But like a gambler at a slot machine, hoping the next spin would change her life for the better, she closed in before she lost her nerve. Taking his hand, she pulled him toward her, near enough to feel his body against her. She looked up at him, tilting her head slightly as she leaned in. Mike, recognizing what was happening but still having trouble believing it, tilted his head and closed his eyes, their faces drawing near.

Who am I? And how, I wonder, will this story end?

I think I loved you more that summer than I ever loved anyone.

Love is the essence of a full and wonderful life.

and in that instant, nothing else mattered. Not the song, not the place, not the other couples around him. Only this, only her.

Where do I go from here?

I love you, Katie. You might not be ready to say those words now, and maybe you'll never be able to say them, but that doesn't change how I feel about you.