She wasn't mine to love, but I couldn't help it. I loved her. She was bred into my bones and into my flesh. I couldn't stop loving her even if I wanted to. Having her so near, but still unreachable was a torment. Each day I watched her grow more beautiful and my heart ached for her. Those bewitching blue eyes drew me in and consumed me every time they turned my way. Those ripe curves set my palms to itching. And those lips, my God! If only…

She invaded my every thought. Waking or sleeping, she was always there. My mind was a blur of all that I longed to do with her, and God help me, to her. I tried my best to turn my thoughts away from her, knowing that she could never be mine. I threw myself into my work and slept little. Alas, nothing helped. No matter how busy my hands were, my mind was firmly fixed on her and her alone.

When I had to watch her go and love another, I truly found hell on earth. She was mine, Mine! And they had the nerve to put their hands and their lips on her while I had to stand by helpless. I only hope she didn't see the tears that filled my eyes as I watched her love one man after another that wasn't me.

She shouldn't be mine to love, but after all these years, at last I can call her mine. The doors open and my heart stands still. Today, after loving her for so long, she will finally be my wife.