A/N Here is the "the talk" and I sincerely hope that it lives up to people's expectations. A special thank you to r4ven3 and Sparky75 for their comments and taking time to assist a newbie such as myself.
(Harry) Ruth has agreed to go with me for dinner and also has agreed that we will use the time to begin to get to know one another away from the grid. I am so happy that I'm almost afraid to invest myself in the outcome of our dinner for if it goes badly, I'm not sure that I will be able to risk myself in this way again. There are so many reasons why it is not a good idea for her and I plan on bringing some of them into the discussion so Ruth knows the implications for her. But most of all, I want her to know that I love her and why. She is my reason for getting up in the morning and I want to be better, for her.
I am willing to take my time and not rush her into anything with which she is not comfortable for I can be a very patient man when the result is worth it in the end. She is definitely worth it. If tonight goes well, I hope to have many more dinners together. If tonight goes well, I hope for us to be able to spend time at one another's homes. If tonight goes well, I have so many hopes for us that I can't begin to even voice them in my head.
(Ruth) I just had the most wonderful evening with Harry and everything about it was magnificent! When Harry picked me up, the smile on his face could have lit up the night sky. He just looked so, so…happy! And I must admit, seeing him like that made me feel the same. He was a perfect gentleman the entire evening and the only time the smile left his face was when he got serious and started to discuss the challenges in store for me if we pursued having a personal relationship. A flash of apprehension dashed across his features when he began talking about the risk of a relationship with him and he looked as if he was preparing himself for disappointment.
There are "challenges" for both of us if we continue to see each other outside of work and I understand that, as does he. I was able to honestly tell him that I had spent many hours at home thinking over the pros and cons of getting romantically involved with him and that I was ready and willing to see where this relationship led us. I am entering this relationship with my eyes open. At that, the relief shown on his face and in his shoulders was palpable. Presently I say, risks be damned. I think that this marvelous, witty, kind, handsome and loving man is who I've been looking for…well, forever and I will do all in my power to be worthy of him.
I think that this story has come to a logical stopping point with the just the epilogue to go. Hopefully, that will be up in a few days. Thanks for reading!