Katie figured he hadn’t heard her enter because he hadn’t looked up. She crept up behind him and put her hands over his eyes. “Why so glum, chum?” she asked, her mouth close to his ear.
Chris reached up and removed her hands from his eyes. “Kate.” He sounded relieved.
She pulled up the ottoman and sat right across him. “Are you okay? How long have you been sitting here?”
“Call me paranoid, but you’re late,” he mumbled.
“And so?” She was trying hard not to laugh at his discomfort.
“So that could mean a number of things.” He sounded evasive.
“Like traffic?” She prodded, raising an eyebrow.
His eyes pleaded with her to stop. “It’s too pathetic. You might tell me I’m insane and rip up all my sketches in your room.”
Katie relented and smiled gently. “Chris, I wouldn’t change my mind. You know that.”
“I know.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “But I guess when I went to sleep last night, I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe that you actually feel the same way. And when I got here and you weren’t home yet, I started to doubt myself. We did drink a lot of tequila last night.”
Katie took his face in her hands and looked into his eyes. The eyes of a once earnest little boy who had always put up with her bossiness yet never made her feel there was something wrong with it—or with her. The eyes that had shed tears when he had his teenage heart broken for the first time. The eyes that had gazed at her throughout college when he thought she wasn’t looking, his heart shining through them, telling her how much he loved her—if only she had chosen to recognize it. And the eyes that had filled up with tears of joy when she had shown him that she loved him right back. “Chris, I will never.” She leaned forward and gave him a little kiss. “Ever.” Another kiss. “Change.” Another one. “My mind.” And another. “About you.” Then she gave him one long kiss that took her breath away, almost causing her to forget what else she was about to say. “For as long as I live.”
Chris smiled. “There should be stronger words than I love you. I’ve been saying them to you all my life, but this time, I feel as if they aren’t enough to let you know just how much I feel about you.”
Katie grinned. “How about I adore you, Katie? I worship you, Katie? You are my sun and my moon, Katie? You…” But before she could continue, Chris pulled her to him and silenced her with another long, mind-spinning kiss that marked the beginning of what felt like the rest of their lives.
THREE YEARS LATER
Katie was at a wedding again. She wasn’t part of the entourage, but she was the date of the best man. So again, her bosses gave her the day off. But this was one wedding she had thrown her heart and soul into. It was the wedding of Ethan, Chris’s big brother. Ethan and his fiancée had asked her to personally be in charge of their planning from the very beginning, and Katie excitedly accepted the task. She knew she could do it. She was up for a promotion anyway so it wasn’t like she was in over her head, and she knew Chris’s family inside out.
As she had put everything together, she made sure that all the personal touches of both the bride and groom would be noticed throughout the ceremony. But her favorite part of the wedding were the invitations and all the other printed material needed for that day. She knew she was biased, but she couldn’t help it. She had asked Chris to do the invitations and all the other print designs. At first, he didn’t want to do them. He said it was too much pressure. He and some of his college friends had just set up a graphic design company and he was still getting the hang of it. And his brother’s wedding? Well, that was enough stress in itself. But Katie encouraged him and patiently stayed with him as he worked on each study, drawing them by hand and tweaking them on his computer. In the end, he felt as if he had done his best wedding-related designs ever. And when Katie showed them to her other clients (without pushing them of course because that would be unethical!), Chris’s projects began to multiply overnight. Thanks to her, his company was off to a pretty good start.
Though it was a bit hard for Katie to let go on the day itself, she knew she had prepped Carla and the rest of the team well enough to allow herself to relax a little bit. But she couldn’t help feeling nervous as she watched a much-improved and more seasoned Carla gather the members of the entourage as they got ready to walk down the aisle. Chris, looking dapper (she loved the old Hollywood feel of that word) in his best man suit, was already standing near the altar, laughing at something Ethan had said. Katie smiled at her boyfriend—her handsome boyfriend, so at ease, so adorably hers. During moments like these, when she found herself detached from her whirlwind of a life, she couldn’t help but marvel at how everything had turned out. Of course she was only twenty-five and her life was barely starting, but she knew in the depths of her soul that when it came to finding the love of her life, she was set. Gone were the doubts and restlessness she had felt when she was with Andrew, and thank goodness, gone was that gaping chasm inside her when Chris had pulled away from her. Now she was whole. And dare she say it, complete.
When Chris had gone back to Sydney to complete his final year, she thought she was going to be okay because he had already been gone from her life for so long, but it wasn’t easy. Instead of mindlessly throwing herself into work the way she had when Andrew entered med school, she focused her energies on keeping in touch with Chris. Sure they used every means of technology to talk, chat, and message each other throughout the day, but Katie wasn’t done pouring out all her pent-up emotions. She wasn’t used to bottling them up for years, so now that they were finally out there, she wanted to release everything. So she began a project. Every day, she looked for something that reminded her of Chris or of both of them and snapped a photo of it on her phone. She sent it to Chris with a caption or some old words from her journal—words she never thought she would share with anyone, words from when she had no one else to share her broken feelings with. If she took something as mundane as her lunch that just happened to be a grilled cheese sandwich, it was because she remembered that once, they fought over one after coming home from school to find only a single slice of cheese left in her fridge. Of course, in the end, Chris gave up the sandwich and munched on Oreos instead. Katie wrote: When you come home, I’ll share my grilled cheese with you without putting up a fight. But only if I’m not starving.
Chris always replied, always had something sweet and funny to say. But Katie understood that he was busy. He had final projects, designs that served as final exams, and an entire other life he had to attend to. So when he returned with a small, thick notebook full of sketches, sketches that responded to each one of her photos, Katie burst into tears. She couldn’t understand how he could wait an entire school year before handing over something so precious, so beautiful. When she created something, she wanted him to get it right away. She needed an immediate reaction. But he was patient. He knew he wanted to surprise her and he kept at it every day till his last sketch: his view from the plane—big, fluffy white clouds with Katie perched on one of them just like Mary Poppins but instead of an umbrella with a parrot head for a handle and an enormous granny bag, she was holding a camera and she was taking his photo. Katie laughed through her tears and felt, not for the first time and she knew not for the last time, like the luckiest girl in the world.
Though the past two years were fun, they weren’t exactly pure bliss. They had to adjust to being in each other’s lives again and there were times when Katie would forget that Chris was actually home and make plans with her girlfriends without telling him. Or Chris would go into hiding because he was focused on finishing something for a client and Katie would barge into his room, demanding he finally get some sun after days of hibernation and they would argue till she left in a huff. But they eventually worked it out and found a rhythm. One that Katie had no complaints about, one that led her to moments where she could just sit and take in how full her heart was.
But wait, something in the perfect little tableau she
was watching didn’t seem right. Ethan, in his wedding suit that was specially hand-stitched and flown in from the tiny European town Bridgette was from, looked tense. Not a good sign. Katie whipped out her phone and messaged Chris.
Is the groom okay?
Just worried his bride isn’t going to show.
Seriously?!
Or maybe just nerves in general. He’s telling me about a cartoon he saw the other day. I think he’s losing it. Haha!
Chris! It’s not funny!
Relax, Kate. It’s going to be fine.
As she was reading his last message, she felt him slide in next to her on the church pew. “What are you doing here? You should be there making him…” Then Katie realized Ethan was no longer standing where he was supposed to. “Chris! Where did your brother go? The wedding is supposed to start in—”
“Kate.” He held a finger to her lips. “I told him to check if Bridgette was outside in the bridal car waiting for this whole fiasco to start.” There was amusement dancing in his eyes.
“You did what?!” Katie gathered her long skirts and quickly made her way out the church, Chris following right behind her.
“What? I thought it was fine. I mean, he has seen the gown. He approved it, remember?”
“Only because Bridgette begged me to let him see it!” Katie called over her shoulder. “I don’t want to risk anything going wrong today!”
When they reached the bridal car, Ethan was grinning, finally looking at ease and every bit the Disney prince Katie used to imagine him to be as he peeked at his bride through the half-open car window.
Chris put his hands on Katie’s shoulders and spun her around to face him, causing her skirts to swish by her heels. “See? He’s looking happier already.”
Katie sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. I’m just so nervous and I want everything to be perfect.”
“Of course you do. And it will be. And if something goes wrong, so what? What matters is that those two are finally getting married after God knows how long. No one ever thought it was going to last. And when they give their speeches, the first one they’re going to thank is you.” He smiled. “At least I know the first one I’m going to thank is you.”
Katie’s brow furrowed. She had gone through Chris’s speech the other day and she didn’t see anything on it that mentioned her. “It isn’t just my brother’s happiness that you’ve worked so hard for today. It’s also mine. If it weren’t for you, our company wouldn’t be doing as well as it is. My partners just texted me that we’ve hit our quota for the year! The year, Kate! And it’s all thanks to you. You’re awesome, Kate. You don’t know how much.” He pulled her to him and kissed her. Through his kiss, Katie not only knew how grateful Chris was, but how much he loved her, how important that day was to him, and how much he wanted her to be a part of his life forever. When he let her go, she broke into a big, happy, dazed smile.
“Déjå vu,” she whispered.
Chris looked confused for a moment.
“Remember when we saw Ate Regina and Kuya Ben kiss right before their wedding?” Katie cringed a little when she recalled how she had forced Chris to kiss her that day just so she could recreate what they had witnessed. At nine years old, she couldn’t believe that a kiss could say so much and mean so much. And right then and there, she had wanted to experience it too. Little did she know, she already had the right guy—all she had to do was wait a bit longer.
“Well, you never have to force me to kiss you ever again,” Chris said.
“Really?” Katie arched an eyebrow. “Well, hurry up then because I want another one. The wedding’s about to start.” Chris leaned down and kissed her again. As Katie wound her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer, she remembered why she loved weddings so much. It wasn’t because of the decorations, the beautiful gowns, and the scrumptious food. It was because of the overflowing love that seemed to emanate from every corner—and it didn’t just come from the bride and groom either. At that wedding, she was certain it was coming from their little corner as well.
THE END
FILIPINO WORDS
The story of Katie and Chris unfolds in The Philippines, so you may have encountered quite a few words that stumped you if you aren’t a native of the islands. Here they are with definitions and explanations, listed according to order of appearance.
Ate – This technically means older sister, but because the Philippines has a culture of large families, it is also used to refer to a female relative who is slightly older than you or in your generation (or sometimes even just a girl who is older than you but not a relative, as a sign of respect). It is said before the name of the person much like you would use “Aunt” or “Uncle.” It can also be used alone, dropping the person’s name.
Kuya – This technically means older brother, but just like ‘Ate,’ it can be used when speaking or referring to an older male relative or a boy who is older than you.
Monggo - Mung bean. Children are usually given monggo seeds to grow in science class because it is an easy project for beginners.
Barong – The Barong Tagalog is the traditional Filipino formal attire for men. It is a sheer, embroidered shirt made of indigenous fabrics such as pineapple leaf fibers or banana silk. It is worn with a white undershirt and black pants.
Pancit Canton - This is a Filipino noodle dish with beef and vegetables. It can also be bought in an instant variety, which is what Iris was sorting in the story. When a storm hits and relief goods are needed, donations usually come in the form of canned goods and instant noodles.
Chippy – Barbecue flavored corn chips. My favorite junk food.
Yaya – Nanny who lives with the family and takes care of the children
Barkada – Main group of friends. You usually refer to your ‘barkada’ as the group of people you hang out with the most: your go-to bunch.
Manang – Another term for ‘Ate,’ but from another Philippine language. In this case, it is used as a term of respect for the household helper, Manang Cora.
SPECIAL THANKS TO…
my husband, Marc, for making me believe in happily ever after. During a brainstorming session at my first job, they asked us what we wanted for ourselves in the future. I said I wanted a happy ending. I didn’t need a happily ever after (because they are two different things), but a happy ending was good enough for me. Thank you for showing me that I don’t have to settle and I can be so much more than I’d thought.
my first reader, Treena, whose encouragement and optimism keep me writing. Whenever I have something for her to read, no matter what she needs to do for the day (chase after her tornado of a toddler, fix a leaky pipe with her own bare hands, or upload my blog post because I have no idea how to do it—yes, she is that awesome), she will make time for it. Because she is the sister of my heart.
my editor, Angel, who said yes right away and worked on it so fast and so thoroughly, I was inspired all over again! I hope to be given the honor of editing your book when you finally write it! I know you have it in you. I saw that potential all the way back when you were still in high school.
my art director, Steph, who makes everything she touches come alive with awesomeness and beauty! You already know how much I love working with you and I’m so happy that we don’t wait for projects to throw us together anymore. We now make our own! Without you, this book wouldn’t be as pretty as it is!
my illustrator, Lorra, who knows I am one of her biggest fans. If I could buy her entire catalogue, I would. When Lorra messaged me that she wanted to work with me on anything, I couldn’t believe it. But at the same time, I could. That’s how sweet and loving and talented this girl is!
my friend, Mina, who has been so patient with all my questions from formatting to marketing. And who is always so enthusiastic about writers and writing and publishing. You are truly an inspiration. I am so glad we’ve been working together for this long. Thank you for leading the way!
my cousin, Jamie, who helped me get the print version of this
book out and who, while we were growing up, was my creative partner in crime. We would come up with long drawn-out performances (some have been embarrassingly caught on video), elaborate quests starring my Barbies and his GI Joes (or He-Man), and of course stories—lots of them. The need to create is strong in us—just like the Force. May it be with you, always.
my early readers: Camille, Pia, Janelle, Romina, Anne. Without your ideas, suggestions, and encouragement (loads of it!), none of this (and I don’t just mean this book) would be possible.
my sister, Martina, who always lends an expert eye to fix anything in my life that needs it—from my clothes to my book covers to the outfits of my characters. You make my life so much better and you know exactly what I need, when I need it. You really are my supergirl.
my family, Mama, Papa, Mika, and Marty. Because my life is nothing without you. I love you all so very much.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ines Bautista-Yao is the author of One Crazy Summer, What’s in your Heart, When Sparks Fly, All That Glitters, Just A Little Bit of Love, Plain Vanilla, and Someday With You.
She is the former editor-in-chief of Candy and K-Zone magazines and a former high school and college English and Literature teacher. She is also a wife and mom and blogs about the many challenges and joys of motherhood at theeverydayprojectblog.com.
Only A Kiss Page 10
