Two Days Later – Private Airport
A big private plane waited on the runway. The Watson family logo was on the side.
Jay stood with her family. Suitcase beside her. Nervous but excited.
Jasfher hugged her tight. "My princess. Going to the Philippines again."
Jay hugged back. "I'll be okay, Dad. The Watsons are with me."
Jeana kissed her cheek. "Call us every day."
Jay nodded. "I will, Ma."
Jane hugged her next. "Sugar, have fun! Section E will lose their minds when they see you!"
Jay laughed. "I know. I can't wait to see them."
Percy hugged her. "Take care of yourself, sunshine. And if Keifer does anything, call me."
Jay smiled. "He won't."
Percy raised an eyebrow. "He slept in your room."
Jay's face turned red. "That's different!"
Kyle laughed. "Sure it is."
Jay said goodbye to everyone. Then she walked to the plane.
Keifer stood at the bottom of the stairs. Hand out to help her up.
"Ready, fiancée?"
Jay took his hand. "Ready, fiancé."
They walked up together.
The plane was beautiful. Big seats. Soft lights. Comfortable.
Keizer and Serina sat in front. Keigan and Keiren sat across.
Jay and Keifer sat together. Side by side. Close.
Jay looked out the window. "This is so nice."
Keifer watched her. "You're nice."
Jay turned. Blushed. "Stop."
Keifer smiled. "Never."
Keigan fake gagged. "Get a room."
Keiren nodded. "Yeah, this is a family plane."
Serina laughed softly. "Leave them alone. They're in love."
Keizer read his newspaper. But he was smiling.
The plane took off. New York got smaller below.
Jay was tired. She didn't sleep well the last two nights. Too excited.
Her eyes got heavy.
She leaned her head on Keifer's shoulder.
Keifer looked down at her. Smiled softly.
He kissed her hair. "Sleep, love."
Jay mumbled, "Okay."
Soon she was asleep. Breathing softly. Face peaceful.
Keifer watched her for a while. Then his own eyes got heavy.
He leaned his head on top of hers.
And fell asleep too.
Keigan noticed first. He nudged Keiren.
"Look."
Keiren looked. His eyes went wide.
Keifer was asleep. Head on Jay's head. Jay asleep on his shoulder. Both looked so peaceful.
Keigan pulled out his phone. "I'm taking a picture."
Keiren grinned. "Send it to Mom."
Keigan took the picture. Sent it to the family group.
Serina's phone buzzed. She opened it.
Her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my."
She showed Keizer.
Keizer looked. Then he smiled big. "That's my boy."
Serina took a picture of the picture. Sent it to Jeana.
Serina: Look at our babies.
Jeana replied fast.
Jeana: OH MY HEART! They're adorable!
Jeana: I'm showing everyone!
Soon both families were looking at the picture. Smiling. Swooning.
Jane replied in the group.
Jane: THIS IS THE CUTEST THING EVER!
Percy: Keifer looks so soft. Never seen him like that.
Jasfher: He better not drop her.
Keizer: He won't. He's my son.
Jasfher: He slept in her room.
Keizer: ...Okay, fair point.
Everyone laughed in the chat.
The plane would land soon.
Serina stood up. She walked to Keifer and Jay.
They were still asleep. Still tangled together.
Serina smiled softly. She touched Keifer's arm.
"Keifer. Baby. Wake up. We're landing soon."
Keifer stirred. His eyes opened slowly.
He saw his mom. Then he felt Jay on his shoulder.
He smiled. "Hey, Ma."
Serina kissed his head. "Hey. Wake your girl up."
Keifer looked at Jay. Still asleep. So pretty.
He kissed her forehead softly. "Jay. Love. Wake up."
Jay mumbled. Didn't move.
Keifer smiled. He kissed her nose. "Jay. We're landing."
Jay stirred. She hugged his arm tighter.
"Few more minutes, baby," she mumbled. "Just a few more."
Keifer's face turned bright red.
Serina's eyes went wide. Then she covered her mouth. Laughing silently.
Keigan and Keiren were watching. Grinning huge.
Keizer looked over his paper. Raised an eyebrow.
Keifer's ears were on fire. "Jay... everyone heard that."
Jay opened her eyes slowly. Blinked.
She saw Serina. Then Keigan. Then Keiren. Then Keizer.
All staring. All smiling.
Jay's face went red. "Oh no."
Keifer laughed. "Yeah. Oh no."
Keigan yelled, "FEW MORE MINUTES BABY!"
Keiren joined, "She called him baby!"
Serina was laughing hard. "That was the sweetest thing!"
Keizer nodded. "Smooth, son. Real smooth."
Keifer hid his face in his hands. Jay buried her face in his shoulder.
Jay mumbled, "I want to disappear."
Keifer pulled her closer. "Too late. We're both embarrassed now."
Jay peeked up. "Together?"
Keifer nodded. "Together."
They both laughed.
Serina video called Jeana.
Jeana's face appeared. "Hi! Are you landing soon?"
Serina nodded. "Soon. But first, look."
She turned the camera to Jay and Keifer.
Both were red-faced. Holding hands. Trying to look normal.
Jane screamed from behind Jeana. "JAY CALLED HIM BABY! WE HEARD!"
Percy appeared. "FEW MORE MINUTES! I CAN'T!"
Jasfher's voice came. "My princess said that?"
Jay covered her face. "I hate all of you."
Jeana laughed. "We love you, baby!"
Keizer spoke loudly. "Keifer turned so red! It was amazing!"
Keifer groaned. "Dad."
Keigan and Keiren waved at the camera. "HI MARIANO FAMILY!"
Jane waved back. "HI WATSON BOYS!"
Everyone laughed.
The plane landed smoothly.
Jay and Keifer walked down the stairs together. Hand in hand.
The sun was warm. The air smelled like home.
Jay looked around. "I'm back."
Keifer squeezed her hand. "Back with me."
Jay smiled. "Yeah. Back with you."
Serina took another picture. Sent it to the group.
Serina: Home safe. With our favorite girl.
Jeana replied with heart emojis.
Jeana: Take care of her!
Serina: Always.
They got in the car. Jay sat next to Keifer.
She leaned her head on his shoulder again.
"Tired?" he asked.
Jay nodded. "Happy tired."
Keifer kissed her head. "Then sleep. I'll wake you when we get there."
Jay smiled. "Okay, baby."
Keifer blushed again.
Keigan whispered to Keiren, "He's never going to survive."
Keiren whispered back, "He's already gone."
Keifer ignored them. He just held Jay close.
And smiled.
Because she was here. With him. Where she belonged.