The first time you slipped your hand into mine, it was awkward. It was a week after we had started dating and we were walking in the afternoon sunshine. It was impulsive and quick, as if you thought about it too much, you wouldn’t be able to muster up the courage. Your fingers weren’t intertwined in mine, your hand was just wrapped around mine like an awkward handshake. It was warm. It was new.
“He was asking for you,” The nurse told me, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how loopy you looked when I saw you lying on the hospital bed. You were being very impertinent, constantly asking the nurse your vitals and commenting on your good health. You said you were fine, but the anesthesia was clearly still working. You asked for permission to wear your glasses and I smiled and handed them to you. You were insistent that I hold your hand while we waited for the doctor. I complied and this time my hand warmed yours.
Four years felt like forever. That night was magical: a fancy dress and expensive restaurant, doing things that we normally didn’t do. If time could stand still, I would want to stay in those moments forever. And then you were down on one knee. You knew the answer before I even said it and scooped me into a hug. This was what forever felt like, and I couldn’t stop holding your hand.
I was driving with my left hand, and my right was holding yours. You were leaving for Spain for the summer, and I still wasn’t prepared. I had been holding tears back the entire drive, trying to keep it together in front of you and our friend. I made a wrong turn, but lied and said it was an accident. I just wanted to hold your hand for a little longer. You took your suitcase when we parked and you hugged me hard. I couldn’t stop the tears. I had to let go of your hand. And then you were gone.
I was sobbing. Words had never stung so much before, but the silence in your answers were worse. The crickets and lightning bugs were out, the night as dark as a sea of ink. I didn’t want to speak to you but you sat on the porch outside my house for hours until I eventually came out. Your words were quiet and you took my hand into both of yours. I tried to remove it. We almost broke up, but you held on tight.
My dad originally held my hand. I was dressed in white and you were in light gray. It was the first time you wore a bow tie. There were tears in your eyes but I couldn’t stop smiling; I knew if I did, there would be tears in mine, too. My father placed my shaking hand into yours with a kiss on the cheek. I don’t remember the exact words, but I remember the feelings. My hands were now yours, and your hands were now mine.
It was snowing, the flakes on the ground making the world outside shine. You climbed into bed before I did and made your side of the sheets warm. I slipped under the covers and shivered. I tentatively reached out my hand of ice, searching for your warmth. You yelped when I found your arm and I couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out of me. You told me I couldn’t come any closer or I might hurt you because I was so cold. But you pulled me closer and slowly warmed my hands between yours.
Now, as I lean my head on your shoulder and slip my hand into yours, I think of the countries your hands have seen, the people yours hands have helped. And yet, your hand is here in mine, still.
This is so poetic!
Did you write this just for this blog or for something else?
You and Andrews relationship is too cute.
Just for the blog.
I was in a sappy mood and just very grateful for where we are 
I agree with Laurie, it is very poetic. Very nicely done, Becca!
That’s sweet. I was so afraid you were going to end the post with bad news, but I’m so glad you didn’t. Your relationship is great.
This was very sweet and beautiful! I loved reading through your memories, especially the first one. That’s funny that the first hand hold was like an awkward handshake! I’m also glad you guys worked things out and didn’t break up that one time. That’s so great that you have such a wonderful relationship
The first’s of everything in a relationship can be a bit awkward but after a while, it becomes something natural. Good that despite the distance and circumstance, you both stuck together and look at you now! You’re both happily married and working your way through life together :). This is a very sweet story ^___^!
This was super cute! <3 I love how you're able to organize your memories in a timeline and present them in beautiful way. I am happy to hear that you two have held hands through your entire journey. =)
What a lovely post! It’s such a beautiful way to travel through your relationship. The second to last paragraph was really touching, so simple but really elegant. I really enjoyed reading this post, it was magical!
Oh Becca!
This was so beautiful! I am sure Andrew must have loved this post!
Your journey with him till now written so elegantly. I wish you many more such memories for your lives ahead!!
That’s so sweet and beautiful!
This was so beautifully written! One day you should print this and frame it for your anniversary/reminder in your house/bedroom to display! It’s wonderful!
Thanks, Kayla! That’s such a beautiful idea! I might have to do that!
This is just too sweet! You’re both lucky to have each other!
Wow, that was lovely. I don’t usually end up reading peoples little short stories like this but once I started I felt the need to finish. I liked your writing style. ♥
Aww, this is so lovely and very well written. So glad you two are happy together!
I think every relationship is initially awkward. There’s always someone who has to make that dreaded first move and risk getting rejected. But those make the cutest memories!
Hope everything is going well. I’d love to see more of this type of writing. I really enjoyed reading it!
Thanks, Amy! Haha, the beginning is always so awkward! Thinking back now it’s adorable how scared he was to even hold my hand, but I was the same way! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it.
I wasn’t sure if it was too “lovey” or if people would like it. This is pretty different from my usual style, but I think it’s something I’d like to continue doing in the future!
Aw, I really wanted to cry reading this. I know the feeling of holding someone’s hand for so many reasons but above all, love. I can recall many a time I’ve held Nick’s hand and it’s just amazing the way something like that can warm your heart. I find so much comfort in holding hands. The first time Nick and I held hands was also awkward, strange, and new. I remember the first time I squeezed it, because for me that has always been what I needed when I was nervous. It sounds cheesy (but you get me, Becca, of all people, I know you get me), but we were sitting in the back of a taxi at the time, and we didn’t want to speak with our mouths. I sent him a message that said ‘I squeeze hands when I am nervous’, to which he replied, ‘I squeeze for love’. There is a connection in holding hands that I think is very hard to explain, but I really love the way you wrote this.