Rye was ready. He planned to grab any opportunity that would place Gillian into his life so he came prepared. He had applied for a marriage license a month ago."When is the wedding?" Jamil barked at Rye."Tomorrow," he replied humbly."Too soon?" Genova reacted worriedly."I will marry Gillian in church when the baby is born, Ma'am Genova.""You want to have a civil marriage?" Jamil expressed straightforwardly. "Gillian, my child, do you agree?"Gillian was still bemused as she gazed at her engagement ring. She looked up when her name was called by her father."What is it, Papa?""Rye wants a civil marriage. Do you want it, too?""Yes, Papa," she replied with no hesitation. "A church wedding is expensive."'I want to see you in a white resplendent wedding gown, Gillian!' Rye shouted inside his mind."Can we be married here?" Gillian requested modestly. Her limpid eyes pleading with Rye."Dad?" Rye seek his father's assistance."We can fly Judge Cortez over here tomorrow," Jim answered

"The baby's head already popped out!" Chedeng's nursing instinct went on rescue mode. She gave instructions to Sam and Ginny left and right.Rye did not feel relief upon seeing the trio. He was too worried. He remained by Gillian's side because of her tight grip on his hand.When the baby gave out its first shrill cry, Rye could not explain his feelings. He cried while grinning like crazy."Here's your Junior," Chedeng laid down the bundle of joy beside the tired but smiling Gillian. "He is hungry!"An uproar of clapping hands and laughing voices sounded outside."The grandparents are merry-making," Sam observed while tiredly wiping his sweating face. "They are outside," he added as an afterthought."Oh, what a way of coming out to this world, little brother!" Ginny exclaimed cheerfully.Chedeng helped Gillian with the breastfeeding of the baby. "You will be awkward on the first try, Gillian. But you and the baby will get the hang of it, you'll see," she imparted kindly. She helped Gil

When Baby Rhys woke, he gurgled noisily. Rye went to him."Hungry?" He glanced at his wristwatch. It was past lunchtime. "Yes, you are starving. You slept for four hours straight!"Baby Rhys chortled loudly."Let's disturb Mama!" Rye snuggled the baby to his chest. They crossed to the next room. He knocked on the door softly."Come in."Rye hesitated for a moment. He could not tell the mood of Gillian because her words were muffled.The baby wagged his chubby arms and short legs when he heard his mother's voice.Rye pushed the door slowly. He felt relief because it was not locked."Rhys wants his lunch," he said by way of greeting. He eyed Gillian's face searchingly. She was seated on the bed with an open book at her side."Come here, baby," she crooned to her child with open arms.The baby struggled strongly from his hold."Careful, Rhys," he cautioned while he laid the baby to her arms gently.Gillian opened her bodice to take out her breast. The child eagerly clutched at its softnes

The next morning, they went to the property. Papa Jamil, Gillian, Rye, and Sam set out after breakfast. Rhys was with her big sister, Ginny. Genova and Tita Chedeng had business together."There! Please, hover around the property, John," Papa Jamil requested the pilot.Gillian asked the pilot to circle above the fisherman's shack twice.

"The lock won't budge!" Rye was red and sweaty from trying to dislodge the antique padlock from different angles. It was sturdy and, well, magical.'What a wishful thinking!'There were many instances when the padlock would give in to his forceful chocks with the use of a crowbar. When he was sure he could take away the padlock with the use of his hand, the splintered wood would become 'healed!'Rye was frowning when Gillian called him. He was staring at the wood. He was sure he saw it split and cracked. But now, the wood was as old and as weather-beaten as before. No sign of the destruction he was yielding."Did you open it? It's been a half an hour, Rye! You're tired." Gillian was concerned as she wiped the sweat from his face and neck with a white towel."That ancient padlock can be opened only by its key," Rye stated in defeat. "The wood didn't budge?" Gillian was amazed. "What kind of wood is that?""Something that I wouldn't destroy." Rye muttered and crossed his fingers. He did