"I love you." Three words. Three words that mean so very much. I want to put them away, like precious treasures, to be taken out on special occasions, for fear of damage. He says them so easily, and I see the words reflected in his beautiful blue eyes, shining with hope. He wants – needs – deserves – an answer, but I can't speak. I can only hold him tighter, afraid that if I move, this moment will turn to glass and shatter. His strong arms cradle me gently, and I would stay here forever if I could, but we can't. He has to leave, and I don't know if I'll ever see him again. Suddenly the words come to me, and I say them quietly, "I love you too, Zack." He smiles, and as he walks out of the church, I pray that he'll come home safe.
The next time he tells me he loves me, it's seven years later, and I love him more than ever.