Not much was said for a while, for the presence of one another felt like a sip of coffee at dawn, or waking in the late afternoon. 
That along with this view, it was enough to send me afloat once more. My head in the clouds and my soul tangled with the breeze. Like a song with no lyrics, on repeat, for I longed to hear it again and again. Never growing tired of the sound, not even once. 
A while longer passed, the sun's entrance now exposing the line where the sky met the sea, bringing other hues of vibrance to the horizon. Tiana and I hadn't moved an inch, with the exception of our hands finding a new spot to caress one another. 
Her rasped voice was serene as she spoke while her thumb drew tendrils on my arm. 
"Do you remember..." My eyes trailed from the scene beyond the window to look at her touch on my skin. "That day, at the lake..."
Warmth stirred under my cheeks, stringing my lips into a placid smile. "Now that's a day I'll never forget." Her chuckle vibrated just barely against my chest. "Specially since somebody tried to drown little ole me- oh the horror-"
Giggling at my dramatics, she shook softly at my body before hugging it closer than before. "You learned just fine how to swim- I didn't leave your side for a second." 
"I know baby- you's a fine teacher." I kissed her forehead before cupping her cheek so she'd lean back. A grin spread across my face and hers as I kissed her lips next, parting them with mine. Sharing another, with a gentle bob to our heads, her hand went to my jaw as mine trailed to the dip of her waist. With a pause, as my nose brushed hers with my eyes blissfully closed, I gave her one last lingering peck before withdrawing. "Mmhm, very fine indeed."
The blush she wore made me smile as her head shook at me. I couldn't help the way my gaze then raked her every feature. 
Once Tiana noticed, her eyes found mine as she bit her lip, giving me a look that resembled the intrication of the sea. Boundless and lulled, yet dangerous and electrifying. Light as a feather while infused with a weight heavy as gold. A look that I'd rather be laid to rest than live without.
It's as devoted now as it was then...




"You sure we safe out here?" Tiana asked while the two of us stepped out of the car. "It sure is beautiful..."
"I'm positive," I answered before opening the door to the backseat, retrieving the basket and blankets. "Mama used to bring us round these parts maybe once a year for about a day round summertime. Not a soul gone bother us for miles."
Now that the days were warmer, I thought it best for us to finally come here for some time alone. My birthday was about a week ago and I missed the days of it being just us two, with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Plus the day was beautiful, for spring was just around the corner, gifting us glimpses of warmth here and there. 
Just beyond the car that sat in the grass, a perimeter of sand surrounded the bay of water before us. Trees of green, lavender, white and red magnolia, and redbud surrounded us. And just a few feet away was the magnificent beauty that signaled we were at the right spot.
A grand willow tree resided just inches near the lake, its hanging strands of chartreuse swaying with the wind while hovering high above the water. 
It was beautiful beyond words, especially when the seasons were changing. Strands of white and yellow flower dressed its leaves now, reminding me of the day I fell off while attempting to climb it. And boy did Justice and Jordan have a howl. I could almost hear their tearful giggling laughter now...