Romance beyond imagining

I had a date last night, the anticipation of which caused no small speculation amongst those who know me. "IS HE GOING TO PROPOSE?" was the ubiquitous response to my announcement of plans for the evening. As if I would know. The second question was always, "What are you going to wear?" Why people speak in all caps when talking about diamonds, but not when speaking of fashion, is a matter for re-evaluation, in my opinion. Both issues can be quite worthy of intensity.
The answer to the first question is obviously information that I am currently in possession of, as, I suppose, is the answer to the second. The answers, in order, are "no" and "black, with heels."
He's a romantic guy, that one. He took me out to a lovely dinner. By "lovely" I mean one where there were no children interrupting our conversation. Then, we went to a quiet upscale location for a cocktail. We sat on overstuffed furniture, and sipped delicious concoctions. Mine was a chocolate martini.
When we got back to his place, we retired to the patio, in sub-freezing temperatures, so that he could enjoy a fine cigar. Cigars are very masculine, I think, and quite sexy. We were joined by three children, two of his and one of mine. It was a beautiful end to the evening, to be surrounded by happy, snuggly children. Eye contact through swirling smoke can be very highly charged, despite (or perhaps because of) the activity of giggling little people.
I love this life we're weaving, out of all the elements of beauty that God has given to us. I love that his children are his heart, and that his heart is willingly expanded to include me and my children. I love that we are as interwoven in dimly-lit romance as we are in the melee of those we love.
I am completely in love.
And completely loved.
Who knew it could be like this?