One week later. Sunday afternoon.
The baptism of baby Angel and baby Cathy was held in the same church where Catherine and John got married. After the Parish Mass, the baptismal ceremony has started, it lasted a full thirty minutes and the babies were lined up in front of the priest together with their parents and godparents. Without further ado, the priest anointed the holy water into the baby's head.
The baptism sacrament finally ended. After taking pictures, other families left the church to go home.
Catherine and Caroline's entourage proceed to the party venue for the baptismal get-together.
Romeo and his pregnant wife Sandra were present at the venue. The party was also attended by Sherry and Grace. Hector and Clara were enjoying doting on baby Angel and baby Cathy. While Thelma was in-charge of Lily and Jacob assisted by Anna the housemaid.
Catherine and John were situated near the buffet table munching on the Avocado Salad. John was holding baby James in his arms at the same time putting food in his mouth.
Several people that work in John's family business also attended the party to enjoy the happy occasion.
Sherry and Grace went to the buffet table and salivated at the mouthwatering dishes consisted of Garlic Mountain Rice, Crunchy Fish Fingers with Mustard Dip, Lechon Kawali, Shrimp Tempura, Pork Garlic Adobo, Beef Teriyaki, Caesars Salad, Roasted Chicken Drumstick, and Avocado salad. There was also a three-layer pink floral baptismal cake with baby Angel and baby Cathy's name on it.
"The dishes looks freaking delicious! I'm starving. Let's eat!" Grace said to Sherry.
They began putting food on their plate and went back to their table to start eating.
Caroline and Catherine finished eating, they took their babies so that Clara and Hector can start eating.
Caroline went to join in Thelma's table while Catherine went to join Romeo and Sandra to chat.
Romeo stood up and went to John.
"Thank you so much, Sandra. The baptismal party is perfect!" Catherine uttered her heartfelt thanks to the pregnant woman.
Sandra smiled radiantly. "It's my pleasure, dear. I'm glad to help you," she said. She reached out to touch baby Angel's face and caresses it adoringly with her fingers. "Pretty baby..." then she placed her hand above her protruding tummy.
"You will have your baby soon. I'm happy and excited for you!" Catherine gushes.
Sandra's happy smile never leaves her face. "I can't wait to see my baby!" she squealed in delight.
Catherine was happy for her friend. "I want to be the godmother," she offered.
"Sure thing! That would be great!" Sandra enthused.
The women chatted merrily while their husband was talking about business matters in the next table.
Catherine glanced at her husband. She saw John stood up and starts walking towards the door of the room carrying baby James in his arms. She was wondering why her husband exited the door?
Romeo went back to the table.
"Romeo, did my husband say where he is going?" she asked.
"He received a call from someone and then told me that he needs to see that person who is waiting outside," Romeo replied.
Catherine brows furrowed. "Ah okay, did he tell you who is it?"
Romeo shook his head. "No, he didn't. He just told me that he will be back shortly," he answered.
"Okay, I will follow him outside," Catherine rose to her feet and ambled towards the door.
...
Outside the venue, in the parking area of the catering establishment.
Mike and Susan were waiting inside the car. They bought gifts for baby Angel and baby Cathy as well - Catherine's niece.
Susan reached out for the gift parcel from the backseat and placed it on her lap.
"Why don't we just go inside the party venue, Mom? I want to see my nephew and niece!" he grumbled.
Susan sighed and glared at her son. "Shh, we should respect everyone by not going in there. Clara raised my son well, I am forever indebted to her. That is why I won't go there and mess up their party. I'm not that selfish and stupid," she stated with a gloomy sigh. Of course, she would love to join the party but dared not. "Let's just wait here a bit," she added.
"Okay fine," Mike muttered to himself. He glanced at the door of the venue and smiled broadly when he saw his brother exiting the door holding baby James in his arms. He waved his arm in his direction.
John moved quickly towards the car where her mother and brother were waiting.
Mike and Susan got out of the car.
"Baby James! My adorable nephew!" Mike said in an elated voice. "Hi bro!" John greeted his brother.
Mike took baby James into his arms. "How are you kiddo? Uncle misses you so much!"
"Sorry to keep you waiting, guys," John apologizes and planted a kiss on his mother's forehead.
"We are here to give our gifts to baby Angel and baby Cathy," Sandra said, she handed the gift bag into John's hands.
"Thank you for this, Mom," he said. "I'm sorry guys... I can't invite you inside," he said sadly.
Susan smiled. "Nah, it's okay. We just drop by to give the gifts, we're on our way home after attending a birthday party," she said.
Mike saw Catherine exiting the door of the venue holding his niece in her arms. "Wow, it's Catherine and baby Angel!"
Susan smiled excitedly watching her daughter-in-law and her granddaughter coming their way.
Catherine kissed Susan's cheek and nods at Mike. "Hi bro, Hi Mom!" she smiled brightly at them, then she placed baby Angel into Susan's arms.
"Hi, sister-in-law!" Mike winked at her.
Catherine nods and smiled at her brother-in-law.
Susan was elated and wastes no time, she showered baby Angel's chubby face and arms with kisses. "Hi baby...granny's here...I miss you so much!"
Catherine watched the faces of John's secret family, feeling pity for them, too bad they can't join the joyous occasion inside the party venue. She wanted to invite them but Clara might feel suspicious of their presence and began interrogating the visitor. They can't afford to destroy the happy occasion. "I'm sorry...Mother and bro..." she sighed. She can't dare mention to them in words that she can't invite them inside.
Susan only smiled at Catherine. "It's okay, daughter, we understand the situation. We're just thankful we had a chance to see the children today. I'm happy and satisfied already," she said. Though, the smile on her face never reached her eyes.
...
Inside the venue.
Clara noticed that John and Catherine went outside. She wondered what takes them so long to come back inside?
Feeling curious, she rose to her feet and sauntered towards the door wanting to know the reason why they haven't return yet.
"Wife, where are you going?" Hector asked.
"Outside," Clara replied and she continues walking towards the door to get out of the room.
Hector followed his wife outside, suddenly, his heart was beating faster in his rib cage, he doesn't know why?
Thanks for reading!