Heat of the Heart: A Firefighter's Love Story

Constellation

His fingers lingered near my cheek as he tucked the piece of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle and warm. I feel a flutter in my stomach

"So actually I have a confession," he began with a soft smile, "I had something planned for today. I wanted to keep it a surprise, but I can't resist spoiling it a little. I've been trying to buy time until they opened."

"Oh?" I raise my eyebrow as I feel curious and excited. "What do you have in mind?"

His eyes lit up as he reach into his pocket pulls out his phone showing me purchase ticketso his phone. "Ever been to the planetarium?"

I shake my head, surprised by the thoughtfulness of his choice. "No, actually. I always wanted to, though." thinking back to my decorated bathroom
He must have seen it.

"Well, consider that wish granted," he says looking almost pleased with himself. "They've got this exhibit on constellations and galaxies. I just thought it might be something you would like."

We walk together through the park, our steps begin to fall in sync as we headed to the planetarium just a few blocks away. I glance over at him, and he met my eyes with a smile and his hand reaches out to lightly brush against mine. The small gesture felt almost intimate.

The planetarium was quiet and dimly lit, and as we enter the main hall there was a soft blue light illuminating the displays around us. He guided me to a spot near the center, where the domed ceiling projected a stunning view of the night sky.

It was utterly magical.

We sat down and he leans a little closer to me, his voice seemed like a soft murmur next to my ear. "Ever think about how small we really are, looking up at all of this?"

I nod my voice coming out hushed. "It's strange but comforting, too. Like... even the big things we go through are just tiny moments in the grand scheme of it all."

He seemed like he was considering my words, and when he finally looked over at me and I met his gaze there held a depth that sent a thrill through me. "Sometimes, it helps me put things into perspective. Makes the hard days a little easier."

His words remind me maybe we both have our histories we wish didn't happen.

The lights dim slowly, and a soft, immersive soundtrack fills the room as the presentation begins. Stars appeared above us and they seem to swirling in patterns and some form constellations while others expanded outward, creating endless galaxies. It was beautiful, and somehow being there with him somehow made it even more surreal.

Thoughtful, nobody has ever done something like this for me.

A few minutes into the show, he reached over and he grabs my hand his fingers intertwining with mine. The warmth of his hand in mine felt nice he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

When the over head lights returned, we stayed seated for a moment, both of us reluctant to leave the calm space we'd found together. Finally, he turned to me with a quiet smile. "I hoped you'd like it."

"I loved it," I said honestly as I meet his eyes. "Thank you for bringing me here."

He shrugged with a soft laugh, but I could see the satisfaction in his eyes. "Figured it was somethingty liked based on your decoration choices." he says with a small chuckle. "But there's one last part of our adventure I'd like to share if you're up for it."

I nod eagerly, following him back outside, where the evening sky was beginning to turn a soft pink. He opened my door and helped me in. I bluckle up and he closes the door. He drove us to a quiet spot near open field he reached in the back and pulled out a bag he had a small blanket and thermos. He spread the blanket on the grass, and we sat down, cozying up with the warmth of hot chocolate he'd brought along.