Chapter 28

ART'S HANDS WERE SHAKING. His eyes glistened as they stared at mine. I could hear the loud thumping of my heart. Undoubtedly, the fast heaving of his chest says the same thing for him. Today is one magical moment for both of us. I know I've been waiting this long, but the reality didn't prepare me for this overwhelming emotion inside of me. It felt like something heavy, loud, and heartwarming lump was trying to burst out of my chest.

"My Shelly, from the moment we met, there was never a doubt that my heart saw and felt my forever. There might have been some bumps along the road, but there was no one I could ever imagine spending my life and future with. Will you share your life and future with me and be my wife?"

"Art..." my tears were uncontrollable. Everyone around seemed like blurry visions except for him. His gaze, trembling lips, and shaking hands holding an open velvet box were a dream come true. "Are you sure about this?" I looked at my best friend. Did Avery force him into doing this?

"I'm very sure." He nodded multiple times. "I've been sure since I met you. Will you marry me and create a beautiful family with our little one with me?" A couple of droplets of sweat started forming on his forehead. "Art..." Before I could say another word, the ring sparkled and reminded me of something - of someone.

"Is this what I think it is?" I looked Art in the eye. I touched the infinity-shaped diamond. My gaze moved from Art to Avery, her parents, and Auntie Jenny. They were all nodding with tears in their eyes. When my vision went back to Art, he was nodding with a big smile on his face.

"Your mom gave it to my mom for safekeeping with a promise to give it to me when the time comes." Art slowly wiped the tears on my face. "And the time is now, and I can't wait to spend every day with you as mine."

Suddenly, moments when my mom was still alive flashed, including the never-ending costume-making she and Auntie Jenny shared. I also remembered the sleepless nights she stayed beside me whenever I cried over something or someone. Her sweet voice and words of encouragement and inspiration echoed in my ears: "My dear Shelly, I always pray you to find someone who will love you for all the good and the bad. Whether it be Art or someone else, I only wish for that person to give you the happiness and love you deserve."

I knew when this day came, it would be special. Though it feels sad knowing my mom wouldn't be around to share this moment with me, all the significant people in my life are with us. What made it more special was having my mom's ring play a substantial role in my engagement today. The same ring my dad gave to her. I will have something to remind me of my parents for the rest of my life. My mother has planned everything. I bet she was watching us from the heavens, all smiles. Thank you, Mom!

"Well, we could start celebrating once that ring is on your finger!" Avery's loud voice echoed. "Put Art out of misery, sweetie. Say yes to the poor guy! Avery's dad shouted. Everyone's laughter filled the space.

At a loss for words, I could only nod relentlessly to Art as I reached out my left hand to him. After putting the ring on my finger, he carefully touched my belly and kissed it, followed by a soft and lingering kiss on my lips. My forever has never been this clear. It was a precious moment to be embraced by genuine love and concern from all these special people. What else could I ask for?

Words of congratulations boomed around us-confetti of blue and pink showered from everywhere. Avery shouted as she enveloped Art and me in an embrace. "Triple OMG! My two best friends are getting married. I'll be the maid of honor! But first, we need to open the gifts for my godchild."

Art pulled me in for a kiss as everyone headed toward the gifts table. "You made me the happiest today," he whispered. "You did the same for me." I kissed him back.

Seeing and feeling my mom's engagement ring on my finger is surreal. "When did you learn about this?" I asked as I lifted my hand, still in awe of the sparkling diamond. Art held my hand and entwined his fingers to mine. Slowly, he placed them on his lips. "The day after I showed up on your ultrasound."

My mouth opened up. "Are you serious? How? Why?" Does it mean he wanted to marry me? Did he plan to propose even without Avery's nagging?

"Don't say you doubt for a moment that I will not ask you to marry me?" Art asked as he cupped my face. I felt the blush on my face. Gradually, his hand caressed my cheeks. "You are always the one for me, Shells. And I can't wait to see our little one complete our family!" he added.

Between opening gifts and cheers, I couldn't get over the idea that my mom had already planned everything. Did she see this moment even during the chaos of my and Art's relationship timeline? It made me happier thinking she saw this coming despite everything.

All my doubts and apprehensions in the past months have disappeared. Everything became clear. The path to my future with Art looked brighter. It seemed I was only looking forward to happy times-giving birth to our little one and marrying the love of my life.

***

The last month of my pregnancy couldn't have gone faster. One day, it was the baby shower, and what seemed like only several periods of sleep after, we were in the hospital, about to welcome the precious one who would complete our little family.

Amidst all the sounding machines and movements of medical staff around me, I felt silence in my heart. It's a silent longing for the one person I wish was with me- my mother.

"Are you okay?" Art kept kissing my knuckles as his brows furrowed. Droplets of sweat glided on his forehead. It was so different from how I looked. For some reason, after my water broke, there was no pain-no pain at all-which seemed odd compared to the various birth stories I knew as a medical student.

"I'm fine," I slowly wiped his forehead and cheeks. You looked like you're the one having labor pains." I lifted his hand and placed it on my lips. I didn't want him to worry, but my instincts told me differently. My insides had a mind of their own. No pain meant something.

Since my water broke, the fetal movements lessened and weakened. When the doctors and nurses started giving me special attention, I knew something wasn't right. There is a reason why the doctors ordered different tests done after convening. But I kept quiet, not wanting to cause Art fear or maybe to give myself hope that everything would be alright.

After an agonizing hour, my OB called for Art. The unsure fear lingering inside me became clear. Suddenly, the room was in total silence. My whole body started shaking. I looked around me. The white walls suddenly turned black to my eyes. I can see the pitying glances from the nurses and staff around.

When my OB guided Art outside, I knew I needed answers. "Where are they going?" I asked the first nurse who made eye contact with me. "The doctor will talk to you when they come back," she said, looking away.

For some reason, I started praying. I even talked to my parents silently: Mom, please help me. Dad, help me and your grandchild. I couldn't count the times I begged God. Dear God, please.

I do not know what I am praying for, but fear consumes me. Something must be wrong. The waiting turns from seconds to minutes. The sounds coming from the machines around me start to sound different. I can feel my hands trembling.

After what seemed to be forever, Art came back. Even without him telling me, I saw his reddened eyes and nose. There was no denying he was crying before getting back to me. His slumped shoulders and shaking hands couldn't make the situation appear any clearer.

"What's going on?" I asked him. He pulled me in for a tight hug. I could feel his whole body shaking as he kissed my head. "What did the doctor say?" I whispered, sobbing on his chest.

"I love you very much," Art whispered repeatedly. Please tell me what's going on!" I whispered back. He didn't answer, but the never-ending strokes of his hand on my hair and back meant everything. He wasn't only calming me- he was consoling us both.

"I promise you we will get through this together." I couldn't hear Art's sobbing, but the heat of his body and the strong rising and falling of his chest said it all. There is no doubt that, with him beside me, we will get through whatever.

My OB's entrance broke the silence in the room when she opened the door. I felt the soft tapping of her hand on my shoulder as she broke the news I couldn't believe I'd be hearing. "Our main goal now is to save you from the complications. It was placental dysfunction. I am sorry, but we tried everything to save her."

I shook my head multiple times. My chest tightened like I was losing air. "No!" My whole body convulsed. All my strength pulled out and took my soul with it. "This can't be happening! No."

"Shells..." Even Art has no words. He was biting his lip, and a gush of pink showed as overflowing tears covered his eyes. He pushed my hair away from my face, placing the softest and longest kiss on my forehead.

"I promised you we would get through this together," Art's voice was the last I heard as I let the pain and sadness take over.

***