I don't own South Of Nowhere or Taylor Swift's "Mary's Song" which the story is based on. I will tell you to check it out if you haven't heard it. It's an awesome song, and it might help you understand the story a little better.

So I left Ashley's telling her I'd pick her up at eight. I wanted it to be like a regular first date even though we live next door to each other. I decided to wear a black wife beater under the same black button up shirt and black jeans from earlier with a baby blue tie, and black dress shoes. By the time I'm done it's time for me to pick her up. I grab the roses I bought earlier, after she said yes, and my keys and I'm out the door.

I back my 2010 Escalade EXT up to in front of her house and go knock on the door. I was not prepared for what I'd see when it opened though. Ashley stood in a baby blue strapless dress that fell to her knees, unknowingly matching my tie. Her hair was down and she had the perfect amount of makeup on.

"You look breathtaking." I told her honestly. "These are for you." I say giving her the roses.

"They're beautiful Spinner." she said in awe.

"Your beautiful."

She blushes. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me for the truth. Shall we?" I ask giving her my elbow to loop her arm through.

"We shall."

I walked her over to my car and opened the passenger side door for her. I walk around to the drivers side and start it up, and we're on our way to the beach.

"Wow Spin, flowers, opening doors. What's next, did you write me a song?" she asks.

I blush "Pshh nooo." I answer, but anyone with eyes could tell I was lying. It's not one of my strong suits.

"Oh My God you did. That's so cute." She coos.

"I'm not cute I'm badass, how many times do I have to tell you that?"

"Until you realize I'm right and stop telling me otherwise." she teases.

"Fine you're right...not." I say the last part under my breath.

"I heard that." you say.

"Damn it it's like you have super human hearing. Anyway were here."

"You brought me to the beach? God could you get any more romant- God you did all this?"

I had set up a blanket, with a picnic basket full of food, and some tiki torches around it. My guitar is off to the side waiting for the perfect moment.

I rub the back of my neck and wave it off. "It was nothing."

"Spin...it's everything. I've never had anyone do anything like this for me. All the other girls I dated tried to get in my pants before we even..." she cuts herself off at the look I'm giving her.

"What?" I growl. "They tried to get in your pants! Give me names I'm kickin' some bitches ass. No one treats my baby girl like that, no one!" I tell her while starting to pace. She stops me by grabbing my shoulders.

"Spin, let's not think about that okay? I'm not with them, I'm with you so you have nothing to worry about. Now can you put protective Spinner away?" She asks gently. I take a calming breath and nod.

"Yeah, sorry." I say embarrassed while looking down at my shoes.

"Don't be sorry for wanting to protect me, that's why I fell in love with you, you make me feel safe." She says. Meanwhile I'm trying to figure out if my ears are working correctly because I swear she just said she loves me, and not the way she usually says love...she said FELL in love.

"I'm sorry could you repeat that? Did you just say you're in love with me?" I ask hesitantly.

"No." she mumbles looking down. She thinks I don't love her back.

"Hey." I whisper lifting her chin up with my hand. "Don't EVER for a second think that I don't love you too, okay?"

She smiles that nose crinkling smile I love. "Okay." she replies.

"Now let's eat." I say, and the night begins.