Through the Dark

I haven’t seen Liam a lot today. I told him I had some work to get done. In reality I’ve been planning a special surprise for him.
It’s almost time. I head upstairs and slip a note under Liam’s door telling him to meet me under the wisteria archway. Then I go to my room to get ready. I put on the new dress that I’ve been saving for a special occasion. It’s red, fitted, and short enough to give Liam a good view of my legs. I take a pair of red heels with me to put on once I’m at the archway.
I head down a little early. I’ve asked the gardener to help me with a few things and I want to see how they turned out. It’s just getting dark outside and as I approach the archway I am amazed at how beautiful it looks. I had the gardener string several strands of tiny purple lights all along the archway. Mixed with the wisteria flowers, it looks magical. And the flowers smell heavenly.
I check in with the chef, who's making our romantic dinner this evening. Everything is set.
I get nervous as I look at my watch. Five minutes till the time I told Liam to come down. I turn on some music, a little Ed Sheeran, and try to relax. It’s impossible though. I have something so important to tell Liam. What if he doesn’t feel the same?
I look across the garden and my knees feel weak. Liam is wearing black jeans and a dark grey buttoned shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Does he have any idea that he looks like he just walked off a runway?
I watch the smile on his face get bigger as he gets closer. I greet him at the entrance to the archway. “Wow Lexi, you look incredible! Everything looks so romantic.” He raises his eyebrows. “You’ve taken my breath away, love.” He pulls me in for a long kiss. “Is this all really for me?” He asks.
I smile. “Of course it is. I wanted to do something special for you.”
Liam laughs. “Oh babe, you did something special for me this morning.” He winks.
I laugh and lean in to kiss him. “Well I guess you get two special things today.”
We stand there, locked in each others tight embraces, kissing. Until we hear someone clear their throat. We blush as we see the chef standing there with our dinner.
Liam pulls out my chair for me like the gentleman that he is, then sits in the chair next to me. The food is amazing. We talk about our days and I confess that most of mine was spent getting things ready for tonight. Liam tells me about the writing for a new song he was working on today. He makes me promise to work on my book tomorrow.
Over dessert Liam asks me the one place I’d love to go.
“Any place tropical with a private beach.” I answer.
Liam smiles. “A private beach?”
“Yes, so I can wear a swimsuit and not feel self conscious.” I reply quietly.
Liam looks concerned. “Lex, are you serious?”
I look down at my plate. “Yes.”
Liam gets up from his chair and comes to kneel beside mine. He takes my hand. “Lexi, love, how can you feel that way? You’re beautiful.”
I just raise my shoulders in a question. Not sure what to say.
Liam touches my face. “Love, if I ever took you to a private beach it would be so other men couldn’t look at you. So that I could have you all to myself.”
I push out my chair and stand. Pulling Liam to his feet. “Come with me.” I say softly.
I lead him to the opposite end of the archway. I put my arms around his waist and our bodies sway together perfectly to the music.
“Lexi, I can’t believe you don’t know how beautiful you are?” He whispers in my ear.
“If you keep telling me, I just might start to believe it.” I tell him.
Liam pulls back and meets my eyes. “I’ll tell you every moment of everyday if that's what it takes darling.”
I take a deep breath . “Liam I have something I want to tell you.”
Liam smiles nervously. “You do? Cause I’ve been wanting to tell you something as well.”
I am hopeful for what that is. I touch Liam’s face softly. Rubbing my thumb along his whiskers. I look into his perfect, sweet eyes and tell him. “You have come into my life and made everything better. I’ve fallen in love with you, Liam.” The immediate sparkle in his eyes and smile on his face puts my heart at ease.
“Oh Lexi, I’m so glad you feel that way because I’m in love with you and I don’t ever want to be with out you.”

Notes