Chapter 941: Hiking

Chapter 941: Hiking



The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon with eggs soon filled the air as the men, championed by Philip, cooked over the campfire, determined to impress their women whose stomachs were growling in anticipation as they set up a picnic table.

"Whatever you do over there, do not let Tom close to the pan," Lucy advised and they all laughed while Tom scowled at her playfully.

"Everything smells amazing," Jade remarked as she took in the breakfast spread. "You guys really went all out."

"Only the best for our ladies," Tom said, giving Lucy a wink.

"You didn't even do much apart from flipping the pancakes," Bryan taunted.

"You flipped the pancakes? I was wondering why they look so delicious," Lucy said, beaming a smile at Tom, and he chuckled while the others looked at them with amusement.

Seated around the picnic table, they enjoyed a hearty breakfast, the conversation flowing easily as they recounted their fishing adventures.

The easy camaraderie of the group made the meal even more enjoyable. And even Harry, who had been in a sour mood just moments before, was laughing and joking with the rest of them. "Everyone did a great job. We've got quite the haul," Philip said with approval.

"Yeah. I didn't think we'd have so many fish," Aurora agreed.

"So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?" Lucy asked, spearing a piece of pancake with her fork.

Philip leaned back in his chair, looking out at the lake. "I was thinking we could go for a hike after breakfast. There's a great trail nearby with some stunning views."

"Count me in," Tom said, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of another adventure.

"Me too!" chirped Sonia.

"But we will have to keep it at a reasonable pace," Bryan said, his hand resting on Sonia's belly.

"We'll take it easy," Aurora assured him. "It's more about enjoying the scenery than racing to the top."

After finishing their meal, Harry and Jade cleaned up and they all got ready for the hike.

They packed water bottles, snacks, leftover pancakes from breakfast, fruits, and a few essentials, making sure everyone was prepared for the trek.

The trail started at the edge of the campsite, winding through the forest with a gentle incline.

The trees provided a canopy of shade, and the air was filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.

They walked in pairs, with Philip and Aurora leading the way. Jade and Harry followed close behind, their earlier disagreement forgotten as they chatted and laughed.

Bryan and Sonia walked hand in hand, their steps slow and steady, and Tom and Lucy brought up the rear so they could keep an eye on Sonia and Bryan.

Each of the couples exchanged smiles and shared little jokes, enjoying the peacefulness of the forest.

As they climbed higher, the trail opened up to a clearing with a stunning viewpoint. Below them, the lake shimmered in the sunlight, surrounded by a sea of green. The group paused to take in the view, snapping photos and admiring the natural beauty.

"Absolutely breathtaking," Sonia said, her voice filled with awe.

"Definitely worth the hike," Bryan agreed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

They spent some time at the viewpoint, enjoying the scenery and catching their breath.

The ladies spread out the blankets and they all decided to spend some time there for their picnic.

As they ate, they decided to play a few couples' games, their laughter ringing out across the quiet environment.

First up was a game of "Couples Trivia," where they tested how well they knew each other. Philip and Aurora went first, with Philip asking, "What's my favorite movie?"

Aurora scrunched her nose in thought before answering confidently, "The Pursuit Of Happyness."

Philip grinned. "Correct. Your turn."

Aurora asked, "What's my favorite color?"

"Easy. Blue," Philip replied without hesitation.

"There are lots of blue. What kind of blue?" Sonia asked and Philip smiled.

"Sky blue," he said and Aurora clapped.

"Correct!"

"How can we be so sure you're both telling the truth and not just saying correct to anything your partner says?" Jade asked suspiciously.

"Yeah. I think Jade has a point," Lucy agreed and Jade scowled at her.

"Finally you agree with me on something after betraying me earlier," she said and Lucy giggled.

"I didn't betray you."

"You broke the girl code," Jade said and Lucy rolled her eyes.

laughed as Sonia jabbed his side with her elbow playfully.

"What is the most important lesson you've learned from each other?" Tom asked and Sonia

pursed her lips.

"Hmm. For me, it's communication," she said and Bryan smiled.

"For me, it's trust," he said and they both smiled at each other. "Finally, I get to ask a question!" Aurora said excitedly and they all laughed.

"What is the biggest challenge you've faced together and how did you overcome it?" Aurora

asked and Tom raised a brow.

"Isn't that two questions?"

"No. It's one," Philip said, defending Aurora.

Lucy considered the question for a moment, "I think it was the issue of Dawn's paternity,"

Lucy said, looking at Tom.

Tom nodded in agreement, "Yeah. It was that for me too."

"How did we overcome it? I don't know. Harry gave me a drink from his fountain of wisdom,"

Lucy joked and they all laughed.

"I chose to let love lead. I think that's how I overcame it," Lucy said with a shrug.

"If I'm not mistaken, you both have been together the longest amongst everyone here, am I

right?" Philip asked, and they both nodded.

"What relationship advice would you give us?" Philip asked, and Lucy laughed.

"I don't think I'm in a position to give anyone relationship advice," she said and Tom raised a

brow.

"Why not?"

"I don't know. What am I supposed to say? You know very well that I'm learning on the go with you," she said and he nodded.

"So, what have you learned so far?" Tom asked and she sighed.

"Well, the most important lesson I've learned is to take everything one day at a time. The joy

of today is more important than the mistakes of yesterday and the fears of tomorrow. Don't

be so caught up in your worries about tomorrow that you're not living your best moment today," she said and Tom clapped for her.

"That's profound," Aurora said and Philip nodded as he looked at Tom.

"What about you? What relationship advice would you give?" he asked Tom. "Relationship involves growth, so choose love, patience, and commitment every day," Tom

said, and just like that they continued.

After some time they resumed their hiking and continued along the trail, which looped back

towards the campsite.

By the time they returned, it was late afternoon. They were all tired but happy, their spirits

high from the day's adventure.

They gathered around the campfire and together they all prepared the fish for dinner and shared stories as the sun began to set.

As the sky darkened and the stars came out, the group fell into a comfortable silence. The

crackling of the fire and the distant sound of the lake were the only noises, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

"This has been such a perfect day," Lucy said softly, her eyes reflecting the firelight.

"Yeah. I'm so glad we all came out here," Sonia said with a contented sigh as Bryan pulled her

closer.

"Me too," Jade agreed as she leaned into Harry. "It's been amazing."

"I'm glad you all had a nice time. We wanted to enjoy this weekend with you before our

wedding. So, thanks for honoring our invitation," Aurora said as she exchanged a look with Philip, happy at having pulled it off successfully.