A Picnic to Remember

    He sat on a hill beneath a big oak tree, its limbs providing shade from the warmth of the sun. He looked out at the gently rolling hills and marveled at the vivid green of the grass interspersed with the whites, pinks, purples, yellows, and blues of wildflowers. A gentle breeze touched his face and brought with it the smell of the meadow grasses mixed with the scent of the flowers. It was a wonderful fragrance and one he would forever associate with her – fresh, clean, soft, and sweet.
    Yes, this was an ideal spot for a picnic, and he was glad he'd thought of it. The harsh sounds of the city were far away, and a sense of peace enveloped him.
    They had finished their sumptuous meal of gourmet delights, and he now lounged on the big quilt they'd spread beneath the oak. His gazed wandered to her and he watched as she gathered bluebells, bachelor buttons, and daisies then inhaled their sweetness. The breeze molded her simple white cotton dress to her body, and he couldn't help but admire what he saw. He closed his eyes and let that picture etch itself into his mind.
    He began to realize his life had become dull, and he was stuck in a rut with no end in sight. The days seemed to stretch out before him, empty, desolate – and lonely. He had to face it – life just wasn't fun unless she was in it. Without warning, another thought began to creep into his mind, and he couldn't seem to stop it. He wondered how it would feel to touch her cheek with his fingers and caress the smooth white column of her neck with his lips. He had lost himself in that thought and didn't realize she now stood beside him.
    “Hey lazybones, race you to the bottom of the hill.”
    He opened his eyes and saw that ornery grin of hers as it played about her lips. Still stunned at his recent thoughts, he felt it best to decline. “I don't think so,” he said as he raised himself onto an elbow. “Too full.” He patted his stomach to emphasize the fact.
    “Oh come on,” she teased. “Afraid you'll lose?”
    “I never lose.”
    “My, my, my. Awfully sure of our self, aren't we?”
    “Always, but I'm still not going to race you.” He fell back onto the quilt and closed is eyes once more.    more >>