Chapter 15
Tender loving care

Maya was leisurely drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper in the veranda while waiting for Richard, early Monday morning. She woke up a bit earlier than usual. It was the start of another work week so she decided to get up and have an early start on things. She told Richard she will just drive herself to work but he insisted on picking her up as they didn’t see each other the previous day. He was feeling a bit under the weather. He assured Maya that he was okay and she must not worry. He just needed to rest, take paracetamol and lots of fluids. When Maya called up in the evening to check on him, Richard assured her that he was getting better and didn’t seem to have a fever anymore. He went to bed early to rest fully.

“Maya anak, hindi ka pa ba papasok?” Mommy Tessie asked her daughter. She was already dressed for work. She will do branch inspections that day. “Is Richard picking you up?”

“Yes, Mom, hinihintay ko lang siya.” Maya gave her mom a kiss in the cheek. “Maaga pa naman po. Have a nice day. Hello to Ninang Maggie. Please tell her, Mom, that we would like her to be one of our ninangs. Ricky and I will ask her formally in a dinner soon. Thanks a lot pala, Mom. You are the best, also Mommy Esme, for all the stuffs you are doing for my wedding.”

Maggie is her mom’s long time assistant and her godmother. She love the old lady. She is like a sister to her mother, had been with her through thick and thin.

“Of course, I will. Parati ka ngang kinukumusta nun, tinatanong sa akin kung kailan daw niya makikilala ang guwapong fiance mo. She will be happy that she will be a ninang at your wedding also. Double ninang mo na siya kapag nagkataon. Enjoy naman kami ni Esme sa pagtulong sa paghahanda sa kasal niyo ni Richard and your wedding planner is a joy to work with. Tama ang recommendation ni Esme diyan kay Corrinne. Sige, mauna na ako, Maya. Say hello to Richard from me.”

“Take care, Mom. I will. Parating na siguro iyon.” Maya said as she waved goodbye to her mom.

Maya went back to her coffee, and newspaper. When she finished reading, she decided to check her e-mails. Might as well work while waiting for Richard. While she does not have any meeting or anything urgent today, she thought it would be better to plow through all the e-mails she needed to read and reply to. Before she knew it, she got engrossed at what she was doing and didn’t notice the passing of time, until she received a call from her ninang.

“Maya, congratulations! Tessie told me that you are getting married na soon and I’m a ninang!” She said happily. “I’m honored naman hija. Thank you.”

“Good morning po Ninang Maggie. Siyempre naman, number one ka sa list ko ng mga gusto kong maging ninang sa wedding namin ni Ricky. Thank you for accepting and I am very happy that you agreed.” Maya told the old lady, glad to hear from her. She was really planning to give her a call in the evening to set the dinner with her. “Let’s have dinner po, so you can meet na my fiance. Sabi ni Mom, tinatanong mo raw po kung kailan niyo makikilala si Ricky. When are you free po?”

“How about this Friday, 7pm?” Ninang Maggie said. “Of course, I want to meet the man who made my pihikang inaanak said yes. I heard many good things about him from Tessie. I’m really happy for you, Maya. Let me know na lang kung saan tayo magkikita.”

“Thank you po Ninang. I will call na lang for the venue. See you po.”

Maya and her godmother said their goodbyes and only then that she fully realized that Ricky was more than an hour late already! Maya got worried, thinking that something might have happened to him on the way to her house. She decided to give him a call. The phone just kept ringing the first time she called. She tried again.

“Hello, sweetheart.” Richard croaked on the phone.

“Ricky sweetheart, why do you sound like that? What happened.?” Maya asked worriedly.

“Sweetheart, don’t worry. I think I have flu. I feel very tired, have muscle pains, and I feel very hot.” He said.

“I will go there. I will just call my office.” Maya said hurriedly as she gathered her things to go back to her room and pack a bag.

“Maya, it is okay. You have work. I will just call Mang Lem to buy me some flu medicines and other stuffs I will need. Besides, I can also also ask the cleaning lady to cook soup for me.” Richard weakly protested. “I need rest lang, I think.”

“No, Ricky. I will go there. I want to take care of you. I will take care of you. No objection please.” Maya insisted as she started packing clothes. “Huwag nang matigas ang ulo mo, please, sweetheart.”

“Okay, you win. Thank you, sweetheart. I love you.” Richard said. “Drive carefully. Don’t worry. Just let yourself in. Use the keys and the elevator access card I gave you.”

“I love you. I will. See you in a while.” Maya checked for the keys and the card which she had put in one of her drawers.

Richard gave the keys and elevator access card to Maya a week ago, saying that he would like her to have it so she can come and go at his place. Besides, he said, it will be her home too, soon. He even teased her that is part of his negotiation with her. Maya laughed and pinched him lovingly. Then Richard cupped her chin and said seriously that he respect her wishes if she wanted to wait until their wedding night to resume the physical aspect of their relationship. He said he is willing to wait. He does not want her to feel any kind of pressure. Maya smiled lovingly at him, then thanked him for being the most considerate fiance, at the same time, she had a secret smile on her face. She even teased him that he didn’t even try negotiating, he surrendered na agad. Richard said when it comes to her, he will always wave the white flag. They embraced and kissed each other sweetly.

Maya called her mom before she left the house and told her that she needed to stay with Richard for several days, or so, since he is sick. She also called her office and asked her boss if she can take several days leave, explaining the situation. She also informed Ms. Belmonte that she can work a bit from home if there is something urgent she needed. Her boss allowed her as she has not really taken a vacation or a leave in months.

Maya found Richard sleeping on his bed, tightly wrapped in his comforter as if he felt very cold. She touched his forehead and found it to be very hot. She went to the medicine cabinet and got a digital thermometer. His temperature was very high and that worried her. He woke up while she was touching his forehead.

“Sweetheart, you are here.” Richard sleepily said, holding Maya’s hand and placing it on his cheek. “I took medicines na before you arrived so bababa na siguro ang temperature ko.”

“Shouldn’t we call your family doctor, sweetheart?” Maya asked. “Sobrang init mo, ah.”

“No need, I think flu lang talaga ito. Saka nandito ka na to take care of me. I’m sure I will get better fast.” Richard said, smiling then he closed his eyes and started drifting back to sleep. He just felt so lethargic. But he was happy that Maya was there to take care of him.

Maya watched over Richard, checked his temperature from time to time. She also gave him a sponge bath with alcohol and water, despite Richard’s protest. However, it made him feel so much better after Maya rubbed his whole body with a wet face towel. It was also nice to change into new clothes which Maya helped him put on. She made soup for him and cajoled him to eat.

The following day, Richard alternated between having a fever after the effect of the medicine was gone and back to normal temperature after he has taken medicine. His fluctuating temperature worried Maya so she decided to call the Lims’ family doctor through Mommy Esme. Dr. Montalvo told Maya to bring Richard to a hospital for a blood test if his temperature has not gone stable the following morning.

By afternoon, Richard’s temperature has returned to normal, but still Maya monitored it closely.

“Sweetheart, thank you for taking care of me.” Richard said holding Maya’s hand. “My beautiful nurse!”

“Ricky, sweetheart, of course I will always take care of you. Saka malapit ka na ngang gumaling, nambobola ka na eh.” Maya smiled lovingly at Richard.

“Hindi kaya iyan bola, sweetheart. Ikaw ang the most beautiful and the most loving fiancee in the world.” Richard said. “Sayang I can’t kiss you. Baka mahawa ka ng virus ko.”

Maya cupped Richard’s face and kissed him gently on the lips. “Hay naku, malakas resistance ko at saka kung mahawa, di damay na damay na tayo. Hayan ang magic kiss ko para tuluyan ka nang gumaling.”

They lovingly smiled at each other. Their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of the door bell. Maya went down to check who was visiting, though she have an idea, it is Richard’s mom.

“Mommy Esme! Nice to see you po.” Maya said as she gave her future mother-in-law a kiss. ”Pasok po kayo.”

“Maya hija, kumusta na si Ricky? Heto nagdala ako ng fruits and sopas na ipinaluto ko kay Fe. Paborito ito ni Ricky nung maliit pa siya kapag may sakit.” Mommy Esme said.

“Okay na po ang temperature niya. Normal na, pero inoobserbahan ko pa rin po. Sabi po ni Doc kapag hanggang bukas meron pa rin siyang fever, kailangan na niyang magpa-blood test to rule out dengue or a more serious viral infection.” Maya explained as she put the food and fruits in the kitchen. “Mauna na po kayong umakyat Mom. Ihahanda ko lang itong mga dala niyo so Ricky can eat.”

“O sige. Thank you Maya, for this and for taking care of my son. Okay ka lang bang mag-absent?” Mommy Esme asked.

“Hindi niyo na po kailangang mag-thank you, Mom. I love your son and he is my priority. Di po ba magsasama kami sa hirap and ginhawa and in sickness and in health kapag ikinasal kami. For me, since we became a couple, committed na ako sa kanya.” Maya told Ricky’s mom a bit emotionally, the worry she felt while Richard was running a temperature, setting in a bit. “Okay din naman po ang schedule ko sa work. Saka hindi rin po ako mapapakali sa work kapag ganitong may sakit si Ricky.”

Donya Esmeralda embraced Maya tight. “My son is lucky to have you, Maya. I’m glad ikaw ang magiging daughter-in law ko, and magiging pangalawang daughter ko.”

“Awww, Mommy Esme, thank you po.” Maya was touched at Richard’s mom’s approval of her. “Tayo na po, sabay na tayong umakyat kay Ricky.

Maya and Mommy Esme chatted a bit as they went to Richard’s room.

“Mom! Napadalaw ka! I’m okay na. Ang galing kaya ng nurse ko.” Richard greeted his mother as he reclined against the headboard of his bed.

“I was worried, Ricky. Hindi na yata maaalis iyan sa mga mom, kahit gaano katanda na ang isang anak. Maya, you will understand this kapag may anak na kayo ni Ricky.” Donya Esmeralda said, as her son and his fiancee looked at each other meaningfully. “ Though, kampante naman ako that you are in good hands and you are being taken care of, lovingly, with Maya here. I also brought you your favorite sopas that Fe cooked.”

“Wow, really Mom. Thank you.” Richard said as Maya put the tray she was carrying on his lap, together with the medicines he needed to take.

Donya Esmeralda stayed for an hour, then said good bye, saying, she will just go see her amigas, now that she know that Richard is on his way to getting well. She also called Don Roberto before she left Richard’s place to tell him that their son is okay now, and that Maya is taking very good care of him.

Richard and Maya just spent the rest of the day on his bed, watching movies. Maya continuously monitored Richard’s temperature and she was happy to note that he seemed to be really okay now.

“Sweetheart, what would you like for dinner?” Maya asked as they finished watching ‘Roman Holiday’. “Meron pa iyong sopas na dala ni Mom. I can heat that or I can cook something else.”

“Hmmm, I’m craving for fast food. Let us order pizza and burger.” Richard suggested.

Maya ordered the food, got it when it arrived. Richard took a shower while waiting for Maya to return.

“Sweetheart, okay ka na bang maligo?” Maya asked when Richard emerged from the bathroom wrapped only in a towel, still dripping from the shower he took.

“I feel better actually.” Richard said, smiling at her, before disappearing to his dressing room. He came out dressed in another white t-shirt and blue pajamas.

They ended up eating their fast food fix at the table by the window.

Later in the evening, Richard asked Maya if she can just sleep beside him instead of the guest room as he seemed to be okay now. He said he wanted to cuddle with her, and to wake up with her.

“Promise, sweetheart. I’ll be good, cross my heart.” Richard grinned at Maya.

“Hmmm, hindi kaya part iyan ng strategy mo sweetheart?” Maya teased.

“Ha, ha, ha, I promised you, di ba, that I can wait, that I will wait. Unless of course, ikaw ang hindi makahintay sa wedding night natin .” Richard bantered back, grinning mischievously. “Of course, you are very much welcome to take advantage of me any time in the night.”

Maya laughed and pinched Richard on the side.“Hay naku, ikaw talaga , sweetheart. Tulog na nga tayo.” Maya said hugging Richard and putting the comforter over them. “I love you, sweetheart. Good night.”

“I love you too, Mrs. Lim-to-be. Reminder lang my love, feel free to take advantage even while I’m sleeping,” was his last words, grinning, before he pulled Maya closer to him, then gave her a searing good night kiss. Maya was still smiling when she finally succumbed to sleep in Richard’s arms.

Chapter 14
Engagement date

The weather was very nice that Sunday afternoon. There was a gentle breeze blowing. The sea was calm. The setting sun’s golden rays making everything more alive and vibrant as if it was making a giant splash before it finally gives way to the night. It was a great day for a cruise, for seeing the beauty of the famous Manila Bay sunset. It was a perfect day for an engagement date.

Richard and Maya boarded the yacht, Mi Esmeralda, named after Donya Esmeralda, at five o’clock in the afternoon from the yacht club where Richard’s dad is a member. Don Roberto’s boat captain and several crew members welcomed them on board the huge yacht. Richard told Maya that the yacht was his dad’s 40th wedding anniversary gift to his mom. They planned on taking weekends off, sailing to places that would strike their fancy, to relax and unwind a bit. While not very often, he said, his parents have been doing that the past year. Sometimes, they asked him to go with them, and so far, he only managed to do it twice. The second time, when Rafi and her family was in town for a vacation.

“Wow, this boat is beautiful and huge, sweetheart.” Maya remarked as Ricky toured her inside, having told the captain that they can sail and find a good spot to moor and watch the setting sun. “This is the first time I have been inside a boat this size. It looks like a house! If I’m not feeling the boat moving, I would think I’m just in your living room.”

“Well, this is home away from home for Mom and Dad when they go cruising. They planned on taking longer trips than weekends in the future so the yacht was designed like that.” Richard explained. “My Dad has this custom-built. I think this is what is called a super yacht.”

Richard first showed Maya the upper deck which is accessible through a spiral staircase. He told her the first suite belongs to his parents. The suite is quite spacious, it has its own private terrace, and the view from the room is great. They moved to the next room, which is the room that Richard used before. Like the first room, it too, has its own private terrace, and the view is equally wonderful. There was also a third, but smaller room. They went down again and toured the main salon, which has an adjoining dining area. The view is incredible. The salon is tastefully furnished with comfortable sofas and to Maya’s delight, a piano on the side. It looked like the living room in a mansion somewhere. There are also other guest rooms and some other facilities on the lower levels, but Richard said they can look at it some other time since the sun is about to set. Richard led Maya out of the main salon, through a sliding door which opened to a spacious aft deck.

Maya gasped when she saw the deck. “Awww, sweetheart! So lovely, and so romantic. Thank you!” On the deck is a big wicker sofa, where two can sit and have the best view ever, and two inviting armchairs. At the center table, there was a cooling bottle of champagne. The dining table on the side was beautifully prepared for two, decorated with Maya’s favorite sunflowers, and colorful candles in small glasses.

While the sun was setting, painting the sky with different hues, Richard poured Maya a glass of champagne, then he poured himself one too.

“To the most beautiful and wonderful fiancée in the world, to the woman I will be spending the rest of my life with, here’s to us. I love you, Maya Dela Rosa, soon-to-be Mrs. Lim.” Richard said, looking at Maya with so much love in his eyes.

“Oh sweetheart,” Maya said, her heart so full. “To the best fiancé in the world, the only one for me, here’s to us. I love you too, my husband-to-be, how much I can’t find the words to describe, all I know is that my heart is so full, it felt like it would burst from sheer happiness and for the love I’m feeling for you.”

Maya and Richard toasted each other and sealed their love and promise for one another with a sweet, long kiss, amid the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun. They looked so good together, with Maya in a halter dress, beautifully designed and cut, and which hugged her figure, and Richard in a powder blue suit, maroon dressed shirt and a matching tie.

“I love you.” Richard repeated to Maya several times as he kissed and kissed her again and again.

“I love you more.” Maya said in between Richard’s assault to her senses.

Richard and Maya embraced each other, nary a space between them, and moved to their own rhythm, lost in the sweet music of their hearts. They stayed liked that for several minutes, just savoring the moment, and being with each other.

“This is the best engagement date, sweetheart.” Maya said happily. This was another treasured moment for her and Richard to savor fully. She felt so happy. “Thank you.”

“For you sweetheart, anything I can do to make you happy, I will do.” Richard said, kissing Maya’s hand. They watched the setting sun, with Richard hugging Maya from behind. His hands around her waist, his chin on her shoulder, looking at the great view before them. They stayed like that for quite sometime, enjoying the moment.

When the sun was about to disappear from the horizon, and twilight was settling in, Richard led Maya to the dining table. He seated her and took the seat beside her, both of them, looking at the wonderful view of Manila Bay, the sky painted in colors by the setting sun. They had a leisurely dinner. The food was superb and the atmosphere, even better. Later, they cuddled on the sofa, sipping the rest of the champagne, as twilight turned into night, watching Manila’s twinkling lights, a cool breeze blowing, and the stars decorating the night sky.

“I wish we could stay here, like this, the whole night. It’s so peaceful.” Maya sighed with contentment. “But I have work tomorrow.”

“Can you just go on leave tomorrow?” Ricky asked, still cuddling Maya. “We can stay the whole night, you know.”

“I wish we could sweetheart. But I need to brief Ms. Belmonte about my trip.”

Richard pouted like a little kid, which caused Maya to laugh. “Okay, sweetheart. We can always do this some other time, even the next time we have a free weekend. We can even travel with Mom and Dad one time.”

“That would be great, sweetheart.” Maya said smiling. “I want to spend time with your parents too. I kinda miss having a dad too.”

“Speaking of dads, do you want to invite your dad to our wedding?” Richard asked. “Of course, it would be completely up to you sweetheart. Whatever you decide on, I am with you 101 percent. I just want you to happy.”

“Hmmm, I don’t know Ricky. I will ask Mom’s view on the matter first.” Maya replied. “But thank you, sweetheart.”

Richard stood up, after a while. He told Maya to stay where she was. He went inside the main salon and soon after the melody of  ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ started filling the salon and the deck.

“May I dance with you my beautiful fiancee.” Richard asked Maya, bowing before her and holding out his hand for her to take.

“Of course, my handsome fiance.” Maya said with a big smile, taking Richard’s hand and moving closer to him.

They swayed to the music of that beautiful song from the very old movie musical they both loved so much. Richard started singing for Maya his favorite part of the song. It felt very apt, considering the way they met. He told Maya so.

Some enchanted evening
When you find your true love,
When you feel her call you
Across a crowded room,
Then fly to her side,
And make her your own
Or all through your life you
May dream all alone.

Once you have found her,
Never let her go.
Once you have found her,
Never let her go!

“Thank you, sweetheart. That was very lovely. I really like that song. And yes, parang iyong meeting lang natin, di ba.” Maya said lovingly when the music ended. She hugged Richard, cupped his face and gave him a sweet kiss. They stayed like that for a while, not wanting to be apart from each other yet, wanting to savor more this moment as much as they could.

Maya and Richard stayed in the yacht until around 10 o’clock in the evening. When they docked, they thanked Captain Medina and his crew profusely for the wonderful cruise around Manila Bay. Then after a lingering kiss in front of Maya’s gate, they parted for the night.

“Sweetheart, thank you for a wonderful engagement date.” Maya said, her hands still around Richard’s nape. “I’m the luckiest fiancee in the world. I love you.”

Richard grinned and tweaked his fiancee’s nose lovingly ,and then brought her closer to him, kissed her thoroughly. “Anything, for you, my wife-to-be. I love you. I better get going. No protest ha, I will pick you up tomorrow morning. I want to spend quality time with you before we start our work week.”

The following morning, Richard was at Maya’s house bright and early to take her to work. As soon as she got into the car, Richard gave Maya a big bouquet of sunflowers and a thermos of coffee. “Good morning, my love.”

“Good morning sweetheart. Thank you for these.” Maya’s happiness was unequal. She thought that she must have done something very very good in her past life, for her to deserve this kind of love.

They parted at the lobby of Maya’s building as Richard has an early meeting too.

Maya was arranging the flowers in a vase when Emman knocked on her door, followed by Ruby.

“Maya, welcome back. Let’s have breakfast downstairs first.” Emman asked. “Anyway, we have time before your meeting with Ms. Belmonte.

“Oo nga, Maya, na-miss ka kaya namin.” Ruby added. Then she noticed the ring on Maya’s finger and squealed with delight. “Oh my, oh my, oh my! Is this what I think it is? Maya, bes, I’m so happy for you.” Ruby hugged Maya really tight.

Emman looked, puzzled, “Ang alin, and saan, sis?” Then he too squealed with delight upon seeing the beautiful platinum ring on Maya’s finger. “Sis, congratulations!!!!”

Maya grinned happily at her two friends. “Thank you Emman, Ruby. I’m so happy!”

“Saan at kailan nangyari? Sa States, sumunod sa iyo doon si Mr. Super Handsome Boyfriend?” Emman asked. “Haba ng hair mo Ms. Maya Dela Rosa, soon-to-be, Mrs. Richard Lim.”

“Last Saturday lang, Emman after I got back. I was not really expecting this to be this so soon, and I was also a bit nervous, but my love for Ricky helped me be brave and took that final leap. I’m realy, really so happy. You know what, this was what he was planning while I was in the States.” Maya told her two best friends. She also told them of their romantic cruise/engagement date last night. All they while she was telling this, she was very animated and looked so glowing with happiness to her two friends, who are very happy for her.

“Ikaw na, ikaw na, Maya Dela Rosa!” Emman said, very happy for her friend. “Basta, abay kami ni Ruby ha. When is the wedding pala?”

“Oo nga, Maya ha.” Ruby said. “Maya I’m really so happy that you found love and that you were brave enough to take the leap of faith for it. Richard is a lucky guy to have you. Ikaw yata ang Pambansang Bestfriend, always there for your friends. You deserve to be happy and to find love like this.”

“Ruby, naman, hayan naiiyak na ako sa happiness. Basta, sis. Ikaw rin, I know you will find that special someone. Sobrang lovable mo kaya.”

“Eh ako kaya sis. Wala pang kapatid iyang si super papable, Mr. Lim.” Emman said in jest.

Maya and Ruby laughed. Maya told her friends that, of course, they will be part of her wedding entourage. Ruby will be her maid of honor. Emman said he would rather be a bridesmaid. But he said for the love of Maya, he will wear a suit, instead of a pink gown.

“The wedding date! I think we will set the final date this weekend, when my family have dinner with Richard’s parents. Sayang nga, wala rito ang sister ni Ricky, nasa States. But I have talked to her on Skype several times. Sayang din, hindi kami nagkita sa States noong nandoon ako. Sobrang hectic kasi nitong naging schedule ko.”

“Wow, mamamanhikan ang mga Lim?” Emman said. “Bongga naman.”

Maya laughed and explained to Emman that it was more of a dinner than a pamamanhikan.

However, the dinner turned out to be a pamamanhikan of sort.

Richard told Maya that his parents thought it would be more formal and fitting, if they will just do a pamamanhikan of some sort, instead of a dinner in a restaurant or in the Lims’ house. Mommy Tessie happily agreed. So the following Saturday, the elder Lims finally met Maya’s mom and sister, and little Abby, whom they immediately adopted as their own apo. Abby was so happy with her extra set of ‘grandparents’.

“So, Ricky, Maya, mga anak, do you have a date for your wedding?” Mommy Esme asked while everyone was having coffee and dessert at the lanai.

“Oo nga naman, mga anak, kailan niyo ba balak? “Mommy Tessie asked, as Don Roberto just looked on with a smile.

“Hmmm, kailan nga ba sweetheart?” Richard asked Maya, interlacing their fingers. “Iyon na bang napag-usapan nating date?”

“Yes. Mom, Mommy Esme, Daddy Robert,” Maya said, still getting used to calling Richard’s parents ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy’. They insisted she calls them that now that she is their son’s fiancee and soon to be a member of their family. They also told her, she is already like a daughter to them. “We would like to have the wedding on November 15.”

“Two months, from now?” Mommy Esme remarked. “What do you think balae, kaya natin, ito di ba?”

“Of course, balae. Kapit-bisig lang.” Mommy Tessie replied.

“Hmmm, Mom, Mommy Esme, ‘kapit-bisig’, ‘kaya natin’, ang alin po?” Maya asked her two moms, puzzled.

“Maya anak, balae and I would like to help with the wedding preparations. We know you are very busy at work at the moment. So, Esme and I thought that it would make your load lighter if we help. We know, you will probably hire a wedding planner, but still, kailangan pa rin ng personal touch ng lahat. Iba pa rin ang hands on sa preparations.” Mommy Tessie said, while Mommy Esme, nodded, and seconded her mom.

“Awwww, Mom, Mommy Esme, of course po. The three of us can talk to the wedding planner and help them plan my wedding. I’m sure it will be a beautiful one with the two of you with me all the way. Thank you.” Maya hugged her mom and her future mother-in-law, touched by their gestures since she know they are also busy. Then she also hugged Daddy Robert and thanked him, as he also asked if he can help in any way with logistics and such.

“Maya hija, I’m happy to pitch in. You will be my one and only daughter-in-law.” Daddy Robert said smilling, as he hugged her. Then he went to his son, and patted him in the arm. “My Ricky is lucky to have you, di ba anak?”

“Of course, naman Dad. Nag-iisa lang iyang Maya ko.” Richard said, looking at Maya lovingly. “Dad, Mom, I think we should call it a night, para makapagpahinga na sina Mommy Tessie and Maya.

The Lims said their goodbyes, with Mommy Tessie and Mommy Esme setting the date for their next meeting. Maya and Mommy Tessie accompanied them to the gate. Richard went to his car and his parents to theirs, with Mang Lem, driving them home.

Maya was about to turn in for the night, she was about to go under the comforter, when her phone rang. She leaned on the headboard as she picked up the call.

“Hello my fiancee, reporting from my place, as usual.” Richard said as he too, got into his bed, which now seemed so big without Maya in it.

Maya smiled. “Glad that you are safe and sound, and has turned in for the night, my love. Makakatulog na ako ng maayos.”

“I missed you.” Richard said he too, leaned on the headboard and got comfortable. “My bed will be nicer with you on it, to cuddle, and you know……”

“I missed you too.” Then, Maya giggled and teased her fiance. “And none of that ‘you know……’ muna ulit Mr. Lim until our wedding night.”

“Ha, what??? You are making me wait, Mrs. Lim-to-be, that is two months pa kaya!” Richard said, teasing Maya back.

“Patience is a virtue, Mr. Lim, hahahaha,” was Maya’s witty comeback.

“Sweethearttt…that is soooo cruel…….” Richard, pretending to be hurt by Maya’s decision, then cajoling her to change it. “Pretty please, sweetheart. Matitiis mo ba ako.”

“Ha, ha, ha, it will be worth the wait, sweetheart.” Maya said, laughing, then teased him. “But, we can negotiate, you know….”

“Really!!!! That’s sounds so much better!” Richard grinned from the other end of the line.

“Prepare your negotiating skills, Mr. Lim.”

“Oh, I am good at that Mrs. Lim-to-be, so be prepared.”

“Let’s see, hahahaha. O go to sleep na and dream of me na lang…” Maya said, very happy.

“Hmmm, dream of you. Of course I will dream of you in any way possible, I could imagine…..,”

“Ikaw talaga, Mr. Lim. But I love you very much. Good night.”

“I love you very much my wife-to-be. You can also dream of me in any way you could. Good night.” He said, grinning and enjoying his banter with Maya.

Maya and Richard ended the call, smiling hugely. They both slid down their beds,  under their comforters. Soon, they don’t have to do say good night over the phone. Soon, they can sleep as close as two persons can be. Soon they can be lost in their own world, their passion, night after night, until sleep and exhaustion claim them for the night. It would be so wonderful, to be together, finally, they thought, as they fell asleep with a smile.

Chapter 13
‘Be with me forever’

Richard looked at Maya’s sleeping form lovingly. He felt so happy. He never expected that their reunion will end up like this. But it was a wonderful, unexpected turn of event, another very important chapter in his and Maya’s beautiful relationship. just like when he declared his love for her. Sometimes, he thought, the best laid plans do get revised drastically due to unforeseen, though, very welcome circumstances. This moment was just too perfect to pass. What he was planning can’t wait until tomorrow night, as he originally set it to be.

Richard got up of the bed, kissed Maya, then looked for his boxers and white t-shirt. He went down to the kitchen, and made breakfast for the two of them. He put everything on a big tray, including the coffee which he knew Maya likes to have as soon as she wakes up. He also got some roses from the garden. He even managed to find a sunflower among the flowers from last night’s picnic. He wanted Maya’s favorite flower to be included in this special event.

When he returned to the room, Richard put the tray on the table by the window, got something from a drawer, and proceeded to wake up Maya with sweet kisses. She stirred, but refused to open her eyes. She burrowed deep into the pillow.

“Sweetheart, good morning. Breakfast for you.” He said lovingly. “Wake up, sleepyhead.

“Ricky, I want to sleep pa, please.” She protested.

Richard decided to wake her up fully with kisses, with his touch. She responded and they had a wonderful repeat of what transpired throughout the night. More than an hour later, Maya was fully awake. She smiled as she remembered her unforgettable night with Richard. He was so tender and so gentle with her, knowing it was her first time. She was not expecting this to happen so soon, but she didn’t regret it. It was something very beautiful and an expression of their love for each other. Sometimes, things just happened when you are not planning for it or when you are not expecting it. The moment was just right. She smiled, her heart full.

“Sweetheart, why are you smiling.” Richard asked as he cuddled Maya closer.

“Wala, I’m so happy lang. I love you.”

“I love you too. You never know how happy I feel at the moment, here, waking up with you beside me. I wish we can stay like this from now on, for always.” Richard said with so much emotion.

He stood up, breath deeply, trying to calm himself, for this moment. He held out his hand to Maya. Maya got out of the bed, putting on Richard’s discarded shirt from the night before, then let herself be led to the middle of the room. Then Richard did something she was not really expecting. He knelt down on one knee before her.

“Sweetheart, I just can’t let this perfect moment pass without this. I can’t wait until tomorow as I originally planned.” Richard said looking at Maya earnestly, looking a bit nervous.

“Ms. Maya Dela Rosa, will you marry me, please.” He looked at her with so much love in his eyes, then offered her a beautiful platinum ring. “I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you everyday of our lives. Be with me forever. Be my love, for always.”

Maya just stared at Ricky and the ring he was holding, feeling a sudden rush of emotion, and love for this wonderful guy. Then in a snap, she knew what she wanted to – to be this man forever. Her Ricky. Be at his side and to love him for always.

Maya knelt down with Ricky, cupped his beloved face, kissed him and said the words, he has been waiting for. The words that would take their love to another wonderful journey.

“Yes, Ricky Lim, I will marry you. I will be your love and there’s nothing I want to be, other than be with you forever.”

“Maya, sweetheart, you made me the happiest man alive.” Richard said with so much love for this beautiful woman who will be his partner for life. “Thank you.”

Richard put the ring on Maya’s finger and they hugged each other tight, in the middle of the room, while the morning light was streaming from the windows. They stayed like that for how long, they didn’t know, until Maya’s stomach grumbled. They laughed.

“Sorry, sweetheart, my tummy is on US time pa yata.”

“I made breakfast for us. There, I put it on the table before I got sidetracked wonderfully. But the coffee is probably cold by now.” Richard said as he helped Maya up, then looked at the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. “I’ll get you a new cup.”

“No, sweetheart, I will do it this time. Bayaan mo namang pagsilbihan ko ang fiance ko.” Maya lovingly said. She likes the ring of the word. Fiance! She is excited and a bit nervous, but with Richard by her side, she can and will take the leap of faith into their forever.

Maya made new coffee. But instead of the bedroom, the two of them ended up having breakfast at the garden. They had a leisurely meal, still dressed in their bedroom clothes. Maya’s ring caught the light, and she looked at it again, and smiled.

“Sweetheart, is the ring okay with you? Tama naman ang size, di ba?” Richard asked.

“Yes, sweetheart. I love this ring. It’s so beautiful. You’re good. You got my size right too.” Maya remarked. “Galing mong mag-estimate.”

“Errr, I have help. While you were away and I was missing you a lot, I called up your sister and asked if I could borrow one of your rings. Of course, as soon as I asked, she already knew why I was asking. Cris said she is happy for us.”

“Ate Cris knew you are planning to propose to me?” Maya asked, surprised, and glad.

“Yes, sort of.  She knew I will, as to when, ako lang ang nakakaalam.” Richard said. “Oh, and I also asked Mommy Tessie’s permission to propose to you the day I picked up the ring from your house.”

“Really, you asked Mom! What did she say? Anong reaction?” Maya wanted to know as this would be the first time for her mom, that her permission is being asked to marry her daughter.

“She was very happy. She gave us her blessings. She made me promise to take care of you always, to always make you happy and don’t make you cry.” Richard remembered Mommy Tessie’s impassioned appeal to him and he understood and knew where she was coming from. ”I promised her that my goal in life is to make you happy and that you will always be my number one priority. And this I promised you sweetheart, I will be faithful to you until the day we die.”

“Oh sweetheart, you are making me cry. I’m so happy.” Maya went to Richard and embraced him tight. “I love you very much.”

“I love you very much too, my soon-to-be, Mrs. Lim.” Richard cupped Maya’s face and sealed his vow to her with a kiss.

They went inside the house an hour later. Maya looked around and smiled. She already have so many happy memories of this place.

“What are you thinking now, my love?” Richard asked as he hugged her from behind and put his chin on top of Maya’s shoulder.

“Hmmm, just that I love this place. We already have a lot of wonderful memories here – you telling me you love me, then last night, and now this.” Maya said as she looked at her ring. Then blushed suddenly, when she remembered their night of passion.

“Kaya nga, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa, make an honest man out of me the soonest so we can spend our everyday like this, our nights looking at the view after we make love. And I can play the piano for you too every thing. I will be your personal pianist.”

“Hmmm, with what you just said, you know what will make marry you the soonest, your piano playing.” Maya teased Richard.

“Ha, ha, ha, ganoon, Mrs. Lim to be. So hindi pala katawan ko ang habol mo sa akin.” Richard bantered back.

That earned him a loving pinch and a kiss from Maya. They also laughed at their silliness, which led to something more.

Richard and Maya finally made it to the Dela Rosas house late afternoon. They spent the rest of the morning just being with each other. Maya also cooked Richard his favorite food. Soon after they prepared for their trip to Quezon City, and facing Maya’s family to tell them of their engagement.

The newly-engaged couple found Maya’s mom in the veranda, having coffee with Cristina Rose.

“Hi Mom, Ate” Maya greeted her mother and sister with a big grin.

“Hello po Tita Tessie, Cris. Sorry po at natagalan kong ihatid si Maya.” He said, not being able to contained his happiness either.

“Mom, Ate, may sasabihin sana kami ni Ricky.” Maya said, as Ricky interlaced their fingers.

Her mother and sister looked at them, waiting for what they will say, though both have an inkling on what it is going to be.

“We are engaged na Mom, Ate.” Maya said happily. Richard was sporting the same happy grin.

“Congratulations, sis, Richard. I’m so happy for your guys. Basta flower girl si Abby ha.” Cris said as she hugged her sister, then Richard. “Welcome to our family, Richard.”

“Thank you very much, Cris. I will be honored to be a part of your family.”

“Maya, anak. I’m so happy for you. Be happy. You found yourself a very good man.” Mommy Tessie said, teary-eyed. She kissed her daughter, hugged her tight and ruffled her hair affectionately. Then she embraced, Richard. “Richard, anak, I’m holding you to your promise ha. Welome to our family. I’m glad my daughter found herself a good man like you.”

“Thank you po, Tita Tessie. Makakaasa po kayo.” Richard told his soon-to-be mother-in-law.

“O call me Mommy na rin ha.” Mommy Tessie said. “Pamilya na tayo.”

“Yes po.” Richard said. “Err, Mommy, Cris, if you are free po sana next weekend, my parents would like to invite you to dinner para raw po pormal na magkakilala ang mga family natin.”

“Oh, that would be great. Sige, let me know the details.” Mommy Tessie said.

Maya went to her sister again, hugged her and thanked her. She also kissed her mom and hugged her tight.

“Mom, thank you. I love you and ate, and also Abby.” Maya said getting emotional also.

They all smiled and hugged each other.

Dinner was a very lively occassion. Abby jumped with joy when she learned that her Tita Ninang and Tito Richard are getting married, and that she will be the flower girl.

Maya also asked Richard, when they were alone in the veranda having coffee, if his parents knew he will propose to her. He said, they knew as he went to them one evening and told them. He told Maya his parents are very happy for them too, then issued nga the invitation for the dinner with the Dela Rosas. He also told her, he was originally proposing to her in a yacht he borrowed from his dad, while watching the Manila Bay sunset, then dinner afterwards.

“Really, sweetheart.” Maya asked, smiling. “But I like your proposal earlier much better. It was spontaneous.”

“I liked it too. Sabi nga seized the moment, which I did. Saka lahat ng pinlano ko, when it comes to you, nare-revised.” Richard said, lovingly kissing Maya’s hand. “But that is what makes life very interesting. We can still go to that dinner and cruise tomorrow as I had arranged it already. Consider it our engagement date.”

Maya smiled at her fiance. “Okay, it’s an engagement date Mr. Lim ko.”

Like the previous occasion, they stayed like that in the veranda for some time, just enjoying each other’s company.

Later that evening when Maya was about to go to bed, she noticed an e-mail from Richard.

From: Richard Lim
To: Maya Dela Rosa
Subject: Us

Dearest my soon-to-be wife,

I still can’t sleep. Missing you by my side. I can’t wait for the day until you are here beside me when I go to sleep and the beautiful face I will wake up with in the morning. My heart is full. I never thought I would be this happy. I’m the luckiest guy to have found you. Thank you coming into my life.

I love you very much.

Love,

Ricky

From: Maya Dela Rosa
To: Richard Lim
Subject: Us

Dearest my soon-to-be husband,

I can’t sleep too. I feel like dancing from sheer happiness. I never imagine that my life would be like this. That I would find a love such as what you have given and shown me, what you are showing me. Thank you too my Mr. Lim. I am counting the minutes, the days, and months until we can be together for always.

I love you very much too.

Love,

Maya

Richard and Maya both went to bed with huge smiles on their faces, thinking of their life together. Soon.

Note: Errrr, double treat of sort for you guys. 🙂 I have a ‘date’ with my ‘Before Midnight’ DVD and the BCWMH DVD 32 this evening, so I posted this early. Thank you for reading, commenting, and liking my kathang-isip. 🙂