I remember his thumb pressing up under my jaw, bringing me to look into his eyes. I could see how honest he was when he called me beautiful, and by my expression he'd tilt his head and say "dont look at me that way... believe it". Long before he called me beautiful he knew I wasnt used to hearing it. When we got tired of standing we sat in his car and leaned against each other, at times he'd close his eyes.

      When he did I couldnt help but think this might be the man I marry some day, the face I come home to, that comes home to me, the body that hugs me every day, the voice that tells me he loves me, the father of my children. It's the weirdest thing to think about when you first meet someone, you know them but theres so much more to know, and this might be it. God's tugging at your heart asking you to please notice him and not turn away, because he made a promise to provide us with partners that are strong...

      Before I met Duke I thought theres no way I could deserve a man like him, but sitting there in the car looking at him I thought... I've become a Christian woman, because of my past why would the promise God makes to all not be a promise made for me? A promise he made long before I did bad things, long before I turned my life around, before I was born or thought of by anyone on earth. So looking at him I knew I deserve this, I am a woman of God, and I deserve a Man of God.

      The next day was a drag, but the day after, Sunday, March 20th, the first day of Spring, I joined Duke at church, and later had lunch with his Mother, Step Father, and Him. His mother talked to us about becoming a couple, and how much we already acted like one. In the back of Duke's mind he had settled on the idea he wouldnt ask me to become his girlfriend until after I turned 21. Now here I am, 6 days away from turning 21 and we've been together for nearly 5 months. Before we parted on that Sunday I asked where we stood, he looked at me and said "Id be honored to call you my girlfriend". I could have jumped 10 feet in the air with that comment!

      After that we were away for a few days, and in between that few days we talked about the timing of a first kiss. I had told him about this movie, "Hitch". It was hilarious but gave away some of women's secrets like how the guy should go 90% and the woman makes up the left over 10% when leaning in for the first kiss, and how 98% of women decide if they'll marry this guy based on the first kiss.

      I did tell him though that the first "I love you" doesnt need a place or time, words like that make memories. So here's ours, I sat at work and told him this, at that very moment he blurted out "I love you" and suddenly I couldnt stand! I had to grab the chair and take a time out from closing the till to gather myself... He just bombed me! Wait... "I love you too!" I blurted back... because it was true!

      Then he took a trip over to see me for his spring break, I let him meet a bunch of my friends and we all went out to go bowling, and enjoy eachother's company. I thought it was quite fun though he kicked our butts in it! Later that night we were alone, and I took him to the spot where I prayed and talked to God about the things I needed to change, he reached over and put the car in park, and asked to get out. The scenery was beautiful, over looking all the lights of spokane, its the perfect spot for the 4th of july to watch the display of fireworks.

      When he leaned down I thought for sure my knees had buckled and I was leaning away, I felt so week I gripped his shirt and shoulders because I suddenly didnt think I could stand. But he planted one right on me, and I felt my heart skip a few beats, fireworks go off in my stomach, I swear my leg almost popped! It was wonderful! He reached out to move the hair behind my ear and I noticed his hand was shaking, so I grabbed it and asked if he was okay. While nodding he asked, "Am I the one?" I started laughing and nodded my head.

Yes... Yes he is the one.