Clatter clatter clatter
"Be careful you oaf!" Margaret was utterly annoyed. "That is imported China! If you break it you'll pay for it!" she hissed
Clatter clatter clatter
The blue and brown plaid blanket were set on the grass under the yellow Ipe tree. The food and drink were laid out. Various fruits, two kinds of salads, three kinds of sandwiches, small cakes and baked goods for dessert. Margaret sat on the blanket gingerly, her light blue dress spread onto the grass like a soft blanket. She patiently waited for the other guild members to show up but, no one seemed to come aside from the pastor. He glanced over at her blankly then sat down on the blanket holding his trusty bible close to his chest.
Margaret frowned at him, why was he the only one who showed up? "where are the others?" she
demanded and could not suppress her annoyance any longer
"They said they couldn't make it to the picnic, and to tell you not to wait for them." was the reply of the pastor, his eyes downcast on his bible.
"And why are you here then? It can't be because you enjoy my company. You out of all people prefer your conversations with god above all else." She reached over and took a tea cup, pouring herself some freshly brewed tea.
"Well, if you must insist on the subject." He closed his bible and placed it on his lap. "After thinking things through calmly, I've reached the conclusion that I love you."
Margaret almost dropped the tea and looked at him dumbfounded "That's so sudden!"
"Does that thought displease you?" He looked up and met her gaze, there was sincerity behind those eyes. He was very serious about what he said.
"N-no not really..."
"In that case, would you care to go out on a date with me Margaret?"
That was the first time he said her name like that. Margaret flushed, her cheeks became rosy with embarrassment and her heart fluttered "That's so straight forward!"
"Is that a no?" His gaze didn't falter, he just looked at her, anticipating an answer.
"It is a yes… but…" Margaret sighed and reached for the sandwiches, trying to compose herself. She offered him the batch after taking one "Would you like some?"
He nodded and took one from the batch as well, and poured himself some tea.
They sat there for a bit, in silence, enjoying the food and tea.
Then the pastor spoke suddenly "Would that mean… you'll be willing to marry me as well?"
Margaret flushed again "We haven't even gone on a date yet, and you are already asking me to marry you?!"
"Would it not be nice, though?"
"It would…" She agreed, looking down at her lap. She has never felt this way before, and him making an announcement so suddenly. She didn't quite know how to feel. She had known him for a few years now, worked with him, but never in her life did she think he'd ever ask her out or have any sort of affectionate feelings for her. This didn't feel like a trick or a setup. This was genuine love. It was no secret that she found him interesting, and seeing as he felt the same she felt at peace.
"This picnic turned out to be nice after all"
"It has indeed."