“Wow, Max…” she sighed, taking in the cove’s beauty.
I kept my arm around her waist, unwilling to release her, but the date offered more than just a pretty view. With a gentle release, my palm glided down her arm, the smooth texture a prelude to the delicate touch of her hand in mine. As our fingers interlocked, I noticed how smoothly our hands fit together; it felt natural and right.
Tugging on her arm for her to follow, I walked us over to the flat spot on the bank. Although we were only a couple of feet from the babbling brook, the spot was perfect for our picnic blanket.
I reluctantly released Stella’s hand and shook out the quiltto spread it flat on the ground. She helped me straighten it and I motioned for her to sit. Carefully placing the woven picnic basket beside us, I settled my large frame into a comfortable position next to her.
“I know you’ve already eaten dinner, but I figured I’d bring dessert,” I said as I opened the picnic basket and pulled out the to-go containers that Ray had helped me pack. Inside were some fresh strawberries, chunks of cheesecake, apple slices, and marshmallows.
I grabbed a thermos from the basket and twisted off the cap, pouring the thick brown liquid into the lid. Stella looked down at the spread with a furrow between her brows.
“Fondue…” I sheepishly remarked, slightly embarrassed and concerned that she didn’t like the idea.
Her laughter, bright and clear, shattered the quiet of the cove, and a wide smile stretched across my face. I let out a heavy sigh of relief. I’d been worried that she would find the date cheesy or silly. Apparently, I’d somehow nailed it on the first try, and a triumphant feeling surged through me.
“Max, this is so dang cute,” she gushed as she grabbed a strawberry and dipped it in the warm chocolate.
Watching her bring the berry to her plush lips, lick the chocolate off, and bite into its juicy flesh could have easily passed for porn. The way her lips wrapped around the plump flesh caused my cock to thicken in my pants.
I was determined to abstain from sex tonight. Before taking Stella to bed, I wanted to wine and dine her properly. I wanted to show her she meant more to me than just a fling or a single date. She needed the assurance that this was something I planned to commit to long term.
I pulled out a bottle of wine and two plastic stemless wine glasses. My choice of drinkware prioritized practicality overaesthetics. I didn’t think glass was a good idea in an outdoor setting.
I held out the bottle of rosé that Ray had insisted was the best with both hands, showcasing the label like a wine aficionado.
“Milady, will the house rosé be to your liking?”
Her giggle and nod were encouragement to pour two glasses. I handed her one and settled in on the blanket, propping myself up on one arm behind me. We sipped our wine in companionable silence while gazing at the surrounding wonders. Fireflies continued their dance through the cove, blinking on and off every couple of seconds.
“How did you find this place?” Stella asked as she looked around, fingering the long grass at the edge of the blanket.
“Ma used to bring Wade and I here when we needed a quiet spot to think or talk.” I shared, running my finger around the edge of my wineglass in heavy contemplation.
Talking about Ma after her passing still brought a tightness to my chest, even two years later. It was common knowledge that I was a mama’s boy, a fact I didn’t attempt to hide. Ma was my best friend, and she always told me that my pensive nature was something she’d gladly passed down.
Whereas Wade was the rambunctious, outgoing, party boy - I was the silent thinker who would rather enjoy my own company than that of others. Wade often spent his time riding horses with Pops while I spent my afternoons baking with Ma in the kitchen.
After Shannon, I was perfectly content with my solitary existence until Stella’s boisterous energy and vibrant personality crashed into my peaceful world like a whirlwind. Ma would have loved her. She never was quite fond of Shannon, often telling me that she saw something in her that didn’tmesh with my soul. She was always so obscure that I shrugged off her comments.
“The cove is technically on D and D Ranch property. We own the land, even though the boundary lines are somewhat skewed. Since it’s technically the namesake of the town, we do nothing but maintain the title. Ma wanted to keep it open to all town residents on the agreement that it remained a place of peace and that we could come here anytime we wanted.” I fingered a blade of grass as I felt Stella’s hand on my knee in comfort.
Somehow, she could sense my hesitation in talking about my mom. Not that I didn’t want to open up to her, it just brought back the grief of losing her so early. I didn’t want to burden her with the heaviness that came from losing a parent.
“Will you tell me about her?” she asked softly, leaving her hand on my knee.
I gently lifted the wineglass from her other hand and set it beside mine on the grass. Shifting to create a space between my legs, I pulled her to sit in front of me, her back to my front. She laughed, a tinkling sound, and nestled into the comforting warmth of my embrace, the scent of her hair filling my senses.
“I’d love to,” I replied.
I took a moment to figure out where to start. Ma was a lot wrapped up in a little package and I wanted Stella to get an extensive overview of the woman who’d made me into the man I am today.
“You remind me a lot of her. She was an amazing mom.” I remarked pensively. “She was full of life, much like Wade - but she enjoyed the quiet moments of contemplation much more, like me.”
Stella twined her fingers with mine, urging me tocontinue. I brushed my thumb lightly over the back of her hand, feeling the goosebumps rise as she shivered. Smiling, I tugged her closer to my frame under the guise that she must be cold.
“She taught me how to be a good man. She always told me that there were many things in life that would make you successful, but if you weren’t good in here,” I said, pointing at Stella’s heart, “you’d be a failure.”
“She sounds like an incredible woman,” she whispered, leaning her head back against my shoulder.
