Author's Note: I don't own any of this. Thank you for reading and reviewing. You guys have no idea how much it means to check my email and see so many people enjoying this story. Even one person enjoying my work is exciting, so knowing that there are 100+ reading this is so awesome.
Please leave me guesses on what you think their date is! I've already got it planned out, but if I like a guess maybe I'll incorporate it later on with a shoutout to the reviewer that left the guess.
Thanks again! Enjoy! 3
The rest of the week passed in the same pattern. I'd get to work, daydream about domestic life with Bella until it was time for lunch. She'd meet me wherever I was on the property with a delicious, light meal and we'd learn about each other before I returned to the farm.
I learned that she lived with Charlie because about two years ago he'd suffered from a heart attack. Bella didn't hesitate to pack her belongings, end her lease on the home she'd been renting, and move back in to assist with his recovery and monitor his diet. She admitted that, while she'd do anything for her dad, she missed the independence of living alone. Her small frown didn't last long after she changed the topic to her efforts to bribe Charlie into letting her get a dog. Working at the library as she'd been doing for the past few years allowed her to save enough that she could afford to adopt one and cover all vet fees, but her farmer father's ironic distaste for animals left her petless.
The days passed and I found myself falling harder for her. Bella kept me smiling and her outlook on life was so fresh. By the time Friday rolled around I was ready to take her on our first date, but Charlie had been unclear about my next day off and if I wanted to take her on the date I had planned then I needed today off.
"Hey, Charlie, can I ask a favor?"
"Whatcha need, son?" He didn't look up from the work he was doing, but he didn't sound annoyed by my approach.
"Well, I'd like to take Bella out tomorrow, sir, but I'd need to get off work around noon to treat her to what I had planned. I was wondering if I could get outta here a little early tomorrow. I'm willing to come in early as ya need in the morning. Or maybe I could stay late Sun-," My words were rushed as I realized I was asking a lot for someone that had only been employed for less than a week.
"Edward, boy, slow down. I don't work Saturdays anyhow. I come out to milk the cow and grab the egg. Other than that there ain't much to do. That's a quick bit o' work and I managed just fine without you. Don't worry 'bout comin' in tomorrow, take my girl out, but remember my warnin'. I know how to use a gun." For someone threatening my life, his words seemed pretty relaxed. "Oh, and your paycheck is on the counter in the kitchen in an envelope with your name on it."
"Thank you, Charlie," I turned away before he could change his mind. Now all that was left was to actually ask Bella on the date! She was already in the kitchen fixing a glass of sweet tea when I went to collect my paycheck.
"Hey, pretty girl. I was wondering if you were still up for our date. Your dad gave me tomorrow off and I'd love to take you out."
Her head whipped around and a smile bigger than all of Texas graced her beautiful lips. I knew the answer before she opened her mouth, but I was anxious to hear it.
"Dinner with you sounds like a dream, Edward!"
"Actually, would you be up for a surprise? I'm okay if you'd prefer dinner, but I've got an idea for the best first date."
"Usually I'm not one for surprises, but I trust you."
"Dress comfortably and for warm weather. Feel free to let your pretty feet loose, but we'll be walking a bit, so wear good shoes." At the mention of her feet, I glanced down to see what they were adorned in today. She had them polished an emerald green and had a rainbow anklet on the left one. "I'll be here to get you around noon if that's okay?"
"That's perfect. I really can't wait to spend the day with you." She blushed and stepped closer to me. I met her in the middle, placing my hands on her waist, and smiled down at her.
"We're going to have a blast. It's a bit of a drive, but it'll be worth it. I promise you a fun day. Do you mind that we'll be out late?" Bella shook her head and kissed my cheek.
"If it means more time with you, then I couldn't be happier." There was no doubt that tomorrow was going to be fantastic. I'd done all my research and everything was planned to the minute.
Sadly, I had to leave Bella at Charlie's if I was going to be ready for tomorrow. With the sun setting in the sky, my to-do list needed tackling early, so I could be rested for tomorrow. My gas tank needed to be filled, my check needed to be cashed, and I needed to change my oil to be on the safe side. Our trip tomorrow was going to be a few towns over and car troubles were not on the itinerary for my first date with Bella. I felt a bit silly, but after I had my car tuned up, I went to the barber shop to get my hair trimmed. I wanted to look sharp for Bella tomorrow. It was one thing to look like a southern gentleman, but my momma didn't raise a hillbilly redneck. She was gonna be treated like a lady and I was going to look like a man worth of courting her. Finally, I was home, looking for a way to pass time until it was late enough to go to sleep. After I'd showered and spent over an hour finding the perfect outfit for tomorrow- cue middle school flashbacks of being called a girl- I decided on the best way to end my night.
Fishing my cell phone and a scrap of paper from my pocket, I dialed the numbers, pacing when the ringing started.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Bella."
"Edward?"
"Yeah, I wanted to call and say goodnight. Ya know, wish you sweet dreams."
"Oh, thank you. I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep much tonight. I'm so excited for tomorrow I can't imagine being able to fall asleep."
"Please try to sleep. We're going to have fun and I'd hate to have to spend our first date havin' a blast alone." She giggled at my weak joke and promised to do her best to get some shut-eye. We made small talk for a while before she yawned and admitted my voice was making dozing off very easy. I playfully apologized for boring her before murmuring a sweet goodnight.
With Bella's voice echoing in my brain, sleep found me with ease and dreams of a beautiful, brown-eyed cowgirl played on repeat through the night.
It was nice to be able to wake up before the sun. Breakfast was a meal I didn't often indulge in, but this morning I treated myself to a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee. I'd considered taking Bella a coffee when I picked her up, however, I realized she'd probably have coffee with Charlie as per their ritual. Styling my hair neatly was impossible and I learned that years ago. Taming it was an option, depending on the day. Luckily, it seemed willing to cooperate today, so I didn't have a lion's mane on my head as I changed into a pair of my non-work Levi's. I paired them with a white t-shirt, underneath a navy plaid button up I let hang open. The outfit was comfortable and cool enough for today's plan. My casual cowboy boots weren't often worn, but I was ready to bust them out for our date.
Sometime after eleven, I was looking around my room for a distraction until I could leave to pick up Bella. I didn't have to look long. My eyes fell out the window, where wildflowers were sprouting sporadically along the roadside. Of course, who picks up their date without flowers? Especially a date like Bella. I ran out and picked a few wildflowers and threw some white dandelions in with them. I studied my haphazard bouquet before deciding I needed something to tie them together. On a whim, I hopped in my truck, drove to the nearby dollar store, and bought a roll of twine. When the flowers were tied together and presentable, it was about time to pick up my lovely date.
Bella must have been waiting by the door because she was on the porch the second my truck was in park.
"Are you gonna deprive me of my right to meet you at the door, beautiful?"
"Sorry," Bella giggled, her cheeks coloring with a blush. My eyes swept her over from head-to-toe. Her hair fell in loose waves around her face. She was dressed in a pretty, dark red shirt that fell off her shoulders and a well-worn pair of shorts. Her toes were out and proud in some sandals. Of course, they were perfectly polished. Today they were red, almost identical in color to her shirt. She'd obviously busted out her best foot jewelry because the accessory on her ankle was sparkling like new.
"You're gorgeous. I brought you some flowers." I handed them to her, smiling crookedly and squinting a little. Staring at her was like looking into the sun; my eyes had to adjust to how brightly she shined.
"Thank you, Edward. I love them. Let me go put them up and I'll be right back." She held them close to her chest and turned into the house. A few minutes had passed when she reappeared. I took her by the hand, led her to my truck, and looked over at her beautiful face.
"Ready?" She took my hand that rested on the center console.
"For anything."
