I tell him, "Real."

I hope that tonight is a night I look back on years from now and think, "This is the night that everything really started."

I have told you in so many ways that I loved you, but I have never until tonight said the words. I know how people use that word enough to lessen its meaning, but to me, it's always been extremely powerful. I knew on our second date that I'd love you someday; I just thought it would take longer.

As I spent time with you over these last months, I learned about you. I learned your favorite kind of pizza and what television shows that you like, but I also learned how you act around babies and how much you love pets. I learned how big your heart is and how smart you are. And slowly, I realized that you have set the precedent for anyone who would ever come after you. And then quickly, I realized that I will never let anyone come after you. I want you, and no one else compares.

After being with you, I realized that love isn't what I thought love was. Love is so much better because it isn't building years and a life with somebody - it's being able to look at you and see the life that we could build without kidding myself that everything will be perfect. It's about seeing perfection while acknowledging there will be flaws because it's you, and how could I not be in love with you?

I never wanted some sort of flawless dream anyway for my life. I want reality with you, for better or for worse, because you'll always be my better.