Matt's hand brushed Maude's warm cheek, he cupped her chin in his hand and leaned in, his hair brushing her tilted forehead. He stopped inches away from her lips. She gazed, trusting, into his gleaming eyes. Could he hear the erratic beat of her heart? Their lips met in a delicate caress, her lips brushing his. When he untied her hair she offered her lips without reserve and wrapped her arms around his neck, their bodies and souls interweaved. Too long they'd waited for this moment, but with this kiss, their fates were sealed. The pain, the misunderstandings, the unspoken feelings, all evaporated under the pearly dawn's bright light. And