Finding Love

CHAPTER 18

Developing A New Relationship

Malissa cheered on the other line as Ruth went on explaining what was happening between her and Michael. "So, we are taking it slow. David loves him already but we are just friends," Ruth informed Malissa. Malissa laughed hysterically at Ruth's suggestion. "What's so funny?" Ruth asked. "Ruth, who are you trying to convince?" Malissa began. "You and Michael are far more than friends. You both have been inseparable for the last four months. If you ask me you have formed a family. Trust me that man is in love with you and I am beginning to think you are in love with him too," Ruth explained. 

"I don't know how I am feeling when it comes to love," Ruth admitted. "You will know soon enough," Malissa stated. "Well, we are having our first dinner date without David. I am feeling nervous," Ruth admitted. Malissa giggled. "There it goes. The butterflies and unsettled stomach are signs of love my future Mrs. Cambridge," Malissa teased. "Stop creating these scenarios," Ruth laughed. Ruth sighed thinking about the gentleness Michael had shown. She knew he wanted more. He was more than a handsome man. His beauty came to the forefront from the very beginning.   This was the first time they would have an evening together. She agreed because he had been so good with David melting her heart on countless occasions. Their encounters with each other were always special. Ruth looked up and heard her doorbell ring. Malissa said her goodbyes and cheered, "I can't wait for the details."      Ruth's heart skipped a beat and she said a simple breath prayer. "Lord, I have been here before. But this time I move cautiously. Let your will be done," she said opening up her door to welcome him inside.                                                              

"Hi," Ruth said when she saw him standing at her door with a bouquet of roses. Michael's eyes lit up when he saw her. She looked radiant and beautiful like always. "Come in and thank you," she said inviting him in and smelling the roses. "You look beautiful like always," he smiled as he took a seat on the sofa next to her. "You look really nice too," she said taking in his handsome features, casual look, and masculine scent. Michael wanted her to feel comfortable around him. "Dinner will be ready soon," she said pulling a thread from off her gorgeous royal blue dress and avoiding his eyes. Ruth scolded herself for feeling this way. Michael sensed her nervousness and wanted her to be relaxed around him. He gently took her hands causing her to look up into his eyes.   "What's the matter? You know you can talk to me about anything," he said praying this brought her the tranquility she needed. Ruth looked at him with a warm smile happy to trust him. Her walls were no longer up and she was excited to be with him.

"Well, this is our first time together without David. It's just different," she admitted. He smiled drawing closer to her. "I know what you mean. But together we will get through it," he encouraged her. Michael smiled and was elated that she did not withdraw her hands from his. Together they held hands for a while interlocking fingers and exploring each other hands for a brief moment. The intimacy was quite unique compared to her past relationships. Michael's sensitivity was like nothing she ever imagined or experienced. It superseded her past relationships.

Michael lifted her hands to his lips and kissed her hands gently. Ruth's brown eyes met his blue eyes and they stared at each other without words.  Their emotions spoke volumes at the moment. Ruth broke the eye connection and said, "I have to check the oven." He watched her walk away and already missed her presence next to him. He was determined that he no longer just wanted to be her friend but her partner for life. Michael felt in his gut that Ruth would see him more than a friend. He was determined to make Ruth Dawkins permanent in his life.

They ate and enjoyed the stuffed chicken, baked potatoes, salad, and steamed vegetables she prepared. He thanked her for the scrumptious meal. They talked about their week and the activities they experienced. Michael made it a point to look at her directly when he spoke. He would have taken her out but Ruth wanted a quiet evening together. As they sat again Michael's thoughts raced in his mind. He wanted to share with her his true feelings and did not want to come on too strong. That sweet quiet, awkward but intense silence between them grew and only explained the strong feelings they had for each other. 

"Ruth," Michael began now feeling his own level of nervousness. Ruth looked at him hanging on to his words. "The last four months of my life have been amazing with you and David," he began. "I don't want this to stop. I want us from this moment on," he continued. Ruth gasped silently at his confession. He held onto her hands as both of their hearts beat rapidly. 

"Ruth, what I feel for you is far more than friendship. I want more with you. I want a relationship. I want you and David for the future," he shared from the bottom of my heart. "Ruth....." he said. "I need you to know how I am feeling inside," Michael said squeezing her hands gently. Michael was pleased he had her undivided attention. "Ruth, I am falling in love with you," he stated kissing her hands. Ruth was dumbfounded and knew she had to speak from her heart. Was she ready to go all in? She knew her words would also direct the course of their relationship.

"Michael you came into my life after much hurt and regret. I did not know I would be able to fall in love again. After fully committing to God, David came into my life, and now you. I feel totally blessed. I tried not to fall for you. But you were always kind and loving towards David and me. I will not allow fear to overtake me.  I operate in love and have a sound mind. I.......... am falling for you too and if this relationship is what God has for me, for us, I am in all the way," she said finally feeling free to express what was in her heart. 

Michael felt the well of emotions erupt from within. "Ruth, can I kiss you?" he asked as his eyes zeroed in on her lips. Ruth bit her lips and looked at him with much anticipation. She knew once she crossed this bridge there would be no turning back. She nodded slowly and his lips gently captured hers with intensity and warmth. Ruth sighed and felt goosebumps electrify her body instantaneously. Michael relished and basked in the moment savoring every moment of their kiss and her soft lips. He wanted to kiss her for months now and he would not trade this moment for anything in the world. He was in love with Ruth and she felt the same way. He could not wait to eventually propose marriage. Ruth Dawkins had officially captured his heart and he wanted hers forever.