Pushing the memory aside, You turn over, no longer tired but tired of being alone. You whisper through your tears, "If only I'd said yes." 

Another year has started without him, or has it?

You're lying in the darkness, unaware that your plea from earlier has been heard and answered.

"Have you seen her?" He was not pleased with how many people crowded their penthouse. It was like everyone brought someone who brought someone. He was sure he didn't know half of these people.

Your friend Sears knew which her he was asking about. There was only one her in his life. You have always been the center of his life, the main cog that kept the gears moving, holding him together. His love for his career, which consumed him, became second in his life as his love for you took first place in his heart.

"She said she wasn't feeling well and would lie down briefly." She smiles as he thanks her and walks to their bedroom.

He carefully opens the door, not wanting to startle you if you're asleep. He just wanted to make sure you're alright. He knows you have been tired lately, and throwing this party seemed like it took more out of you than it had in previous years.

He tried to convince you to let the staff help this year, but you always gave them New Year's Eve off to celebrate with their families. Your concern for others and compassion were among the many things he loved about you. As he approaches, you start to stir, and hearing him come in, you wake.

He sits on the edge of the bed facing you and smiles as he moves loose strands of your silky hair from your cheek. He leans down and kisses you, still drowsy from your nap.

"Sears said you weren't feeling well. Are you better now?" His warm palm lingers against your cheek. "You've been crying?" Worry fills his voice, "What's wrong? Do I need to call a doctor?"

"No. Please, please just hold me." You whimper as he takes you in his arms, pulling you onto his lap and gently rocking you in his embrace.

Are you still in a dream? Is this real? Oh, please, let it be real.

You hold tighter to him, absorbing his warmth and scent, and listen to his heart beating.

You pull away a few minutes later, not wanting to leave his warmth. The joy of seeing him has healed all that was broken and torn, erasing the nightmare from your mind. You hold out your hand, "Come on, let's join the others." You want to share this glorious feeling of love and joy with everyone!

He laughs. "You are remarkable. Have I told you how much I love you?" His eyes are full of adoration and love.

"Not since you came in." You tease him. Your heart wants to stay this happy forever. Was all this happening now because you followed your heart and changed your lives forever by saying -- yes?

He chuckles as he takes you back in his arms and kisses you. "I love you. But I think you may want to get dressed. As much as I love the sight of your luscious body, I think tonight wouldn't be a good night to walk into the living room almost naked." 

He clears his throat as you bend down to pick up the black sequin dress you let fall when you came in from the balcony. You never made it back to the party but celebrated the New Year together in bed.

The following morning, you wake up and find the bed empty. You almost panic. You reach out and suddenly sit up when you feel warmth still lingering on the sheets. He's still here. He isn't gone.

He comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, his hair tussled and still damp; he never looked sexier or cuter. You smile.

"Good morning."

He walks to the bed and drops the towel. "It will be." His mischievous grin has you giggling as he slips under the covers with you and says, "Happy New Year, sweetheart."

Resting with your head on his rapidly moving chest, as you both catch your breath, there is a knock at the door.

"What is it?" He calls from the comfort of the bed and your arms.

"Sir, Ma'am, breakfast is ready." Your housekeeper lets you know. She is the kindest person, and she almost seems more of a mother figure than a staff member.

You call out, "Thank you, Liddie, we'll be out shortly."

You both chuckle and get up, ready to continue the great start to the new year. Liddie made sure you both kept healthy and wouldn't let you miss a meal.

After breakfast, you're still sitting at the counter in the kitchen. There is a large dining room, but you both prefer eating in the kitchen or on your bedroom balcony when it's just the two of you.

When you are done eating, you take the plates to the sink. Liddie comes into the kitchen with something in her hand. Curious, she asks, "Sir, Ma'am, did any of your guests use your balcony during the party last night?"

"No, no one. We were the only ones in our room last night." He answers with a frown of concern. "Why do you ask?"

Your curiosity gets the better of you. "What are you holding, Liddie?" You reach out to take it from her hand when she draws away.

"Oh, be careful, Ma'am. I found this while cleaning your room. There was broken glass on your balcony, and this is what's left of a champagne flute." She holds up the stem of a flute glass. "That's why I thought maybe one of your guests from last night's party may have been there. I know you never would have left broken glass."

Suddenly, you feel lightheaded. You had carried a champagne flute out with you the night you told him no, and in anger and hurt, he shattered it. Everything starts to spin, and darkness fills the room as you faint. He was already by your side and caught you in his arms before you could hit the floor. He carries you to the living room couch and tenderly lays you down.

Liddie follows with a cool, damp cloth and a glass of water. "Is she alright, Sir?" She gently wipes your brow, and he takes the cloth from her.

"Thank you, Liddie. Will you call her doctor and see if he can come today? She wasn't feeling well last night. She said she was feeling better, but now I don't know." He wipes your brow, trying to rouse you. "Sweetheart, open your eyes."

Liddie rushes from the room and uses the house phone in the kitchen. Later, you wake up in bed, unsure how much time has passed. You knew the doctor had come and left already and took a blood sample with him. You didn't know he called his nurse to come pick it up.

You tighten the robe and sash around your waist as you leave the bedroom. You enter the hallway halfway to the kitchen and stop, making sure they are still talking. You didn't want to be caught as it would entail a whole lot of explaining, and most of it was unexplainable.

You can hear him and the doctor talking in the living room, and the doctor intermittently asks Liddie questions about you. This was the time you needed, and you tip-toed into the kitchen and checked the trash for the broken stem of the champagne flute. Being careful not to cut your hand you take it and quickly return to your room.

Before you close the door, you listen carefully and hear them still talking in the living room. You hurry over to the wardrobe, open the doors, and rummage at the bottom till you find it. The locked box is covered in stickers and drawings from your childhood, holding your diary and other precious things.

You hold the box in your trembling hands, hesitant about opening it. You know what else is inside, and your heart begins to beat rapidly, and it becomes harder to draw a breath.

You can do this!