Miggy's POV
"Hey babe, wake up. It's time for us to get ready," I said gently. She stirred, humming sleepily as she opened her eyes—then I planted a quick kiss on her soft, plump lips.
"Sorry… I think I slept too well."
"No, it's okay. You were tired from everything we did today."
"What about you? Were you able to rest?" she asked, running her fingers through my hair. I flopped beside her with a sigh.
"Yeah, I'm good," I lied. In truth, my chest had felt like it was full of galloping horses earlier—and now that she was awake and Noche Buena was only a few hours away, the nerves came rushing back.
"Alright, I'll just take a quick shower and get dressed," she said, leaning over to kiss my cheek before getting up.
I grinned. "We could just shower together, you know. Save water."
"Miguel!" she snapped, playfully glaring. "You always say that, but I know you have other plans. That's not saving water and money, that's scheming!"
I laughed. "It was just a suggestion! But fine, the clean towels are in the bathroom rack. Go ahead."
"I don't know what to do with you sometimes," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she grabbed her toiletries.
As soon as she closed the bathroom door, I remembered the surprise. I rushed to the closet—just like Carla said, it was there. I took out the burgundy long dress I bought for her, Venus-cut and elegant, paired with silver heels that would look perfect on her. I laid them out neatly where she could see them when she came out.
"Babe! Let me know when you're done, okay?" I called from outside the door.
"Why?" she called back.
"I just want to show you something."
"Alright!"
While she was in the shower, I started prepping my suit and the rest of my outfit. I knew she thought this was just a simple dinner with the family—that's what I let her believe. She even brought her own dress and asked if it was okay to wear. I said yes, of course. It was a pretty dress, suited her well. But I wanted tonight to be different. Special. I wanted her to feel like royalty. So, I bought her something I knew she'd never expect.
A few minutes later, she stepped out.
"Luh…" was her first reaction when she saw the dress.
"Did you like it?" I asked.
"Of course! But… why did you bought me this? I thought the dress I showed you was fine?"
"It was," I said, stepping closer. "But I just wanted you to look even more stunning tonight, babe. Is that too much to ask?"
I hugged her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder.
She sighed, half-laughing. "You always do this. Buying me things I don't really need. You know I already brought—"
"I know," I interrupted softly. "Let me spoil you, please. I know you're not materialistic, and that's exactly why I love doing this for you. You deserve to be treated like a queen."
She paused. "I just… I don't want people to misunderstand. What if they say I'm—"
I cut her off with a kiss. Deep. Firm. Silencing all the noise in her head.
"I don't care what people say," I whispered against her lips. "I don't give a damn. I want to spoil my girl. This is my money. They don't get to have a say."
I smirked. "Besides, if you keep talking like that, I might change my mind. We won't go downstairs anymore—we'll celebrate Noche Buena right here in our room. Just us. What do you think?"
"OMG, Miggy," she said, shaking her head with a smile. "Here. Go get dressed and shower. I'm done."
She handed me my clothes and practically pushed me toward the bathroom.
I was still grinning as I stepped inside.
***
Past eleven in the evening, we went down together to the living room. Aunt Beth and Uncle Manuel were already there, but the others hadn't come out yet—they were saving their arrival for the highlight of tonight's event.
Fifteen minutes before midnight, we were in the garden. To keep the moment intimate, we didn't turn on all the lights yet.
She pulled me close. "Babe, I thought this was just a simple dinner, so why all the dressing up?"
I grinned, pointing out how Mommy and Aunt Beth wore elegant long gowns, while Uncle Manuel and I were dressed in formal suits.
"My family loves to dress up for special occasions," I said. "So, get used to it. Sooner or later, you'll be part of this family, huh?" I kissed the side of her head, my hand resting on her waist as I pulled her toward the others.
"Oh! There you are, lovebirds!" uncle greeted us warmly, not even noticing I had stepped beside him. I greeted uncle with a quick kiss on the cheek before slipping away to the gazebo, where the dim lighting kept me hidden from her view.
Just as planned, we would wait for midnight. When the clock struck twelve, the whole garden would light up—and she'd see me standing there in the gazebo, holding a bouquet of flowers. That's when I would make my move to propose, and then everyone else would come out from their hiding spots nearby.
With five minutes left before midnight, my nervousness tripled. The cold breeze brushed past me, but I was sweating underneath.
"Brother, you, okay? You look like you're about to drop dead!" Meynard teased as he handed me the bouquet and stayed by my side.
"Crazy!" I managed to reply.
"Chill! I know she'll say yes—she loves you, bro," he said with a grin.
"I know… but I don't know if it's nerves or fear," I laughed, trying to shake off the tension.
"Shane and I were the same way," Meynard said proudly, "but it's worth it. Look at us—we've got a little one coming."
I was grateful for Meynard's stories and company. From my vantage point, I could see them talking, and I knew she was probably wondering why I hadn't come back to her yet.
I took deep, steady breaths to calm myself, especially when I heard Carla say, "One minute left."
"Ready? Good luck!" Meynard said before returning to the others.
As Meynard left, the garden suddenly lit up. I saw her startle. She rose from her seat, looking around for me. Then, as if by magic, her eyes landed on me standing in the gazebo, bouquet in hand.
Behind her, Mommy, Aunt Beth, and Uncle Manuel stood with big smiles.
I waved her over.
"My babe is really beautiful! She's a queen in this universe," I joked as she walked closer. She truly was stunning, and Mommy and Aunt Beth had been full of praise earlier for her dress.
"What's this scheming again?" she asked, half-smiling.
"It's for you, babe. Merry Christmas." I kissed her softly on the lips, deliberately ignoring her question.
"Merry Christmas! You're serious—no wonder you didn't come back earlier."
I smiled and prepared myself to start my speech, fighting the nerves racing through me.
"Hey babe, you, okay?" she asked, sensing my silence.
"To be honest? I'm not okay. I'm so nervous."
"Huh? Why? What's wrong?"
"Shhh, stay right there," I whispered. "Let me say this." I turned my back for a moment, took a deep breath, and then knelt on one knee. I bent slowly, feeling every heartbeat as I pulled out the ring box.
"Babe, they say when you find the one, it doesn't matter how long you've known each other. Whether it's been years or just months, what matters is knowing you love each other and belong together. Because the truth is—I believe we're meant for each other."
I paused, my chest tightening.
"I can't imagine my future without you. I feel so blessed that you came into my life—loving me despite my flaws, helping me become better, and standing by me through everything. That's why I fall more in love with you every single day."
I met her gaze, locking eyes with her.
"Alexandria Marie Alonzo, will you let me be your partner, your biggest fan, your spoiler, your husband—and someday, the father of your children? Will you grow old with me?"
She froze. Her eyes widened, her hands trembling as they flew to her mouth. Tears welled up.
I stayed there on one knee, waiting—my heart pounding, my whole world resting on her answer.
"Alexandria Marie Alonzo, will you marry me?" I added.
She looked at me with tears shining in her eyes. I held the ring box up, waiting.
She didn't say a word at first but nodded, covering her mouth with both hands.
"I want to hear it," I urged softly.
"Yes! Yes, babe!" she finally whispered.
I pulled her into a tight embrace, overwhelmed with joy.
"Brother, I think you forgot the ring!" Meynard teased from the side. I laughed, wiping away my own tears. The applause and cheers of family and friends surrounded us.
I slid the ring onto her finger, and we kissed—sealing the moment.
"Alright, that's enough, lovebirds! We're all hungry," Meynard joked. I patted his forehead as laughter filled the garden.
Just then, Aunt Teresa, Jhay, Meynard's family, and Carla approached, greeting everyone warmly.
We all sat down for noche buena, sharing food and laughter. It was one of the most memorable Christmas Eves I'd ever experienced. What made it even more special was seeing Mommy finally forgive Teresa and accept everything that had happened. Everyone knew the truth, and it was heartwarming to watch them reconnect.
***
The party had ended nearly at sunrise, and we didn't even notice. Everyone was too happy to care about the time. Because of that, Alex and I decided to postpone our visit to Teresa's house. Instead of lunch, we rescheduled it for dinner.
They say time flies when you're happy—and they were right. The past few months had gone by in a blur. I was juggling my post-graduate studies while planning our wedding. Alex was still working full-time, and on weekends, we'd arrange our shared condo, making it feel more like our future home. Things had gone smoothly—surprisingly so.
We decided on a church wedding, but we wanted it small and intimate. Just our families and closest friends. No fanfare, no big production. We'd picked out three potential hotels for the reception, though we hadn't finalized the venue yet.
We both agreed to get married on May 30—Alex's real birthday.
She had never celebrated her birthday on that day before. For as long as she could remember, her mother had told her she shared her birthday with Gabie. So, I told her this time, it should be hers. Her day. Our day. Something new to celebrate every year, to replace all the years she hadn't.
It had been a year since Gabie disappeared. Teresa had finally begun to accept the painful reality. She continued to pray for Gabie's safety and healing, and said she believed her daughter would return when she was ready. In fact, Teresa personally went to the police to halt the search. She also asked me to withdraw the reward I had offered for any information.
Mom, on the other hand, was almost done with therapy. Her therapist had called me with the good news. These days, she spent most of her time tending her flower garden with Carla, who rarely left her side. They'd go out with Aunt Beth sometimes, and even took a few trips with uncle Manuel.
One night, while I was changing out of my school clothes, Alex called out from the kitchen.
"How's school?"
"Tiring," I said, walking over to hug her. "Work's easier, you know?"
"Dinner's ready," she said, smiling. "Go shower. I'll set the table."
"Yes, boss." I gave her a mock salute, making her laugh before heading to the bathroom.
After I started my post-grad classes, I knew I'd be busier than ever. So, before things got hectic, I surprised Alex with her own car. I didn't want her stressing over commuting. She resisted at first, but I eventually convinced her. I just wanted her comfortable.
Sometimes we'd visit Mom; other times, she'd visit us. It made me happy to see how well she and Alex got along. Mom even started inviting her out for their own bonding time. And of course, she wouldn't stop hinting that she wanted grandkids soon after the wedding. I could tell she adored Alex—sometimes a little too much. She'd even scold me for being too busy with school, warning me not to neglect my fiancée.
One morning, I came home from the gym and saw Alex sitting at the edge of the bed, hunched over. Her face was pale, her eyes a little red.
"Babe? Are you okay?" I asked, walking closer.
She looked up, eyes glassy. "I just feel really awful."
"Did you eat something bad at the office?" I asked, kneeling beside her.
"The same food I always eat. But it feels weird today…"
Before I could ask anything else, she bolted to the bathroom and started vomiting.
Panic hit me fast. I ran after her, held her hair, rubbed her back, and grabbed a clean towel.
"Wait here. I'll get you water," I said, rushing to the kitchen.
When I returned, she looked weak, leaning against the bed's headboard. I gave her the water, then quickly showered and got dressed.
"Come on, babe. Let's go to the hospital," I told her gently, helping her up.
"I'm just dizzy," she protested weakly.
"No arguing," I said, slipping on my jeans and stuffing my phone and keys into my pockets.
Then I picked her up bridal-style. She clung to me, eyes shut.
"I've got you," I whispered. "We'll be okay."
As the elevator descended to the parking lot, I silently prayed. I'd never been so scared. Her face was so pale. And with the wedding just a month away, I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her.
At the emergency room, I stayed by her side until she was admitted. Then I called Mom, Meynard, and Teresa.
They arrived one after another, keeping me company as we waited.
"What happened?" Mom asked, gripping my arm.
"I'm not sure," I said, frustrated. "She looked so pale, and then she threw up everything. Said it was just the usual food at work."
When I finished recounting the morning, Meynard burst out laughing.
I glared at him and smacked his shoulder. "Seriously? This isn't funny! I'm freaking out here and you're laughing?"
Mom, Teresa, and Carla just smiled knowingly.
"Oh, my poor innocent son," Mom said, patting my hand. "Alex isn't sick."
"What do you mean? She looks terrible! How can you be so calm?" I asked, running a hand through my hair.
"Just trust me," Mom said, as if she knew something I didn't.
"But you're not a doctor!"
A nurse approached then, leading us to Alex's room. "She's resting now," she said. "The doctor will explain everything once the results are ready."
I sat beside the bed, watching Alex sleep peacefully, her hand hooked up to an IV. Neither of us had eaten all morning. But I didn't care. I just wanted answers.
And I wanted her to be okay.