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Tae found an Uber.  After the driver picked them up, Tae made a quick stop at a store and bought two blankets and a coat while Sarah sat in the car.  He had the clerk cut off the tags for him, then he shrugged into the coat before leaving the shop.  Tae returned with all alacrity to seat himself next to Sarah.  He spread the blankets over her and took her hand in his own.  In that moment, she felt quite treasured.  Then he leaned his head back against the headrest and determined he would nap on the long drive to the park.  

A few moments later, she could hear his soft, even breathing.  Tae was asleep.  Sarah’s heart turned over in her chest as his head fell against her shoulder.  She peered down at his dark hair.  It was tickling her cheek.

Once again, that sense of unreality surrounded her.  How on earth had she been so blessed as to be given an entire evening in the company of this wonderful man?  Her heart melted in tenderness towards him as he moved in his sleep, and his face turned towards her own, his breath slipping over her lips.  Her pulse quickened.  He was so close to her.  Her heart dipped with longing.  He was so sweet.  Then he shifted again, and Sarah leaned her head down against his own.  Peace wrapped itself around her, joining the warmth of the blankets covering her, coaxing her to relax.  To the lulling movement of the car vibrating over the road and the constant rhythm of Tae’s steady breathing, Sara too fell asleep.

—

Tae awoke to the driver’s rough voice calling him nearly an hour later.

“Sir, we’re here.”

Tae lifted his head off Sarah’s shoulder, momentarily gazing down at her sweet face relaxed in slumber.  He bent forward to pull his billfold from his pocket.  He smiled as he paid the driver.  Then he turned towards Sarah.  He reached out to wake her gently.  But as his hand touched her arm, he stopped for a moment and just stared down at her.  She was so adorable, sound asleep in the backseat of the car, her head tilted to the side, her dark hair spilling over her shoulder.  A wave of tenderness for her stole his breath as he gazed down at her.

Reluctantly, he shook her arm and woke her up.  “Sarah, love, wake up.” Tae’s voice was low, husky with infinite gentleness.  “We’re at the park.”

Finally, she roused from sleep, staring blearily up at Tae.  

Confused, she asked, “What?”

Softly, Tae spoke into her ear.  “We’ve arrived at the park where we’re going to stargaze.”

“Oh, yes.”  She blinked.  Had he called her “love” a few moments ago, or had she been dreaming?