Chapter 63

• The next day at noon, I find myself pacing back and forth under a gigantic oak tree at the park around the corner from Grandma’s place. I was up half the night with excitement, and it was tricky arranging time for a date without Grandma Doris figuring out what’s up, but I’m here now and I’m ready. I’m wearing a flirty, swishy white sun dress and strappy wedge sandals, along with a floppy sun hat with a yellow ribbon. My hair falls in perfectly tousled red waves around my shoulders, and my dress falls to barely mid-thigh.
• I look cute, but nothing can prepare me for the sight of my mysterious suitor sauntering up to me in the bright glow of sunshine. I recognize him by his size and build, as well as his sleek but casual clothes. He’s dressed in a starchy white button-up, dark gray jeans, and black boots. In his hand, he carries a picnic basket with a baguette and a bottle of champagne poking out the top. Upon seeing his face for the first time, I think I might actually swoon.
• He looks to be in his late thirties or early forties, with a thick head of dark hair that falls in charming heartthrob curls around his forehead and temples. He has dark brown eyes that sparkle with wisdom and light. There are soft lines at the crease of his eyes and a smile on his soft lips that makes me immediately feel at ease. My nervous butterflies calm to a still as he walks up and offers his hand.