Laugh Lines

One night, before my hubby and I were married, I had my head on his lap and we were talking.  He was sitting on the couch listening to all the stories of my heart unfold.  All of my most private experiences such as fear, sadness, and loneliness were pouring out from me as though spilling  from a well.  A well, so deep within, that I didn't even know it was there.  

He looked down at me with eyes patient and caring.  Softly caressing my hair, he sat and listened. 
I looked up and noticed tiny, soft, laugh lines that embedded the tender skin around his beautiful blue eyes.  I imagined every time he had ever smiled or laughed. 

There seemed to be a great wisdom and ease that lived within those lines.  

In my moment of distress, I felt soothed. 

I was safe. 

This is the very moment I knew. 

I had fallen head-over-heels in love. 

It struck me like a ton of bricks.  I was in love with a person who made me feel safe and comforted.  He was right here, looking back at me.  I was grateful and lucky.  I sat up and kissed each of the little lines that surrounded his eyes.  Really soft, butterfly kisses. 
He closed his eyes and allowed me to do so. 

I told him how beautiful he was and how I loved his laugh lines. 

He did not believe that he was beautiful. 

He would say, "Nawwww"  and shake his head. 

He shrugged it off.  Just as he shrugged off anything that caused the focus of

 attention to be brought to him. 

But, I knew.