It Happened Like This

He was feeling so guilty after the party at Joe's, despite my efforts to console. We were huddled up in the dark and he was mustering up the strength that I have been trying to find. He reached over me and turned on the light on my side of the bed, and with tears in his eyes he looked deep into mine and said, "Emily, I love you. I wanted to tell you long ago, but I was afraid I would scare you away." And I smiled, and with tears in my eyes, I said, "I love you, too." God, to feel that way. It is just incredible.