Concept of a Surprise

Joe slipped the blindfold over Jen's eyes and gently but firmly tied it, blocking her view of the world.

"Joe. What are you doing?" Jen asked with laughter in her voice.

"You'll see," he said as he helped her into the car.

"So where are we going?" Jen asked as they accelerated into the flow of traffic.

"You don't get the concept of a surprise do you?" Joe teased.

"Can I ask questions?"

"I won't guarantee that I will answer them," Joe said with a grin.

"That's not fair," Jen pouted.

"Have I ever told you how adorable you are when you pout?" Joe asked as he leaned over and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth.

They kept up the easy banter as they drove along. After what seemed like a short time, Joe was pulling the car off the road and onto a bumpy path. Joe knelt next to the car of Jen's side and slipped off her shoes.

"Hey," Jen protested, but Joe silenced her wit ha finger on her lips. He helped Jen out the car and she felt a fresh breeze blowing across her face and the moisture of a nearby body of water. She felt soft cool grass and earth beneath her feet. Joe took both her hands and lead her forward; she could sense the warmth of the sun on her face.

"Sit here," Joe said as she stepped from cool grass to soft fabric.

Jen settled herself down on the blanket and reached for the blindfold only to have Joe's strong hands arrest her own.

"Not yet," he whispered.

Jen placed her hands in her lap, waiting for him to say it was time. She could hear him rustling around next to her and wondered what he was doing. After a few more moments, Jen felt his strong fingers slide through her hair and release the blindfold. It fell to reveal a dazzlingly beautiful sunset over a lake; surrounding the blanket was a half dozed oil lamps, and a picnic dinner.

"Oh," Jen breathed.

"Do you like it?" Joe asked, his voice holding just the barest hint of uncertainty.

Jen leaned towards him and pressed a passionate kiss to his lips. After a moment she pulled back, "I love it," she said and kissed him again before curling into his chest to watch the sun set.