Chapter 59: Beneath the Oak Tree

Sunday, September 25th, 2005

Josh woke up early Sunday morning, the sun barely starting to rise, casting a warm glow through his bedroom window. He lay there for a moment, feeling a deep sense of contentment mixed with anticipation. Saturday had been uneventful—he had gone to work as usual, then spent the rest of the afternoon detailing his Supra and Mazda, carefully washing and waxing them until they gleamed. That night, he had talked with Katie, setting up plans for a full day together. Now, as he stretched, he decided to push aside any lingering thoughts from the past few days. Today wasn’t for dwelling—it was for making memories with the person who mattered most.

After his workout and a quick shower, Josh made himself a simple breakfast—oatmeal with honey and a protein shake. As he ate, he glanced at his phone, debating whether to call Katie or let her sleep in. He knew she wasn’t a morning person, but his fingers still hovered over her number. Eventually, he decided to let her wake up on her own time.

After finishing his breakfast, Josh started packing their lunch. He pulled out a small cooler from the pantry and filled it with sandwiches, fresh fruit, bottled water, and a couple of snacks. As he closed the cooler, he grabbed a folded picnic blanket from the hall closet, knowing they’d need something to sit on. Once everything was neatly packed, he zipped up the cooler, balanced the blanket on top, and carried them both out to the garage.

His Supra sat in its usual spot, polished and gleaming under the dim garage lights. He popped the hatch, setting the cooler down securely in the back, then tucked the blanket beside it to keep it from sliding around. He gave everything one last check, making sure they were set for the day ahead. As he closed the trunk, he ran a hand over the car’s rear spoiler, appreciating its familiar feel. This car had been with him through so many—long nights driving aimlessly, moments of solitude where the engine’s hum was his only companion, and today, it would take him to another memory he hoped would last a lifetime.

By mid-morning, his phone rang. He picked it up, grinning as he saw Katie’s name.

“Hey, beautiful,” he answered smoothly.

“Morning,” Katie said, her voice still thick with sleep. “I slept in.”

Josh chuckled. “It’s Sunday. You’re allowed.”

“So, what’s the plan for today?”

“Secret,” he teased. “Just be comfortable. I’m coming to pick you up.”

“Fine, but you better not keep me in suspense all day,” she warned playfully.

“I make no promises.”

After they said their goodbyes, Josh grabbed his keys and headed out, making the familiar drive to Katie’s house. When he pulled into the driveway, she was already waiting on the porch, wearing a pair of jeans and a casual blouse, her hair pulled into a loose ponytail. The moment she saw him, her face lit up, and she headed over to the car. Josh stepped out before she could reach for the door handle, opening it for her with a smirk.

Katie grinned, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. “Gotta pay the toll,” she teased before sliding into the passenger seat. Josh felt a warmth spread through his chest at the familiar ritual, a moment so small yet so deeply reassuring. It was these little gestures that made everything feel so right, so easy. He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head as he gently closed the door behind her, savoring the simplicity of the moment.

Josh smirked, before walking around to the driver’s side. “That’s a toll I’ll never get tired of.”

“You better not,” Katie shot back with a playful wink.

“You’re in a good mood,” Josh observed as he pulled out of the driveway.

Katie shrugged, grinning. “I get to spend the whole day with you. How could I not be?”

Josh reached over, squeezing her hand briefly. “Hope you like surprises.”

“Depends. Am I going to regret trusting you?”

Josh laughed. “You’ll love it. Just relax.”

The drive took them out of town, away from the familiar streets and into quieter, open roads. They had been driving for over thirty minutes, the steady hum of the engine blending with the soft music playing in the background. The farther they got, the more Katie relaxed into her seat, watching the scenery change. Open fields gave way to dense, towering trees, their thick foliage filtering the afternoon sunlight into shifting patterns on the road.

Josh glanced over, catching the way her expression shifted from curiosity to quiet wonder. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?” she finally asked, her voice laced with playful impatience.

Josh smirked but shook his head. “Nope. Just enjoy the ride.”

Katie huffed dramatically but didn’t argue. Instead, she reached for the radio, flipping through the stations until she found one playing old rock classics. She settled back against the seat, nodding along to the beat as the familiar chords filled the car.

Josh chuckled. “Good choice.”

“I know,” she said with mock arrogance. “You have decent taste, but I have better taste.”

Josh scoffed. “Debatable.”

They continued their playful banter as they drove, the miles passing quickly. Josh stole occasional glances at her, appreciating how at ease she seemed. For all the heavy conversations they’d had recently—about marriage, the future, their past lives—today was about enjoying the present.

Eventually, he turned onto a narrow road lined with tall trees, their branches forming a canopy overhead. The deeper they went, the quieter it became, the only sounds the hum of the Supra’s engine and the occasional chirping of birds. Then, just ahead, the trees opened up to reveal a secluded lakefront.

Katie’s eyes widened as the view came into focus. “Josh ... this is beautiful.”

Josh felt a sense of satisfaction at her reaction. “Figured we could use a day away from everything,” he said, pulling the car to a stop. “No distractions. Just us.”

Katie was already unbuckling her seatbelt before he finished speaking. The moment the car was in park, she jumped out, taking a deep breath and stretching her arms as she took in the scenery. The water was calm, shimmering under the afternoon sun, and a light breeze rustled the nearby trees. It was the kind of place that felt untouched by time.

Josh walked around to the back of the car, popping the trunk. He grabbed the picnic blanket and cooler, balancing them as he shut the trunk with his hip. As he turned back, Katie was watching him with an amused smirk.

“Need help?” she teased.

Josh scoffed. “I got it. You just pick the spot.”

They wandered a short distance from the car before finding the perfect place—a soft patch of grass under the shade of a large oak tree, overlooking the water. Josh spread out the blanket while Katie plopped down onto it, kicking off her shoes.

“So, what’s the plan?” she asked, leaning back on her hands.

Josh sat beside her, opening the cooler to reveal sandwiches, fresh fruit, and bottled water. “Lunch, relaxation, and whatever else we feel like.”

Katie smiled, nudging him playfully. “You planned this well. I approve.”

They ate at a leisurely pace, letting conversation flow naturally. They laughed over old stories, shared dreams of the future, and even indulged in ridiculous hypotheticals—like how they’d fare in a zombie apocalypse.

“You’d last maybe a week,” Josh teased, finishing off the last bite of his sandwich.

Katie gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me? I’d do way better than that. I’d have strategy.”

Josh raised a skeptical brow. “You have a plan for a zombie apocalypse?”

Katie huffed. “I watch movies. I know what not to do.”

“Right, because movies are so accurate.” Josh rolled his eyes but grinned. “Fine. You survive a month. Tops.”

Katie smacked his arm lightly, laughing. “Oh, please. You’d probably get yourself bit trying to fight off a whole horde single-handedly.”

Josh chuckled, shaking his head. “Nah, I’d just make sure you were safe first.”

The teasing moment softened as Katie looked at him, something deeper flickering in her gaze. She lay back, resting her head on his lap, and stared up at the sky. “Do you ever think about how lucky we are?”

Josh brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin. “Every single day.”

She turned her head slightly to look up at him. “I love you.”

Josh leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I love you too.”

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of nature surrounding them.

Josh watched her, admiring how carefree she looked in that moment. “You’re happy.”

She turned to him, nodding. “I am.”

[Author’s Note: Sorry with the new policies; this scene couldn’t be found like the Epstein list.]