It was morning, early.  The sun had yet to appear through the gently swaying branches of the dark forest looming at the edge of the backyard.  I saw him through the sliding door, leaning against the wooden porch railing, arms crossed, staring at the grain in the wood.  Curious, I walked quietly to the door and watched the gentle breeze ruffle his brown hair while creating silent waves across his clothes.
Without a sound I slid the glass door open and stepped out.  Turning around quickly, I quietly closed the door.  The breeze brushed my face and arms with tendrils of cold.  I stood a foot from the door, hugging my arms.  He seemed oblivious to my presence.  Breathing in deeply I walked up beside him and laid my hands on the railing, feeling the cold, rough texture of the wood.
Suddenly he jumped back, the look of a scared cat on his face and his hand coming up in defense.  Turning my head slightly, I looked at him out of the corner of my eye with one raised eyebrow.  A sly smirk spread across my face.
“You scared me!” he breathed, putting his hand back on the railing, a startled look still in his eyes. “I didn’t hear you come out.”
My sly smirk dissolved into a contented grin.  I turned to stare out into the dark yard.  “So why of all mornings did you choose this morning to watch the sunrise?”
A smile tugged at the edge of his lips.  “I… couldn’t sleep.  I’m sorry I woke you.  I thought I was being quiet when I walked past your room.”
“You didn’t wake me,” I replied, picking at a splinter in the wood, “I saw you through the door when I went to the bathroom.”
Chill bumps rose on my arms, but I ignored them, allowing only one shiver to course through my veins.  Silence fell between us.  I concentrated on fighting the ever present cold of the morning.  Then he broke the silence with a whisper that was carried away by the wind.
“Hmm?” I queried, looking at him with the edge of my vision.
“I said, ‘I’m glad you’re here to enjoy this with me,’” he repeated staring down shyly at the railing.
“Mhmm,” I agreed, turning my focus back on the wood grain.
He moved.  I felt him gingerly place his arm across my shoulders.  I glanced tentatively at his hand, now in my field of vision.  He quickly drew it away.  I allowed a discreet smile to form on my lips.
“Sorry,” he said with a hint of embarrassment.
My discreet smile grew as I wordlessly slide myself under his arm.  He straightened up to allow me to finish my maneuver.  Then he drew me close in a tender hug.  I laid my head on his chest, feeling its rhythmic undulations with every breath.  I closed my eyes. His strong grip on me loosened slightly, but he didn’t let go.
“Sorry, I probably smell.”
A large grin manifested itself on my lips.  I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nah, you smell sweet, the way you always do.  I’m probably the one that smells like bed head.”
He chuckled too then said quietly, “You smell perfect.”
I felt him press his face against the top of my head.  He breathed deeply then sighed.  I felt his warm breath flow through my hair and roll off my neck.  We lingered in this position, each of us enjoying the other’s warmth and company, unwilling to let go.  Then I felt him lift his head.
“Look, it’s time,” he said again loosening his grip, this time for me to turn around in his arms.  He wrapped his arms snuggly around my waist, careful not to cross the unspoken boundaries set for ourselves.  I gently hugged his arms, making sure he’d keep me close, and laid my head back against his body.
While we were in our own little world, the deep blue night sky had softened into a royal purple.  In the yard, shadows outlined the massive evergreens.  Through their needled branches the first hints of sunlight began to emerge.  Soon the rising sun dyed the sky a deep pink using the leftover purple to paint the rogue clouds shades of violet.  Stray rays of the sun that managed to escape the forest’s net of branches caressed our skin.  We basked in its welcomed warmth that chased the chilling air away.  Soon the pink melted into orange which grudgingly gave way to the soothing pale yellow that surrounded the sun which was just now peeking out over the trees.
“Beautiful,” I whispered, reluctant to break the silent but unable to hold in my awe any longer.
“Very,” I heard him breathe.
I turned my head upwards to look at him.  He was smiling down at me, his deep brown eyes inviting and warm.  I then realized he was referring to me.   I smiled a soft, appreciative smile and raised my hand to meet his cheek.  He lowered his head to rest the edge of his jaw line against my forehead.  We both smiled contented smile and closed our eyes.  Again we lingered.  Then I allowed my hand to drop, bringing us both out of our shared bliss.
He gently let me slide out of his cozy embrace, an action I was reluctant to do, but the day had started and our moment of shared sentiment was over.  We both backed up creating a slight distance between us.  We stood there a bit awkwardly, looking everywhere but at each other.  Then we unintentionally caught each other’s eye.  We both smiled awkward and slightly embarrassed smiles at each other.
“Good morning,” I grinned, my voice cracking a bit.
“Good morning,” he replied in a comforting tone.
A new day had dawned.  We silently reveled in our strengthened bond, our smiles betraying our only sign of joy.  It was now enough to just stand in each other’s presence.  Both of us hesitantly moved towards the door.  He reached it first and slid it open for me.  I stepped inside with him following after.  Nothing could ruin the day now.  Nothing…