Nate and Sydnee have always tried to get away on their anniversary to spend some "quality time" together. And, over the year they spent their anniversary in various places. There was a spa weekend, trips to different beaches, and one or two vacations to Williamsburg. This year, they chose a park with a mountain lake.
Nate awoke early as he always does. Sydnee was sound asleep beside him. During the night, she seemed to have taken over the center of the bed and pushed Nate to the edge. He took that as a sign it was time to get up.
After running through his morning rituals, he stepped out of the bedroom and brewed a cup of coffee, then out onto the balcony. He sipped his coffee, enjoying the view of a perfectly calm lake surface on a perfect morning. Nate loved his wife than anything. But he really enjoyed quiet mornings. Sydnee was not quite the early riser that he was. And he estimated he had an hour or more to himself.
Which is why he was surprised when Sydnee emerged, coffee in hand. "Beautiful," she said as she took a seat next to Nate, who reached over and took her hand.
"Yes, you are," he said. Sydnee blushed. Silently, they took in the calmness for a while longer then got ready for breakfast.
Arriving shortly after the restaurant opened, the lovers had it to themselves. Taking a table on the patio, they exchanged small talk, a little teasing, and some flirting while enjoying French toast, bacon, fresh fruit, and coffee. The morning was absolutely fabulous; perfect temperature, low humidity, a gentle breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. So nice that the lovers decided to leave their phones behind and commune with nature by taking a walk in the woods.
Nate and Sydnee selected a trail running along the lakeshore. According to the description in the park's brochure, it was clear and smooth, containing overlooks with benches, and the occasional informational plaque. It was also wide enough to walk hand-in-hand. Nevertheless, nature was not more than a foot or two away on either side.
The lake trail was a lush green hallway in Mother Nature's house accented with stained glass. Sydnee and Nate could hear birds in the trees and woodland animals scurrying to and fro in the undergrowth. A chipmunk burst across the path right in front of them. Sydnee jumped while Nate failed to hold in a snicker, resulting in a quick punch to his arm. They continued to leisurely stroll, hand-in-hand, reading about the history of the lake, its flora, fauna, and the surrounding area. Around a sharp bend, the trail passed through a clearing filled with wildflowers. A multitude of honeybees, humming birds, and butterflies buzzed and fluttered between the blossoms. "Amazing," Sydnee whispered in awe.
"Sorry we left our phones in the room," Nate said.
A little further on the lovers came upon a bench overlooking the lake. Sydnee, decided to take a short respite. From their vantage point, Nate and Sydnee watched people frolicking on the lake in all varieties of boats and watercraft.
They had seen no one since leaving the lodge. And that was just fine with them. The solitude was perfect. Sydnee rested her head on Nate's shoulder and Nate wrapped his arm around her shoulder in return. Outside their isolation, the world moved on. But, at this moment in time, to Nate nothing else mattered. It was just he and his wife.
Nate lifted his Sydnee's face to his and kissed her, a light but passionate kiss. It has been many years since the two lovers necked and it ignited a spark. She smiled and lifted her face for another, less light and more passionate; and then they kissed again, and again and many more times. Each kiss was measurably more passionate than the last. Eyes closed, their tongues swirled and danced. Small moans escaped between wet popping sounds lips make connecting with compatible lips. Sydnee's hand gently caressed Nate's face.
