It was New Year's Eve, and I stood at the base of the Wheel of Seattle. The screams from the Needle could be heard from here. Everyone had their dates and beers, and I was alone for the first time in a long time. As I readied to board a gondola, I heard the attendant tell a tourist that there was a minimum of two to ride. I looked over and the man looked familiar. I tapped the attendant's shoulder and told him that I was also alone. He asked the man if he was willing to share with me. He was. My heart skipped a beat. His voice was like silk, and sharing the gondola meant that I had no excuse to bail out. I was scared to ride the Wheel. Scared, too, to share a ride of terror with a complete stranger when it wasn't supposed to be scary at all.

I buckled in on the seat opposite to him and looked out my window. When he got comfortable, he looked over at me. I peeked at him, my face worn from the old year, then turned back to the window...dreading the ride as it clunked into motion.

"You alright?" He asked. I met his eyes, equally weary and answered,

"I don't like ferris wheels...but I wanted to conquer my fear before the year was over."

"Would you like to sit with me?"

"But I am?"

"No, no. Next to me." He patted the seat next to him. His smile was inviting, and I felt no reason to fear him. I stood, pulling my shawl closer to me. One step over and the accent began. I stumbled, but managed to sit down without bumping into him. Nearing the top, I covered my eyes. Too high, too fast. The slowest ferris wheel in the world would be too fast for me. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I peeked through my fingers. The man was looking at me, a small smile curling on his lips.

"You can do it." He said, gripping my hand.

I looked at him surprise, but allowed the touch. I leaned against him and felt no shame, only contentment. I felt my fear melt away as we rose up again. I smiled as we began to count down. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1.

"Happy New year!" We cheered. As I watched the fireworks and clapped, I felt his eyes on me. I turned, and one smooth motion later his lips were on mine. How long we kissed I don't remember, and I didn't care. I felt beautiful. The fireworks were beautiful. Everything was perfect. When our lips parted I was breathless. I'd never felt such sparks. Stranger though he was, the kiss had felt like we were long lost lovers finally finding each other. He held me while we watched the fireworks finish.

Finally the wheel brought our box to the bottom and we stepped off. Hands still together, we began to dance. Slow at first, then a little silly. I laughed and laughed, and for the first time I didn't care how weird my laugh sounded. He laughed, too, and I wish for all the world that I could hear that laugh every day of my life.

"May I kiss you again before I go?" He asked gently, pulling me close and burying his face into my neck. I sighed when I felt his lips on my skin.

"Yes. But must must you g-?" he cut my words with the kiss. Deeper this time, stealing my breath once again. "Can I at least get your name?" I looked into his beautiful green eyes as I spoke. He smiled, breathless as well. From the kiss? The thrill of kissing a stranger? Who could say?

"Tom. My name's Tom."