He was lying awake one morning, she was still asleep. He watched her sleeping and gently caressed her hair. He was so amazed by her beauty.
She started to move a little and then she opened her eyes and looked right into his.
- Hi, she whispered and smiled at him.
- Hi, he whispered and smiled back at her.
Gently he took her hand and caressed it softly. They were still looking into each other's eyes. Then he said it, those three little words which he had wanted to say for so long.
- I love you, Abby, he said, still looking into her eyes.
Then it was like the time stood still, it felt like hours but it was only for a few seconds. A tear fell down Abby's cheek. She didn't wipe it away, she let it fall.
- What's wrong, Abby? John asked concerned.
- Nothing... she quickly answered, it's just that... no man hade ever said that to me before. I mean, Richard did say it a couple of times but he never really meant it.
- I mean it, John said and caressed her hand.
- I know you do, she said and smiled a little shy smile. I know you do, she whispered.
She was quiet for a moment and then she started to talk again:
- I'm really sorry, John. I really blew that perfect moment, she said and looked down.
- Hey, he said and lifted her chin up, looking straight into her eyes. You didn't blew anything, Abby, you didn't.
She nodded and more tears started to fall down her face.
- Hey, he said and laid his arms around her. It's alright, everything's alright.
They stayed like that for quite a while, quiet even though she was still sobering.
Then she whispered:
- I love you too, John. I really do.
He smiled into her hair and kissed her on the cheek. Then he looked into her eyes again.
- I know you do, he whispered. I know you do...