Chapter 50: The First Kiss

The full moon was casting an ethereal light over the park, turning things which were very familiar into a rather dreamlike wonderland. Olivia's hand was warm in his as they strolled the serpentine path; their soft footfalls were lost to the blanket of fallen leaves. The air was crisp with the coming of autumn and filled with the scent of earth and possibility. "Do you remember the first time we met here?" Mark whispered in quietude; his voice low, almost subdued, in the silence of the night's stillness. Olivia smiled, giving him a light squeeze to the hand. "How could I? I was so lost in my sketching, I almost jumped out of my skin when you said hello." Mark chuckled warmly, a rich sound. "And there I was, riveted to you, unable to get two words together. I think I was able to get something out about your drawing and how I liked it, but inside, I was a mess." They finally stood at the curve of the path where they had met months before. Olivia turned to Mark; he really did look very