Buttercups

Before heading back to the group, Jake wanted to show Sara something.  He wanted to make her forget the whole embarrassing bear incident.  The sun was high in the afternoon sky, but they had to make quick time or the moment would be lost once the sun went down.

He had scouted the forest this side of the lake the day before..  always needing to know his surroundings.. just in case some emergency might pop up.  Along the way, he had found something quite delightful.  He had wanted to share it with Sara the moment he saw it.

Jake silently took Sara's hand and carefully led her along a deer path, taking them deeper into the forest.  She was surprisingly sure-footed, considering the path was rough at best.  She sensed that he was slightly disappointed she didn't need more help, and secretly wanting to feel his lean muscular arms around her, she feigned slipping a few times.

They hiked about 30 minutes northwest, until the trees became thinner and the afternoon sunlight began to peek more intensely through the canopy.  Suddenly, Jake stopped and turned to Sara, blocking her view, and looked down at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. 

Close your eyes.  He winked.

For a brief moment, their eyes locked.  Hers questioning, his smiling.  And then, with complete trust, she closed her eyes, held out her hand and said.. 'ok, let's go.'

He leaned down close to her, one arm firm about her waist, one hand holding hers.. and gently led her about 40 paces into the clearing.  The intense summer sun now fully beating down upon them, eased only slightly by a light breeze.

Sara, darlin', you can look now.

Biting her lip, she peeked with one eye.. and quickly opened the other once she saw.
'You remembered..' she gasped.


There, before them, was a wide open meadow covered in a blanket of buttercups.  So many buttercups, all she could see was yellow.  Everywhere.  In the middle of the meadow, was an old gnarled oak tree.  She stood transfixed, as Jake released her and began to casually walk toward the tree.  Turning to walk backwards, he beckoned to her.  She followed slowly.. breathing it all in. 


When they reached the tree, he lifted her up into the low lying branches and easily swung himself up behind her.  She leaned her head back against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, as he sighed contentedly.  Arms wrapped round her, with fingers laced, they sat quietly together, gazing out at the view.. until it was time to head back to the lodge and meet up with their friends.