, we can't stop that from happening. We don't have control over nature especially when it comes to our children's growth. We don't have access

hands

so what, if soon they graduate from school, find a job, someone to spend their lives with, and decide to leave our side one by one? So what, if all that happens

"Are you not worried?"

can't stop it from happening. All we can do is enjoy and live with it. Because if we constantly think about all the things that have happened or will happen, how will we

"But---"

love, and be their role models until the time comes when they can stand on their own and decide for themselves. And as we do so, the two of us, we will make the most of every day, every hour minute, and second together... hand in hand. We'll go for a walk, we'll go to all the places we've never been. We will eat in restaurants or eateries that we have never

to suppress the exciting grin that suddenly wanted to escape my lips. For the past few years, Luke has changed a lot and I can

can no longer walk, stand, or do what we want, not only because we can no longer do it but because we are satisfied

took me a few seconds to realize I was already in tears

overthinking, okay? I'm here, I'm always here

glass on the table and

welcome, sweetheart and I

guess I would still make the same decision I

not a fairytale. It's

maybe I will appreciate more the advice of my brother Dale and my best friend Jack, and

if there are things I would change about myself and the situations I

I may not be the

did back then... just in a different way. Maybe

will make him

me.

so that I don't have