Preface
"Take my hand." I turned to watch her walk behind me, her curls bouncing and that soft sweet beautiful smile spread across her face, as she stepped ever so gracefully. "Come on, you'll love it." I said as I turned back away from her. I led her down a wooden bridge far into the forest. My insides were churning as we became closer and closer to our destination. This couldn't be anymore perfect, nothing was more perfect than her.
"Where are we going?"
"Sh, you'll see." I stopped in my tracks and dropped her hand. Her expression turned to confusion as I turned around to face her. "Close your eyes." She did as I took both of her hands guiding her towards me. I helped her over a rock and set her down on a smooth stone path. "Open them."
I heard her gasp as her surprise was revealed. This entire waterfall decorated with lit candles highlighting the night as the water fell. She pressed her hands to lips, the smile never leaving her face. "This is my surprise?" She turned towards me sliding her hands around my neck.
"I spent all day setting it up. I wanted you to have a good birthday." I felt the smile creep across my face.
"This is the best birthday anyone could ever ask for?"
I slid my hands around her waist. "So, you like it?"
"I love it." She pressed her lips to mine and I knew that in this moment she was happiest. She was in love, she was going to remember this moment forever. But as she pulled away, her delicate eyes still closed, hiding her beautiful green eyes, I felt a soreness in my throat. She needed a moment like this, something to enjoy before she found out the truth, about what might be coming for her, what might already be watching her. She had no idea and was so kept in the dark, the thought of her finding out scared me, like this would scare her.
"Let's go for a swim!" She said stepping back and climbing down the rock. I hid the worry from my face and forced a smile, "Sure, babe, let's go for a swim."