Upon Waking in the Middle of the Night

    Something wakes me up. I open my eyes and glance around the room sleepily. Nothing going on, so it must just have been a dream. There's bright silvery moonlight coming in through the window, and the occasional flash of headlights as some late night driver hurries on to his destination.

    You sigh, and snuggle deeper into the pillow of my shoulder. I look down and smile. I hug you gently, careful not to wake you, and I whisper "I love you." in your ear. A small smile flits across your soft lips, and just as quickly vanishes as you sink deeper into sleep.

    I watch you breathing, your chest gently rising and falling, changing the pattern of shadows that the moon has splashed across your side. Tracing the curve of your jaw with my eyes, I stop and watch your heart beating in your throat. A slow, strong, steady beat. A stray whisp of hair has fallen across your lips, and I carefully move it aside with my free hand.

    Everything about you is relaxed. Your body is curled against mine, our legs slightly tangled. The blankets have slipped down somewhat and I slowly tug them back around your shoulders, and then slip them a bit further down as I realize that they will interfere with your breathing that way.

    Carefully, I lean forward slightly and kiss your forehead and again whisper "I love you." Although you don't respond, I know you've heard me. Perhaps it's worked its way into your dream. I rest my head back on my pillow and grin foolishly. I feel loved and trusted. My beautiful lady is curled asleep against me, feeling totally safe. I have never been so happy.