#DS6Unwavering #CirCoal #SharkFamily #DaggerSeries

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: THE DAWSON

CIRCE'S POV

Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko na nakakabit sa tripod at tinignan ko ang mga kuha ro'n. Binura ko ang hindi ko mga gusto at iniwan ko ang mga shot na pagpipilian ko mamaya bago ko i-edit. My hair is being blown by the wind, the white beach dress I'm wearing drapes beautifully on my body, and the visual of my backdrop which is the ocean is stunning.

Dresses from a local beach fashion line that I'm a brand ambassador for arrived yesterday. Pinadala iyon ni Tala dahil sa Siargao pa rin dumidiretso ang mga pinapadala sa akin. Normally ay ang babae ang kumukuha sa akin ng mga litrato gamit ng professional camera niya. Since wala siya rito ay ako na lang ang gumawa niyon gamit ng phone ko. Hindi naman problema iyon dahil matagal na niya akong naturuan. The sponsors didn't mind and actually loved the natural feel of the photos.

I don't really accept a lot of social media sponsorships.If I'm just after the money, walang problema kung papatulan ko lahat ng offers sa akin. After all, a few photos really pay well. But I don't want to advocate for a brand that I don't believe in. The people who are following me are most likely those who know me as Circe the surfer. Most of them idolize me for my sport. I don't want to take advantage of them just because I know they like me. Kung magpopromote ako ng isang bagay, gusto ko ay iyong alam ko na hindi masasayang ang pera nila.

Napatingin ako sa salamin na sliding door na naghihiwalay sa balkonahe at sa kuwarto namin ni Coal. Nakadapa sila ni Kaise sa kama habang nakapalumbaba at pinapanood ako. Nangingiting itinapat ko sa kanila ang phone ko at kinuhanan ko sila. So adorable.

I've tried all the dresses, and the one I'm wearing now is the last one. Kanina ay si Coal pa ang kumukuha ng litrato sa akin nang magpasama ako sa beach. Ang problema nga lang ay malaki silang distraction ni Kaise.

I was multitasking between answering Coal's kisses whenever he found my shot beautiful and running after Kaise, who keeps trying to run straight into the ocean. Kaya ngayon na nandito kami sa loob ng bahay ay nasa "makulit corner" sila para matapos ko ang kailangan kong gawin.

Dala ang mga gamit na pumasok na ako ng kuwarto. Coal's eyes went up and down my body, and the corner of his lips curved into a smile that held so much meaning, especially with how his eyes were looking at me as if he wanted to devour me.

"I love that dress."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course you do."

What I'm wearing is a mix of a dress and a cover-up. It falls on my ankle, it has a huge slit, it has short ruffle sleeves, and the neckline is deep and wide enough that it shows a lot of my ample cleavage.

Kaise took advantage of her father's undivided attention. She stood up, and without warning, she let herself fall on top of Coal's stomach, who grunted loudly. Kung umakto silang dalawa ay para bang nasa WWE sila at kasalukuyang naglalaban ng wrestling.

They look so cute that I couldn't stop myself from taking their picture again.

"I'll miss this," I whispered more to myself than to them. Nang makita ko sa screen ng cellphone ko na napatingin sa akin si Coal ay nginitian ko siya. "It's just that Kaise wouldn't stay as a baby for a long time. She'll grow up soon. When she does, she'll find her own thing and wouldn't find it cool to hang out with us all the time because by then she'll have friends."

I didn't say boyfriends. I don't want to think about that right now. Sigurado rin ako na mas ayaw na marinig iyon ni Coal. He probably blocked it from his brain a long time ago. With how protective he could be, I pity the boys who will have an interest in our daughter.

"Then let's make another one." Napamata ako kay Coal at nakangising inangat niya si Kaise sa ere na humahagikhik habang nakahiga siya sa kama. "What? Too early?"

It wasn't long ago that we had a similar conversation. I was adamant then that it was too soon to have another baby. We have a two year old. And besides that, I don't particularly enjoy being hormonal, and especially not the painful birth.

But if there's one thing that changed in the short time from that morning that we talked about this up to now, it's that I have more roots now than before. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ng eksakto pero pakiramdam ko ay kalmado ang lahat. Which is ironic since there is still danger lurking around. And yet, I feel more grounded.

Maybe it's because I know that Coal is here to stay. That I have him. Not that I don't have him then. But before, it was more of him being Kaise's dad, while I was still trying to wrap my head around the "us" part of it.

"What would you want?"

Coal grinned. "A boy."

"You wouldn't love to have another girl?"

"Of course I'll love the baby whether it's a girl or a boy. But I would love for us to have a boy."

"Why?"

Kiniliti niya si Kaise. Her laugh resonated around the room like the ringing of bells. "We made a beautiful daughter." He looked at me. "And her mother is breath taking. A boy would help me protect the two of you."

I know that the modern population of women has an answer to that. The independent part of me also knows the answer to what he said. Women can protect themselves.

But the thing is, I don't mind being protected. I don't mind that Coal wanted to do that for us. And I certainly don't mind that that's what he wanted to teach our future son.

"I can't imagine having a house full of girls. Not because I hate the thought, but because I think I'll die early with just the thought of them having piss-ant suitors and getting married to men that won't ever deserve them, even if they're the long-lost descendant of Ghandi.

Okay. Looks like he hasn't blocked the thought of Kaise having boyfriends.

"Babi?" tawag ni Coal sa anak namin na tumatalon-talon na ngayon sa kama.

"Daddy!"

"You won't ever get married, right? You'll stay with me and your Mommy forever?"

"Yes!"

I laughed when Coal looked at me triumphantly. "I don't think she understood what she agreed to. You need to ask her again when she's eighteen."

"No. It's a done deal." He tickled Kaise's tummy again. "Right, babi? We have a deal."

"Deal!"

Napapailing na lang ako at inayos ko ang mga ginamit ko sa shoot. Parang nakikinita ko na ang hinaharap kapag dumating na kami sa panahon na magsasabi sa amin si Kaise na may nanliligaw na sa kaniya.

"Baby?"

"Hmm?" I muttered, knowing he was talking to me this time.

"Wear that dress later." Tumaas ang kilay ko at nagdududang tinitigan ko siya. A playful smile spread on his lips. "I wasn't thinking about that, but now I certainly do."

"Whatever," nag-iinit ang magkabilang-pisngi na sabi ko. "Anong meron mamaya? Are your family coming?"

"Only Dom, and he'll take care of Kaise for us."

"Why?"

He winked at me. "CirCoal's Day."

I KNEW IT would be an exciting night. The moment that he tugged my hand and guided me in the direction of the beach instead of the parking lot, I was sure of it. He had something planned, and I can feel it. When I saw a mini-yacht approaching, I was brimming with excitement. Then, when it stopped at the old dock where we were waiting, I was floored.

Because written on the side of the yacht is my name. Circe Isle.

"I wasn't really planning on owning one, but we live right in front of a beach and there's already a dock. I'm planning to renovate this one because it's old and I want to make sure of you and Kaise's safety. I also don't know how long this dock will hold."

"You bought a yacht," I whispered.

"A mini one."

"And you named it after me."

"The next one would be named after Kaise."

I blinked and turned to look at him. "The next one?"

"Well, not a yacht. Maybe a deck boat? Or a jet ski since you enjoyed riding one."

"You just bought a house, Coal."

I am happy. I am actually so excited because I love it so much. But more than that, with my name on it... it's another act of permanence. One that shows where he stands. One that tells me to finally put two feet where he is and stand by him.

I told him I was falling for him, and he told me that he already did. We didn't talk much about it after that. He teased me about it, but I never really heard him say those particular three words to me directly.

I know it's silly. What Coal shows me every day and what he makes me feel mean so much more than those three overused words. But maybe... maybe it was what I was waiting for. Buong buhay ko kasi ay hindi ko pa naririnig 'yon. Kahit kay Eleazar na pinakamahabang naging karelasyon ko. Not from my parents. Not even from my biological mother, whom I felt loved me but never said that she did.

Pero ako? Ilang beses ng lumabas ang mga salitang iyon sa mga labi ko. I said them to my parents. I said it to my biological mother. I said it to Eleazer. I just never heard those words back from them.

So maybe even though I'm not hesitating about Coal, there's a part of me that still wants to protect myself from what has caused me pain before.

"We have a child that is growing day by day. Hindi magtatagal ay mag-aaral na siya. Education is expensive. We can't-"

"Baby." There was no impatience that could be seen on him when he pulled me close to him. "I got you. There's nothing you need to worry about."

"But-"

"I know we haven't talked about it, but you're not exactly tight when it comes to money. You also bought a car that cost you a lot."

"I know," I said quietly.

"I have money too, Circe. I want us to enjoy life. Something that I know you want too."

"I know," I repeated.

"If we didn't have Kaise, you wouldn't even blink about this. But having her, you got used to taking care of her and preparing for her future. I understand that."

"Coal..."

"But It's time that you get used to the idea that you have me now. We'll take care of her, and I will take care of you." Umangat ang kamay niya at inipit niya ang kumala kong buhok sa likod ng tenga ko. "You once told me that we shouldn't give up the things that we love-things that make us an us. You love the ocean. You love exploring. You love the world, but you love it by experiencing it. And I want that for you. I want that for us because I believe in the way you love."

I avoided his gaze as my lips trembled. He pulled me closer, and he leaned down to kiss my forehead.

"Stop overthinking things. Where's my fearless and easygoing Circe?" Nang mag-angat ako ng mukha sa kaniya para bigyan siya ng matalim na tingin ay nangingiting hinalikan niya ang mga labi ko. "I took you by surprise, didn't I?"

"What do you think?" I asked sarcastically.

"I think I'm going to get lucky tonight."

Kinurot ko siya sa tagiliran bago ko siya nilagpasan at naglakad ako palapit sa nakalatag na rampa ng yate para sana umakyat doon. Coal beat me to it, and before I knew it, he had me up in his arm, and he carried me up to the waiting vessel.

Nang makarating sa taas ay hinapit niya ako sa kaniya at pinakilala ako sa nag-iisang lalaki na naroon. To my surprise, after the introduction, the man wished us a joyful evening and left us to our own devices.

"You know how to operate a mini yacht?" I asked Coal when he pulled me towards the cockpit.

"I enjoy trying new things."

"Why am I not surprised by that?"

Tumawa lang siya at hindi nagtagal ay sinimulan na niyang i-operate ang yate. It wasn't long before it finally moved, and we were sailing.

Coal didn't stop me when I went out of the cockpit so that I could go look outside from the back of the yacht. Umupo ako sa malawak na sitting area doon na hindi natatakpan ng hard top ng kinaroroonan namin.

Mini yachts are compact-sized yachts. It's more of a cabin cruiser. You don't have a lot of places to go, but you have the important parts, and it's perfect for a small family. Parang nararamdaman ko na kakailanganing bumili ni Coal ng mas malaki someday kung gugustuhin niyang isama ang buong pamilya niya. I wouldn't be surprised if all the Dawson siblings would invest in a bigger one. Coal's idea to have the dock renovated would be perfect if that happened.

Hindi kasi talaga kakasya ang buong pamilya niya rito. Maybe Coal with me and the girls would fit, but not the entire family.

Right in front of the cockpit, there's a deck that we could lounge on later when we're not moving this fast anymore. Sa back part kung saan nandoon ako ay ang sitting area habang sa likod ko ay nandoon ang swimming platform kung saan pwedeng bumaba para lumangoy. And I'm sure there's at least one room below us and a small kitchen.

Isinandal ko ang baba ko sa likod ng upuan at pinanood ko ang mga nagliliparang ibon na paminsan-minsan ay nagtatangkang lumapit sa kinaroroonan namin. They look like they're playing with the splashes of water that the vessel is leaving behind.

It wasn't long before the mini-yacht's speed slowed down until it finally stopped. Pagkaraan ay lumabas ng cockpit si Coal para pumunta sa kinaroroonan ko. Umupo siya sa tabi ko at gaya ng inaasahan ay hinila niya ako palapit sa kaniya hanggang sa halos nakaupo na ako sa kandungan niya.

"You like it?" he asked.

Tumango ako. "I love it." Without saying anything, he just stared at my face. "What?"

"Nothing. It's just sometimes, I still can't believe you're real. That I could be this happy."

Kumilos ako para tuluyan na akong nakaupo sa kandungan niya at ipinalibot ko ang mga braso ko sa kaniya. I leaned down and kissed him, and he answered without a second of hesitation. We were both gasping for breath when we broke the kiss.

"Real enough?" I whispered.

"Very real."

We stayed there for awhile, just letting the afternoon sun bathe us with warmth. I was beginning to get sleepy when I felt Coal move.

"I prepared snacks."

"Of course you did." I raise an eyebrow at him. "Pancit Canton na naman 'yan no?"

"Of course not." He helped me up, and a small shriek fell from my mouth when I felt his hand playfully spanked my behind. "Go to the deck, baby, and wait for me."

"You're so going to pay for that."

He winked. "I never tried it, but I'm not opposed to being spanked by you."

"Deviant hornball," I said to him through narrowed eyes.

Tawa lang ang sinagot niya sa akin habang naiiling na sinunod ko ang gusto niya. There's a white sunbathing mattress already installed on top of the deck. Umupo ako roon at niyakap ko ang mga tuhod ko habang nakatingin sa tanawin sa harapan ko.

It wouldn't be long before the sun set, and I'm sure it would be beautiful watching it from here.

Coal didn't make me wait long. Nang muli siyang lumabas ay dala niya ang pamilyar na basket sa isang kamay habang sa isa ay may hawak siya na bucket ng yelo na may nakapatong na wine.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko at ibinaba niya ang mga dala niya. Isa-sa niyang nilabas ang laman ng basket at napangiti ako nang makita ko ang cookies na alam kong hinanda niya talaga para sa akin. He also brought sliced baguettes, two kinds of toast spread, different kinds of cheese, and fruits. When he took out the main course from the basket, my laugh shattered the peace of our surroundings.

"Hindi Pancit Canton 'yan," natatawa ring sabi ni Coal.

"An elevated Pancit Canton then?" I asked through a giggle.

Mukha namang hindi talaga Pancit Canton iyon pero pansit pa rin. There's mushrooms, greens, and scallops. It's like a gourmet version of Coal's favorite snack.

"You cooked this?" I asked.

"Of course I did." Inabutan niya ako ng tinidor. I didn't fail to notice that he didn't bring plates again, just like the first time we had a CirCoal's Day. "Kaya ka kinukulit nila Lucienne kanina. Para hindi mo ako makitang nagluluto at nagpeprepare."

Lucienne called me, and she talked my ears off for a long time. I didn't mind because she's fun to talk to. Pero ngayon ay alam ko na kung bakit sobrang random ng mga kuwento niya to the point na hindi ko na alam kung bakit talaga siya tumawag in the first place.

"Kaya naman pala."

"Why? What did she tell you?"

"Puro random lang. Iyong huli sabi niya malapit na raw atang maging lolo si Trace kasi patay na patay daw si Potchi sa isa sa mga rescue dog ni Ember. Ember's actually planning to keep the schweenie rescue, but she's torn because she knows that there's a possibility na magiging lola at lolo nga sila ni Trace. Lucienne said that Ember's considering it kasi ayaw niya namang tanggalan ng karapatan si Potchi na magkaroon ng pamilya. But the puppies will only go to family and friends, and they wouldn't be up for adoption because she wants the rescues to be adopted first. After that, the schweenie will get the snip."

"Ouch."

Nginisihan ko si Coal. "Symphatizing?"

"Any male will sympathize with another man, human or not, when something sharp invades that territory."

"I've been invading that territory, and I've heard no complaints from you."

Naging pilyo ang ngiti niya. "Baby, you're all soft. If it's you doing the invading, I don't mind being conquered."

I rolled my eyes and continued eating. Hindi ko alam kung gaano na kami katagal doon. We ate and we drank. He told me random stories, and I did the same. We talked about Kaise like we weren't both with her when she did something we think is amazing.

"She loves drawing. I think she got it from you."

"Really?" nagniningning ang mga matang tanong niya.

"I mean, she can't really draw that much. Mostly they are just scribbles. But I've watched her do it and most kids will write on a paper barely filling it, then they'll move to another blank canvas. Si Kaise gustong pinupuno ang bawal papel niya. Then she'll tell you words that don't make sense but it feels like they're naming them. Like this one time, she drew what seemed to look like scratches of blue mixed with green, and she told me that it's "sup". Like surfing." I couldn't hide the pride in my voice and I know it. "She's not even three. I know all parents think that their children are geniuses, but-"

"Kaise's a genius."

I beamed at him. "Right?"

Halos sabay kaming napatawa. We were being silly and bias. But who cares? We love our daughter, and we think she's the best.

Umihip ang malakas na hangin dahilan para liparin ang buhok ko. I swept them on my left shoulder and held them as I let the wind pass. Napatingin ako sa harapan namin at hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti nang makita kong nag-uumpisa ng lumubog ang araw.

I've seen it a lot of times, but I never get tired of witnessing it. The sun setting on a beach feels different to watch. Para kasing abot kamay mo iyon.

"It's so beautiful," I whispered.

"Yes it is."

Nilingon ko si Coal pero sa halip na sa tanawin siya nakaharap ay sa akin nakatutok ang mga mata niya. Warmth enveloped me when I understood the meaning of his words.

I've seen myself in the mirror. I know I'm not hard to look at, but I also know that there are a lot of beautiful people in the world. It varies depending on who's looking. From the eyes that are seeing. And with Coal, it feels like he could only see me.

"Thank you for bringing me here," I murmured to him gently. "For preparing everything, for buying this yacht, and for naming it after me."

His face gentled. "You're welcome, baby."

"And I'm sorry for acting like a lunatic earlier. I don't know why I was panicking-"

"Circe." Inabot niya ang kamay ko. "We experienced a lot in such a short time. Our relationship wasn't typical. It's natural that sometimes we encounter a block that stops us from moving. We'll probably have more ahead of us as we learn things about each other. And that's okay. As long as you trust me to hold your hand until we get through it the same way that I know that you wouldn't let go when I'm the one needing it."

"Okay," I whispered.

Inangat niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan niya iyon. "I know I overwhelmed you."

"I-"

"There might be more of that in the life that we will share because I don't have plans to stop giving you everything that I can."

"You don't need to." Pinisil ko ang kamay niya. "You know that, right? You have nothing to prove. I just need you."

I watched him swallow. My words affected him more than I thought they would. "I know. But I like seeing the surprise in your eyes. I like making you happy."

"As long as you do that for that reason. Not because you want to convince me to stay."

Hindi siya nakapagsalita kaagad at nanatili lang siyang nakatingin sa akin. Pagkaraan ay sumilay ang ngiti sa mga labi niya at bahagya niya akong hinila para mapalapit sa kaniya. Inangat ko ang katawan ko para hindi ko mabangga ang mga pagkain at pagkatapos ay umupo ako sa posisyon na napapadalas mula nang makilala ko siya. He always wanted maximum contact, and I know he likes it so much that I don't have the heart to say no. Not that I want to.

"They were right, you know?" he said after awhile.

"Hmm?"

"My family. They were right when they told me that you're perfect for me." Marahang pinadaan niya ng hinlalaki niya ang ibabang labi ko. "They would have loved you for me if they had met you."

I know without asking him who he is talking about. "Cassia Gersalino would have loved you for me." I said out loud the name that I haven't spoken out for years. The name of my biological mother. "She would have seen in you what I saw that first night."

"What?"

"Steady." Sinuklay ko ang kamay ko sa buhok niya. "Your sisters-in-law told me words that describe you best before. Drifting... lost. I was that too. I can never relax in one place. I don't feel like I have anything to hold me in place. Until you. With you, I felt steady."

His head went close to mine, his lips nearer... almost touching mine. "Maybe we were drifting so that we could find each other's path."

"Maybe."

The kiss we shared this time felt different. It wasn't longing. It wasn't hungry. It couldn't just be described as sweet. Instead, they felt more like a promise.

"No," he rasped out against my lips.

Hinabol ko ang mga labi niya pero nilayo niya sa akin ang mga iyon. "What?"

"We got the wine and dining checked off our list. Do you know what's next?"

Kumunot ang noo ko. "After wining and dining? Well... sex?"

Coal threw his head back and laughed. "No."

"I'm pretty sure that's it."

Natatawa pa rin na may kinuha siya sa basket at pagkatapos ay tinulungan niya akong makatayo. He pressed the remote he was holding, and a song played from somewhere inside the cockpit. The song is familiar. I heard Tala listening to this one time, and she said it's by a Filipino singer. I think the title is As You Are.

"The answer is dancing, baby," Coal said as he gathered me in his arms.

"I never heard of that," nakangusong tanggi ko. "I know it's sex."

"We can do that later."

I harrumphed playfully. "Huwag na. Parang napipilitan ka pa eh."

He pulled me closer, and a gasp escaped my lips when I felt his hips grind into me. There's no mistaking what I felt bump me on my stomach. "Mukha bang napipilitan 'yan?"

"H-Ha?" nauutal kong tanong.

Coal just grinned. Inangat niya ang mga kamay ko at ipinatong niya iyon sa mga balikat niya bago niya muling ipinaikot ang mga braso niya sa beywang ko. He swayed us with the music, his eyes holding mine in such a way that I couldn't break free from it.

Around us, the sky finally succumbed to the impending night. But we weren't shrouded in darkness. Lights hanging from the railings of the mini yacht opened one by one.

"What comes after dancing?" he asked.

I giggled and jokingly said, "Sex."

He guffawed. "No." Natatawang inilapat niya ang mga labi niya sa noo ko. "You're too perfect for me, my enchantress. How about we make this more perfect?"

"The only way you can make this more perfect is if you do a strip tease or something."

"Later," he promised.

"Really?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Nagbabagong buhay ka na talaga no? Usually you wouldn't delay, and I'll be finding myself flat on my back with you on top of me or me on top of you."

Chuckling, he kissed my forehead again. "Quiet, baby."

"Why-"

Hindi ko nagawang tapusin ang sasabihin ko nang pinakawalan niya ako at sa pagkabigla ko ay dahan-dahan siyang lumuhod sa harapan ko. I felt like the world suddenly stopped spinning, and I froze on the spot. I think even my brain stopped working at that moment.

"Before you came into my life, I thought my life was pretty okay. You showed me that I could still have more. That I could give more. Be more. That okay could be great, and that great could be perfect."

He was nervous. I could see that. His hand, holding mine, was shaking a bit.

Coal's eyes turned liquid. His gaze is telling me so much already. "I didn't even know I was looking for you, that I needed you, not until I saw you on that bar and under that moonlight, your eyes so warm that I feel it in my soul. Before feeling your skin on mine, touching you, and kissing you... I knew that I couldn't just have you for that one single night. But as sunrise came, you were gone."

"Coal..."

"We didn't do things in perfect order, but what we have is perfect anyway. You made me a dad. One I never thought I would get the chance to be. One that I never thought I would want to be. You gave me the most amazing daughter that sees so much joy around her and gives love like it's her power because that's what you taught her. But most of all, you made me a man that wanted to be better so that I could deserve you."

My heart stopped when Coal pulled out a ring from his back pocket. It didn't have a box. Maybe so that he could hide it from me.

It's a beautiful, unique ring. It's curved instead of the usual band. It's shaped to look like a wave curl, and on top of it is a diamond with a blue tint in it.

"I told you before, if I'm under your spell, don't let me go. Let me be your prisoner for as long as I am breathing. I have my own spell too, my enchantress." Inabot niya ng isa niyang kamay ang akin at hinagkan niya iyon. "I love you, Circe Isle. I know you hate being an Andino. So why don't you marry me and be a Dawson instead?"

A single tear fell from my eye. I never know what it's like to have those words said to me. To not just have someone look me in the eye and say it to me, but to actually make me feel it. That I am loved.

Coal's giving me that. He already gave me that through his actions. To how he takes care of me and Kaise. He showed it to me whenever I caught him looking at me. He showed it when he kissed me, touched me, and made me his. And now he's giving it to me in a way that I've never experienced. In a way that he's making a dream no longer a dream. A dream that is fulfilled.

"I know you said that you're still falling in love with me, and I could wait, but I want you to have this ring-"

"I love you." There's an ache in my chest, and I know it's not out of fear. It's certainly not out of uncertainty. It's because it's so beautiful that it hurts. It's so beautiful that it's making me feel so intensely. "I love you so much, Coal." My lips trembled, but I ignored it. "I want to be a Dawson. I want to be completely yours."

The rest of my tears escaped my eyes when I witnessed how Coal's own eyes watered. He was trying to fight it, and just like me, he's also losing.

I felt him slip the ring on my finger at the same time that I let myself fall to him. He caught me in his arms like I knew he would, hugging me close.

He claimed my lips, and this time he didn't end it. For a long time, that's all we did. His tongue slid inside me, coaxing it open until it could dance with my own. It was wet and deep. It was a needy kiss. Claiming. Owning.

We were out of breath, but that wasn't the reason why we were forced to pull away from each other. It was because of the light hitting us and the loud, obnoxious music blasting that is getting nearer and nearer.

"What..."

Coal's lips touched my neck, and with his body close to me, I felt his body vibrate with laughter. "Sorry, baby. There's no stopping them."

Tinulungan niya akong makatayo at parehas na tinanaw namin ang papalapit na liwanag. Laglag ang mga pangang napatulala ako sa di hamak na mas malaking yate na ngayon ay nasa harapan namin.

The Dawson. That's the name of the vessel that stopped in front of me and Coal. It wasn't too big that we couldn't see the people on the deck, but it was big enough to cart them all.

"CONGRATULATIONS SHARK FAMILY!"

Trace and Lucienne were holding the microphone together as if they were in the midst of fighting over it. The entire family shouted the words to us, though. And it wasn't just them. Tala's there too, carrying Kaise.

They're all wearing matching blue Hawaiian shirts. They are also wearing blue baby shark headbands. As in all of them. That includes Coal's older brothers, who all look like they wanted to jump out of the yacht.

Nag-peace sign si Lucienne. "Ipapasa na namin 'to kay Lia. Alam naming binubulabog namin ang kalikasan at kapag kami ang kumanta baka umahon si Jaws at sagpangin kami."

Bago niya ibigay iyon kay Lia ay kay Trace niya muna inabot iyon na mukhang may sasabihin pa. "This is Moonlight Sunrise by Twice! Give it up for theee... Dawsons!"

I watched in amazement as they went into formation and another song blasted from the speakers surrounding their yacht. Lia took the mic and waved at us. Then they started dancing.

And again. All of them.

"Oh, yeah. I guarantee I got ya. I've been craving for your love. Can't see nobody but us. So I, so I, so I. See you from across the room. Make my way over to you. I'm trippin' over butterflies. Oh, yeah. Baby, I don't really mean to rush, but I'ma really need your touch. If I'ma make it through the night. I got the moonlight, tequila sunrise. Uh, come take a shot on me, I got ya."

Lia's voice is beautiful, even though she's singing something that is probably out of her usual. But I couldn't focus enough on it. Not when they keep dancing like they've practiced this for a long time. Kahit na ang mga nakatatandang kapatid ni Coal na matigas ang katawan ay mukhang alam kung ano ang steps ng kanta.

"I don't know how to say this. I hope this song's on your playlist. This feeling's so hard to explain. I don't even know how to talk right now. It's "I-need-you-o'clock" right now. I want you to hear me say. Moonlight sunrise. Baby, come be my starlight. Moonlight sunrise. Oh, baby, just to make you stay. Moonlight sunrise. Baby, let's do it all night. Moonlight sunrise. I guarantee I got ya."

I've read this in Lucienne's books, but it's still unbelievably surprising that they would do all this. They were all probably busy, yet they made time to make sure to be here. For Coal... for us.

Hindi ko alam kung maiiyak ako o tatawa na lang habang pinapanood sila. Even Tala's swaying Kaise who's giggling. Kahit ang asawa ni Luna na minsan ko lang nakita ay mukhang walang nagawa at ngayon ay nakikisayaw din kasama ng buong pamilya.

Family. This big, crazy, lovable family is mine too.

"Still love me?" Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin kay Coal ay lumawak ang ngiti niya. "Even though I have a weird family?"

"I wouldn't have you and them any other way. But..."

He tensed. "But?"

Niyakap ko ang mga braso ko sa leeg niya. "Why aren't you dancing with them?"

He laughed, and when he leaned down, he whispered to my ear, "I'll dance for you later. I'll combine it with the striptease that I told you."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Promise?"

He kissed the top of my nose. "You kinky enchantress."

"I'm not, deviant hornball."

"Let's agree to disagree," he whispered. "Then later, when it's just the two of us, I'll make you more agreeable while you take me all inside you."

Some things will never change. This is the way we are. What we will always be.

Dalawang mahalay na pinagtagpo ng tadhana.

___________________________End of Chapter 28.