“Good, thanks.” She put a hand to her stomach. It reminded her of Sky so she quickly removed it. “I seem to be getting used to being carried above the earth.” The first couple of times he’d carried her, she’d felt quite nauseous during the flight and for a few minutes after.

He moved to her and helped remove the backpack from her back.

Torrent opened the pack and removed the blanket. He spread the blue and white checkered fabric across a thin patch of lawn. Next, he removed a pair of pants and put them on. He gestured towards the blanket. “Take a seat.”

Her hands were shaking. Her heart was pretty much in her throat. Maybe she should wait until tomorrow. This conversation could wait. The setting was just too picturesque. This moment too beautiful to ruin with the sordid details of her past.

She did as he said and sat down, folding her legs underneath her.

Torrent did the same, sitting across from her. He began to unpack various items. A wooden board and some knives, two plates and a couple of napkins. The material kind. Next was a crisp looking baguette that had been wrapped in cloth. There was also cheese, olives, a hunk of ham and what looked like smoked salmon.

He smiled and handed her a plate. “Thank you.”

“So formal.” He smiled back. “Is everything okay? You don’t seem quite yourself. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

She nodded. “I’m fine. I promise.”

“Maybe this will help relax you.” He pulled a bottle of wine out of the bag and held it up. “Can I offer you a glass?”

Candy nodded. “Why not?”

It took Torrent a minute or two to uncork the wine. It was clearly something he didn’t do often. He poured them each a glass and he handed her one. “To us.” He kept his eyes locked with hers. “To our future… together.”

Candy nodded. “To us.” They clinked glasses. She took a small sip but her stomach lurched. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the flight, after all, or whether it had to do with their relationship and how fast it was moving. It was probably a little of both.

He must have noticed her grimace because he leaned forward. “You don’t look well.” Concern was evident on his face.

She forced a smile. “I’m okay, I think I just really need to eat something before drinking any of this.” She held up her glass. “It would be terrible if I got tipsy and took advantage of you.”

He laughed. “I could honestly think of nothing better, but when you finally do take proper advantage of me…” He winked at her. “I don’t want it to happen because you’re tipsy.”

“I’m sure that cold shower would sober me right up.”