Original image via Flickr Creative Commons courtesy of EffingFoodie
Afternoon sun poured through the window, warming and brightening our white cotton sheets. I nestled against him and looked into his soft, brown eyes. Lacing my fingers through his, I asked the question I'd wanted to ask since it became clear God was healing me.
"Why did you stay?"
He blinked at me.
"I want you to be honest," I said. "I won't be offended. Was it for the kids? Because divorce would've been too expensive? Because it was the right thing to do?"
He tucked a wayward strand behind my ear and looked past me, lost in thought. "Leaving never crossed my mind. Preparing for your death--that was the hard part."
A shadow passed through his eyes. I knew the time he referenced. I didn't want to think about those days.
"But why?" I pressed.
His eyes locked with mine. "Well, I made promises in front of a room full of people. To you. To God. That's kind of a big deal. And besides"--the corner of his mouth twitched--"I like you a little bit."
Ladies and gentlemen, the man I married.
Brandon Keaster, I don't tell you often enough how wonderful you are. So let me tell you now--you are wonderful.
And clever! Clever enough to trick me into asking you on a date 13 years ago.
Thank you for the chocolate chip pancakes that night and for loving, honoring, and protecting me every day since. Thank you for keeping your promises when it's hard. My heart is yours forever.
Happy anniversary of the night I decided to be your wife, Superman.
I like you a little bit, too.
P.S. Give up already. I'm never gonna find a better man than you.