I can see a lake in the distance; the one that Lisa took me to when we first went out riding together. As we drive closer, I can see a table placed under one of the bigger burr oak trees. I turn to look at Lisa who is absorbed in her driving.
"There's a table under that tree, Lisa." My eyes keep darting from her to the table.
A half smile forms across her mouth. "I know," is her simple reply.
She parks the truck, switching off the engine. Lisa sits there momentarily, taking in a deep controlling breath. She turns to me, tapping the steering wheel with both her hands. "Here we are," she says, jumping out of the dusty old Chevrolet.
I slowly get out, eyeing the table in the distance. I make my way towards it. It has been beautifully set for two, decorated with a crisp red linen tablecloth, and a small vase with freshly picked flowers sitting prettily in the middle.
There are also two wine glasses standing opposite one another, with white napkins inside. They've been lovingly folded to create decorative stunning fans. With wide eyes, I look up at the oak tree branches that hang majestically high above the table. They have somehow been wrapped around with solar fairy lights. They're not on yet, but hover above us until it's their time to sparkle, waiting to wonderfully illuminate the night sky. They have a little while to wait though, because the sun is still sitting beautifully low in the sky, readying itself for a magnificent sunset.
The stillness blankets me; I am completely overwhelmed by what Lisa has done here. I seem unable to move or speak. I'm rendered thunderstruck by such a romantic gesture. I hear her approaching, wrapping herself behind me with her loving arms.
I affectionately tilt my head back. "I really am speechless. You've done all this for me?" I ask in astonishment, twisting around to face her.
She squints with a grin. "I have to admit, I had a little help from Mom and Dad. I just wanted to do something really special for you," she explains, almost apologetic for not being solely responsible.
I melt at her words. She really is the sweetest human being alive. I place both my hands on her chest, leaning against her. "Every single second I have spent with you has been memorable, Lisa," I tell her, looking into her amber eyes with complete adoration.
After tenderly kissing my fingers, she lets go of my hand. Walking back to the truck, Lisa reaches in, pulling out a large picnic basket and two checked blankets.
"I brought supplies." she smiles, placing the basket and blankets onto the ground.
I pick up one of the picnic blankets, holding it tightly against my chest. "This is just so lovely, Lisa, thank you."
She strokes my cheek. "Shall we put the blankets here?" She asks, standing the other side of the tree.
I nod enthusiastically. "I'll give you a hand," I chirpily reply.
Together we put the blankets neatly down onto the grassy ground. I sit down onto it; Lisa is just about to join me but stops dead in her tracks with an annoyed little tut.
"Hang on, I forgot something." she holds up her apologetic hands before rushing back to the truck. I watch her once again reach inside to the back of her Chevy. She pulls something out, returning to me with a broad smile, a radio in her hand.
Sitting down beside me, she kisses my neck. "We have to have some music, don't we?" Lisa begins to fiddle with the turn dial to find a suitable channel. When she does, she puts the radio to the edge of the cosy blanket. Then she slowly takes off her black Stetson, setting it down beside the radio. I watch her relax in front of me, lying down, patting the blanket beside her.
I kneel beside her with an amused smile. "I get the feeling that we're going to be here a while." Lisa lifts her arms, putting her hands behind her head, deliciously smirking.
"We have everything we need right here, food, drink, blankets, music and lights. Mostly, we have each other. We can spend the whole night here . . . if we want, Jennie." I laugh, lying down beside her.
She's right, we do have the whole night in front of us. Nothing else matters, as long as we are together.
I make myself blissfully comfortable, my head resting on her chest. Her sensual fingers brush down the length of my curved back.
Lying in her arms, with just the radio playing low in the background, is dreamily peaceful. My head rises with her chest every time she breathes. My heartbeat slows, beating in time with hers. I search for her free hand, needing to feel it in mine. I whimsically play with each one of her fleshy fingers, noting where every single cut or mark is on her robust hand. I take my time, gently stroking each digit individually, wanting to explore every inch of her alluring body.
"If I was to ask you, would you come to Korea to see me?" I ask without even thinking. I think the combination of just feeling so relaxed in her company, along with my decision to be open with her tonight, has my mouth speaking without restraint.
Lisa tilts her chin downwards. "Are you asking me?"
My eyes meet hers. "Would you come?" I nervously ask.
Lisa's warm smile quickly erases any fear of rejection from her. "Yes, I would," she gently replies.
Her answer is so meaningful, so completely drenched in sincerity that I believe her when she says she will. I now have so many questions running through my head, but I can't allow myself to bombard her with them all at once. I pull myself further up her chest, so I can see straight into her waiting eyes; so full of hope and promise.
