His clear voice carried an unusual solemnity, and when I met those brown eyes filled with such deep affection, I could drown in them, I forgot to breathe. My heart skipped a beat, and I wanted so badly to nod and agree, reluctant to say anything that resembled rejection. But I wasn't in my early twenties anymore, and after a few breaths, rationality won out.

I pressed my lips together softly, "I want to wait until all these current issues are resolved."

Seeing the disappointment ...