Page 63 of Espresso Your Love

I pull out my phone, snap a picture of the envelope, and text Ashley.

I came home, and this was on my door. He left me a note! 6:30 am date. He said to wear jeans and closed-toed shoes.

Oh, sounds like you’re in for an adventure! Horseback riding? Skydiving?

Maybe not that extravagant or adrenaline-inducing. But why so early?

The early bird gets the worm. He set a high bar with the first date; I’ll bet he’ll top it with this one.

Honestly, we could do nothing and I’ll be perfectly content.

Aww. *heart emojis* Get some rest and have fun tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear all about it!

I smile at her text before crawling under the covers. I’m looking forward to spending the day with him, wondering what surprises he has in store. As my head sinks into the soft pillow, my mind drifts off into dreams of endless possibilities for our date tomorrow.

I wake up peacefully to the sounds of birds chirping outside my window. I get myself ready and stand in the mirror. Jeans, white sneakers, and a long-sleeved flowy top. I grab my favorite jacket and glance at the time.

It’s exactly six thirty when there’s a knock on the door. Ryan stands there, looking as handsome as ever. His dazzling smile greets me as he holds out a bouquet of wildflowers.

“Good morning, these are for you.”

I take the flowers from his hand, admiring their vibrant colors.

“Ryan, these are beautiful. Thank you.” I inhale their sweet scent. “Do we have time for me to put them in a vase before we leave?”

He nods.

“Come in.” I smile and turn toward the kitchen.

“You got my note?” he says as he closes the door behind him.

“I did and was dreaming all night of different possibilities of what we might do today. Do I get to know?” I ask as I get the vase from the cabinet and fill it with water.

He has a mischievous glint in his eye. “The element of surprise keeps it fun.”

“I’m a planner girl, city boy. Surprises aren’t usually my thing. But…” I let out a dramatic sigh. “I guess, it’s allowed today.”

“Ah, the city boy nickname is back, huh?”

“Well, aren’t you?” I tease as I arrange the flowers in the vase.

He pulls out a card from his wallet. “Actually, I’m officially a Meadowbrookian.” He points to the address on his license. “Or is it Meadowbrooker? Either way, I’m a citizen of this wonderful small town.”

“Wow, that is official. But you’ll always be city boy to me.” I chuckle. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Ryan eagerly takes my hand and pulls me towards the front door. “Adventure awaits!” he exclaims as he raises our joined hands.

We walk hand in hand to his truck. He opens his door for me then walks around to the other side and gets in. The engine roars to life as he starts the truck. He sets his open hand on the center console and wiggles his fingers, a silent invitation for me to join him. I look over at him, his eyes on the road, and place my hand in his. A grin spreads across his face which sends butterflies to my stomach.

We drive out of town and through the windy country roads. The countryside is beautiful this time of year with all the autumn hues sprinkled into the landscape, especially as the sun starts to rise. After another half hour of driving, we pull onto a private road. We stop at a gate, and Ryan gets out to punch in the code.

I squint my eyes at him when he gets back in the car.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He grabs my hand again and drives through the open gate.

We drive a few more minutes down this road that is surrounded by trees. Up ahead, there’s a clearing that opens to a small airfield.

My eyes go wide as I look at Ryan. “Are we…flying?”

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