When darkness fell, Joe and Kathleen walked hand-in-hand through the twinkling lights of the Upper West Side; Brinkley following obediently close behind.
Before she realized it, they had arrived at her apartment, bringing a sense of sadness. In mere minutes, this perfect day would come to an end. Suddenly, the thought of leaving Joe was almost unbearable.
As they stood face to face, Joe took her hands in his as the faint sound of traffic filled the silence between them.
"Well, I guess this is goodnight." Joe said. He leaned over and kissed her so tenderly, that she found herself fighting back tears.
"I love you, Joe."
Her voice quivered as she said the words, and immediately he kissed her again.
"And I love you."
Kathleen leaned over to pet Brinkley, smiling when he nuzzled her hand.
"Goodnight, Brinkley."
Joe turned to the Golden Retriever. "Come on, let's go home." Joe turned and walked down the steps with his faithful friend following closely behind.
Her hand on the doorknob, she was unable to tear her gaze away from them.
Joe...
When he turned around, she realized that she must have said his name out loud. Seconds later he was beside her, holding her in his arms.
"I-I'm sorry." She apologized. "I just..."
Joe ran his hand through her hair.
"I hate saying goodnight too, Sweetheart."
Kathleen held him close, breathing in the scent of his cologne.
"Joe?"
"Mmmm hmmmm?" He answered while trailing kisses down her neck.
"Now that we've... found each other... Will you..."
Joe stopped kissing her, and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
"Anything, Sweetheart. Just ask."
"Will you still e-mail me?"
The question made him smile, and he hugged her, surprising her when he picked up her small frame and twirled her around.
"Joe!" Kathleen laughed as he gently sat her down. I guess I can take that as a 'yes'!"
"I would love to e-mail you." Joe said as Kathleen leaned in for one last kiss.
"Goodnight." Joe whispered. The dog followed him down the steps and onto the sidewalk, stopping only to wait for Joe to blow a kiss to Kathleen.