They stood at the door poised to walk inside, when suddenly he stopped. Standing still with his back to her he took a deep breath in and slowly turned to face her. Trembling, he reached for her hand and whispered, “Do you trust me?” With her palm gently upon his cheek she replied, “You know I do.” From his pocket he pulled a white silk scarf, carefully folded it and tied it around her eyes. Her heart beat quickened as memories of his words of desire began to flood her mind. She felt warm as her cheeks became flush and his lips softly touched hers.
He led her by the hand through the open door. As the door shut behind her the scent of vanilla filled the still air. A melody played so quietly that she was unsure if it was only in her mind or from some distant place. It had reminded her of the beautiful breezy spring day in which they had first met. The kind eyes and gentle voice made her feel safe and at peace. Fear had always kept her at somewhat of a distance. Broken hearts were hard to mend and she was sure she’d not survive it again. But like a moth to the flame she could not help but fall helplessly in love with him, even though all logic said it would never work and her scars whispered words of pain, regret and sorrow. She’d been more than happy the past year and was grateful for the love she felt but she knew he wanted more and could feel that his love for her had overcome him.
Feeling breathless her hand slowly fell from his fingers. With his hands upon her waist he leaned into her and said, “I’m running out of ways to make you see. I want you to stay here beside. I won’t be okay and I won’t pretend I am. So just tell me today and…” He paused for a moment and sighed. “Take my hand. Please take my hand.”
Pulling the scarf from her eyes they grew wide with amazement and aw. The room was lit by candles tracing the room like a star filled sky and rose petals carpeted the floor. He moved to his left slightly revealing a giant red gift wrapped box with a silver bow. “Open it”, was his gentle request. Without a word she stepped forward and pulled the bow toped lid off to find another box inside, and then another, and then yet another. Finlay, she held a red velvet jewelry box upon her hand. Afraid to open it she found her mind spinning with a silly girls’ fairy tale dreams. Tears began to fall from her eyes. Gently he brushed them from her face and said, “Just say, ‘Yes’. Just say there’s nothing holding you back. It’s not a test, nor a trick of the mind, only love. It’s so simple and you know it is, you know it is. We can’t be to and fro like this all our lives. You’re the only way to me the path is clear. What do I have to say to you, for God’s sake dear?”
She slowly opened the box to find the most beautiful symbol of love she’d ever seen. He had crafted it himself and engraved the words, “Happily Ever After” inside it. With tears she could not control she threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. “Just say, ‘Yes’” he pleaded again. “Because I’m aching and I know you are too, for the touch of your warm skin as I breathe you in.” She could only hold him tight, as she felt his heart beat through his shirt. With all the strength she could muster, softly she spoke, “This was all I wanted, all I want. It’s all I want. It’s all I want…. Yes.”
