If Only

Chapter Forty-Six: In The Quiet

The tranquil embrace of the lake worked wonders in lifting the heavy burden off my shoulders. There was a poignant irony in how Jared's arm wrapped around me seemed to contribute to the shedding of the weight I had carried for so long.

As the sun gracefully descended, its radiant orange hues painted the sky in a breathtaking display. It felt like we were privileged witnesses to a celestial canvas, adorned with colors only nature could conjure.

Seated by the bank, we were doing whatever, each of us immersed in our own world. Jared, with his newfound ever-affectionate personality coming to light, would occasionally shower my temple with gentle kisses, creating ripples of warmth within me.

The cold air, growing more biting with the encroaching winter, provided a stark contrast to the intimate moments he shared with me. Clad in his shirt, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for leaving Jared exposed to the cold without one.

I found myself unintentionally captivated by one of nature's exquisite creations—Jared himself, and I unconsciously stared at his beautiful side features. His presence held a magnetic quality, akin to a remedy for my yearning soul.

"You know, I'd suggest taking a picture, but then again, I'd also say there's no need..."

His words snapped me back to reality, realizing I was lost in thoughts of him even though he was right there.

Playfully, I hit his leg, eliciting a chuckle from him. He responded with yet another affectionate kiss on my temple.

Hmmm... the soothing sensation of his simple kiss had the power to dissolve a myriad of problems in my current reality.

His embrace tightened, cocooning me in a warmth that chased away the chill of the evening breeze. Nestled against him, I found comfort in the steady rhythm of his steady heartbeat.

"I really wish we could stay like this forever," I murmured, my words carrying my longing for an eternal moment of peace by the lake.

"To simply stare at the lake. No responsibilities, no worries, nothing to look back to."

For a moment, silence hung between us, broken only by the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. Jared's gaze unto a distance, soft yet intense, mirrored my own yearning.

"Living in that small house I was talking about," I continued, gathering my courage to voice the depths of my mind. "We could be on the porch and just simply living..."

"...and you could maybe draw me from there," I added, prompting him to turn his head and cast a quizzical glance my way.

"What do you mean?" Jared questioned, his brows furrowing slightly in confusion.

A smile played at my lips. "You know... like what you mentioned before. I could be your model... outside the house, perhaps on the porch. Just us, no distractions," I suggested with a hint of playfulness.

A grin spread across his face. "I forgot about that..."

"Well, I didn't. And maybe I'm suggesting it again..." I teased.

"I'd love that," he replied with a chuckle, pulling me closer and planting a tender kiss on my forehead.

I will never tire of receiving these affections.

"I'm considering it. If I were to be completely selfish, I'd whisk you away and bring you here with me, if that's what you'd like... because that's exactly what I want. If I could freeze time, it would be right now, with you, by the lake," he confessed, his tone genuine yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty as he trailed off.

I gently withdrew from his embrace to meet his gaze, waiting for him to continue. His eyes were distant, lost in thought, and a shadow of worry seemed to cloud the image he was envisioning, casting a pall over the vibrant scene like a sudden storm in an otherwise serene landscape.