We arrived to the concert with a moment or two to spare. We take our seats and courteously try not to invade each others space. As the pre-show comedian tried to warm us up we gave out half laughs and avoided guffawing in front of each other. This cutesy nervousness continued when Mr. Buble hit the stage. We would stand, and clap, sometimes let out a cheer. Mostly we would watch what the other one did so we would not embarrass ourselves. As the crowd danced around us, we might have swayed our hips. As couples held each other during love songs, we excused ourselves when we accidentally bumped our hands, shoulders or feet. At the end of an amazing show, we were both pleased. On the way back to the car the October cold breeze chilled her. I was without a jacket, because I thought it was warm enough, so I extended my arm across her shoulders to keep her warm.
We were in such a rush to get to the concert we did not eat. At eleven at night our choices were limited and could only manage a Chili's. We continued to get to know each other while we barely touched our food. Our nerves were getting the better of us and showed as we continued chattering. Our nerves were focused on the next part of the night: the overnight stay in a single bed hotel room.
In my hurry to pick her up I did not think to pack sleepwear. I asked her if that would be a problem if I were just in my boxers and shirt. Thankfully it was not. When we slid under the covers we placed a throw pillow in between us to make sure the boundaries were known. By the morning the pillow was gone. That night we did nothing more than talk and sleep. In the morning, it was talking and holding one another.
The drive back was only slightly quieter than the rest of trip. I think we were beginning to feel comfortable. I dropped her off; this time getting out of the car. As we said our goodbyes, I leaned in for a kiss but masked it with a hug for safety. She immediately went for the hug and did not even offer a cheek for the kiss. This would be something we would laugh about over and over again.
On June 22nd, 2010, I took the same woman to another Buble concert. This time as my fiancee. This time without the cutesy nervousness. A planned mini-vacation. We took two days off. Drove out to where the concert was being held and traveled the town. Checked into the single bed hotel, this time without need for throw pillows. We ate dinner beforehand; we chose a Japanese grill as part of a tradition we started on our first year anniversary. We went to another amazing concert by Buble. We even found the song we want to have our first dance to. It was warm out this time, so I settled for holding her hand as we walked to and from the car. It was a wonderful night.
It is amazing to think that this very day next year, July 9th, 2011, we will be getting married. In fact, as I am writing this, this very moment next year I will be standing next to her in front of everyone we know. I will be in my tux; she in her wedding dress. Both prepared to further promise ourselves to each other and reassure each other of our love. This moment next year I will be looking at my bride in all her beauty and thinking of all the adventures in front of us.
31,536,000 seconds until we are cutesy nervous about saying "I do." 525,600 minutes until we are to be joined in marriage. 8,760 hours until we make our lives one. 365 days before we say "I do." 1 year before we begin the rest of our lives together.
The day next year might seem a distance away, but I can already tell it is going to be the best day of my life.
Until next time, may you find happiness in another person's arms.
Skate
