Outside, he led me to a tree and pulled me into his arms, then crushed his lips onto mine, as my heart swelled with love within my chest. My lips moved with his as passion enveloped us both. His lips explored mine, and then moved down to the hollow just below my ear, allowing me to catch my breath.

"I've wanted to do this all day," Derek softly said. "I love you, Casey."

"I love you, too," I replied, smiling as I twined my hands into his beautiful sun-streaked hair, ...