So my guy and I met a few months ago at church. We’ve been dating for almost a month now, and decided this afternoon to meet and do a day of our Bible study together.

Well, we finished the reading and decided to take a walk on a trail that was near the library we were at. As we’re walking and having a wonderful time and conversation, we stoped at a park bench near the trail.

It’s a little chilly here in Virginia. Nothing nasty, but I was a bit cold, so he put his arm around me. We’ve been pretty strict with boundaries up until now... making sure we don’t go too fast and that it’s not a physical relationship but an actual serious relationship with intentions and purpose. I admire that he agreed to that with me!!

So anyway, arm around me, and I have my head against his chest, and notice his heart beating so so fast.

“Aw.... your hearts all fast.” I teased.

“Only when I’m with you...” he replied, smiling. We chatted aimlessly for a few minutes. And I looked up at him at one point, our faces close. He looked me in the eyes, and the look on his face.... he wasn’t paying attention to what I was saying.

“What?” I asked, smiling.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to move or I’ll kiss you.” He said, chuckling. We’ve agreed, a kiss is an act of love. We’re not gonna do it until we’re sure. Until the moment is right.

“Toldya you can’t kiss me til you love me.” I whisper , laying my head back on him.

“It’s interesting, isn’t it? Love, I mean.” He said. We talked for a minute about how peculiar it is that love just sneaks up on you and one day you’re head over heals.

“What about you? Where are you with me?” He asked. His arm was trembling ever so slightly. I kept my face down and whispered, “You know, I have to say I love you. I love your personality, I love everything about you.... I do love you.”

There’s a pause. And the he says.

“I.... love you too. You know, that’s what it is. Such a hard thing to say but it’s true.”

I lift my head a bit, my nose right under his chin. He ducks his head and gently kisses my nose, making me smile again.

His arm tightens around my shoulder, and suddenly we’re face to face, and the world around me disappears. All I see is his eyes, and he leans forward so our foreheads touch.

“I don’t even know how to kiss...” I say, smiling, almost embarrassed. I’ve never done this before. He lifts my chin with his hand ,

“Sh... I just wanna see your eyes.” He smiles, and my heart melts. His eyes... so deep... so caring.... are closer, closer....

Then our noses are together.

“You’re shaking.” He whispers... so, so close.

“I’m nervous.” I whisper back, heart pounding.

He slowly leans in, and for once I’m going nowhere. I’ve been hurt by guys before... I’ve never willingly given anyone this. But for him I stay. And all of a sudden his lips are on mine. So incredibly soft and gentle, unlike any experience I’ve ever had. I kiss him back, the whole moment tender. We are one, and the world stops for a second.

We break away, looking into each others eyes,

“I love you.” He says. And I know he means it. His brown eyes are full of it.... his lips convey it.

This time I’m the one who leans forward.