OOM: Green Lake, Fourth of July

[ikissdhimbck]

There's a cacophony of noise in Green Lake today. Music is playing, people are shouting, children are laughing and singing, and all about there are the sounds of firecrackers and sparklers and foods simmering and games being played.

It's Green Lake's annual Fourth of July picnic.

Katherine is carrying a basket of spiced peaches over one arm as she makes her way to the Hawthorn residence, where she'll meet up with Doc and a few others before heading over to the festivities.

She looks stunning in a fine white dress, hair done up off her neck, with a single white daisy behind one ear.

But the smile on her face is what really makes her radiant.

.

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[scurlock]

Doc can hear the fireworks behind him, over the lake, but he doesn't turn his head to look at them.

Instead, he does something he would definitely think was a bit too forward in any other situation.

He turns his head ever so slightly and presses his lips against her cheek. It's a very brief kiss, but it is a kiss nonetheless. He doesn't linger -- he'd be stupid to linger -- but he does turn and stand beside her to look over the lake at the fireworks, his fingertips lightly brushing her hand in the process.

[ikissdhimbck]

Katherine's heart skips a beat.

Her body is warm even after he moves away to stand at her side. The butterflies in her stomach are now moving so fast they've created a small typhoon, and she places a heavy hand over her tummy in an attempt to quell the sensation.

She can still feel his lips on her skin, and she needs no mirror to know her cheeks are scarlet.

Somewhere she finds the presence of mind to start breathing again. She glances out into the crowd to see if anyone had been watching them, but all eyes are turned toward the fireworks display.

So she turns to Doc, hazy eyes looking up at his face through heavy eyelashes. She isn't sure what to say, so she doesn't say anything.

But when his fingertips brush her hand, she stretches her own fingers out in response, to touch him right back.

[scurlock]

There's nothing really to say.

So he doesn't say anything, just lets his fingertips brush lightly against hers while the fireworks explode over the lake. His heart is somewhere up against his ribs, caught high in his throat.

He catches glimpse of some of the children peering up skywards, eyes wide and lit by the colors.

But he can't hide the content little smile on his face. It's almost a smirk. Almost.

[ikissdhimbck]

On Katherine's face is a smile to match it. Her heart is still pounding in her chest, but she feels oddly calm with Doc at her shoulder.

They can't stay like that forever, though, and before long the town is moving about through the square again, dancing and talking and, of course, keeping their noses in everybody else's business.

Doc is a perfect gentleman the rest of the night, willing to give his undivided attention to anyone who approaches. But he doesn't wander too far from Katherine's side.

They part ways in the square, not wanting to cause any undue attention. People are already talking; better them to see Doc leave with the Hawthorn's and Katherine head on home by herself, than see the four--chaperones with the two lovebirds--together.

But tomorrow is a new day. Katherine is excited to have Doc in her classroom.

With her.

And her children.