‘I could’ve stood there all day kissing you.’
‘Matthew . . .’ Her eyes scanned his face, reading a mix of fatigue and frustration. ‘What were you going to say today? Before Angelo arrived.’
The gentlest of smiles crept across his lips. Looking at her with his green-flecked eyes, he said, ‘I’m in love with you, Sarah.’
She threw her hands over her eyes and shook her head in disbelief, a wave of relief moving through her. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and put her hands on his chest, just as they had been that afternoon. ‘Thank God for that,’ she sighed. ‘Because I’msoin love with you.’ She lunged at him, arms wide open, causing him to fall backwards on the blanket.
Laughing at her reaction, Matthew beamed up at her. ‘Really?’
‘God, yes. It’s taken a while for me to work it out. But suddenly, I had the realisation that I wasn’t pretending anymore. No act. No façade. All my touches, my kisses. It’s all been real.’
‘To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever really truly pretended. The moment I first laid eyes on you, sitting on the floor at Sydney airport. Even then, something happened for me.’
Casting her mind back, she laughed. ‘What? The yoga leggings and takeaway juice scene?’
‘Yes. All of it. But it was watching you settle little Sophie that night. A few weeks ago. The way you just gave up your rest after a long day and you cradled her all night. That was the clincher for me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that image. That’s when I knew I loved you.’
Still on top of him she nuzzled into his chest, tucking one arm by her side, and reaching the other to caress the nape of his neck. ‘You saw that?’
‘I watched you from our bedroom door. I couldn’t look away.’
Remembering how tender and sweet the evening had been, Sarah was suddenly self-conscious. ‘No one was meant to see that.’ She shifted uncomfortably on his chest.
‘Stop it. It was so beautiful. A genuine display of the woman you are. I was in awe of you. All I could think was if I would ever be worthy of you. Deserving enough.’
‘Matthew, you are the strongest, wisest, most humble man. You constantly amaze me with your loyalty and kindness. You could have any woman out there. Anyone your heart desires.’
‘It desires you.’
‘I don’t know how or by what stroke of luck you chose me of all people to walk this journey with, but I’m glad you did. You bring out the best in me. I’m so thankful for everything.’
Matthew’s arms wrapped around Sarah’s torso, gently stroking her lower back. ‘You bring out the best in me too. Truly. And none of this would’ve happened without you. You, Sarah, have taught me what life is really all about.’
Enjoying the warmth of their embrace, they lay there quietly under the stars for some time, feeling the rise and fall of every breath between them.
‘Matteo?’ Sarah started, pulling herself up slightly from his chest.
‘Yes?’
‘Can we finish that kiss now?’
‘It would be my pleasure.’ Rolling her onto her back, Matthew leaned over Sarah, running his right hand down the entire length of her torso, finally landing on her thigh. He caressed it as he dipped down to meet her lips. ‘I wasn’t lying when I said I found every inch of you attractive. Especially this,’ he said, squeezing her thigh with anticipation of the evening to come.
Il sostegno
Throughout your marriage, your spouse will need you in different ways. The situations will differ in complexity and severity, but one constant will remain throughout it all: your partner needs you.
There is support that onlyyoucan give.
You have the emotional connection and stabilitytheyneed.
Life is a journey and along it you will experience many challenges. Some will be positive, others negative, others will divide and unite you. Ensure you are present for your partner. By ‘present’, I mean that you listen, offer guidance, space for them to express themselves, all without judgement.
Remember that support may not always be wanted. Though you may enter into a situation with good intentions, your partner may not yet be in a position to be open to help. That is ok. Reinforce the fact that you are walking alongside them and that you are ready for them, should they need you.
Often, just the knowledge that support is there is all they need to work through challenges by themselves.
Allow this.
