…Someday when I'm awfully low, when the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you and the way you look tonight….

We laugh together. Honestly, I don't know what she's laughing at but I find myself joining in anyway. God, she's beautiful. I reach out my hand. I touch her cheek gently. "You're so beautiful." I have never seen her blush this hard. It's probably the setting, the mood here that gets her to do that.

"Thanks." She replied quietly. She looks away for a moment then looks back at me. "Your family's really great."

"Yeah…" I take a moment to look at them. My mom and dad are dancing slowly. They are looking into each other's eyes, so in love. My brother and his wife, the newly weds, are an exact replica of my parent's state. My other brother is dancing with my baby sister. I smile contently, "…they are aren't they."

She has a look on her face as she watches them dance. I know that look. It's the look of a person who wants to be head over heels in love as well. I always used to have that on my face too, whenever I watched Sam and his fiancee (now wife) together. There's a different look on my face now.

I watch her gaze longingly at something she wants in her life, true love. She turns to me and gives me one of her heart-melting smiles. I hold my hand against her cheek again. She puts her hand on top of mine.

Yes, I have a different look on my face. It's the look of a man in love.

…Oh but you're lovely, with your smile so warm and your cheeks so soft there is nothing for me but to love you just the way you look tonight…

Finally, I find the courage to get up. I hold my hand out to her, "Care to dance?" I hope she doesn't notice I'm shaking. Please…

She looks up hesitantly at first but then she takes my hand. "Why not?" She answered. "It's not like I have anything better to do anyway." She laughed.

I lead her up to the dance floor. I place my arm around her waist. I hold her hand in my free hand. She seems kind of tense in my arms. "It's just me, Connie."

We sway to the soft music. It takes a little while but she finally relaxes and leans her head on my chest. I hold her hand closer to my heart and lean my head on hers. I take in her smell and close my eyes. This feels so right. "Have I told you how great you look?"

"Stop it already I'm running out of things to say." She whispered. "You look nice in that tux." I let go of her. She's caught by surprise with my reaction. "What did I say?"

"Nice?! That's all you can say? Nice?" I declared with mock sarcasm. I pretend to look hurt. "I spent a lot of cash to look like this! How can you say that!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." She giggled as I take her back into my arms. "You look handsome."

"That's more I like it."

...With each word your tenderness grows tearing my fear apart, and that laugh that wrinkles your nose, touches my foolish heart…

The newly weds have finally gone off to their honeymoon. There're less people around now. The busboys (and girls) are cleaning up the tables. Connie and I have made our way to my family room. We talk some more.

"Nice place you got here." She said as she marveled at the furnishings. She was walking around but then she stopped to look at the pictures right above the fireplace. "Cute kid."

I take my place next to her and leaned over to look at the picture. "That's me. Hockey camp when I was five." I put my arms around her waist. She places her arms on mine as she makes herself comfortable in my embrace. "I got an award for being the most improved player."

"Hmmm…" I didn't notice she had closed her eyes. She was leaning against me. I guess she was quite comfortable now.

I had to try so hard not to kiss her. God, she's beautiful. I just took the time and stared at her. I tried to memorize her face. And when I thought I already had, I broke the silence. "Thanks for agreeing to go to the wedding with me."

Connie opened her eyes slowly. "Thank you."

I couldn't restrain myself any longer. I felt my pulse racing, my heart pounding in my chest. I tilt her head toward mine and slowly moved forward to kiss her. So close now.

"BUDDY!" The door suddenly swung open. My brother is standing in front of it.

Dammit! Just my luck! Connie slipped out of my arms, turning beet red. So much for not being able to restrain myself.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" My brother teased, grinning from ear to ear.

Man did I want to punch him out! "No, actually you had perfect timing." I sneered. I reach for Connie's hand. "Sorry."

"It's okay." She smiled. I'll never grow tired of seeing that. "It's getting pretty late. I have to get home soon."

"I'll drive you." I then lead her out of the room. My brother shoots me a 'you dog you' look. I give him the finger.

…Lovely, never never change. Keep that breathless charm. Won't you please arrange it 'cause I, I love you just the way you look tonight…

I park the car right in front of her house. "So…"

"So…" She turns to face me.

"I guess this is it."

I step out of the car and make my way to the other side. I open the door for her and hold out my hand to help her up. Once she got out, I shut the door. I walk her up to the door, not knowing what to say. She takes her keys out of her handbag and opens the door. She turns to face me.

"Thanks for a wonderful evening."

"No problem. Anytime you need one, you know how to--" I never got to finish what I had to say.

She placed her lips on mine. It took me a moment to believe what was happening and when I did I placed my arms around her and kissed her back passionately. She placed her hands on my chest while I had mine on her waist. After what seemed like forever, we pulled back, trying to catch our breathe. I place my hand on her face and move in for another kiss. She dodges it and beams at me.

"Good night. Drive safely." With that she walks in the door and closes it slowly.

"Sweet dreams, Connie." I whisper and then make my way back to the car. I let out a whoop of joy before I drive back home.

…Just the way you look tonight…

*****

I close the door slowly once I got inside. I leaned on it afterwards. Oh god, that was incredible. I touch my lips lightly and still can't believe I'd done that. I usually let the guy make the moves.

"Connie, is that you honey?"

"Yeah mom!" I say as I make my way to the kitchen. I ruffle the hair on my brother's head and grab a piece of the cookies they're baking.

"Had a good time?" My mom asked with a sweet smile on her face. I must still have a stupid smile on my face.

"Uh huh." I mumbled. "I'll go up to my room now." ..before you start grilling me for details and giving me a lecture… I walk up to the stairs and make my way to my room. You're still smiling, Cons. Get over it like now!

"Oh and honey, " Good lord what now?! "Guy has been calling all night." I stop dead in my tracks. "He says it's important and you should call him back anytime, no matter how late."

Crap!