I chuckle. I’ve heard the stories about Sara’s mom but don’t know the details.

“She’s actually pretty supportive of me lately, much to my surprise,” she adds.

“Oh, so she’s coming around?” I question.

“I guess you could say that. I guess Mom’s finally realizing that I’m not a kid anymore.”

I nod, looking out. In a way, I get it. My parents send me texts every now and then, asking how I’m doing and how Sara isdoing. They’re still not totally warmed up to the idea of her, but because they know I’m happy, they’ve let it go. If you ask me, at least for both of them, it’s a step in the right direction.

“Yeah, that’s how it is. You grow up, and then your parents realize that you can make your own decisions without having to be coddled.”

Sara nods, brushing her hand to my cheek. I grip her hand, holding it tightly.

“That’s exactly what it is. It feels surreal that I’m finally doing this. I like it, though. I don’t feel like I’m being babied anymore.”

“You’re not. You’re an adult who gets to live her adult life.”

“Exactly,” she chirps.

The skyline drapes over the horizon, and the moon appears, looking full and beautiful. We gaze upon it, indulging in the sight. Then I turn to her.

“I love you, Sara.”

Sara turns, looking at me with wide eyes.

“You . . . love?”

“I sure do. It’s not impulsive; I’ve felt this way for a while. I just couldn’t wait another moment to tell you.”

Sara’s the only person I’ve ever gone to bat for and fully supported, no matter what. She’s beautiful and desirable and I cannot imagine my life without her. I bring her hand to my lips and kiss it softly. She leans in, smiling.

“I love you too, Robert. It still feels surreal, being here like this and being able to actually say that to you.”

“Like one of those cheesy romance movies your friend likes?”

“Gee, how’d you know,” she replies.

I laugh, remembering when Katie mentioned that the first time.

“I know that we’re made for each other, two souls with hearts beating as one, and I am so happy to hear that you love me as well.”

“And Robert, I want you to know that this is not a one-way street. I plan to make you happy, however I can. Your happiness is just as important to me as my dreams. I want you to know that in your bones! I truly do love you completely. I’ve wanted to tell you that for a long time as well.” Sara is staring deeply into my eyes and I feel like a man on top of the world.

I clutch her hand tighter, refusing to let her go. Sara’s so perfect that if I needed to, I’d do anything to make sure that she’s happy. It’s what I want and what I vow to do.

“I want you to succeed, Sara. I don’t care how you do it, but if nothing else, I want you to do well, to make it through school, and to follow your dreams.”

She doesn’t say a word. I wouldn’t know what to say either if I heard this. Her face softens as she nods.

“I will, Robert. I’ll do it, if only for you.”

“Don’t do it for me. Do it for yourself,” I softly admonish her.

I grab her chin, pressing my lips to hers. She kisses me back, and I press her against the couch. The stars sparkle in the night sky, but she is my star right now. I can’t get enough of her, and Sara’s eager kissing is enough to make any man happy.

We stay like this, kissing and holding one another. As I pull back, I brush her hair out of her face. She’s like a radiant beauty, the brightest person imaginable.

“I will be there for you, Sara. No matter what.”