The Big Date Continued

While we stood leaning against the fence I looked at our hands. I couldn't tell whose fingers belonged to who. I had heard this statement from others and have never quite understood it. Now I understand. I also understand that those that have this experience cannot really describe it to those who have not.
"Excuse me, but is this your camera?" an older man asked.
"Yes, it's mine." I replied.
"My intent is not to intrude, but something tells me that, if you don't mind, that you need a picture of this moment. May I?" he asked holding up my camera bag.
"We would love it." Carly said with eyes bright and beaming, and a smile that made my heart go pitter-patter.
"Let me guess. You two have just become engaged to be married?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Carly asked.
"Well there two ways that I know. The first is that I have been watching you since this young man started taking your picture here by Larsen Pond. The second is that any observant human being can tell by the look on your faces."
We placed ourselves so the pond was behind us and there was good light. You know, all those things that photographers worry about.
After the gentleman snapped a few pictures he said, "Son, hang on to her tight and treat her right. I lost my Claire a year ago and my arms ache to hold hug her again. I come to the this park, sit on a bench, and rest my hand on my leg with the palm up. Sometimes, just sometimes, I feel a light touch on my palm and between my fingers."
I am not sure if Carly is in the habit of running around and hugging strangers, but she stood and hugged this man around his middle. At first he was taken back, but soon he returned his hug. His face was content and happy. It wasn't Carly he was hugging it was Claire.
After a long embrace they let go of each other. Carly stepped back, "Sir, there are two things I need to do. Would you mind holding out your hand?" He did as was requested. His hands have seen many years of physical labor. I assumed that he was retired, but I could see that he still labored. There was some ground in dirt and some remnants of some grease that doesn't come off with soap and water.
Carly simply put her hand in his and looked into his eyes and conveyed as much love as a stranger could. With tears forming in his eyes he looked and said without words, Thank you.
Again, after a long silence, as the heart of young women and older gentleman spoke with feelings rather than words, Carly again spoke so quietly that both our new friend I had to lean closure, "That was the first thing that I need to do. The second...this is my fiance Brain Owens, and I'm the future Mrs. Brian Owens," Carly leaning closer, "but between you and me my friends call me Carly."