“What's there to see?"

She replayed the video. "Look closely. Doesn't the wake Look Like a heart? I drew a heart for you on the water!”

"Ah, I see it now," Bennett replied, his voice tinged with emotion. He drew her close.

“I have a small token for you as well, Mrs. Dreskin.”

“And what might that be?" Instead of replying, he tilted her chin upward and provided his answer through a meaningful action.

The gift was a tender kiss, Leaving her both startled and pleasantly shy.

Caught in the moment, Claudia found herself wrapped in Bennett's secure embrace.

The usually subtle scent of spruce suddenly felt overwhelmingly inviting, swirling around her and making her head spin a Little.

As they kissed, she felt as if she were ensnared in a comforting net, one she didn't want to escape from.

Their private moment was underscored by the serene sound of waves gently lapping at the shore, accompanied by Bennett's slightly quickened breathing.

Claudia realized her heart was pounding faster than usual, as if the air in her lungs was being quietly stolen away.

It was as though her senses had been temporarily suspended, Leaving her feeling both lost and found.

As reason began to filter back into her consciousness, she sensed Bennett's Lips move from her own to the soft area behind her ear. His warm breath grazed her skin as he tenderly kissed her earlobe.

She shivered from head to toe, her face flushed a bright shade of crimson.

Glancing down at her, Bennett whispered, “Thank you, Mrs. Dreskin." Gathering her breath, Claudia eyed him cautiously. "We might be photographed, you know."

The competition brought drones and lenses, albeit from a distance. But distances were deceptive.

If a photograph of them were to accidentally find its way online, Claudia knew she'd be utterly mortified.

She never saw that kind of kiss from Bennett coming!

Eager to change the topic, Claudia suggested, "Let's head to the competition area."

Smiling warmly, Bennett brushed a loose strand of her windblown hair away from her face.

“As you wish, Mrs. Dreskin.”

As they walked away, they crossed paths with another couple.

Lost in her thoughts, Claudia didn't notice a small indentation in the ground and stumbled.

Quick as ever, Bennett's arms circled her waist, pulling her back to stability and into his solid frame.