Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Most Romantic Thing He's Ever Done

We were friends before we started dating. I had an unrequited crush on him. He was smart and funny and kind – a combo that is in short order on most college campuses.

One night we went to a party as friends but I spent too long fretting over which outfit was perfect while he waited in quiet frustration for me to get ready. After we finally arrived we kind of split off in our own directions. Later that evening he spontaneously decided to sing with some of his friends. He wasn’t much of an attention seeker, the kind of guy that more enjoyed sitting in the audience instead of standing before one. They played a couple of upbeat songs by whoever was top forties at the time. Then they decided to slow the pace.

After just three or four notes I recognized the song as Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight.

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long black hair.

It gave me pause. Didn’t the lyrics go “long blonde hair”?

They kept singing and as they neared the end of the song he made direct eye contact with me from the stage and sang the final verse directly to me.

I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.

And I knew at that moment he was singing to me. It was the first time he had indicated that he liked me for anything more than a friend and even though it was public and something I would probably normally abhor, it was as if it was our private moment.

I think that goes down as the most romantic moment of us.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s share romantic stories.

10 comments:

Jenyfer Matthews said...

OMG, Bethany - I am practically swooning here at your story. *THAT* is the stuff romance novels are made of.

Hmmm...I have to admit my dear man isn't the most romantic soul on the planet. Maybe that's why I write romance? ;)

R.G. ALEXANDER said...

That was absolutely beautiful. Jen is right-I swooned a little too.
I was friends with my husband for five years before we got together. He was my best friend in the world-we were even roommates for a while. His romance snuck up on me. I didnt notice that he always made sure I was taken care of when I was sick, made sure I ate and could find my glasses. I didnt notice that he opened my door and carried the heavy things and defended me and supported me in whatever hair-brained scheme I came up with. Until I did. Since I've started writing he's taken to leaving notes on my desk or my computer, giving me words of encouragement and reminding me I am loved. Sorry for rambling, but its hard to pick just one thing. :)

Michele L. said...

O.k. I am drooling here and swooning. My husband courted me for 4 1/2 years before we married. We had all kinds of fun and romantic times together. Picnics at the beach and in the park. Walking along the beach in the moonlight. Sitting on a blanket snuggled together watching the fireworks on the 4th of July. We have had many romantic times together.

Michele L.

Anonymous said...

My DH thinks spending money on a card is a waste, flowers just die and his idea of a compliment is to give me the twinkle eye and try to get under my skirt. But every now and then he does something unexpected like bringing me Starbucks right at the moment I was thinking I wanted some, taking the kids out of the house so I can have some alone time and supporting me in every Lucy and Ethel scheme I have ever cooked up including my writing career. He may not be Casanova but he's mine!

Lucy said...

In the beginning of our relationship, my ex-husband used to pay attention throughout the year and on birthdays and holidays buy something I'd mentioned I'd like to have but wouldn't have bought for myself. I always thought it was thoughtful and very sweet.

Of course that all changed before we eventually divorced, but it was nice for a time. :-)

Jenyfer Matthews said...

Mr. Matthews just went out on a "secret mission". Dare I hope that he's actually planning something for Valentine's day?? A girl can dream...

Gemma Halliday said...

Oh, Jenyfer, I hope so! Keep us posted. :)

~Gemma

Anonymous said...

Bethany, that is so romantic!!!

Jenyfer Matthews said...

Hee hee - I'm pretty sure that Mr. Matthews went out and got me a box of the same chocolates that he got me for Christmas AND my birthday (last month) Guess he figures he's on to a good thing so he's going to milk it!! Oh well, he's not original but he's all mine :)

Kathy Bacus said...

Does getting an engagement ring on Valentine's Day count as romantic--or incredibly cheap?

Since I'm now single, I vote cheap.

~Bullet Hole~