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Once in the truck, I asked Jude, “Where are we going?”
“Not far,” was his reply.
I knew Jude well enough to know that was all he was going to say on the matter.
A few minutes later he was backing his truck up to the pond. I couldn’t help grinning. I’d been picturing a restaurant or the movies for our first real date—something cliché—but leave it to Jude to surprise me.
He grabbed a blanket and hopped out of the truck. I followed.
He put the tailgate down and grabbed a picnic basket. I noticed the bed of the truck was covered in blankets and pillows.
He strolled over and found a spot he liked. He unfolded the blanket and fluffed it, spreading it down on the ground. I kicked off my shoes, grinning.
“A picnic?” I asked, although I already knew the answer.
He grinned. “Was it a good idea?”
“It was a great idea,” I smiled back, my body filling with happiness. Only Jude could make me feel this happy without even trying.
I sat down on the soft blanket and he took the spot beside me, kicking off his boots.
“I wanted our first date to be special…something you’d always remember.”
My heart swelled at his thoughtfulness.
Looking around the field and the pond in front of us, I smiled. “This is perfect.” It was the truth too. He couldn’t have come up with anything better.
“Good.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
My heart swelled. I’d never known someone could make you feel so…loved without even saying it. But I guess that was the thing, love was more than just the words, you had to feel it, because at the end of the day words weren’t everything. They would’ve been nice to hear, but I knew neither of us was ready. So, for now, I was content in what I felt. Words could come later.
He grabbed the picnic basket and lifted the lid. He placed several different types of sandwiches, bottles of water, chips, and an assortment of fruit. He’d even packed paper plates, napkins, and forks. He hadn’t forgotten anything.
I was so incredibly touched that tears pricked my eyes—and after my day, I was a tad over emotional.
Jude didn’t seem to mind though.
He unwrapped the sandwiches and said, “Those two are turkey and these two are chicken salad, and those two are ham. I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer so I thought I’d give you some options.”
I reached out and grabbed a plate with a turkey sandwich.
He chuckled. “I thought you might pick that one.” He handed me a small bag of chips and grabbed one for himself. He wiggled around, getting comfortable on the blanket. He set the bowl of fruit between us and handed me one of the forks. “I thought it would be easier if we shared,” he explained. He picked up his own plate—one with a ham sandwich.
I took a bite of sandwich, staring ahead as the sun started to lower. Sunset was fast approaching and we were going to get to watch it. Out here, in the middle of a field and surrounded by nature, little things like a sunset seemed magnified. You were able to watch it in all its glory as it was meant to be seen. People tended to get too caught up in their lives and forgot to appreciate such simple beauty. Not Jude. He saw the beauty in everything, and that’s why he picked this as our first official date.
“This is so amazing,” I finally spoke, breaking the quiet. The sun bathed us in an orange glow.
“I’m glad you think so.”
I grabbed my fork and stabbed a grape with it. It popped in my mouth, the juices exploding. Even though our meal was simple, I swore nothing had ever tasted this good before.
I speared a piece of watermelon next.
When my belly was full I gathered up my trash. Jude took it from me and set it in the basket. The only thing that would make it even better was—
“Dessert,” Jude grinned, pulling another plate out of the basket. Two large slices of double chocolate cake sat atop it. “I know you love sweet things.”
I laughed. “Yeah, my sweet tooth is quite a monster.”
