JAY-JAY POV
"Papa, stop eating Mama," Keth said, his little voice sharp with accusation.
Keifer groaned against my neck, clearly embarrassed.
I laughed so hard I had to cover my mouth, my shoulders shaking.
"Keth, you should be sleeping right now," Keifer muttered, trying to sound stern.
"Papa, it's nine o'clock," Keth shot back, puffing his chest like he'd won the argument.
I slipped out of Keifer's grip, brushing my hair back and heading toward the counter.
"Hon, your pancakes are ready," I said, sliding the plate in front of Keth like a peace offering.
His eyes lit up instantly.
"Pancakes!" He scrambled onto the chair, clutching his fork like a warrior claiming his prize.
Keifer looked at him like he was betrayed, and I couldn't help blurting, "Oh god."
"Keth, your uncles are coming to pick you up today," I said gently.
His eyes widened. "Where are we going?"
"I don't know, hon," I admitted with a smile. "Get ready after breakfast."
"You're gonna be with your uncles and grandma and grandpa for two days," Keifer added, his voice calm but firm.
"Why?" Keth asked, frowning as if we'd just handed him homework.
"Because they also want to spend time with you," Keifer explained, ruffling his hair.
Keth crossed his arms, pouting. "But I want to stay with Mama and Papa."
I crouched down beside him, brushing his cheek. "You'll be back before you know it. And besides, Grandma makes cookies better than mine."
His pout wavered. "Cookies?"
Keifer smirked. "And your uncles will probably spoil you with games and toys. You'll come back with more than you left with."
Keth's eyes lit up, though he tried to hide it. "Fine... but only if Mama promises pancakes when I come back."
I laughed, nodding. "Deal."
Keifer leaned back, muttering under his breath, "Unbelievable. He negotiates better than me."
After breakfast, Keth had gone upstairs to get ready. Keifer leaned back with that mischievous grin. "I love the kid, but I need some alone time with my wifey," he said.
I blushed instantly. "Idiot," I muttered.
"I heard that," Keifer teased, wagging his finger. "Profanity."
I rolled my eyes, but before I could retort, he added, "Don't worry, darling. After he leaves, I'll collect all my profanity with tax."
I opened my mouth to fire back, but the doorbell rang.
Standing there were Percy, Keigan, and Keiran.
"How are you, Kuya?" Keigan asked
"Good," Keifer replied with a smile.
"Where's Keth?" Keiran asked, glancing around.
"Upstairs getting ready," I said.
Percy stepped forward, arms wide, and hugged me tightly. "Baby sistah! Did you miss my handsome face?"
I snorted, pushing him back playfully. "In your dreams."
Percy clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch. Straight to the heart."
Keifer chuckled from behind me. "Don't worry, Percy. She says that to me too."
Keigan laughed, shaking his head. "Looks like Kuya's still the favorite target."
I smirked, folding my arms. "You boys came to pick up Keth, not to gang up on me."
Keiran grinned. "We can do both."
And just like that, the house filled with noise again — teasing, laughter, and the kind of chaos only family could bring.
"Tito!" Keth shouted, running straight into Keiran's arms, hugging him tight.
"We are also here, you know," Percy and Keigan chimed in, pretending to be offended.
"Hi, Titos!" Keth said, giving each of them a bone‑crushing hug that made Percy wheeze.
Then he turned back to me, wrapping his little arms around my waist. "Mama, bye," he said sweetly, squeezing me tight.
I kissed his forehead. "Bye, hon. Be good."
He spun to Keifer, hugging him next. "Bye, Papa."
Keifer crouched down, ruffling his hair. "Be naughty," he said with a grin.
"Keifer!" I scolded, smacking his arm lightly.
The brothers burst out laughing, Percy clutching his stomach. "Keifer, you're teaching him the wrong things!"
Keifer shrugged, smirking. "What? Someone has to balance out all the 'be good' speeches."
Keth giggled, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Okay, Mama says be good, Papa says be naughty... I'll do both!"
I groaned, covering my face. "Oh lord, what have we created?"
Keiran chuckled, lifting Keth up onto his shoulders. "Don't worry, Baby Sistah. We'll handle him."
Keigan added, "Two days with us, and he'll come back spoiled rotten."
Percy winked. "And probably louder."
I sighed, shaking my head as they headed toward the door. "Great. Just what we need."
Keifer slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me close as the door closed behind them. "Relax, Jay. Two days of peace. Just you and me."
I blushed, rolling my eyes. "Peace with you? That doesn't exist."
He grinned, leaning down to whisper, "Then let's make chaos... but the kind we like."
The moment Keth left, the house felt strangely quiet. Keifer turned to me, his eyes gleaming with that familiar mix of mischief and determination.
"Jay, get ready. We're going somewhere," he said.
"Where?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
"Somewhere nobody will find us," he replied, his tone firm but playful. "Don't ask any questions."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Keifer—"
He cut me off, leaning closer. "Pack your bags. Two days. Just us."
My heart skipped, and before I could argue, I found myself nodding. I went upstairs, pulling out my bag and folding clothes with shaky hands. The thought of two days alone with him sent a blush creeping across my cheeks.
From downstairs, I heard his voice calling, "Don't take too long, Jay. Time's ticking."
I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. "Idiot," I muttered under my breath, stuffing the last shirt into my bag.
When I came back down, Keifer was already waiting by the door, car keys in hand, his grin wide and boyish.
He leaned in, whispering against my ear, "Then let's disappear."
We slipped into the car, the hum of the engine filling the silence. I held his hand, the warmth steadying me, and somewhere along the drive I drifted into sleep.
"Jay, get up," Keifer's voice pulled me back. "We're here."
I blinked, rubbing my eyes. "Already?"
He nodded, smirking.
I looked outside and my breath caught. A forest stretched endlessly, calm and untouched, and in the middle of it stood a house — rustic, peaceful, almost magical.
"When did you buy this house?" I asked in disbelief.
"Correction," he said, smirk widening. "I bought the forest."
My jaw dropped. "Why?"
His eyes softened, though his tone stayed teasing. "Because I wanted to spend peaceful — and yes, sexy — time with my wife."
I blushed, heat rushing to my cheeks. "You're insane."
"Insanely in love with you," he countered, pulling me closer.
Without giving me time to think, Keifer swept me up in bridal style, his arms steady and sure. I gasped, clinging to him as he carried me through the cabin.
The door opened to reveal a bedroom unlike anything I'd imagined —
Wide glass windows looking out into the forest, and beyond them, a pool that shimmered in the soft light.
It felt private, untouched, like the world had been carved out just for us.
He set me down gently on the edge of the bed, but before I could catch my breath,
His lips were on mine again — urgent, hungry, full of the desperation he'd confessed.
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