"Are you sure you want to do this?"
I nod. Saying the word "yes" seems impossible at this moment. Not because I don't want to; I do want to. But because I am in danger of losing control of even the most basic functions, like forming words. I add a tiny smile to my nod and look into your eyes.
"Then let me hear you say it." You use that tone of voice that you know gets my attention. "I need to hear you say so," you tell me.
"You know how much I want to." I pick up your hand and hold it between mine. When I look down at our hands pressing together my wedding band glimmers. I wonder whether I should take it off.
"But?"
"But nothing. We're doing this." I make sure you hear the resolve in my voice. I've waited too long for thisβmy whole life, maybeβto let this opportunity go by.
You smile. A warm, radiant smile that seems to heat the room on this blustery November day. I'm aware of everything now: the laugh lines around your mouth, the barely visible wisps of gray hair springing from your temples, the wheezing noise the small heater makes, the faded bedspread, the bland hotel artwork.
"Then stand up."
I do what you tell me to. I think you know that I will. Deep inside, I know that I would do anything you demanded of me. I want to tell you this but I'm not sure how. I'm hoping that you'll just know.
I feel your eyes on me as you look at me. Your stare is frank, and, I think, approving.
"I have something for you." You motion with your eyes to the floor near the armchair I vacated. I can see the handles of a small shopping bag tied with ribbon. A girly laugh bubbles up from somewhere inside. A combination of nerves and delight.
"Can I?"
"Go on," you smile. I slip a hand inside the bag and feel a soft, filmy material. I pull out a white satin camisole. The bodice is sheer and embroidered with lace and has delicate silk covered buttons.
I hold it up to the light. The fabric is translucent and appears to glow.
"I'll go try it on," I say. Before I take even one step to the bathroom, you stop me. "In front of me, please." The way your eyes smolder tells me how much you want to see this.