Chapter 25

"So I found a blanket and a bottle of white wine," Joseph showed it with a smile. "It's okay?"

"Yes, of course." she nodded happily. "Perfect choice."

"Right, then all we need is two glasses and we can go... but just if you don't want to take anything else of course," he turned back kindly.

"Uhm..."

"Yes?"

"Don't you have accidentally... paper cups?"

"Yes we have of course, but for what?"

"For the wine."

"For the wine?!" he asked surprised.

"Yes, because if we use this, we do not have to carry so many things."

"I can carry it no problem..." he smiled fondly. "But do you really want to drink wine from paper cups?" he still could not believe it.

"Why? You think I can only use crystal glasses?" she chuckled. "I'm not that picky, you know."

"No it's not about that, just..."

"Just?" she repeated sweetly, stepping closer to him.

"... just you mean more to me than give you wine from paper cups." he said softly, and she cupped his face before he leant closer and kissed her lovingly... "Hey what's this?" he could not help but laughed against her lips as he accidentally touched her pockets. " Your pockets are full of... Haribo?"

"Yes, why?" she tried to be nonchalant.

"No, I'm asking you 'why'?" he chuckled.

"Because this way we surely won't leave them at home."

"I promise it won't happen," he smiled, holding out his hand. "You can give it to me... I swear."

"Okay..." she rolled her eyes playfully and finally gave him the sweets. "But take care of them."

"Of course... and you know what? I will put them right into this picnic basket," he picked it out under the table. "It's big enough for anything else you want."

"What?" she laughed up. "Then why we're talking about what we can carry or not?"

"I really don't know," he held up his hands with a smile, loving to tease her. "So now as we have enough space, then what would you say for a pack of biscuits? Just in case..."

"Very good idea," she could not wait to tease him back. "Other way... I would surely drink myself until skinny dipping mood."

"..." he just wandered for a moment, then quickly took it out. "I think I changed my mind, we absolutely no need for biscuits."

"Really? Because you never know," she could not help herself.

"I hope you're right... and it's certainly a good sign that you do not bring your swimming dress with you."

"Sorry, but it doesn't mean anything, because..." she leant closer and whispered in his ear, "I'm wearing knickers..."

"Oh my God..." he whispered, squeezing her waist with desire, but suddenly stopped. "Hey, you have knickers on you!"

"Of course I have, that's what I'm telling you," she laughed wholeheartedly.

"But I've heard you're not wearing them."

"Obviously... because it seems you can only hear what you want to hear."

"Are you sure?" he asked playfully. "Then have you ever heard about the creative power of thoughts, hm?"

"Oh so you say I'll not wearing them soon, right?" she looked at him mischievously.

"Do you wanna bet?"

"No... but just because I love winning," she laughed up and let him to drew her close for a sweet kiss...

OOOOOOOO

As they slowly reached the lake, Clarisse was already enchanted by the atmosphere...

"It's beautiful," she smiled, looking around amazed. "I already understand why you love this place so much. It's so peaceful and eternal in a way."

"Yes exactly. Sitting here and watching the endless water, this big open space is so relaxing. I've spent many summers here."

"At the lake?" she asked lovingly.

"No, I mean right here... at this pier," he said as he stopped them.

"Oh, a hidden spot."

"Yes, a hidden spot just for the two of us."

"What a lovely place, I already love it." she remarked and wanted to sit down, but he stopped her.

"Wait, I'm just spreading out this blanket first. The wood is quite old you know, so it's much more secure and comfortable."

"Oh... thanks," she smiled gratefully and took off her shoes, sitting down on the edge of it. "Wow, the water is so silky and warm," she said as she put in her legs. "It's perfect for swimming."

"Absolutely and we can swim anytime you want."

"Okay... but maybe a bit later. Now, I just would love to to sit here for a while."

"Sure," he agreed and sat down next to her. "You know, actually this is my favorite place in the whole world."

"Really?"

"Yes, it's so quiet and relaxing."

"Like a hiding place..." she said dreamily.

"Yes, it is." he smiled. "When I wanted to be alone or just needed to clear my head, I always sat here and watched the water."

"It clears your mind, frees your soul... like a magical place what solves your problems."

"You perfectly feel it," he stroked her hand as they exchanged a smile. "And now I'm finally here with you..." he admired her.

"Yes, after your childhood friends and those girls who you took here as a date," she teased him.

"Do you really think that?" he chuckled. "Then I tell you a secret..."

"You don't want to say..."

"But I will... you're the first one I ever share this place with."

"Are you serious?" her eyes were shining.

"Yes, you are the one and only." he whispered and kissed her shoulder as she just nestled in his arms... then they were sitting there in silence, watching the water happily... "A penny for your thoughts?" he asked softly after a while.

"I'm just daydreaming."

"Yes, I can see it from your smile..." he stroked her arm. "Don't you want to tell me?"

"It's just a silly thing."

"Oh, I see... so I was in it."

"Who else?" she chuckled. "Okay, but it's just a silly nonsense."

"Those are my favorites," he kissed her shoulder.

"It was just a vision..." she started, looking at the water dreamily. "We were standing here on this pier. It was the end of summer and I could feel the wood under my bare feet, what was warmed up by the sun... I was wearing a light flower printed summer dress and the wind gently blew my hair... we were standing in front of each other, holding hands and I felt so utterly carefree and happy like never before... it was our wedding," she turned to face with him. "And during the ceremony I heard the priest, but didn't understand what he was talking about... I was just holding your hands, feeling your loving look on me and as I looked down... my belly was already visible." she smiled and touched it softly.

"Beautiful vision..." whispered Joseph happily, gently covering her hand on her belly as their eyes locked.

"But it's just a silly daydream," she shook her head quickly, then took off her dress with a smile. "Come on, it's time to try this magical water out..." and with that she jumped in happily.

"... hopefully summer will long enough for everything," smiled Joseph just to himself, then jumped after her...

OOOOOOOOOOO

It was already in the evening when they arrived back to the house in dirty clothes and happy tiredness...

"I think I do not have to ask how was your trip at the lake," smiled Martin as they were shined from happiness.

"It was fantastic," smiled Joseph.

"Yes, and the water was simply magical."

"I'm glad to hear that." he nodded, "The tiramisu is in the fridge and Joseph, an old friend of yours called you... I think you should call him back."

"Yes of course," he agreed and turned to Clarisse, who just stroked his arm with a smile,

"Just take your time... and while you're on the phone I'll take a shower."

"Okay," he smiled gratefully and gave her a quick kiss. "...Who was it?" he asked as the two men remained alone.

"Your friend from that newspaper."

"Finally," said Joseph with a satisfied smile and dialed the number on the slip of paper in his hand. "Then let the game begin..."

To be continued...