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He shook his head. “Not at all. You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“You ready to go?”
I nodded. In a sweet gesture, he opened the door for me and closed it after I was settled. He joined me inside and started up the engine.
The faint sounds of Justin Timberlake seeped from the speakers as we drove down the road. Within a few minutes, I guessed where we were headed. It wasn’t long before we turned down the gravel road. It was a short bumpy ride, and then I could see the giant farmhouse up ahead. An attendant guided us to a parking space.
“Don’t get out yet,” Gareth said at the same time my hand touched the door handle.
I waited until he came around to my side of the car and opened the door for me.
“Thank you. So, 1870 Farm, huh? Interesting choice for a first date. I’ve never actually been here.”
“Everyone goes out to dinner. I wanted to do something special.”
I smiled up at him. “I’ve heard this place is amazing. Thank you for bringing me.”
“Well, don’t thank me yet. We just got here. This may end up being the worst date you’ve ever had.”
I reached for his hand. “I doubt that.”
Gareth squeezed my fingers and led me up to the farmhouse. It was still light out, but there were lanterns and strings of orange lights hanging over picnic tables.
We stepped inside.
The entire place was decorated for fall with browns and oranges, scarecrows, corn-cob wreaths, tons of burlap, ribbons, and pumpkins. The fireplace covering an entire wall was burning, casting a warm blaze of heat through the room as well as creating a cozy atmosphere. Shadows danced across the high ceilings, and I could almost make out the stars through the skylights above.
“Welcome,” an older woman with silver hair dressed in a beautiful red pantsuit greeted us. “Are you here for the fall festival?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Gareth reached into his back pocket and pulled out two tickets that he handed to the woman.
“Excellent. If you head toward the back and out the French doors,”—she pointed in that direction—“there you’ll find the patio. There’s a buffet set up. Help yourself. We’ll begin a tour to see the animals in forty minutes. The hayride begins at eight-thirty. Enjoy your visit.”
We strolled hand in hand out across the patio. Conversations floated all around us, and tons of people milled around. There were couples, young and old, and parents with their kids. Gareth and I grabbed our plates and went through the buffet line. I snatched up some lemon caper chicken, rice, and a piece of custard for dessert, while my date stacked his plate high with grass-fed steak, mashed potatoes, and a huge piece of chocolate cake.
“How was the diner today?” He asked between bites.
I covered my mouth with my fingers for a second before I was ready to answer. “Busy like a usual Saturday. Had a few members of the basketball team come in before the game tonight.”
“That’s right. I forgot they were playing.”
“I’m actually surprised you were able to navigate to the dorm that easily. Usually the traffic is pretty crazy.”
“I guess I just timed it right.”
Something brushed against my hand, and I glanced down to see a little boy around two standing next to my chair. He was staring at me. “Hi.”
“Well, hi. What’s your name?”
“Wyatt. You’re pretty.”
“Aw, thank you.”
A harried-looking woman came rushing over. “I’m so sorry. He got away from me before I could catch him. Wyatt, you can’t run off like that,” she scolded, scooping him up in her arms before disappearing.
“He’s right, you know?”
