DO YOU FANCY A STROLL?

                                             The day had been long from a business standpoint, the conference seemingly dragging on as long as it could have possibly went. Passing through the revolving front door of his hotel, Jeff looked almost as tired as he felt, his short blond hair a little out of place, and his face hinting at the very fatigue he was fighting. His bright blue eyes became fixated on the elevator door several metres away, knowing it would take him to his floor, and more importantly, his room. Striding across the spartan lobby with the last of his energy, he was content when inside the elevator and watching it's doors close. Not long after, Jeff made his way down the wing of his hallway and to the door of his room, lazily sliding the key card through the reader to gain him entry. Tossing his carry-all bag to the floor, he flopped onto the king-size bed, shoes still on, and closed his eyes for a few minutes.
                                             "Can't stay like this for long...." he muttered, knowing he still had some things to accomplish long before he went to bed, like finding some dinner. Begrudgingly, he picked himself up off the bed, and proceeded to remove his shoes and change into some leisure wear for the evening. Jeff chose a burgundy gold shirt and some slacks, and fixed his hair with a little water, combing it back into place. Once his shoes were back on, it was time to leave and find a place to eat. The same elevator took him back down to the lobby, depositing into a bigger crowd of people then before. Weaving his way through the people that had arrived, Jeff was close to the revolving door when his eyes became fixated on a woman that had entered through the very same door. He stopped in surprise and admiration.
                                               Her light brown hair was unmistakable, as were her sparkling eyes and bright smile. "Suzanne?!" he called out, not giving a damn if anyone thought he was loud. Her gaze met his, and she carefully walked over to him, around several people. She was as beautiful as he remembered from the last time they met, her light blue outfit complenting her grace. "Hi." she said, extending a hand out to him. Jeff knew a simple handshake wouldn't do, and opened his arms to her for a hug which she accepted. Jeff could have stayed in that moment forever, feeling complete when he held her, but kept it short, as they were still only friends at this point. He adored her more than she knew, and wished for the day when he could hold her in his arms and give Suzanne his love, as he knew she deserved no less.
                                               "It's such a nice surprise to see you here!" he said, happily. "I have missed you so." he said, lovingly. She blushed a bit and smiled. "You are so kind." she said, keeping her gaze on him for the time being. "What brings you to the Falls?" he asked, wondering how they had crossed paths. She grinned. "I hadn't been here in some time, so I decided to pay a visit." she finished. "Yourself?" she responded with a query. Jeff mentioned the conference to her. "Business." he said. "My employer felt it necessary to send me here to get the latest in our industry and such." he explained. "And, it gives me another opportunity to see the Falls." he finished, referring to the world-famous waterfalls nearby. He then remembered there were still a few hours of daylight left. "Do you fancy a stroll?" he asked of Suzanne, who smiled and nodded her acknowledgement. "Yes." was all she said, as she took the arm her offered, letting him lead her outside, away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel.

                                                Accustomed to her brisk walking pace from the other times they had gone for a walk, Jeff was slightly caught off guard by her slow, steady pace this time around. He wasn't going to complain mind you, as the speed in which they walked felt comfortable and precise. Suzanne still held onto his arm, which also mystified him to a certain degree, never having gotten this far before. Still, his happiness was increasing with every step, and his adoration of her only grew. As they neared the main Falls area, the roaring of the rushing water started to drone louder and louder. Stopping to take a peek into the gorge from the enclave in the walking trail, Suzanne looked over the railing a bit to see the current in the water below, pushing clumps of foam and sticks down river.
                                                 Jeff looked to the opposite side of the gorge at the smaller section of waterfalls, marvelling at how awesome they were, even though he had seen them several times before. He turned his attention back to Suzanne, who was now smiling and gazing straight at him, their eyes locking on each other's. He had never seen her look so beautiful before, and so vibrant. The sparkle in her eyes put a spell on him, one he would mind lasting as long as possible. Her smile spoke volumes about how she felt, and he could only imagine what must be going through her mind about him. Jeff again offered his arm, with Suzanne taking it as they continued their walk along the trail, the main falls now visible. 
                                                  It didn't take them long to find an empty park bench to sit on overlooking most of the Falls, the sun starting to descend for the day, casting a picturesque light onto the waterfalls. As he was taking it all in, he felt his right hand get squeezed gently all of a sudden. Jeff looked down to see Suzanne's hand holding his, smiling at her softly, the emotions of the moment starting to build up in his heart. "I'm sorry if I kept you away for so long....." she said quietly. "You were always the one for me." she finished, before leaning up and kissing Jeff on the cheek, before putting her arms around him and resting her head on his shoulder. The emotions now too strong and overwhelming, a single tear ran down his face as he kissed her on the head, and put an arm around her, holding her close.
                                                  "I.....I've longed for this, for you." he replied. "You mean everything to me....." he finished, voice trailing off as the sound of the water pouring over the Falls seemed to be more of a murmur now, the beating of his heart taking over as the predominate sound that he focused on. The street lights nearby started to wink on, as the sun finally disappeared into the night. Jeff was as tired as he'd ever been in some time, but it didn't matter right now, as nothing did but her. For the first time in many years, he was happy, truly happy. He could live this moment for the rest of time and be content. Suzanne had closed her eyes and was smiling, also enjoying the moment as much as he was. Jeff had always known that they were meant to be together, and never stopped adoring her. For the first time in a decade, he felt something that he thought would elude him for the rest of his days: Happiness.

                                                            THE END