by Tom Parsons

Created on: April 09, 2008

"They really look peaceful sleeping, don't they?"

It was Jonathan who spoke these words to his wife, Anna, as they stood at the foot of the bed and listened to the soft breathing sounds that floated about the room only dimly lit by moonlight softly filtering through the curtains.

"Yes, they do," Anna replied. "And now that they are asleep, I have a little surprise for you."

"What?" he asked, his eyes reflecting the shadowed moonlight.

"Come with me," she said and she began to walk toward the door. "And quietly, please. We don't want to wake them."

They moved quietly but quickly to the door and exited the room.

The room they entered was also softly lit, but brighter than the room where the sleeping ones rested. Jonathan noted how the soft light highlighted Anna's hair and cast a glow which outlined her figure.

"So, what is this surprise?" he asked again. "Did you make my favorite pie? Did you buy me a new CD for my collection? Did you decide to accept my proposal for marriage?"

"Don't be silly," she said laughing the laugh he loved. "We're already married."

"Oh. Yes," he joked. "How could I ever forget!"

"You'd better not forget," she scolded. "You worked hard to get me to marry you, remember?"

"I remember," he said, as years of seeking and not finding flashed through his mind. Then there was Anna, and everything changed.

"So, what's the surprise?" he asked again, the hint of childish wonder in his otherwise mature voice.

"It's right in here," she said. "You wait here. I'll show you."

Anna entered another room and closed the door behind her. Jonathan waited, for what seemed like hours, but was actually only a few minutes.

As the door opened, Anna emerged, dressed in a long red evening gown with swirls of lace around the bodice and a flowing skirt that made it look as if she were floating instead of walking.

"Wow!" he said. "That's the gown you wore for our first anniversary dinner."

"You remembered," she said.

How could I forget?" he said. "You were so beautiful, you really took my breath away. Just like now."

"Oh, so you still find me attractive, do you?"

"You could say that," he said.

"Then . . ." she said.

"Then, what?"

"Then, say it."

He hesitated only for a moment as he breathed in the beauty of his wife in the special gown. "I find you very attractive," he said.

She kissed him, briefly, and he reached for her to kiss her again, but she turned from him and walked a few steps, laughing quietly.

"Please, sir," she said with a slightly mocking tone in her voice. "Please. I'm afraid

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