One More Chance

Days, weeks, and a month passed quickly and I witnessed how Luke really had changed. From a womanizer, a rude, heartless, and cold person that I had met when I was sixteen to a sweet loving man, a complete husband material, and a father figure to our daughter. In these past few weeks, he has shown me and proved that he's really worth a second chance.

I can see the love shining in his eyes every time he looks at me and feel the warmth of his care whenever he touches me, guides me when I walk, holds my hand with his free hand, opens the car door for me, or even my apartment door.

I can hear the excitement in his voice when he calls me and the sincerity whenever he says I love you, and a kiss on my forehead whenever I couldn't answer it back.

I started to open up with him and he does the same. From my teenage days into being his wife and in all the times I have been with him in the past, I realized that I had never really known him then and am just gradually getting to know him now.

Sometimes after a lingering kiss and saying good night in the doorway, the moment I closed the door, I wonder how our lives would have been if I hadn't been the most stupid young Samantha back then, especially when I remember what he said during our official first date in his flat.

And just like he said, what would have happened these past few years if I had just learned to wait a little longer? Did the things that happened before still happen?

But when I closed my eyes at night, I also realized that... yes, things could have happened differently, but without Cali. Yes, our lives could have been easier, but we're not as strong as we are right now. And yes, our relationship could have been lighter and we could have had a beautiful and grand wedding that might be called the wedding of the century, but we haven't gotten to know each other as deeply as we do today. We don't learn the lessons we've learned over the years. And most of all, since perhaps destiny hasn't tested us yet, our love for each other may not have been so deep that could easily fall and break as time goes by.

"Hey, are you sending a message to your boyfriend and telling him to pick you up?"

I rolled my eyes when Dana nudged my elbow. We're currently at the anniversary party of the couple who have been our valued customers since day one. They invited us and our staff to their 50th wedding anniversary.

"Nope, I'm just replying to his message. He's asking if I'm enjoying the party."

"And what did you say?"

"Well, yeah, kinda," I shrugged and she chuckled.

"You know what, I admire your relationship and his dedication to you. Every day he's proving how much he loves you and how he wants you back."

"Thanks," I smiled at her.

"Well, after all, love is sweeter the second time around," she shrugged.

"I guess so," I copied her action with a wide smile. "How about you and your husband?"

And that's the time when a wide smile painted across her lips.

"Well, just like your boyfriend, he's also a man of effort,"

And we continued talking about the men and the things we like about them.

"Anyway, I can see that you're happy,"

I just turned to her and smiled.

"So, when are we going to hear the wedding bells?"

And that made my mouth drop.

"Uhm... we're still in the process of getting to know each other," I shrugged.

"Whoa! But you have already been married before!"

"And we got divorced, besides, we never had this kind of opportunity before. Back then was so overwhelming that we never got the chance to know what our favorites and then we got married. So now, we are taking the steps slowly and gradually filling in the things that we should and have done before."

"Hmm... you have a point, but I'm excited and happy to see you walking down the aisle and now with your daughter carrying the rings to the altar."

I bit my lower lip due to the surge of excitement over what she said.

"Now I also believe that Luke Marcuz Williams is your TOTGA,"

"TOTGA?" I asked her with a frown.

"The one that got away, but the beautiful thing that happened is that he came back and now loves you more than you had imagined in your life."

I just smiled and sighed at the same time as I couldn't agree with her more.

*********novelbin

"Ohh... I think you no longer have to ride with me."

I frowned and turned to the grinning Dana when we reached the hotel parking lot.

"And why?"

"Because your beloved boyfriend is now here to pick you up," he shrugged and I turned to where she was looking and there my insides began to crumble.

"Whoa! Look how dashing he is!"

I bit my lip as I waited for Luke to reach my direction. I can't explain exactly what I felt as I watch him take a few more steps. His handsome smile almost melted me in an instant.

-'Ahh... for God's sake! Why does he need to be so handsome tonight?-' a question popped up in my head the moment he stopped in front of me.

"Hi," he uttered and I held my breath when he lowered his head and captured my lips in a sensual kiss.

"Oh, my goodness! Such a PDA!" Dana exclaimed as she opened the door to her car.

We both chuckled when she rolled her eyes.

"I think I'm gonna go first since you're still busy doing business with each other!"

"Dana!" I playfully glared at her.

"Hmmp! See you tomorrow, Sam, and Luke, please take care of my friend."

"Thanks, Dana, don't worry, I'll keep her safe," Luke replied, taking my hand with his. "Alright, then, bye..."

The moment her car began to vanish from our sight, I was engulfed in a tight hug.

"I've missed you, sweetheart, I've missed you so much." He said as he tightened his grip on my waist.

"Whoa! But we only saw each other

this morning," I exclaimed with a chuckle, but of course, I also hugged him and sniffed his scent which I noticed has become my habit every time I hug him.

"Yeah, but I have been busy all day with that shit of a meeting, so I couldn't call you and talk to you for more than five minutes."

"Ahh... it's alright, I missed you too, Mr. handsome,"

We remained in that position hugging each other for a few more minutes before I decided to pat him on the shoulder and ask him if we can go home already.

"So, how was the party? Did you enjoy inside?" He asked when we were both inside the car.

"Yeah, it was all fun! Dana and I both

enjoyed watching the two oldies exchanging their vows again and complement each other for all the efforts they shared to keep their relationship strong and lasting for five decades."

"I thought it was just a wedding anniversary?"

"Well, yeah, that's what we thought too, but we didn't know there was going to be a surprise in the middle of the party that even the bride had no idea they will also renew their vows again."

"Hmm... I see," he just said nodding, but I noticed that his expression had suddenly changed.

"Are you okay?" I asked, worry laced in my voice as I turned to him.

"Yup, I'm fine," he shrugged and then started the engine.

"Are you sure?" I asked again as I couldn't believe him. But when he just nodded again, an idea came to my mind and I asked him to stop the car.

"What? But why? Are you dizzy?" His questions made me laugh inside, but I bit my lower lip so he wouldn't notice me.

"Nope, I just have something to do,"

He then pulled over the wheel to the side and I immediately took off my seat belt.

"Where are you going?" He asked me, frowning.

But I didn't answer him, instead, I continued unbuckling my belt and when I was done, I cupped his face with my hands and kissed him much to his surprise. "Thanks for coming here even though you're already tired because of your whole day's meeting," I uttered right after the quick kiss.

"Because promised to be with you

and to take care of you all the time," he said his eyes full of love as he tucked my loose strands behind my ear love you and I will never get tired of you, Sam,"

And just like in the movies, the much-awaited kiss happened.