Then There Was You(116)

He glanced at his guitar, gearing up for the words that would come next. I couldn’t stop the tears that had already pooled in my eyes. I thought back to the first day I met him, angry and guarded. And here he was, years later, pouring his soul out to me, trusting me fully with his heart.

Returning his gaze, he continued, “I’ve loved you for a long time. I didn’t know it back then, but fate was tying our hearts together, just a little at a time. Bumping into you at the concert… it was destiny’s way of sealing our fate. I want to make you happy. I want to be the man that you deserve for the rest of our lives. I want to build a life and home with you and Alexis. I want to show you how much I love you every second of every day. You are my world, my love, my everything. I love you so much, Salem.”

With tears in his eyes, he began to strum the first few chords of a song I immediately recognized—one of my favorite songs by Train. Shocked, my mouth fell open as the tears that had pooled in my eyes now slid down my cheeks. My hands promptly covered my gaping mouth, as the tears continued to fall.

As he opened his mouth to sing, the words cascaded into the darkness, filling my heart with love and adoration. The music that poured from his guitar washed over me like satin, while the purity of his tone cleansed my soul. I felt cherished, treasured. Tears rolled down my cheeks and all I could think about was how in awe I was over this amazing, passionate man who sang his heart out for me.

As soon as the final note tapered off, he whispered, “Will you marry me, Salem?”

Before I even glanced at the box he held that cradled the diamond ring, I fell down on my knees in front of him. “Yes!” I cried. “Yes, yes, yes! I love you so much, Chris. Nothing would make me happier in this world than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

He laid the guitar on the ground as I wrapped my arms around him. Pulling me toward him, I grasped the sides of his face and pressed my lips to his. He tangled the fingers of his free hand in my hair, kissing me back.

My stomach exploded with butterflies as I thought about the day I would walk down the aisle toward the man that I love with my whole heart to become Mrs. Christopher Dean King.





I love the hours after midnight. It’s when I do my best thinking. I’ve found that nothing is better than sitting in the darkness of this quiet room, with my arms wrapped around the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You know, I realized something the other day. I hadn’t really been living until now. She came into my world just when I needed her the most, and she changed everything.

I sit in the silence, reflecting on the past few years. What a wild ride it has been—the shows, the music, the traveling, the women, the alcohol, the crazy fun—but, it all boils down to just one thing. This. This moment. This perfect, amazing moment as I sit in the stillness of the night, holding the love of my life.

Quietly, I begin to sing. I love singing to her as she dozes off against my chest. Salem says it’s her favorite part of falling asleep… listening to my voice as she’s transported into dreamland. So, I let the words softly echo into the darkness, my voice low and gentle.



Just lay in my arms wrapped so tight

No need to worry tonight

So stay by my side

Use your ears not your eyes

Let my voice calm

Your worried mind

Don’t go for love

For you may not see

It’s the reason for you

You’re the reason for me



I can feel her body relaxing while I sing. I know my soft timbre has drifted her into a tranquil slumber. It’s late, but I don’t want to go to sleep yet. I just want to hold her, caress her soft skin, and kiss her forehead while she stays wrapped in my arms.

She’s given me a life I never dreamed I could have. She’s given me a reason to truly live.

Love brought her to me. The love Salem and I have for each other is the reason she’s here. Looking down at the sweet angel in my arms, I cuddle her in the rocking chair of her nursery.

Zoe. Perfect in every way.

I glance the most recent addition to my now completely finished tattoo.





While I love, I live.

Love created her, and like the meaning of her name, she gave me life. She is my life.

Together we rock in the calm serenity of the wee hours while I continue to sing softly to her, knowing the woman I love is enjoying her own peaceful slumber just down the hall in our bed.





Are you or is anyone you know suffering from Postpartum Depression? You are not alone. There is hope.



The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.

During the postpartum period, about 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance. For most the symptoms are mild and short-lived; however, 10 to 15% of women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety.