CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

The sand warms my feet as Gavin leads me toward a small cliff just south of the lake below. I recognize the set in the land as where we had a picnic only weeks ago.

“I love that you brought me here, Gavin. It feels like this is our beach, our spot away from everything and everyone,” I say, catching his hand in mine as we walk.

Gavin looks down at me and he smiles gently.

“Just ours, Sophia. I brought some food and that wine you love. I thought we could have a picnic before the sun sets.”

I wrap my hands around the back of his neck and draw his mouth to mine for a light kiss.

“I think that sounds wonderful.”

I watch as Gavin sets a sky-blue blanket across the flattest spot along the ridged cliff and sets a basket down by his feet. Then, he reaches for my hand.

“When did you prepare all this? We left so quickly,” I ask, sitting beside him and leaning back on my hands. He sets two plates of fettuccine Alfredo with basil and I gasp in surprise.

“Oh, Gavin. You remembered.”

I can still sme