Thinking Out Loud
Is she being cheesy?
Perhaps.
Does she care?
Not. At. All.
And why is that? Because even though it’s been a long day Carol’s still remarkably happy, and a song has been randomly running through her head since about 0600. So naturally the only way for her to shake off the hectic world outside and to get that tune out of her head is by singing it out loud while rummaging through the kitchen in one of her boyfriend’s fiancé’s oversized t-shirts.
“When your legs don't work like they used to before and I can't sweep you off of your feet…”
It’s completely normal… However her solo slow dancing skills could use some work, or maybe a partner…
“Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love? Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks?”
Carol’s in her own little word but in time she’s caught. A pair of hands steadies her hips causing a breath to slightly hitch in her throat. It only lasts a moment however, for the swaying continues under the hold and she’s spun around to face her company.
And oh, what a face to greet; stunning blue eyes, blonde hair looking a little disheveled from ‘work’; a bit out of regs, but she wouldn’t fault him for that. Because that smile, that radiant smile shining down warmth that could rival the sun. It makes her skin ignite, melting away the warrior woman and leaving a wife to be in its wake. That smile is returned with all the love in the world, arms drape over his shoulders as the pair make a slow path from kitchen to living room.
A low hum keeps the melody in play but the more Carol looks at Steve the more she desires to vocalize.
“And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways Maybe just the touch of a hand Well, me—I fall in love with you every single day And I just wanna tell you I am.”
A chuckle flows from him and it’s like a breath of fresh air, hands pulling her closer as she whispers out the lyrics. It is effortless how they move together, how each meeting gaze creates a soft smile, how they simply fall in love over and over again.
“'Cause honey your soul could never grow old, it's evergreen --- And, baby, your smile's forever in my mind and memory.”
As soon as the last line leaves her, Carol struggles, voice cracking just a touch. Her head tilts, smile strains, chin quivering. She wants to look away, he knows this. So a hand moves to cup her cheek, thumb lightly grazing over soft skin, sweeping away the lone tear that falls and resolve is found within an azure gaze. A comforting smile is met with a strengthening one while a shaky tune follows.
“I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways Maybe it's all part of a plan Well, I'll just keep on making the same mistakes hoping that you'll understand.”
Her hands frame Steve’s face and little by little they’re both pulling each other in; forehead resting upon forehead and slowly both voices quietly ring out, much to Carol’s delighted surprise.
“But, baby, now Take me into your loving arms Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars Place your head on my beating heart Thinking out loud That maybe we found love right where we are. Baby, we found love right where we are.”
In the end, a sigh brings lips to collide; soft hums and quiet laughter found between the captains as misty blue eyes meet again and gaze into their contentment, their anchor, their forever.
We found love right where we are…