The lights in the house were off as he walked in through the laundry room, noticing all of his shirts hanging to dry and his clothes folded into neat stacks on the shelves of the room, intermingled with Gwen’s things, notably, he bras that hung from hooks on the wall. Once again he smiled. The low hum of the dishwasher was running as he walked into the kitchen, the only illumination was from the dimmed track lighting in the ceiling. He smiled, noting the shining counter tops and Gwen’s half eaten sandwich sitting on the counter next to a near empty glass of milk. Continuing his journey, he made his way into the formal living area, virtually untouched since his departure, with the exception of a pile of un-opened wedding gifts in a corner. She had waited for him to open them, he smiled. Making his way into the family room, he saw the light of and heard the low sound of the TV. Walking into the room, he noticed Gwen cuddled up in a ball on the overstuffed couch, wrapped up in a blanket. She was peacefully sleeping and she looked so small in comparison to the big couch. He melted. Approaching her smiling form, he realized for the first time that they were living as husband and wife. She had thought of him while he was away and had done so many things for him. Small as they were, she had done them because she loved him and because she was his wife. He sat down on the floor in front her, willing himself not to touch her, just to study this beautiful woman who had made all of his dreams come true. Unable to contain the need to feel her, he reached out to touch her face, noting the peaceful smile that so subtly lit her face. As he made contact with her skin, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled, this time, it illuminated her, making her shine with radiance. Nick felt himself falling in love with her all over again.

Rather than speaking, Gwen reached out and touched the side of his face with her small hand, the same look of total admiration apparent on her own face. Mechanically, she wrapped both arms around his neck as he slowly stood, taking her with him. He reached down and picked up her legs, then begin to carry her out of the family room and up the stairs to the familiar bedroom.