AYA

My eyes can't get over the massive number of people walking back and forth across the Oculus. It's been 30 minutes since I've been watching the fantastic New York view from our suite window. I couldn't believe I last stood in this spot five years ago.

Everything looks the same, but it feels different. I tried remembering what could have made things feel different from then to now. I can't think of any. Suddenly, the warm arms of the most extraordinary man, who makes me feel protected and loved, wrapped around me from behind. 

"Everything good here, My Aya?" He said my name in the most possessive way. His hand shoved my hair to my left shoulder. "Yeah," I replied softly with a moan as I felt his lips pressing small, wet kisses from the back of my shoulder towards my collarbone. I just got reminded. Only he can make me feel these indescribable butterflies and flurries inside my stomach—the ring on my finger. And the two bundles of joy sleeping soundly in the room next to ours. They all make a difference in this hotel suite and my life. 

I turned around and inched closer, pressing my body to his. His eyes blazed with desire. I bit my lower lip and saw a muscle in his jaw twitch. I slowly placed my hands around his neck as I straddled him. He was quick as he moved towards our bedroom without separating our bodies. I whispered in his ear. "Are you sure the kids are asleep?" He said nothing, just pointing at the baby monitor on the bedside table. 

"I will ensure I give you another unforgettable New York experience tonight, My Aya!"

***

Cid fulfilled his promise. It was indeed an unforgettable New York night for the books. Every second spent with him still feels like a first. He is still the same caring, possessive, and understanding man in my life. Seeing him carrying our 2-year-old son and holding our 4-year-old Angela in his other hand completes me. I would die for these three!

"Good morning, Mommy! Kiss Mommy before I bring you to Mama Jane's room."

"How are you, my loves? Come here. I want to kiss and hug my babies!"

"I'm done feeding them breakfast. Jane insisted she give them a bath in her room."

"Are you sure? We still have time before we go down for my appointment."

"I can't say no to Jane. Nobody would want to be on her dangerous side." Cid was laughing while preparing the kids' clothing inside a bag. I understood what he meant. Mama Jane will not take no for an answer about precious Angela and little El Cid. Yes, my husband thought of the best nickname for our son. He took the last two letters from his first name, Daniel, and added them to his second name, Cid. He wouldn't allow Rick to give our son Little Ciddy his nickname. But he trusted Rick to be one of El Cid's godfathers. From Mama Jane to Dean, my father-in-law, and Rick, they shower our family with love daily.

"Mrs. Waldon, please allow me to take our amazing kids to their Mama Jane."

"Sure, Mr. Waldon!" I peppered the two most adorable kids in the world with the most incredible kiss a mom can give. 

"And Mrs. Waldon, please wait for me so we can bathe together." Lust glowed in his eyes as he left our suite, with one kid in each hand and the bag strapped on his shoulder. 

"Look at you, a picture of the Hottest Father!" How can I ever say no to you, My Cid?

***

"Are you sure about this? Then we can have Rick meet him." Cid squeezed my hand as we waited for the elevator to stop and headed to the Garden restaurant. 

My lips softly touched his. "I'm very sure. I need to do this."

"Promise me anytime you feel uncomfortable, ring me. Rick and I will sit at the nearest table." I felt him kissing my hair as he hugged me closer to him. 

"I promise! Don't worry. I'll be fine." 

The moment the elevator door opened, we saw Rick standing outside. He greeted Cid with their bro-hug and gave me his signature funny wink. 

"Hello, lovebirds! New York looks good on you both!"

"Well, thank you, Ricky!" teased Cid.

"He is already waiting in the restaurant. I talked to him. He's looking forward to talking to you."

"Are you sure about this, Aya?"

"Cid, I'm very sure. It's for everyone's peace of mind."

"Let's do this!" He kissed my forehead, held my hand tight, and led me to the restaurant. 

God, I love this man! I'm so lucky to be loved by him. Meeting Cid is the best thing that ever happened to me. His genuine love for me made my broken heart whole. Being with him made me believe in love again. So today, I will make peace with someone I partly owe this glorious life I've been enjoying for years.

Cid brought me to the table where someone had been waiting for me. Being the amazing man that he is, he offered his hand to him. He pulled my chair for me and kissed my forehead before sitting beside Rick. 

I gave my sincere smile. My heart is at peace because I have no more hatred, regret, or fear. It's time for me to let go of the past so that people from my past can also move on with their lives.

"Hi, Marc! Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today." I reached out my hand to him.

"I should be the one thanking you, Aya. Thank you for giving me this opportunity." He also reached out his hand to me.

"I've wanted to meet with you again after seeing you in Brooklyn. But, unfortunately, I didn't have any way of knowing how or where to find you."

I can't believe that this moment has come. I'm face-to-face with Marc. Everything about him still looks the same; he's just older. One thing changed, though. He doesn't have my heart anymore. I am grateful that I want to give him peace and freedom from our past.

"I know. I'm so sorry if I left without talking to you. I wasn't just ready then."

"Believe me, I understand. I'm sorry. I'm very sorry about everything. God knows how I regretted everything I've done. Leaving you and hurting you will be my greatest regret in life."

"It's all in the past, Marc. I've already forgiven you. Thank you for strengthening me. Whatever happened between us somehow paved the way for me to be blessed with my life now."

"Thank you, Aya." He smiled, fighting back the tears, and took a deep breath. "I just want to know what happened to our baby." 

I gave him a half-smile. Then, he asked a question I was sure he would ask me today. And I came prepared.

"We had a son. I called him Angel. But God had a better plan for him. He had a congenital heart issue. Unfortunately, he died after I gave birth to him. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything more to save him."

His jaw dropped, his mouth twitched, and his lips trembled. Tears ran down his cheeks. Then, finally, he looked me in the eye and said sorry. "It was my fault. I killed my son." His hand covered his mouth as his whole body weakened on his seat.

"No, Marc. It was nobody's fault. Everything happened for a reason." I held his other hand, which was placed on top of the table.

"God, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was so afraid that night I didn't think right."

"I know, Marc. That's why I wanted to talk to you today. I want to give you peace. We should forgive each other. I want us to be free from all the pains of the past."

"Where did you bury him?" 

"We buried him in Worcester." I removed my hand from his. I opened my bag and took a small piece of paper where I wrote the memorial park address from last night. 

"Here is the address. It would be best if you visited Angel. I have already processed the documents for transferring his remains to a private memorial park prepared for him in our estate in Arkansas. You have up to the end of this year to visit him."

"Thank you, Aya. I'm sorry."

"Visit him. Free yourself. Be at peace. I sincerely wish for you to be happy, Marc."

"Thank you again. I'm happy that you are happy, Aya."  

"Thank you. I have to go. Goodbye, Marc."

***