Where Time Stands Still

by N.S. Perkins

“I know, sweetheart. I know.”

head. “I don’t care that you don’t love yourself enough to believe I’d be lucky to be with you.” A kiss is pressed to the crown of my hair. “We’ll work on that, and in the meantime, I’ll love you enough for the both of us.”

The smile Aaron gives me in return makes me regret not telling him sooner. He needs to be this happy all the time. And from now on, ensuring this will be my mission. Leaning forward, he whispers above my lips, “You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”

Abruptly, I climb on my tiptoes and kiss him like I’ve wanted to kiss him for months. Like he’s mine. Because he is.

This is actually happening. The true beginning of our lives.

“You look stunning, cariño,” he whispers as he takes my hands and kisses the knuckles. I don’t think I could ever tire of hearing those words. Of feeling this way. “You’re not so bad yourself,”

Aaron isn’t simply holding my hands now. His fingers are intertwined with mine and squeezing hard, as if holding on for dear life. His eyes are shiny. Mine probably are too.

“I will always wish I could have more time with you, Aaron. No amount of years will ever be enough.” I swallow. “But even though our time will likely be cut short, I’ll cherish it with all I have. Because it was, and still is, everything.” Aaron leans his forehead to mine, sniffling.

“I know forgetting scares you, and I get it. I get it so much. But don’t worry about our memories, cariño. They’re safe with me.”