The car stopped in front of a big beautiful house. Gates opened slowly. A long driveway led to a modern home with warm lights.
Jay woke up when the car stopped. She blinked and looked outside.
"Wow," she whispered. "This is your house?"
Keifer nodded. "Our house now. You're here."
Jay smiled at him. "I like that."
They got out of the car. Keigan and Keiren ran ahead. Serina and Keizer walked behind slowly. Giving them space.
Jay looked at everything. The garden. The fountain. The big doors.
Keifer took her hand. "Ready to see where I grew up?"
Jay squeezed his hand. "Ready."
Inside was even more beautiful. High ceilings. Soft couches. Family pictures everywhere.
Jay stopped at one picture. Little Keifer. Maybe five years old. Holding a basketball. Grumpy face even then.
She laughed. "You were so cute. And so grumpy."
Keifer's ears turned red. "I was not grumpy."
Keigan ran over. "Yes you were! You were always grumpy! Until Jay!"
Keiren nodded. "Now he smiles. It's weird."
Serina laughed. "Boys, let them breathe."
Keizer walked in with drinks. "Welcome to our home, Jay. Make yourself comfortable."
Jay smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Watson."
Keizer raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Watson? After you slept on my son's shoulder and called him baby?"
Jay's face turned red. Keifer groaned.
Serina hit Keizer's arm. "Stop teasing them."
Keizer laughed. "Never."
Jay's phone buzzed. A video call from Jane.
She answered. Jane's face appeared. "SUGAR! ARE YOU THERE? IS IT NICE?"
Jay turned the camera. "Look. It's beautiful."
Jane screamed. "OH MY GOD! SHOW US EVERYTHING!"
Percy's face appeared. "Is Keifer being good?"
Keifer leaned into the frame. "I'm always good."
Percy snorted. "Sure."
Jasfher pushed in. "Princess! Are you okay? Did you eat?"
Jay laughed. "Yes, Dad. I'm fine. I just got here."
Jeana waved. "Be safe, baby. Love you!"
Jay waved back. "Love you all!"
She hung up. Looked at Keifer. "Your family is loud. My family is loud. We're perfect together."
Keifer pulled her close. "Perfect."
Serina showed Jay to her room. It was right next to Keifer's.
"Your room, dear. If you need anything, just knock."
Jay hugged her. "Thank you, Tita."
Serina smiled. "You're family now."
Jay walked into her room. It was pretty. Soft colors. Big bed. Window looking at the garden.
She sat on the bed. Tired but happy.
A knock on the door.
"Come in."
Keifer walked in. He sat next to her on the bed.
"Okay?"
Jay nodded. "Really okay."
Keifer lay back on the bed. Jay lay next to him.
They stared at the ceiling together.
Jay spoke softly. "I missed you. For nine months. Every day."
Keifer turned his head. "Me too. Every day."
Jay turned to face him. "But we're here now. Together."
Keifer touched her face gently. "Together."
They just looked at each other. No words needed.
A loud knock made them jump.
Keigan's voice. "KEIFER! MOM SAYS DINNER! ALSO STOP BEING ROMANTIC!"
Keiren's voice. "WE CAN HEAR YOUR SILENCE!"
Jay laughed. Keifer threw a pillow at the door.
"WE'RE COMING!"
Jay sat up. "Your brothers are funny."
Keifer stood. "They're annoying."
Jay took his hand. "They love you."
Keifer smiled. "Yeah. They do."
They walked downstairs together. Hands held. Rings sparkling.
Dinner was loud and warm. Keigan and Keiren talked about school. Keizer told stories about Keifer as a kid. Serina made sure Jay's plate was always full.
Jay felt so welcome. So at home.
Under the table, Keifer held her hand.
She looked at him. He smiled.
This was her life now. This crazy loud loving family.
And she wouldn't change it for anything.
Later that night, Jay stood on the balcony. Looking at the stars.
Keifer came out. Wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Can't sleep?"
Jay leaned into him. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
Jay smiled. "About how happy I am."
Keifer kissed her head. "Me too."
They stood there. Stars above. Love around.
Tomorrow she would see Section E. Tomorrow everything would be crazy again.
But tonight?
Tonight was just them.
Perfect.