i love the way your cheeks lift when you smile
when your eyes start to disappear
and your dimples peek out to join the excitement.

i love the way your laugh floats lightly in the air
a little giggle sometimes, sweet and soft
making my heart swing to the melody.

i love the way your lips move when you ask me, “can i kiss you?”
and i love the way they feel when you do.

i love the way you fill up silence with a song of “mm mm mmm” when you don’t know what to say,
or when you dance after a compliment because you don’t know how else to release the “ahhhh!” that is growing restless inside of you.

most importantly,

i love the way that you make me feel safe
and respected
and beautiful
and understood.

and i really,
really,
love the way,
that you love me.