Emily & Paige are about to visit one of my favorite places around Charleston.

Chapter 3

Paige and Emily exchanged a few texts messages throughout the week before their date. Nothing major, just some idle chat here and there. Both enjoyed the brief conversations. It was a chance to get to know each other a little more before their date. For Emily's part, it helped her work through the first date nerves. It was a volatile mix of excitement, apprehension, and anxiety. She went through this before every first date. This one however felt a little different. There was something about Paige that reeled her in. She knew deep down that this was meant to be special.

Paige tried to take each day that week as they came. Tuesday, done. Wednesday, done..and so on. Then Friday came and with it arrived the nerves. She couldn't understand it; first dates don't normally make her feel this way. She's southern for goodness sakes. Charm is in her DNA. Emily though, she's something else. Everything about her was pulling Paige in. Her luscious dark hair. Those dark brown eyes that sparkled like the nighttime sky. And that dimpled smile…it'd be the end of Paige for sure.

Emily called Bridgette Friday morning and asked her to come over at 6:00pm to help pick out her date attire. Paige told Emily where they were going would be a surprise and to dress for outdoor dining. Emily enjoyed being around Bridgette. She reminded her of her best friend Hanna from back home in Rosewood. When Bridgette arrived she headed straight for Emily's bedroom. It looked like Emily's entire closet was lying in various places throughout the room. "Help," Emily said with a look of despair.

"Darlin' you look like you need it," Bridgette said in that low country accent Emily had grown to love. "You're to dress for outdoor dining, right? Are we talking casual, dressy, what…?, Bridgette asked trying to get a gauge on the requirements.

"I have no idea, Bridgette! Paige wouldn't tell me. Ugh, I have nothing to wear," Emily said in a huff as she sat on the edge of her chaise.

"Clearly you have nothing to wear. You're bed, chaise, and dresser are currently hogging it all," Bridgette said sarcastically.

Finally after 45 minutes and multiple wardrobe changes Emily was ready. She sent Bridgette on her way shortly after they got her outfit sorted. Emily's nerves were already frayed and even with good intentions Bridgette wasn't making them any better. She was making one final adjustment to her dress when the doorbell rang.

Here goes nothin' Paige thought as she rang the doorbell. The door swung open revealing Emily. Paige's breath was taken away. Emily was wearing a tight blue summer dress that hit mid-thigh. "H-Hi. You look beautiful," Paige managed to get out.

For her part, Emily was just as breathless. Paige was wearing white linen pants that hugged her legs perfectly and a sheer light blue summer sweater that dipped just enough in the front to kick start Emily's imagination. "Hi, thank you, Paige. You look nice yourself. So, where are we headed? You're not going to blindfold me to keep up the suspense of this surprise are you?" Emily joked, impressed that she was able to keep her nerves at bay.

Paige gave an adorable lopsided grin. "Not unless you want me to," she replied with a devious look. It's hot out here. Is it scorching outside or is it me? Emily thought to herself as they walked towards Paige's SUV. The flash of heat rising up Emily's neck to her cheeks was quick but Paige noticed it. Good, we're definitely outside of friend territory Paige thought.

They had been driving for a while chatting casually. Emily noticed that they had entered the city limits of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. She was really starting to wonder where they were going at this point. As if Paige could sense this she said, "Just another five minutes and we should be there." Almost on cue Paige pulled onto a long gravel driveway. Emily noticed a sign that said "Boone Hall Plantation." The grounds of the plantation were beautiful. The gravel drive was lined with massive trees that had long trendrils of spanish moss hanging from the limbs. Up ahead, Emily could see a large brick house with gleaming white columns along the front. Surrounding the house was a brick barrier with an extensive wrought-iron gate.

Paige parked just inside the gate and opened the car door for Emily. "This place is gorgeous, Paige," Emily said in awe. Paige smiled knowing she had planned well in bringing the beautiful girl here.

"I hoped you would like it," Paige said with the smile still lighting up her face. "This is actually a fully working farm. There aren't too many of them still in existence around here. During the day the house is open for tours. And over there is the wine tasting cellar and gift shop," Paige said while pointing to her right.

They entered the house and headed towards the dining room. As they made their way to the hostess stand, the greeter said, "Oh, Ms. McCullers it's so nice to see you again. Your table is ready on the back patio." Emily gave Paige a look similar to oh so you come here a lot, huh? Paige leaned towards Emily saying, "My father is friends with the owner. They go way back." Hoping to leave the topic quickly, she placed her hand on the small of Emily's back and made their way to the reserved table. Paige couldn't help but notice how natural everything felt with Emily. Even that small gesture of placing her hand on Emily's back as they walked felt like something she'd done her whole life.

Emily cherished the feel of Paige's hand on her back. Once they were seated and Paige was sitting opposite her she missed the contact. The back patio had only three tables set up for dining. This was fine by Emily. She craved the intimate ambiance of this location and most especially wanted to be here with Paige. Along the archways surrounding the patio were white twinkle lights. A creek that lead to a marsh ran just beyond the patio. "Romantic" didn't even do justice to this setting. Emily imagined that if someone were to ask how she would describe a perfect date this would probably be it. They ordered dinner and drank wine made from the grapes grown on the property. Emily's meal was delicious. When Paige asked if she'd like to take a walk she was eager to do so.

They each took a glass of wine with them as they strolled through the grounds. The setting sun was casting golden rays through the trees. The picturesque landscape reminded Emily of a painting you'd see in a museum. If you could step through the canvas you'd be transported back to a simpler time. She felt peaceful.

Paige made sure to tell Emily not to touch the spanish moss. She explained that while it looks inviting and it seems natural to pick it up- DON'T. There had been many a visitor to the area who walked away with hands and arms dotted by chigger bites not knowing of the precaution.

There were various places to stop and talk as they strolled through the plantation. Once Emily saw the dock leading out into the marsh she grabbed Paige's hand and led the way. Emily had always been drawn to water. Whether it is in the pool, by a lake, or here in this serene marsh with Paige, she could feel the pull of her soul towards the serenity of the water. "I grew up on a lake in Rosewood," Emily said wistfully. "It's where my dad first taught me to swim. Since then I've always gravitated towards water."

Paige felt the same way. She was in awe of Emily. Conversations with the girl seemed to flow with ease. There was no pretense, no motive. Just a beautiful girl and beautiful words. "Actually, there is something about this place that seems familiar to me though I know I've never been here," Emily said with a perplexed look on her face.

Paige could guess why. "Have you ever seen The Notebook?" Paige inquired.

"Have I seen it? Of course I have. I had a major crush on Rachel McAdams for weeks because of that movie," Emily said casually.

Paige gave that lopsided grin again that made Emily weak. "Well, parts of that movie were filmed at this plantation," Paige explained. "Tourists flock Boone Hall because of that movie. To me, it's just a beautiful part of the land that I love down here."

Paige McCullers really was full of surprises tonight. Emily was blown away by the stunning girl she met by chance in the park only one month ago. She moved closer to Paige saying, "Thank you so much for sharing this place with me, Paige. It's been a beautiful evening." Yes, it was a beautiful evening Paige thought to herself. But Paige was beginning to quickly realize that nothing could match the inner and outer beauty of Emily Fields.

They could have stayed at Boone Hall all night…if it weren't for the fact that the plantation had to close at some point. As Paige walked Emily to her door the electricity between the two was building. "Thank you for agreeing to come to dinner with me tonight, Emily. I would love to see you again. Are you available next Saturday?," Paige asked with hope lacing her voice.

For you, I'd be available any time you want me Emily thought to herself. "Yes, Paige. I look forward to it," she replied instead.

With that, Paige closed the distance between them and gently began kissing Emily. Her breath hitched at the contact. It was even better than she thought it would be. Paige could taste the sweet wine that had lingered on Emily's soft lips. She could drink Emily in all night. For her part, Emily was entranced by all things Paige McCullers. She would be dreaming of this kiss tonight thinking only of Paige.