The first time

I remember the first time she said it.
I was fixing a bike for the kid upstairs.
It was soft almost a whisper.
She said I love you honey.
I was dumbfounded
getting oil from the bike chain
all over my shirt.
Say it again
I whispered please
say it again.
I love you
she uttered quietly.
I looked at her
so unsure of herself
almost quivering with
my unknown response.
But there was something
about her that grasped my heart
and I knew I would want
to hear her say it forever.
Then she got braver
I Love You. I Love You, I Love you
she shouted at full voice.
Like the words had been
on her tongue for a long time.
waiting to be said.
waiting to be heard.