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.

how the time flies so fast. Remember the

"Uhuh..."

cute she was at that time. I still remember how I felt when I had them and gave birth to them. But now..." I paused as another sigh escaped

he took me into his arms

Don't you think it's too early to have those thoughts in your mind? Marky is only four. Cali is just a teenager. That means we still have a lot of years, decades ahead of us to be

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

is that they're too young for whatever that thing is in your mind. You 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

face with both hands and made

overthinking, Sam. You will only drown yourself by overthinking everything. So what, if they grow up so fast or soon become adults like us? And so what, if soon they graduate from school, find a job, someone to spend their lives with, and

"Are you not worried?"

it. Because if we constantly think about all the things that have happened or will happen, how will we be able to enjoy life? How can we appreciate the life we have right

"But---"

only thing we can do is guide them, support them, show them 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

the exciting grin that suddenly wanted to escape my lips. For the past few years, Luke has changed a lot and I can say maturity has helped him become more understanding of the things around him and I have learned to love and appreciate him more

stand, or do what we want, not only because we can no longer do it but because we are satisfied with where we are sitting, at least we have memories that we can share, talk happily about and look back

me a few seconds to realize I was already in tears and he's now gently wiping them

I'm always here and forever will be

glass on the table and swung my

always welcome, sweetheart and

same decision I made before and choose

after is not a

maybe I will appreciate more

the situations

I may not be

of the stupid things I did back then... just in a different way.

will make

me.

that I don't have