If Only...

PROLOGUE

There I was, out of breath, on top of a tree in the woods in the middle of the night on my 18th birthday, screaming my throat out, when he took my hand and looked into my eyes.

"You are the butterflies in my belly as I scream."

I frowned as he guided my hand onto his belly, but listened.

"You are the beats of my heart as I stand ten feet off the ground

You are my lack of breath; and my precious breath

You are the wind in my hair

You are the blood in my veins

You are the thrill in my limbs."

My heart started to beat faster as he guided my hand over his own. His eyes pinioned me in place, and I was falling into them.

"You are the cold on my skin

You are the warmth in my belly

You are the moonshine in my eyes

You are the smell of August and of life

You are the touch of night-beautiful and mysterious

You are the satisfaction in my soul

You are the fear in my mind

And the love in my heart."

My hand ended right above his beating heart, and with tears in my eyes, looking into his, I knew. I knew right then.

This is where I belong. This is home.