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Everything Your Heart Desires Chapter 38 The sunset had enticed Howie and Cheryl into walking the beach. They had left their sandals on the cabin�s deck and enjoyed the warm splash of the waves on their legs and the soft squish of the wet sand beneath their bare feet. Cheryl wasn�t certain the direction the night might go, but she was prepared for almost anything. Unfortunately for her, Howie wasn�t giving away any hints either. They stopped walking when they reached a secluded cove surrounded by palm trees. Surveying the area, Cheryl saw the wicker lanterns, blanket and picnic basket. Her hazel eyes widened in surprise as she turned to Howie. He shrugged. "So it wasn�t a spontaneous stroll on the beach." "How�" He silenced her with a kiss. "Ah-ah-ah," he reprimanded softly. "I don�t give away my secrets." Howie then withdrew a lighter from the pocket of his denim shorts and proceeded to light the lanterns. "Have a seat." The couple sat across from one another on the linen blanket. "Let�s see� shall we start with a glass of zinfandel?" He reached into the basket and produced two wine glasses and a miraculously still-chilled bottle of Cheryl�s favorite vintage. He filled each glass three-quarters full before handing one to her. "Something�s missing though. I know." Howie reached back into the basket, carefully withdrew a dozen roses and arranged them in the vase that sat in the middle of the blanket. Cheryl could only stare at the blooms. She knew from the past couple of months that he was working toward this moment gradually. The flowers at work. The night of the apology. Saying goodbye in Boston. But this time the bouquet was entirely made up of red roses. Cheryl turned her gaze back to the handsome man in front of her. "I love you," he whispered. It was the first time either of them had said the "L" word aloud. The foundation for the feelings was there since the moment they�d met at Pleasure Island. The emotion had always been understood, now it was official. Her boyfriend caressed her cheek with his hand nervously awaiting her reply although not doubting for a minute what it would be. He saw the tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. "Howie�" She set her drink on the sand beside her. �Howie�I�I love you, too, so much." He closed the space between them enveloping her in his secure embrace. One of the tears that had threatened to spill from his eyes earlier chose to slide down his cheek now. They held each other � neither wanting to let go just yet. Instead reveling in the moment. The waves crashed against the shore. The darkness finally fell upon them. The lanterns provided a warm glow. Howie reluctantly pulled himself from her. "Now to finish that toast," he said with a shy smile. "To our past, present and future � together�" Howie�s chocolate brown eyes met hers in an intense stare. "�I love you." They reached for their wine and each raised the glass before taking a small swallow. "After that, I�m anxious to see your reaction to the rest of the basket�s contents." He reached his hand in and pulled out containers of cold roasted chicken, potato and fruit salads and, to top it all, slices of angel food cake. "I�m not going to ask, but I will wonder exactly how you pulled this off," Cheryl teased as Howie handed her a plate filled with the goodies. They settled into comfortable chatter as they ate � even feeding each other chunks of melon and the occasional strawberry. After dinner, Howie "found" a battery-operated boombox in the bushes and slipped in a tape he�d dubbed especially for the trip. Cheryl rested comfortably between his legs and leaned against his chest.As I look into your eyes I see all the reasons why My life�s worth a thousand skies You�re the simplest love I�ve known And the purest one I�ll own Know you�ll never be alone The familiar sounds of Marc Anthony filled the air as Howie folded his arms around her. They rocked back and forth to the music saying hardly a word except an occasional declaration of love. There�s no more just getting by You�re the reason I feel so alive Though these words I sing are true They still fail to capture you As mere words can only do How do I explain that smile And how it turns my world around� They watched the stars twinkle against the now midnight blue sky. Enjoyed the smell of the ocean air mixed with faint scent of Tommy Girl and Cool Water. Howie kissed the spot behind her ear lightly and heard Cheryl�s contented sigh. "Can we stay like this forever?" she asked rhetorically as she turned to gaze as his handsome face. I will soothe you if you fall I�ll be right there if you call You�re my greatest love of all My baby you Are the reason I could fly And �cause of you I don�t have to wonder why "WE can stay as long as you want," he returned. Cheryl rested her head on his shoulder, understanding fully the statement�s double meaning. "I love you, Howie." "I love you, too, Cher."Next: Chapter 39 |