The Surprise

Fiero's

Sweaty forehead, deep sighs and trembling muscles and hands. This is how I feel when I read Ken's text. Alex was on her way up here on the rooftop of the FLI Engineers Building. My company.

I'm a licensed engineer based here in Manila. Studied at De La Salle University at a laddered program. That's why I now have a degree in Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering major in structural engineering. Luckily passed the boards as one of the top examinees in one take and now, I am already running our family's business that is in the line of construction and also the company I built, FLI Engineers.

Today is the day of my month-long planned marriage proposal.

I love Alex so much and I have no plans to break-up with her anymore. I'm ready to tie myself with her and experience every other day seeing a beautiful woman beside me waking up to bed. Even though she's so naughty and talkative, she's the only one who could make my heart beat erratically.

It's about nine in the evening. I face the beautiful city lights of Manila. I stared at it for a few minutes. Somehow it relieved the stress I am feeling. I was staring at it when suddenly there were hands clasped around my stomach.

As I turn around, I saw my girlfriend who greeted me with all smiles. She was so beautiful wearing the simple red dress I bought. It fits her body well, making it more noticeable. As I turn my head up to her face, I saw her lips all smiles staring at me.

"I love you," I said and I couldn't stop myself from kissing her inviting, kissable lips.

We shared a passionate kiss. I used to think that only women could feel their stomachs bulge every time they felt the love their men gave them. I can't believe I'm feeling such romantic excitement. My heart was beating so fast. This woman's giving me a heart attack.

If it weren't for my plan, we might be making out in this freaking rooftop of my company.

I pulled away from her, but she chased my lips. I laughed looking at her because she suddenly pout.

"Hungry are we?" I asked

She nod like a child, so I laugh even harder.

I stared at her for a few more minutes and then hugged her tightly.

"You already know how much I love you, love," I began. She just nod and rested her head on my chest.

"And I can't wait to marry you," I added. I felt like she's stunned because her breathing stop base from our hug.

"So please say yes to me love," I parted from our hug, "Will you marry me?" I said and kneel my left knee. I pulled out the small white box I had been gripping too much in my pocket, anxious that it might get lost.

Tearful eyes and parted lips. I could see a startled expression in her eyes.

1…2…3…4…5…6…

I've been counting for a minute, but there is still no answer!

"B-b-baby? I know this is not so romantic like what you've seen in movies bu--" I could not continue my speech when she shouted.

"Yes!" she said.

"Really?" I muttered, almost a whisper.

"Yes baby, I will marry you. I will be by your side forever till we get old and our hairs will be gray." Her litany that gives me chills. I felt like I'm the happiest man alive now.

"I'm thrilled baby," I admit and we both laughed.

We just laughed as we stared into each other's eyes, full of affection. "I love you" I said.

"I love you more," she answered.

And for the nth time, our lips met.

We've been in that position for a long time till I remember the table I settled up here on the rooftop for the two of us. I made this hoping this would payback the unromantic speech I've said earlier.

I guided her to our table, and we happily celebrated that night. The night when she said yes to me and allow me to be her partner for the rest of our lives.

The next day, after my proposal, we immediately went to the cemetery to inform her parents.

Alex was the only daughter of Rozan. I fortunately get to know her parents before they died. At least I have showed that they can entrust their daughter in good care even if they died.

Both of her parents died because of a plane crash. They went to an event in Sydney, using their private plane, but on their way home that accident happened. It is said that there was a problem with the plane's engine. I even planned to propose in front of her parents that night because that was the first thing we had planned. But I rescheduled it cause I know how painful it was to lose a parent, or in her case, both her parents. I let her heal first before doing any move.

I had already gone here the other day to say ask their daughter's hand for the second time. I knew they wouldn't hear me anymore but, out of respect I still did.

After arriving at the cemetery, we directly go to her parent's grave. She kneeled on the green grass and carefully caressed her parent's tombstone.

"My, Dy, here we are again," she started talking to the tombstone.

"Baby, can you leave me first?" she asked me. My forehead creased at her request.

"Why?" I ask.

"Just!- go there next to the tree," she said without explaining me why. With a creased forehead, I obliged to her command.

"Damn, I'm so whipped," I whispered to myself as I walked towards the tree he pointed at.

Exactly after 8 minutes and 41 seconds, I saw her waving at me, calling me to go near her.

"Why do I need to go there?" I immediately asked her.

"Secret!" she jokingly said.

I creased my forehead and gave her a "what is it" look.

"I whispered to them my plans for our honeymoon," she said, giggling and wink at me.

My ears turned red from the embarrassment that made her laugh at me. I know they can't hear us anymore, but why does she have to tell that to her parents!

She chuckled. I just smiled as I stared at her being happy.

She's jolly, but this little love of mine was actually innocent in such topics. She's just teasing me, but I know if I ride on her teasing she'll get pissed. I've experienced it before.

I grabbed her left arm and immediately hugged her. She stopped laughing and hugged me tightly, too.

"My baby is really clingy," she said, grinning.

After our talk to her parents, we go to my parents' house to let them know the news.

You won't really notice time when you're enjoying. Who would have thought that my parents were more excited than me. We said the news to them we were getting married. Mommy immediately called her famous friend, which was a wedding organizer. After that, days passed, and I didn't notice that it's our wedding day.

It was a magical day for me. I will not forget December 24, 20 **. The day of our wedding and anniversary when we were still in boyfriend-girlfriend stage.

My parents took the part in organising our wedding. Even my dad was busy calling agencies who could help at the reception of our wedding.

They basically took all the responsibility, but I didn't allow them to plan our honeymoon. I want it to be special and perfect. I want to plan a surprise for my wife alone.

I travelled with her to her favourite countries. Now, we're here in Paris, France. We've been here for a week. This is our last stop before we go back to Philippines.

I am now sitting on the couch inside our hotel suite drinking coffee while looking at the floor to ceiling window with the view of the city. It's currently 4:30 am.

I still can't grasp the idea that I'm now a married man. I dreamed of this and now it feels surreal.

I was just stunned meditating when suddenly there were hands clasped around my neck from behind the couch. It was Alex, only wearing the blanket.

"Why you wake up so early," she said like a child and immediately stood beside me and squeezed me in her arms. She sat on my lap afterwards.

I laughed and hugged her, too. "You miss me already?"

"Hmm. Love you. Kiss me, baby," she said, pouting.

"You're extra clingy today hmm, what did you eat last night and I'll cook it every day for you," I replied laughing with my lips touching hers.

She grinned and said, "This," while holding my crotch.

"Naughty baby, hmm? You want another round before going home?" I asked with a laugh.

She nodded and smiled. I stood up, so she suddenly wrapped her hands around my neck. As I stood up, the blanket fell off.

I wasted no more time and immediately kissed her. We then both fell into bed. We continue devouring each other's lips and the rest is history.

I love this feeling. Happiness and endless love. I hope it's always like this. I don't know what good deeds I have done to experience this kind of feeling. Maybe there are consequences on this happiness I am feeling right now, but I don't want to think of it now. All I want to think about is how much I am deeply in love with this sleeping woman beside me…

"I love you," I whispered.

I kissed her forehead before hugging her tight and sleep beside her, but before I sleep, I heard her murmuring 'I love you more.'

That night, I smiled and took a nap next to the person I love.