Around the Fire

The crackling of the fire and the soft chirping of crickets was relaxing as the moonlight shone across the lake's shimmering surface. The water was calm, the only disturbance was the light chop caused by the wind. It was a clear night and the cool temperature held steadfast as she pulled her coat tightly around her frame and leaned into the heat of the flame.

"Warming up?" He asked plopping down on the log next to her.

"A bit." She answered as he pulled her into his arms.

"Better?" He inquired giving her a chaste kiss on the crown of her head.

"Better." She sighed,smiling into his chest and breathing in his scent. They sat like that for a while, just holding each other.

"I'm going to add more wood."He murmured into her hair.

"Okay." She said as they pulled away. She watched him as he took another piece of lumber and dropped it into the blaze as the flames in engulfed it, fueling the fire and feeding the steady stream of upward sailing smoke. Despite the now roaring fire she shivered, rubbing her hands together to create warmth.

Spotting her discomfort, he turned to her and said, "I'll be right back." Slightly jogging into the cabin further up the lakeside behind them only to emerge with a large quilt.

"Here." He said draping it around her shoulders then burrowing underneath the patchwork to nestled up next to her.

"Thank you for keeping me warm." She said intertwining her fingers with his.

"Anytime." He replied before leaning in and pressing his lips to hers in a soft kiss. When they pulled their lips apart they rested their foreheads against one another.

"I love you." She whispered to him, cupping his cheek with her free hand.

"I love you too." He told her with all sincerity as he kissed her palm then once again encircled her in an embrace.