EPILOGUE

SORCHA'S POV

Naalimpungatan ako nang maramdaman ko ang paglundo ng kama at ang malambot na mga labi na dumampi sa pisngi ko. The room is submerged in darkness, but I don't need to see to know that it's Daze.

Una, dahil walang ibang may lakas ng loob na gisingin ako kapag ganitong mahimbing na ang tulog ko. Pangalawa, alam ko ang amoy niya. I could pick out his scent in a crowd. My sense of smell happens to be one of those that got heightened due to pregnancy.

I let out a groan of protest when I felt him pull my U-shaped pillow away. Hindi naman nagtagal ay napalitan naman iyon. Daze pulled me close, using his body as a replacement for the pillow he just took.

"Off duty na ang kabit mo. Nandito na ang original mo na paboritong unan."

Siniksik ko ang mukha ko sa leeg niya. He's warmer than my pillow, and he certainly smells better than it. Lalo pa na amoy niya ang isa sa pinaglihian ko. He has this comforting scent that makes me warm and comfortable, even if I've just finished my daily bouts of throwing up because of morning sickness.

Daze kissed my forehead, and I felt his damp hair brush my skin a little. "You took a shower," I murmured sleepily.

"I did."

"I didn't hear you."

"Bakit? Sasabayan mo ako?" biro niya.

"I'm not opposed to it."

He chuckled and pulled me even closer. "I showered in the guest room because I didn't want to wake you yet. I think it's a good idea to do it this way. Kesa naman pumapasok ako ng kuwarto agad pagkagaling sa labas. We have a couple of crew members who have a cold."

He's been extremely careful since he got sick one time when he caught something while filming. Dahil magkasama kami sa bahay ay hindi nakakapagtakang nahawa rin ako. Iyon nga lang ay naging mas malala ang sa akin. I couldn't even go to work for a week because I was too sick to get up.

"I was thinking of sleeping there."

I slowly opened my eyes and gave him a look that made the corner of his lips pull up. "Subukan mo lang, Daze Henderson. Bibilan din kita ng U pillow at iyon na lang ang makakatabi mo sa matagal na panahon."

Nangingiti pa rin na kinintalan niya ng halik ang tungki ng ilong ko. "Kaya nga pinag-isipan ko lang. Hindi ko naman ginawa. Pagkatapos kitang mamiss maghapon?"

I made him promise me that no matter how late he comes home, I want him to wake me up. I don't know why, but I just want to know that he's back after being away for hours.

"And I need to recharge because I'll be missing you for days."

Nawala ang antok ko at napaangat ang ulo ko sa sinabi niya. I turned more to my side that my seven-month-old bump leaned more to him. He automatically reached for it, and he gently rubbed it as if greeting our baby, who seemed to be asleep. Usually kasi ay sumisipa na ang anak namin kapag nasa paligid ang ama niyang kinakausap na siya mula noong panahon na parang kasing laki lang ata siya ng ubas sa tiyan ko.

"You'll be gone for days?"

Bumuntong-hininga si Daze at tumango. "Three days. May shoot kami sa Pampanga at full-pack ang filming schedule kaya hindi pwedeng mag-uwian. I'll be back on the fourth day, early morning."

I tried to calm myself but of course, I couldn't hide my feelings from him. Ayoko sanang ipakita sa kaniya dahil alam kong hindi rin madali sa kaniya kapag may mga ganitong pagkakataon. But pregnancy has long taught me that I no longer have as much control over my emotions the way I could do better when I wasn't pregnant.

"Oh, Red," he murmured when he saw my tear-filled eyes. "I'm so sorry. Promise last movie ko na 'to. I'm not going to take on any projects again until you give birth to our baby Cillian Grant. In fact, I might not get any even after that."

"You can't do that. Ano na lang ang papanoodin ko kapag wala ka ng ibang pelikula at nagsawa na akong kakaulit-ulit ng mga movie mo? Wala akong balak panoorin iyong mga dati na wala kang ginawa kundi manuka at isalya kung saan-saan ang mga babaeng co-star mo."

Daze is getting more serious and challenging roles. Hindi na iyong mga pelikulang umiikot lang ata ang kuwento sa kagustuhan ng taong makita si Daze na magtanggal ng pang-itaas niya.

Of course, I'm not a complete fool. Hindi naiiwasan na may mga love line. I already told Daze that he could disregard my previous claim about him kissing another woman for a script. I still hate the thought, but it's not like it could be avoided.

But Daze was adamant about it. Napipilitan tuloy ang production na kumuha ng double o maging creative para gawan ng paraan ang mga scene na kakailanganin iyon. It's extra work that has an easier solution, but Daze even put a clause in his contract about it. Surprisingly, the producers respected his terms, and he's now receiving offers that are not run-of-the-mill but rather quality ones. Na hindi kailangan maging tungkol sa affair, forbidden love, o secret love.

"I hate to see you like this," he said gently.

My lips quivered and my eyes clouded more, but I fought through it. "Don't lie to me. You secretly love it."

Hinalikan niya ang noo ko, pababa sa tuktok ng ilong ko, at pagkatapos ay sa mga labi ko. "I do love how you always want me around. You're an independent person, Red. You could survive a year without me. But pregnancy makes you clingy, and a part of me wants to never stop making you pregnant because I love to keep you close."

Kinirot ko ang tagiliran niya na ikinatawa niya lang ng malakas. "You lug this weight around and tell me those words again. I can't even look at my own feet, which are always swollen, by the way."

"I love your swollen feet."

Nilukutan ko siya ng ilong at umakto akong kukurutin siya ulit pero hinuli niya lang ang kamay ko. "And FYI, I can't survive a year without you. Sinanay mo na ako na lagi kang nakabuntot sa akin kahit noong hindi pa ako buntis. We're basically living together before we even get married." Kung hindi kasi lagi akong nasa bahay niya ay siya naman ang laging nasa bahay ko. "Kaya nga hindi nakakagulat na nabuntis ako. Then after that, you proposed, you married me, and now we've been living together for months. You didn't just make sure that I'm used to having you around. You also made sure that I always had you with me. Pregnant or not, I want you close. That's your fault kaya panindigan mo."

"Willing manindigan basta para sa'yo misis."

Inirapan ko siya bago ako muling pumikit at sumiksik sa kaniya. I could feel him caressing my bump, and I didn't stop him. It didn't take long before I heard him whispering. I knew he wasn't talking to me, so I just let him be while I let myself relax so I could go back to sleep.

"Is it too cramped there? Let's blame your Tito Nevan and all the french fries he keeps feeding your mommy."

Bukod kasi sa bucket ng fries na dinadala ng kapatid ko ay nagdalala rin siya ng ilang kilo na iluluto pa lang. It's one of my pregnancy cravings, and my brother can't say no to me.

"I'll be gone for three days. I need you to be good to mommy, okay? I won't be with her, so you need to take good care of her. Don't give her heartburn, and let her sleep well."

This is something Daze loves to do. Basta may pagkakataon ay nakikipag-usap siya sa anak namin na nasa tiyan ko pa lang. Gising man ako o hindi ay lagi silang may bonding moment.

The familiar flutter in my stomach didn't take me by surprise. Inaasahan ko na iyon dahil mana ata ang anak namin sa ama niyang laging may energy. I didn't even open my eyes when the flutter continued, as if our baby Cillian was greeting his daddy.

I could already imagine it. A daddy with a golden retriever personality and a son that is also the same. Mukhang dadating ang araw na dalawa na silang magpapasakit ng ulo ko at kukulit sa akin.

That thought would have made me dread the idea before. But now? I can hardly wait.

HUMAKBANG ako paatras at sinipat ko ang malaking picture frame na nasa harapan ko para masiguradong malinis na malinis iyon. Siniguro ko rin na pantay pa rin ang pagkakalagay no'n at hindi nagulo.

The picture is the biggest one in our house. Daze had it blown up because it's his favorite out of all the pictures we had at our wedding. And to be honest, it's one of my favorites too.

We had our wedding and reception in Hillcreek Gardens. Daze convinced me to dance, which I didn't want to do at first. Hindi man sobrang dami ng bisita pero lahat kasi ng boss ko ay umattend kasama ng mga asawa nila. I didn't know I would be nervous until the moment that I needed to dance with my husband in the middle of the event place while all eyes were on us.

Daze, being Daze, started to goof around to calm me down, showing me a couple of ridiculous dance moves that made everyone laugh, including me, who was a nervous wreck. We were both laughing when he took me in his arms, and that was what the photographer captured.

Tinignan ko ang iba pang mga larawan. There's a photo of me walking down the aisle that Daze also asked to be blown up, though it wasn't as big as our favorite picture. I was wearing a beautiful dress that had a mixture of peach and white flowers stitched to it. It's also embroidered with subtle green vines. It's one of Storm Scott's creations. My boss, Pierce's wife, introduced me to her since she's Ma'am Belaya's aunt, and it was like she immediately knew what gown would be perfect for me. I'm holding a greenery bouquet that is made of succulents that could be replanted. Dumami na iyon ngayon dahil pinatanim ko kaagad iyon pagkatapos ng kasal.

May larawan din kung saan dapat ay father-daughter dance lang pero naging family dance dahil pinagkumpulan ako ng ina ko na umiiyak na, ni Kuya na pula na ang mukha sa pagpipigil na damayan siya, at ang ama namin na nagpipigil ng emosyon niya. Then the other picture was of my family doing the same to Daze because his parents were not invited to our wedding.

I traced the frame next to it, and it was one of my favorites. It's an image of Daze wearing his suit that has this beautiful tint of green. He was watching me walk down the aisle. His eyes are shining with unshed tears that also show a mix of awe, love, and adoration. I'm glad that someone captured it so I could always remember the way he looked at me that day.

My lips trembled, and I took a deep breath. Daze left two days ago. Pangatlong araw pa lang ngayon pero pakiramdam ko sobrang lungkot ko na. I could distract myself a little since I have work. Pero dahil ngayon na off ko at wala akong ginagawa ay matinding pagpipigil ang ginagawa ko para hindi siya tawagan nang tawagan.

I decided to clean the house since I'm nesting anyway, but even that couldn't occupy my mind for too long.

Nakasimangot na naglakad ako papunta sa kuwarto at dumiretso ako sa banyo para makaligo. "Ang dami namang lugar sa Cavite bakit kasi kailangan sa Pampanga pa? Irereklamo ko sa pulis ang producer na 'yon eh!"

I went to the bathroom, and the moment I saw Daze's shampoo and decided to use it so I could smell him, I found myself getting more emotional as the minutes passed.

By the time I was done, I was a wreck. Nangingilid ang mga luha na nagbihis ako at parang may mga sariling isip ang mga kamay ko na kumuha ako ng duffel bag at basta na lang akong naglagay ng kung anong damit ang mahablot ko.

Dala iyon na bumaba ako ng bahay. I took my keys, and I was about to walk to the door when it started to open.

My brother rented his old house like I did. I didn't want to completely let go of the first house that I bought with my own money, and it looks like he thought the same. Kaya pinarentahan na lang namin iyon.

Kuya Nevan bought the house next to Daze, and even though it was far bigger than his old house and cost a lot more money, he didn't mind. He wanted to live close as well, and like before, he usually come to eat with me and Daze.

Meron siyang susi at pass code ng bahay pero ginagamit niya lang iyon kapag alam niyang wala si Daze sa bahay. Wala kasi siyang balak matulad sa boss namin si Trace na nakasaksi ng mga bagay na hindi niya gugustuhin na makita.

Daze probably told him to check on me. The thought brought more tears into my eyes.

"Sorchie—"

Hindi lang si Kuya ang natigilan kundi ang mga magulang ko na kasama pala niya. One look at my face, and they all halted in their tracks. Their reactions were so identical, it would've been funny under different circumstances.

"What happened?" namimilog ang mga matang tanong ni Kuya.

Tuluyan ng nagbagsakan ang mga luha ko. Bilang sa dalawang kamay ang umiyak ako sa buong buhay ko. Being pregnant, I already accepted the fact that I'm more emotional than before. Pero hindi naman ako sobrang iyakin dahil hindi naman ako binibigyan ni Daze ng dahilan para umiyak. This is the first time that I'm crying this much that I can't even speak because I'm sobbing so hard.

"S-Si Daze... I... I want..."

Napasinghap si Kuya Nevan. "Anong nangyari kay Daze? Ang alam ko mag sho-shoot sila ng car chase ngayong araw na 'to. Naaksidente ba siya sa filming? Saang ospital dinala?"

"W-What? Why... why would you say that?!" I dropped my bag and straight out bawled. "I just want to see my husband!"

Malakas na hinampas ni Mama sa braso ko ang kapatid ko na napasigaw na napatalon. Pinandilatan pa siya ni Mama bago lumapit sa akin ang ina ko at niyakap ako.

Luhaang binigyan ko ng masamang tingin si Kuya Nevan. "I hate you! Don't talk to me!"

Napaawang ang mga labi na nilingon niya si Papa na umiling na lang na parang sinasabing huwag na siyang umangal.

My mother gently patted my cheek. "It's okay. Everything's okay."

"I want to see my husband," sumisinghot-singhot na sabi ko. "It's been too long."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "It's just been two days since he left, right?"

Umiiyak lang na nakatingin ako sa kaniya na parang sinasabi na ang siyang sinabi niya ang dahilan kung bakit hindi na matahimik ang pagkatao ko ngayon.

"Let's go," sabi ni Papa na lumapit sa amin at hinapit ako sa kaniya. Marahang hinaplos niya ang likod ko. "We're driving to Pampanga."

"Uuwi naman na si Daze bukas—" Napatigil si Kuya sa sasabihin nang sabay siyang binigyan ng matalim na tingin ng mga magulang namin. Napapakamot sa ulo na bumuntong-hininga siya. "I'll get the car. Wait for me here."

Nang makalabas siya at naiwan kami ay iginaya ako ni Papa paupo sa sofa. Despite my current emotions, I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.

My lips trembled, and I wrung my hands together. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," my mother said who took a seat beside me. "Noong pinagbubuntis ko kayo ng Kuya mo, miss na miss ko rin ang Papa mo"

"But you were angry at him."

"I was, but that doesn't mean I don't miss him. I was torn between killing him in my mind and missing him."

Sa tabi ko ay mahinang napatawa si Papa. My mother gave him a look, and he quickly lifted his hands in surrender.

"I'm not normally like this," I whispered.

"We know that better than anyone." Nangingiting ipinatong niya ang kamay niya sa akin na nakapatong sa tiyan ko. "You're carrying our grandchild. Pregnancy does a lot to our bodies, but it's not the only thing that is changing. Your world is changing as well. You're becoming a mother... a parent. It's perfectly normal to be emotional. There's nothing wrong with it, and you don't need to apologize for it."

Salitan sila ni Papa sa pagpapakalma sa akin hanggang sa makarinig kami ng busina sa labas ng bahay. My father carried my things while my mother helped me get into the car. Hindi nagtagal ay bumabyahe na kami.

Iyon nga lang ay sa pagtataka ko, hindi daan papuntang airport ang pinupuntahan namin. "Kapag sinabi mo sa akin na naliligaw tayo, itutulak kita sa unang bangin na makikita ko," pagbabanta ko sa kapatid ko.

He gave me a beleaguered look, but he didn't say anything as he made a turn into a gated open field where a helicopter is currently waiting for us.

The car stopped, and all I could do was stare. Naunang bumaba si Kuya Nevan na tinulungan akong makababa. "You want to see Daze so bad. Alangan namang hayaan kitang umiyak ng ilang oras pa kung pwede namang forty-five minutes lang?"

I feel like I regressed into a child because I bursted crying again. "I don't actually hate you, Kuya."

Nalukot ang ilong na dinutdot niya ng mahina ang noo ko. "Stop crying and go."

"Samahan mo ang kapatid mo, Nevan. I'll drive the car home," utos ni Papa sa kaniya.

Hindi naman na umangal pa si Kuya. He gave our parents hugs and I did the same before I followed my brother.

Sa pagkagulat ko ay nakita ko sa loob ng helicopter sina Lucienne at Belaya Dawson na sabay pang kumaway sa akin. Hindi lang iyon dahil namataan ko rin ang boss ko na si Pierce na nakaupo sa pilot's seat.

I turn to my brother, my eyes wide. "You called Dagger?"

"No. I call Ma'am Belaya. Hindi available ang helicopter nila. Ma'am Lucienne's with her so she called Thorn to let us borrow the helicopter."

"But—"

"It's fine, Sorcha." Pierce Dawson turned his head to look at me. "It's just a forty-five minute travel. It's not a big deal."

Of course it is a big deal. The helicopter is a company property. Hindi iyon basta ginagamit lang sa hindi naman opisyal na dahilan.

As if reading my mind, he went out of his way to explain, "Kuya Thorn approved and so did the rest of us. You're pregnant and you want to be close to your husband. That's a big deal in our book."

"Maniwala ka sa asawa ko. When I was pregnant with our twins, I also didn't like being away from him," nangingiting sabi sa akin ni Ma'am Belaya habang tinutulungan ako ng kapatid ko na isuot ang jacket na hawak niya.

"Ako rin. Kahit sa banyo lang pupunta si Thorn nakasunod ako. Kahit sa restaurant man o sa mall sumasama ako sa kaniya." Napangisi ang manunulat ng parang may naisip. "Pero favorite ko siyempre kapag naliligo siya."

Belaya Dawson laughed while my boss groaned in protest. Mukhang senyales naman iyon para kay Ma'am Lucienne na magpatuloy sa pagkukuwento tungkol noong pinagbubuntis niya ang mga anak niya.

A few moments later, when my brother managed to strap me into a harness, the helicopter finally made its way to take off.

Crying as much as I did took a lot of my energy, so it wasn't surprising that it wasn't long before I started to doze off. Nang muli akong maalimpungatan ay naramdaman kong bumababa na ang helicopter at kasalukuyan akong nakaunan sa kapatid kong nakayakap sa akin ang isang braso para marahil hindi ako mauntog kung saan-saan.

The helicopter landed, and the sound of the rotor blades quieted. Sumilip ako sa labas at nakita kong nasa open field kami ulit na may sementadong daan di kalayuan. The sun is starting to set, and it's minutes away from being completely dark, but I saw from a distance that there's a crowd of people who seem to be surrounded by giant light equipment.

It finally dawned on me where we were when I saw Jeremiah from the window, who's currently running towards us.

We're at the shooting site where Daze is currently filming!

Akala ko ay pupunta lang kami sa hotel na tinutuluyan nila at doon na lang ako maghihintay. Pero mukhang tinotoo ng kapatid ko na hindi na patagalin ang pag-iyak ko.

My brother helped me out of the harness and to descend from the helicopter. Nakasunod sa amin ang mga Dawson na tahimik lang.

"Ngayon ko lang nabasa ang message." Nag-aalalang tinignan ako ng sumalubong sa amin na si Jeremiah. "Are you okay? Daze is still filming but we can go there."

I looked at the filming set reluctantly, but before I could say something, Jeremiah ushered us in the direction of the crowd. I saw some familiar faces who seemed surprised to see us, especially when they saw the people I'm with.

Jeremiah went to the director, and he plastered a smile on his face. "Direk, baka naman pwede muna tayong mag-break. Nakailang take na rin naman si Daze at sabi niyo maayos naman. His wife is here."

I looked at the road, and I saw three cars circling around. Hindi naman masyadong mabilis iyon pero malakas na kumabog ang dibdib ko sa takot nang makita ko kung paanong mag gitgitan ang dalawang sasakyan. Mukhang ang pangatlong sasakyan ang ginagamit ng crew para i-shoot ang scene.

"This is an important scene. I don't care if the president is here—" Napalingon sa akin ang lalaking direktor na hindi nagawang ituloy ang sasabihin nang makita ang nagsisimula na namang maluha kong mga mata.

"Parang gusto kong magpaiyak ng direktor. Lalo na iyong direktor na nagpapaiyak ng buntis," pagpaparinig ni Lucienne Dawson na inosenteng nginitian ang napakurap na direktor.

Belaya Dawson stepped forward, and she checked her nails as if she found everything boring. "Sayang. Gusto ko pa naman sana na mag-cameo. No talent fee needed. Naiinip lang talaga ako. Pero kung mga nagpapaiyak lang pala ng buntis dito ang meron, uwi na lang tayo."

"Oo nga eh. Gusto ko nga rin sana. Kahit nga sa movies mo hindi ako nag ca-cameo kahit inaaya mo ako noon. Bored din sana ako pero... hay... so sad."

Mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro na inabot ng direktor ang two-way radio niya at nagsalita siya roon bago kumikislap ang mga matang hinarap ang mga Dawson.

The wives glanced at me. Halos sabay pa silang nag-thumbs up. As if on cue, Jeremiah guided me away from them while my brother followed us. Nilagpasan namin ang mga napapatingin na mga staff. I even saw some of the actors and actresses who seemed to be waiting for their turn to shoot.

"He's a great director, but he could be a dick. Sa lahat ng artista na hawak nila ngayon, si Daze iyong halos puro isang take lang okay na. He's making Daze repeat his scenes again and again just to make a point," Jeremiah explained.

"And what point is that? That he's trying to assert dominance and control? Just because my husband's scenes are perfect gusto niya na ipakita na siya pa rin ang authority dito?" The loneliness from being away from Daze shifted drastically fast into a blazing fire of anger. "He doesn't care if the president is here? Well, then, I'm going to call the church and bring the Lord here! Para naman mabawasan ang sungay niyang direktor na 'yan na inaapi ang asawa ko—"

My words became muffled by my brother's large hands. Nakatakip sa bibig ko na magkatulong nila akong inilayo ni Jeremiah bago pa ako marinig ng direktor na gusto kong silaban ng buhay. Dinala nila ako sa walang tao na lugar at malayo sa mga nagkukumpulan.

"Red?"

Parang lobo na nawalan ng hangin na napatingin ako sa direksyon ng boses. I struggled in my brother and Jeremiah's hold until they had no choice but to let me go. Halos takbuhin ko ang kinaroroonan ni Daze na kabababa lang ng sasakyan. He raced towards me immediately so that I wouldn't need to run far.

It felt like all the heavy feelings I had earlier disappeared the moment I was in his arms. "What are you doing here? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?" When I nodded, he let out a relieved sigh. "What happened, Red?"

Imbis na sumagot ay yumakap lang ako sa kaniya at sinubsob ko ang mukha ko sa dibdib niya. As always with Daze, I didn't need to say more for him to understand.

He made a comforting circle on my back, and at the same time, I felt his lips touch my head. "Want to stay with me?" Nang tumango ako ay muli niyang hinalikan ang ulo ko. "Want me to quit filming?" I shook my head, and he sighed. "My poor, Red. Tell me what you want me to do, and I'll do it."

"Take a maternity leave, Sorcha," sabi ng kapatid ko na napapailing habang pinapanood kami. "Matagal ka ng sinasabihan na huwag ng pumasok. It's a paid leave."

"Hindi naman dapat ganoong ka-tagal ang leave dapat."

"Who cares? Dagger don't. You can take as much time as you want." Pinagkrus niya ang mga braso niya. "You'll receive an email about it. Take the leave and be with your husband. Just make sure na kapag kabuwanan mo na ay papayagan nila si Daze na mag-leave din." Nagsalubong ang kilay niya at napatingin sa kinaroroonan ng direktor. "Never mind. I'll do it."

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin sa amin ni Jeremiah bago niya napagpasyahan na sundan ang kapatid ko na mukhang balak kausapin ang direktor.

"Did you cry?" I looked at Daze and he sighed when he saw my puffy eyes. "I think I want to retire early."

"Don't. I'm just pregnant and cranky."

"I like you pregnant and cranky."

I rolled my eyes. "You like me no matter what. Nuknukan ka ng bias eh."

"Guilty as charged."

He grinned and pulled me towards the car he used for the car chase. The key is still in the ignition. Binuksan niya ang pintuan ng back seat at pinapasok niya ako roon at pagkatapos ay sumunod siya. Nang parehas na kaming nandoon ay hinapit niya ako palapit sa kaniya at ikinulong niya ang mukha ko sa malalapad niyang mga kamay.

"I don't want you crying again, okay? I won't be away this long again."

"You can't promise that," I whispered.

"Then like your brother said, I'll take you with me."

I always thought that I was in a never-ending winter. Not because I'm always lonely, but because that's just how my world is. People stay the hell out of it because they would rather be in a sunny place and away from the cold, while I enjoy the fact that I have my own world for myself where I could care less about the rest of the world.

That is why I relate a lot to Hestia. The difference is that she tends to a hearth full of warmth, while I just look at my own hearth and enjoy the solitude of the cold.

But then Daze came into my life, like he had his own portable sun. He didn't turn my winter into summer. He didn't force me to stop being who I am. He didn't come into my life to change the season, but to share the winter with me.

The hearth symbolizes a place where people create their deepest connections. My hearth, however, for years remained unlit. I was fine with it. Then a tiny spark appeared until an ember engulfed the once cold hearth.

That was all because of Daze.

My hearth and my heart... both of them, through him, found the warm glow I never thought I would ever want and now couldn't live without.

"What do you want to do tonight?" he asked as he gently tucked a stray hair behind my ears.

"You."

"What do I want to do? Kahit ano naman—"

"No. I mean..." I pushed him a little and before he could make a move, I quickly straddled him. "You."

The heat in his eyes was instant. Niyakap niya ang braso niya sa bewang ko bago bahagya siyang dumukwang para abutin ang lock ng passenger seat. I heard the click, signaling that all doors were locked.

He reached for the buttons on my blouse, but he stopped and leaned down to whisper at my baby bump. "Go to sleep, baby. Mommy and Daddy need some quality time."

That night—Sorcha's Hearth—my hearth burned brighter than it ever did before. It came as no surprise. Me, the one who owned it for years, and the one I chose to share it with were busy tending it together.

Daze still brings out the worst in me because no one can annoy me more than he does, but he also brings out the best that I could ever be. I no longer hate his guts, his cocky smile, and his nicknames for me don't annoy me anymore. He's the constant hindrance to my unbotheredness because he'll never leave me alone, nor will I ever want him to.

Ninety days? Hell no.

We have forever.

FIN

___________________________NOTE BY THE AUTHOR___________________________

Nasaan ang wedding?

Noong sinulat ko ang libro na ito sa Patreon ay isa sa desisyon ko talaga ay ang hindi na muna magsulat ng wedding chapters. That include every book that I will write after Sorcha's Hearth. Hindi lang para sa Dagger Team Series kundi pati sa Heavenly Sins. Ang BHO CAMP lang siyempre ang may wedding chapters pa rin.

Dahil kasi sa dami kong kasal na naisulat, nagiging redundant na sa akin ang pagsusulat ng gano'n na chapter. As of 2024, I have written 34 weddings. Hindi pa kasama iyong sa mga short stories.

I want to focus more sa life after the happy ending. That's why this story will have a few bonus chapters. Initially sa Patreon lang talaga dahil hindi talaga ako nag-po-post ng special chapter sa Wattpad. Laging sa published version lang. But I decided to post the bonus chapters of this book here as well after they're posted in Patreon. Wala pa kasi talaga akong balak i-selfpub ang Dagger Team Series as of now dahil baby series pa siya at meron na rin akong naka line-up next year. Someday, when this book get published, it will have new special chapters.

There's more to come to this couple kaya makikita niyo pa rin sila ♡

The next book for this series? As of now niluluto pa. Ang next on-going ko ay ang Heavenly Sins Series #1: Ruled by Fire ♡ I will start posting the chapters na dahil tapos na ang Sorcha's Hearth.

To the most amazing readers on the planet, thank you for coming this far! Sana nag-enjoy kayo sa book at sana ay patuloy kayong mapasaya ng mga librong isusulat ko pa. I'm grateful to have the platform to continue sharing my works and new adventures with you.

Minsan nagugulat na lang din ako sa sarili ko na nakakasubok na ako ng iba't ibang libro ngayon. Action-romance will always be my home, but my heart is full knowing that I could explore more worlds and still have you all with me.

Thank you for loving the worlds I create so easily. Just like how Sorcha found the one that showed her that she's not hard to love. Sana tayo rin. Sana kayo rin. When there are moments that make you feel that you're hard to love, I wish this book would remind you that sometimes all it needs to take is to find our people. We don't need to cut ourselves and break our hearts just to fit in with their lives. The right ones will always accept us and see us for who we are ♡

Thank you again everyone!

Wuvwuv,

MsButterfly