Over an hour later, an amused Lariette stared at the plaque in her hands while Ruediger drove by her side. They were on their way back to Lumina Spring. The clock pointed to a quarter before eleven.
As Ruediger's navy blue truck sped down the streets, the city lights cast a warm glow over the windshield. The rays shimmered against the sleek curves of the vehicle, also illuminating the interior of the truck.
Lariette glanced at Ruediger, finding his posture relaxed but steady as he drove. She smiled when he briefly looked at her, the right corner of his lips tugging upward.
"Still looking at it?" asked Ruediger, his voice low and smooth, "You've been staring at the plaque since we left, Lettie."
"I just didn't expect we'd get the third place for Best Couple Outfits," Lariette remarked, playful laughter laced her voice, "Hehe, not so bad, right?"
