A NEW DAY by Michelle T � 2000 CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE An hour later, Michelle and Howie were seated adjacent to each other in a small, beautifully decorated restaurant. They had a corner table and were grateful for the privacy. They each had a glass of white wine and a trio of white candles burned slowly near them, casting flickering reflections on their glasses. "D, this is so beautiful, thank you." She said softly looking at him. The candle light cast a warm glow on his face, making him look more angelic than ever. "I can't believe I'm sitting here with you, loving you, and feeling the happiest I've ever felt In my whole life. I keep expecting to wake up and find that this has all been a dream." He smiled and leaned closer to her, taking her hand in his, "Michelle, I love you, I've never felt this strongly about anyone, ever." He brushed his lips lightly across hers, "I want it to last forever!" "Oh Howie, what if next week or next month, when all the newness has gone and you're back into your regular crazy life….what if you wake up one morning and wonder what the hell you've been doing or thinking about me? I'm afraid…." The fear on her face made him clench her hand tighter. "Please, Babe, don't even think like that. I know what my heart wants. I'm 27 years old, I've been in love before and I know this is real. In another month, I'll wake up one morning and wonder how is it possible to love someone more and more each day. And when we're separated because of my schedule, I'll suffer greatly when you're not by my side. Please don't worry." "Babe, I can't help but worry. So much has happened so fast. I was married at 18 and had to learn to be a wife and mother so fast. For the last ten years, I've lived such a completely different life than you. I've been sheltered in a small town, going about my daily life, never expecting anything to change. Within the last three years my life had completely fallen apart. Within the last three months, I've finally started picking up the pieces and putting them back in different, better places and coming alive again. I've never felt so much love and care as I have from you guys lately. It's scary and I keep expecting it all to come crashing down." Howie pulled his chair closer to her and pulled her into his arms. "My life hasn't always been like this either. I've never felt so much love and care as I have from millions of people around the world since we've gotten well known. I, too, expect it all to come crashing down at any time or to wake up one day and realize it had all been a dream. So, you never know what life will bring. Cherish what you have at the moment and treat each day as a new day full of promises, hope and happiness and take it from there." He finished by pulling away and handing her a glass of wine. "Now, let's finish up and take a walk and discuss our future, one new day at a time….." She smiled widely at him and finished her wine.