Caroline was in the shower while Tim contacted one of his buddies at the campus computer lab hoping they may be able to trace where the emails were coming from. They would need his computer for access and asked if he could drop it off.  He advised he would bring it to them on Monday when he returned to class. He then contacted the landlord giving him a brief reason why he was inquiring. He advised Tim he would review for the past week and call him after.

Caroline was feeling better than the night before and decided to suggest a picnic at the park with Tim. It would give them the chance to just be with each other and enjoy the day. She needed to get away from the apartment after spending so much sick time at home. He had suggested a low key, lazy Sunday and this would be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Caroline stood in front of the closet wearing her robe and her hair wrapped in a towel deciding what to wear when Tim walked in "morning beautiful" he said as he slid his arms around her.  She smiled "morning handsome" she replied while grabbing her clothes. "How would you like to go on a picnic today" she asked turning towards him.

"You feel up to it" he asked as he took the towel off her head, her wet hair dropping down her face. She flipped it back, laughing. "Yes, I'm much better today. I know you said we should have a lazy Sunday, we can be lazy at the park. We can grab a few things from the deli, drinks from the fridge.  Please, Tim. I really need to get out of here" she asked biting her lip.

He laughed and pulled her in for a kiss, "how can I resist, yes, we will go. Where do you have in mind"

"The gardens of course" she winked as she pulled away to get dressed. Tim watched as she dropped her robe to the floor, fighting the growing urge within him. He quickly walked out of the room, 'later, later' he kept telling himself. Caroline smiled as she saw him leave.  'Later' she said to herself.

****
The landlord pulled the video from their apartment building for the past week.  Nothing appeared amiss, as far as anyone trying to gain entry or walk up to their residence, however he noticed at least three times there was a car parked nearby that would leave whenever Tim left in his truck. It was just far enough away from the camera that he couldn't make out the plate. He switched it to live feed, saw Tim and Caroline leave, but this car was not there at the moment. He made note to contact Tim later.

****

Several people were taking advantage of the beautiful Texas day at the gardens.

"I hope no one is set up by our tree " Caroline remarked as Tim helped her out of the truck. He grabbed the blanket and basket from the back seat, then took her by the hand as they walked into the gardens. As they approached "their tree" as she called it, she giggled "nope, its waiting just for us". Tim smiled and squeezed her hand before laying down the basket and blanket.

"Why do you call this our tree" he asked as she spread out the blanket.

"Because, it says so. See" she said as she stood tipped toe, pointing upward.  Just out of her reach, the bark had been peeled off and there was a heart with 'Tim loves Caroline' carved into it.

He didn't know she knew about that. He had carved it there the afternoon he went alone, upset over the gossip of her settling for him. He hugged her  "that's true, I do love you, more than life itself" he whispered into her ear.

They stood there for a bit until a group of small kids came by kicking a ball. The ball got away from them, rolling into Tim's leg. He laughed as he helped Caroline sit down, then turned "hey, this your ball" he said in his deep voice.

The kids stood there frozen, afraid of his voice and his size because he towered over them. He picked up the ball and walked towards them "sorry Mister, we didnt mean to hit you with it" the smallest of the group stated.

Tim kneeled down " no worries kiddo, here's your ball, have fun" he smiled as he gave the ball back to him.

The kids all sighed relief "hey thanks mister for not yelling at us".

Tim raised his brow, asking why he would yell at them because they were playing in the park. The kids all looked at each other, shaking their heads when the smallest one spoke up, "cause some guy over by the fountain told us to do it".

Tim quickly looked around, checking to see that Caroline was still by the tree. He turned back to the kids "huh, could you tell me what he looked like" he asked.

"Are we in trouble" the little one asked.

"No, not at all. Probably just a friend of ours trying to be funny." Tim replied, looking again to ensure Caroline was still at the tree.

"He was tall like you but his hair was short and had a black shirt, pants and sunglasses. I'm sorry, that's all I remember" he said. "Can we go play now" he asked. "Sure buddy, you guys have fun and stay together " he told them as they ran off.

Tim stood, scanning the area for anyone who looked like the kid described, nothing. He took a deep breath and walked back to Caroline.