In 1998, a silly girl wishes for rain

when her inevitably broad-shouldered, blue-eyed, simply-last-named suitor proposes.

16 years later, after a treasure hunt of clues

hidden where they first met, danced, and kissed,

the rain courses over her umbrella path to the last stop—

where he’s been waiting for her all night long, all life long—

the porch, lit up by fireflies and anticipation.

The waterfall of diamonds from the sky two-steps on the roof.

Hair sticking to her face, heels slipping on her wet feet,

she doesn’t realize the forgotten wish is coming true.

She doesn’t notice his blue eyes or broad shoulders;

Instead, she sees a man who spends four hours hand-making her birthday card,

who hand-binds her novel, stitch by stitch,

who reads fairytales as she drifts off to sleep.

A clink later, they drink the stars.

The wishes she wasn’t smart enough to wish

meet her gaze and offer their hands

She says yes and holds on tight.