Get Out Your Pic-a-Nic Basket Boo-Boo!:
Feeling very nostalgic that night, watching Carrie rest in bed after a very long day, Bruce couldn't help but crack open a photo album and look back at days long past. Each picture was a memory a thousand words could't hold, a memory in caught in a ten thousand more and relived for but moments. Today, he couldn't help but look back on August, before the bad times. Before the excuse of a father. Of that day on the hills.
One sunny morning, Bruce suggested that they go horseback riding in the Lone Pine hills. Carrie was a bit hesitant at first, but she agreed, eager to spend more time with her husband.
As they rode through the hills, something clicked and left Bruce and Carrie acting like two love-struck teenagers, holding hands and whispering sweet nothings to each other as they went to grab Friday from his stables. They laughed and joked, enjoying each other's company as they rode out towards the hills, even as their excitement grew. They had always loved spending time outdoors, and they relished the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Lone Pine hills together.
Once they arrived at the hills, they set off on their rides, Friday and a rental,
Buell. As they rode, Bruce and Carrie held hands, enjoying the warmth of the sun on their skin and the gentle breeze in their hair. As they climbed higher into the hills, the scenery became more and more breathtaking. They rode through wildflower meadows, past sparkling streams, and up steep hillsides, taking in the stunning views at every turn.
At one point, they came across a group of deer grazing in a clearing. Bruce and Carrie stopped their horses to watch the gentle creatures, marveling at their beauty and grace. Throughout the ride, Bruce and Carrie were inseparable, constantly whispering sweet nothings to each other and sharing tender kisses. They were like two lovebirds anew, lost in their own little world of romance and passion.
When they arrived at the babbling brook, Bruce surprised Carrie with a picnic basket full of delicious treats. They sat by the stream, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature and each other's company.
They stopped by a babbling brook and dismounted, taking a break to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Bruce took out a picnic basket and spread out a blanket, surprising Carrie with a romantic lunch complete with wine and cheese. They sat by the stream, gazing into each other's eyes, lost in their own little world. They talked about their hopes and dreams for the future, and they made plans for their next adventure together.
As the day began to draw to a close, Bruce and Carrie mounted their horses and began to make their way back down the hills. They rode side by side, their hearts full of love and contentment. As they arrived back at the stables, Bruce helped Carrie down from her horse and gave her a tender kiss on the lips. They smiled at each other, knowing that they had shared a truly special day together.
"Thank you," she whispered later, while they lay under the starry sky [near the hotel], "Thank you for sharing today and every day with me."
"It's what I signed up to do, isn't it?" he whispered back, gently brushing her hair back, "
Though it's cold and lonely in the deep dark night, all I can see paradise by the dashboard light, swearing to God and on my grave, that I would love you to the end of time, I swore I would love you to the end of time!"
Her laugh twinkled throughout the night, "You ass!" she'd guffawed, playfully swatting at his shoulder.
"Let's do this again soon, okay?" her next words slipped past memory and onto his own lips, as a solitary tear fell down onto the album.
