With Every Breath I Take

Epilogue: Love Me Tender

Dining on the pier at Malibu was one of the most romantic dates Theo had planned. As I stared out at the ocean waves, I remembered our time in Greece —almost a year ago— and how much Theo and I bantered. I would never have guessed Theo was interested in me romantically. Then, we had our first kiss in his hotel room and things just skyrocketed from there. And, of course, he ruined it all by making me believe he was ashamed of me.

It had been six months since our second first date when Theo took me to watch the ballet rehearsal. After that night, I realized I missed dancing. When I told Theo about my thoughts, he made a phone call and I was offered a job interview with the dance company we went to watch that night. And not long after that, I was given a position as a dance instructor. I had a very busy schedule with my yoga and dance classes, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

Theo had spent the last six months courting me and showing me how proud he is of me. We started our relationship from zero, and I made him work hard for every step forward. After we made up, he wanted to plan a dinner with his parents —so we could finally get to know each other—but I made him wait a few weeks. I decided to take things in my own hands and communicate when I was ready to move ahead in our relationship. Theo claimed he understood and treated me with the utmost patience.

As I grabbed my drink and took a sip, Theo reached for my hand and caressed my wrist. "Sweetheart, would you excuse me for a moment?" he asked. "I need to use the restroom."

I nodded. "Of course."

I watched him stand up from the table and walk toward the entrance of the restaurant. I turned back to face the beautiful view and quickly snapped a photo. Theo still refused to create any social media accounts, but I posted photos on mine all the time. I was busy uploading the picture when I felt someone approaching the table. As I looked up, I saw Theo's parents smiling at me. What? What were they doing here?

"Hi Thalia," Noelle said as she handed me a postcard. Albert passed me one as well. And then, he grabbed Noelle's hand and they walked away.

I watched them leave the table, dumbfounded and speechless. I looked down at the postcards and read the notes.

My gorgeous Thalia, I'm so blessed you gave me a second chance. You have such a beautiful and forgiving heart. I'm honored to be the one you've chosen to give your love to. Thank you for your kindness and affection.

I stared at the message for a minute then read the second postcard.

Thank you for the sweet smiles you give me every morning.

I was trying to understand the meaning of the postcards when I was approached by my dad and brothers. They each handed me a postcard and walked away, without saying a word. I looked down and read the following messages.

Thank you for your warm hugs and kisses.

Thank you for offering to listen to me after a hard day.

Thank you for supporting me no matter what.

Before I could finish reading the messages, my sister-in-law, Maggie, walked up to me with my nephews and they each handed me a postcard. Then, Athena and Alex walked up to me with their postcards. After them, Teeny ran up, handing me her postcard. Nico and Nina showed up with their kids. And even, my Aunt Dianne and Uncle Leo stopped by with their postcards.

Once I finished reading all the notes, Theo walked back to our table dressed as Elvis. He stood in front of me and started singing, 'Love Me Tender.'

When he finished the song, he dropped to his knees and held my hand. "Sweetheart, I'm so grateful to have you in my life. I didn't deserve a second chance but I'm so blessed you gave me one. I'm honored to have your love and I'm down on my knees asking you to always love me." I watched as he pulled out a ring from his pocket and stared into my eyes. With tears running down his cheeks and shaking hands he lifted the ring to my finger. "Baby, will you love me forever? Will you marry me?" he whispered.

It took a minute for me to process what was happening, but —finally— I smiled and nodded at him. "Yes," I croaked as I threw myself into his arms. I heard our family and friends cheer and holler, but I stayed in Theo's arms.

Theo hugged me tightly and refused to let me go. "You've made me the happiest man in the world," he said, as his lips closed in on mine and he kissed me breathless.