Patrick
One year, one year ago today I woke up on Elizabeth's couch hungover as ever. One year ago today my life changed forever because for some reason the girl I had been obsessing over for days decided to pick my drunk ass up and help me. 365 days later we were happily together totally in love and building a great future.
I roll over in bed and am met with a face full of hair. Honestly I loved it when that happened. I move it around as she starts to stir.
"Patrick" she mumbles and I finally find her face.
"I'm right here" I whisper and she finally opens those eyes. I run my thumb across her perfect cheekbones as she smiles at me. I was addicted to the feeling of her skin against mine and I was addicted.
"Good morning" she says quietly.
"Good morning beautiful" I reply as her eyes flutter shut. She leans into my touch as I caress her soft face. What a way to wake up.
"I have plans for today" I inform her and her eyes flutter open.
"What did you have planned" she asks so innocently. I swear she couldn't hurt a ant.
"It's a surprise" I say.
"Do I have to put pants on" she asks.
"Eventually yes, but not right now" I assure her and she laughs. We roll out of bed and into the living room where a large white sheet sat in the middle by the windows.
"What is that" she asks.
"Why don't you go find out" I smile. She walks over and pulls the sheet off revealing a beautiful black grand piano. She lets out a loud gasp and covers her mouth with her hands and I smile to myself. Boyfriend win. She slides onto the bench and grazes her fingers along the keys just testing it out.
"This is so beautiful" she gasps.
"I had some help because I know absolutely nothing about pianos. Thankfully you have a pianist in your band who knows everything about pianos and he found this one. He said that you would love it so here it is" I shrug.
"Why did you do this" she wonders.
"Because it's been a year since we got together and it has been the best time of my life. Even though I was gone for a few month you still made us work. You are by and far the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wanted to show it to you" I explain.
"Patrick, this is amazing. I don't have any words" she says softly.
"Everything you need to say has been said. You give me happiness and pride and hope and that's more than anything I could ever buy. I love you and the music you make, I wanted to get you something to play on and have it here so I can listen to you do your thing" I reply massaging her shoulders. She starts to play something and I smile once I realize what it is. I slid next to her in the bench and she smiles up at me.
"I love this song" I admit.
"It's one of my favorites" she claims. I sit next to her as I watch her fingers go to work on the keys. It was so effortless yet so flawless.
"Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do."
She looks over to me as she nudges me with her elbow. Her fingers never leaving the keys as she effortlessly goes along to the song while singing to me.
"For the morning sun in all it's glory
Meets the day with hope and comfort too
You fill my life with laughter, somehow you make it better
Ease my troubles, that's what you do."
I move a piece of hair that had fallen on her face as she looks out the floor to ceiling windows. It was still pretty early but the sun had just risen and the view was quite impeccable. And I had the best seat in the house.
"There's a love less defined
And its yours and its mine
Like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one."
I watch as nothing but her fingers and lips move, encased by sun light and so much passion. Watching her was a privilege, and I get to see her every day. I get to experience her singing in the shower or while she cooks. I get to see her grow as a performer and as a person and that is more than enough to assure me that I am in fact blessed to be with her.
"Have I told you lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do."
She stops playing so she could grab my face and pulls me close. She sings softly into my ear sending chills down my whole body. I close my eyes and open them again just to make sure I'm not dreaming. I see her hair before anything and smile at the sight. She lets go of me and I look into those amazing eyes I fell in love with.
"Thank you so much for this, I love it" she says softly.
"Thank you for being you" I smile.
We spend the afternoon making a brunch and lazing around the house. Precious makes sure she doesn't miss a piece of food we dropped. After laying around all day we change into clothes for the public and go for a walk. Her hand rests in mine as we walk along the beach in this beautiful April day. We get stopped a few times but not nearly as much as usual. They knew it was our anniversary because Lizzie posted a picture of the piano online and people have been telling us congrats all day. This city was really the best.
"What are you most excited about for the playoffs" she asks.
"For a chance to win again. To prove myself, to show that we're not done yet. That we are not just having a good regular season but that we're capable of taking it all" I say.
"Really? I'm just excited to see your playoff beard" she giggles. I let out a gasp as she laughs harder.
"I'm kidding I'm kidding. I can't wait to learn more about hockey and feel the intensity of the madhouse when it's filled with thousands of passionate fans. I can't wait to see you guys beat some ass and look good doing it. I can't wait to hang out with your family some more. Oh yeah, and the beard" she teases.
"You're such a mess" I laugh.
"Yeah, but I like it" she shrugs.
"And I love it."