219 The Most Awaited Momen (1/2)

”Do you want to hear me say that all along I was wishing we could watch sunsets together or go out to candle - lit dinners? Stroll out by the seaside or walk in a park as lovers...?”

This statement, though spoken long ago in the hospital when he was donating his bone marrow,always filled Anthon's heart with regrets. Because of this, while waiting for their wedding, he tried to make it up by showering her with surprises and brought her to different places forromantic dates.

He also took over in fetching and dropping the kids in school,preparing their minds that sooner,he will be staying with them as their new dad. Though the kids were close to him,he knew that he could not take the place of their father. They also needed time,though not as long as Jia.

Time passed by so quickly and soon it was already the 28th of April.

During the peak of the summer,exactly as he always dreamed of,Anthon stood by the right far end of the make - shift altar,watching tearfully as his son walked down the aisle with the ring holder. He walked slowly according to the beat of the music and his eyes were red,resisting an urge to cry. Whether he was happy for him or he was hurting for Jim,he could not tell but there was one thing he was sure,he understood. His grandpa always talked to him about that.

Soon,his pain was shifted into a sense of joy as little Jianna walked inher princess gown. She was so beautiful with a light make up,making everyone wish to pinch,hugand crush her down . While she threw out the petals into the carpet, she almost stumbled because of sleepiness, making all the guests laugh in amusement.

Through this child, he would return all the love and acceptance Jim had for Jian.And as he watched them marching down in acceptance of him into the family,he also promised silently that he would care for them as his very own, more than Jim asked of him.

Soon,the Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel wasplayed and Jia came down from her simply but elegantly - adorned bridal car. As a surprise,the car was heavily - tinted that viewing outside was impossible. The moment she set her eyes upon the venue, she got so awedagain by Anthon's dexterity in craftmanship. It seemed that the natural beauty of thehills and mountains with its treasures of falls and fountains were moved to the seaside. Entwined with the splendid beauty of the dark blue seawhich reflected the color of the sky, the outline of green hills at the horizon,the sailing,white boats on the waters and the mossy, rocky boulders in the edges,the place looked like an unchartered, natural paradise.

The floral arrangements were, likewise,exceptionally breathtaking as expected, and she even wondered if Anthon was still able to sleep in this preparation. This stunningly beautiful wedding set up was made for her,just for her... and just by thinking about this,her tears began to well up again.

The whole entourage only composed of the officiating minister,Koko as the best man,Giselle as the maid of honor, five sets of principal sponsors where the Ybañez couple was one, Jian as the ring bearer, Jianna and Koko's twins as the flower girls.

She marched down the aisle alone; her parents,Casey and Mr. Wayne and Anthon's known parents waited by the altar.

Her gown was narrow - fitted from her sweetheart - neckline down to the hem, making her hourglass figure flaunt. Her upper back was a see - through, crystal - beaded lace with glamourous,embroidered floral design. Wearing only a light make up enhancement which sharpened her innate beauty,she walked like a goddess in an enchanted paradise.

Soon,the music turned into a bridal march and after their parents gave them the blessing,Anthon finally took herto the altar.

During the recital of their marriage vow,Anthon requested for Jian and Jianna to be brought forward. Kneeling one knee down and holding both their handsto be at an eye level with them, he recited his wedding vow.

” I,your daddy Anthon,vow  to support your mom, push her, inspire her and, above all, love her,for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live. I take her to be my spouse,choose her every day, to love her  in word and deed, to do the hard work of making now into always.”