around my waist pulling me into his chest. I angled my head to nuzzle my nose into his neck; a soft contented sigh coming from him hummed delightfully against me.
He moved his head enough to look down at me with a smile. There were no words for the way I felt in this moment—it truly is perfect. All my worries were gone. There was just us. My neck stretched up to reach his lips, the same moment he leaned down. We pulled back with the same peaceful look in our eyes and cuddled close for the remainder of the ride.
During the actual apple picking part of the trip, we each only had one free hand as we refused to release our intertwined fingers from one another. It was my job to grab the apples hanging low on the tree, while Corey held the single bag to collect them. After I’d drop one into the bag he’d place a kiss somewhere on my face—lips, nose, forehead, cheek—each time was different, but it always made me smile. We sat on the hay bales the same way we had when we were coming out to the trees.
Once we were back, Corey led us over to one of the tables on the outdoor patio. We ordered food and from what I remember it was good, but honestly I was so focused on Corey, I didn’t notice of anything else. The way the sun lit up his face when he smiled, the way he smirked at something I said. I memorized every moment of it but the best part was the way he looked at me. It was as if for the first time in my life someone was seeing me—not who I was supposed to be. I wasn’t just a family member with an obligation or another conquest he was trying to nail. I was the one he wanted to be with, and every part of that knowledge made me realize how deep I was into this.
There was no denying it anymore—I was falling in love with Corey Preston—but it took everything in me not to freak out and run off.
Every single time before I thought I was in love with someone—it shattered me. I was left broken and alone, with no one to protect my damaged heart, but me. On the other hand, the way I thought I cared about the others, was nothing compared to the way I felt right here and right now… with Corey.
When we finished eating, Corey held out his hand to me which I took without hesitation. He walked us a few steps into an non-crowded area and pulled me in for a slow dance. It didn’t matter if the only music was a soft elevator tune in the background—the music in my heart was enough. We moved together, he twirled me out and brought me back in tight, before dipping me low. After our dance was over he kissed me so deeply the world around me spun out of control. If only the real world could forever be put on pause, then there would be no doubt in my mind that I’d be with Corey.
Honestly, I’d never let this man go, if that were the case.
When we finished our dance, an older woman walked up to us, her face beaming with a grin. “You two have to be the most beautiful couple I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I have a feeling about people and I can tell that you two are going to be together forever.” Corey pulled me into his side and thanked her as I sat there in a stunned silence.
Together forever?
It felt more like a fantasy to think people were going to be together forever—it was a far-fetched idea. Not that I was going to tell this sweet old woman that.
After the apple orchard we went back to my place and spent the rest of the evening cuddled up on the couch. We ordered in and made love more times than I can count. Each time was slow and passionate, a total contrast from the way we were the night before. The only difference was, I thought last night had been amazing—this blew that memory out of the water. There was no comparison in my mind. Eventually we made our way to the bedroom where we curled up together as if we’ve been doing it for years.
* * * * Sunday morning started out the way most mornings did for us. A