Tears of Heaven - A Love Story

Tears -

Thirteen
The next morning I awakened to the warmth of Sergei's muscular arms around me. I quietly gazed at his face as he lay sleeping and couldn't resist touching the shadow of stubble on his cheek. My mind and heart marveled anew that this man was now my husband. I couldn't help wondering what I had done to deserve such a blessing. I continued to caress his face, then softly trailed a finger across his lips.
He slowly opened his eyes and smiled at me, causing me to melt inside. Somehow I knew he would always have that effect on me.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice raspy.
I moved forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “Good morning.”
“Mmmm” he growled as he held me closer. “I am very glad that you decided to give up your housekeeping position and marry me instead.”
I smiled and pressed my face in the hollow of his neck, breathing in the scent that was his. “I am too. I like the added benefits of this job.”
“Really? Added benefits? What added benefits?” Sergei asked, teasing.
“This, for one,” I said, kissing him warmly, igniting the passion between us once more.
A long while later he said, “I appreciate those benefits as well.”
* * *
Sergei and I spent half the day touring Dam Square, the main tourist area of Amsterdam. I kept a hold of his hand as we wove back and forth, making our way through the large crowds.
I took pictures of the entire square, including numerous ones of the Royal Palace to add to my collection of photos of Stockholm's Royal Palace. Both buildings were indescribable. We did some shopping for souvenirs. We even bought a couple of pairs of wooden clogs. I didn't know how often I would wear mine, but they were pretty to look at.
We enjoyed a delicious brunch at the famed Cafe Luxembourg. The dining area was spacious and the atmosphere was laid back and relaxing. We dined on onion soup, Belgian shrimp croquettes, and finished up with upside down warm apple cake that Sergei declared the most delicious dessert he had ever tasted.
We spent some time in the Van Gogh Museum and I was absolutely enthralled. We were told the museum holds the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, as well as the paintings of numerous other artists. I had never really been into art, but I couldn't deny that the pieces there were incredible. Though Van Gogh's life was tragic, his works were glorious!
We went from one place to the next and I continually snapped pictures. Throughout the day Sergei would occasionally pull me into one of the small alleyways, lock me in his strong arms and steel a kiss or two. His kisses always wove such a spell of passion over me that anyone passing by usually went unnoticed. The warmth of his arms and the intoxication of his kisses made me oblivious to everything but him. And looking into his eyes as he parted his lips from mine, I could tell that I had the same effect on him.
It truly felt wonderful to be in love.
 * * *
That evening after dinner, we went to a jazz concert, and spent a lot of time out on the dance floor. Sergei was a terrific dancer, and the envious stares of the women around us made me marvel anew that I was blessed with this amazing man as my husband.
By the middle of the evening we returned to our intimate table in the corner and spent the rest of it completely wrapped up in each other, sharing warm conversation, loving gazes, and tender kisses. And though we were having an enjoyable time, we looked forward with anticipation to being alone again.
Our time in Amsterdam was amazing and memorable. And I would cherish it always, just as I would every single moment I was able to be with Sergei.