Crystal,

Can you believe it's been almost a year since I met you out front on that blustery fall day and fixed your windshield wiper? I remember the butterflies I felt when I blurted out, "Would you like to go to lunch?" and my mind reeling as the words came out. "What are you DOING?", I kept asking myself as we walked into Maria's and sat together, wanting so badly to reach across the table and take your hand in mine. Listening to you cry as everything poured out; the mix of frustration, anger and hurt was almost more than I could bear. I had always been attracted to you on so many levels, but here was a side I had never seen. It was at that moment I knew that there was more than just the innocent gesture of having lunch together. I'd known it for months but had never dared acknowledge the feelings I had for you. And I swore as I sat across from you in that booth, that were I lucky enough to share my life with you, you would never feel the way you did that day because I had neglected to show you how much I loved you and how much you mattered to me.

I left that day and had no idea of what lay ahead for us. I remember wondering what you were thinking when you went back to work - were your thoughts and emotions fighting inside of you as mine were? I thought about you all night and in the morning, the first thing I did was text you to see how you were doing. Again, I knew I shouldn't, but couldn't help but reach out to you. By the end of the day, there we were, together in the park talking and enjoying each other's company, sharing a moment I didn't want to end.

That moment would come to a close when we finally acknowledged it was time to go home. But since those first days together, there hasn't been a day where we've been apart. Even in the most difficult circumstances, we managed to find a way to snatch even the briefest moment of time to see each other.

And very soon, I knew I'd completely fallen for you. No more denying it, no more rationalizations - I was head-over-heels in love with you. And when you first said the words, "I love you too" it was like my very soul had be reawakened.

Today, I keep thinking of all the experiences we've shared together and how strong our love has grown through even the most difficult times. I think of that and can't wait to see how much stronger a couple we'll be as time goes on.

p.s. - I love you

Dan