Trudging my way up into the green hills and bronze-colored soil pathways as the sun rays catch the dust in shafts that reach the forest floor, I am content.

My eyes meet the leaves and ferns, wafting in the stiff breeze, the breeze caresses my cheeks, I spread my arms and close my eyes, inhaling, and letting in fill my lungs. Blessed air tinged with forest dew. Organic and magnificent, bringing a smile to my lips as I exhale it out, allowing my eyes to open.

My gaze travels upward as I continue on, to the sound of the rattling woodpecker batting away at the distant redwoods, and the loon i hear, warbling in the distance.

I come upon the house - a quaint, medium-sized dwelling with an open porch in the front, a load of firewood beside the entrance door. I sweated chopping it yesterday, I don't much feel like sweating anymore today. But the harder work is done.

Making my way inside, I set down the groceries on the wood and brick island, mid kitchen, setting the fruits and veggies int he fridge, having jsut come from the farmer's market jsut down the road.

I think to call out your name, but then decide against it, thinking it's better to let you sleep in. Groceries put in their places, I quietly make my way to the living room. The paper is on the coffee table. I check for the movie showtimes, knowing there was a romance you mentioned wanting to see last week.

I tiptoe into the bedroom...and I'm in awe fo what I see. I've seen it so many times before, but today, on this morning, I am more appreciative and grateful. You are asleep, your beauty bathed in shafts of golden sunlight, your chest rising and falling evenly, and you face serene and content. I can't help but stare in awe for a few precious moments. I cant help but think on how extremely lucky I am, that someone with your heart, your intelligence, your beauty, made your way into my life... and enhanced it. Made it more whole, made me more grateful for my own life, that I was able to share it with you.

I kneel beside your face at the head of the bed. Your eyes flutter open. I'm sorry, I say. Hope I didn't wake you. You shake your head no and tell me you were dreaming. Was it a good dream? I ask. You give me your best tired grin, and whisper in my ear. "I dunno if I've woken up yet. You're still here." I gently climb into bed with you, and morning turns to afternoon. The groceries bought. The woods chopped. The birds sing. Breakfast will keep.

I want this time with you. This is ours, just this. Your in my arms, listening to my steady hearbeat and threatening to fall into blissful sleep yet again. And it's okay. I'm not sure I've woken up, either. Don't want to. where we dwell is a place where our dreams live and thrive. Maybe not for all time, but for this time... our home is a happy one.

*****Comments and feedback encouraged and appreciated! Thanks for reading!****

how romantic!!!

You paint very vivid images with the brushstrokes of your words. The insulated cove you described is enviable

Thank you.