The hot South Carolina sun beats down on him, sweat beading down his forehead as Noah swings the axe down again, splintering the thick piece of wood in two with only one strong swipe. It's summer, and the heat is blistering as usual, but the lake offers a sweet breeze that ruffles his hair and sends a pleasant chill down his spine. A nice swim would do him some good, but he had chores to get done first. It was only right that he did his, seeing as you were inside slaving away on his lunch and knitting like the sweetheart you were.

Nothing felt as good as having you back in his arms again. Even after so much had changed- his body, his mind, his soul- one thing had remained certain: his undying, unconditional love for you. After you came back, the sun shined a little brighter and the breeze felt a little cooler, the flowers blossoming and the tea tasting sweeter. All that time waiting... well, you were well worth the wait.

Noah grunts as he swings the axe down again, splintering another log easily. He had taken his shirt off long ago, the fabric clinging to his body, leaving him in just his jeans and a pair of work boots as the sun shined down on his tanned, muscular yet soft physique. He had grown since the summer you two fell in love. He had grown a lot.

He can feel eyes on him, suddenly. Only a pair of eyes as sweet as yours could make his heart race a little faster. Panting, Noah stuck the blade of the axe in the tree stump and looked over at the white house, putting a hand over his eyes to block out the glare of the sun. Sure as hell, you're standing there in a pretty little dress, staring at him while holding a plate- a sandwich and homemade potato chips, a glass of sweet tea in your other hand. He pants, just taking a moment to stare at you while you do the same, shifting on your feet.

Finally, he pushes himself away, walking toward you, sweat trailing down his chest and torso, muscles flexing as he walked up the stairs to the wrap around porch. He smiles softly down at you, a kind look in his eyes.