Until My Heart Stops Beating by Tonya M Barber

sketching another couple. His work was astounding, almost lifelike. Patiently, he waited until the artist was finished with the patrons before him.
                  Once he was done and received payment for his work, he turned to Declan. “Would you like a portrait of the two of you?”
                  “No, but I would love one of the beautiful lady if she doesn’t mind posing for one.”
                  Thinking it over for a few minutes, she came to the conclusion that it wouldn’t hurt none. Besides, it would be a thank you gift for the fabulous outing. “Why not,” she said as she sat on the stool. Realizing she still had the bag in her hand he had given her inside the theatre, she opened it up pulling out its contents. Her eyes filled with tears as she held up an ornament which read “As Long As You Are Mine”.  It depicted one of the greatest scenes of the show between Elphaba and Fiyero which included a sound clip of them singing a song with the same title. She pressed the button and listened to the clip as one tear rolled down her cheek. Unbeknownst to her, the artist captured every detail of that moment, a moment Declan would always remember.
                  Wiping away the tear, she put the ornament back in the bag and handed it to Declan. She looked at the artist. “Are you ready?”
                  “For what?” He smiled holding up the complete project. “We’re done.”
                  Grabbing the picture, she scrutinized it. He had captured everything she was feeling at the moment she pulled her gift out the bag. The lone tear traveling down her cheek, the facial expression, and the flower on the right side of her hair. Every line in her face was captured by this man who paid great attention to details. Speechless, she rose from the stool placing her hand over her chest. There was nothing she could say to show her gratitude for such an amazing piece of art so she hugged him tight.
                  Finally, finding her voice, she whispered, “Thank you so much.”
                  “You’re welcome,” the artist replied.
                  Declan reached into his pocket to retrieve cash to the pay for his artwork. The artist refused his cash. “Sir, watching the expression and appreciation on this woman’s face because of something I did was all the payment I need. You can’t put a monetary value on that. She’s special mister. Simple things make her happy. She’s a keeper.”
                  Smiling, Makeba hugged him again. Looking into his eyes she said, “I hope you don’t mind if I pay it forward?”
                  He laughed. “Not at all ma’am.”
                  Turning to Declan, she handed him the picture. “Thank you.”
                  “But I was buying that for you.”
                  “Now you don’t have to. Keep this as a reminder of how the littlest things can mean so much.”
                  “Thank you.”
                  They waved at the artist and walked away.
    ~*~
                  Their date only got better as the night went on. They enjoyed the Iridium Jazz Club where they danced and dined to the sounds of live jazz. After spending almost three hours at this establishment they decided to leave and stroll the streets of New York City. Still the misty rain was coming down but it did nothing to damper their mood. They continued to enjoy the sights of the city that never sleeps. Lining the sidewalks were entertainment of all kinds; people making music with household gadgets, dancers spinning on wet cardboard, palm readers, singers and then they stopped to listen to a violinist.  The music was soft and romantic.
                  Declan reached for Makeba’s hands as they swayed in sync to the sounds of the music which filled the atmosphere. Dancing