Ethan pulls into the Hollingsworth’s driveway. The last three weeks have flown by and he can hardly believe that he and Liberty are about to embark on their first date. He can’t even believe that he finally worked up the courage to ask her. The two have been hanging out a lot lately and Ethan is excited about this potential relationship.

Once parked, Ethan gets out of his vehicle and walks to the front door of Liberty’s house. Within a couple of seconds Liberty opens the door; within a couple of seconds Ethan’s mouth drops. Liberty looks amazing. She is wearing a black dress, past the knees, with a slit on the left side. A white pearl necklace is draped around her neck. Her hair is wavy with subtle curls. A gold ring rests on the second finger of her right hand.

“Hey Ethan,” Liberty says, smiling brightly.

Ethan can barely blink let alone compile a response.

“You look… amazing,” Ethan spits out.

They get into Ethan’s Tacoma and drive off.

“So what’s the plan for tonight?” Liberty asks.

“A night full of the unexpected,” Ethan promises.

Liberty ponders this while fiddling with her necklace.

Ethan pulls the vehicle up to what was formerly the Lethbridge Water Tower. The massive green structure was recently re-constructed into a Ric’s Bar and Grill. With the best view in the city, dinner reservations at Ric’s are not easy to come by.

“Ric’s Grill?” Liberty asks, surprised, yet impressed.

The two walk into Ric’s and take the elevator to the dining room floor. Once there, Ethan speaks to the hostess, who leads the two to their table. Liberty can't help but notice the rose placed in the center.

Dinner goes by quickly and on the way to the truck Liberty thanks Ethan for a wonderful evening.

“You are talking as if the night is over, which it most definitely is not,” Ethan replies.

Ethan opens Liberty’s door for her, then gets in himself and drives out of the parking lot.

On the ride, A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay, is heard out of the Tacoma’s speakers.

The song doesn’t have time to finish before Ethan arrives at Henderson Park.

“Now I know it’s not the most creative thing in the world, but I was hoping you’d come for a walk with me. Plus it’ll give me a chance to burn off all the calories from the steak I just had,” Ethan says while holding his stomach.

Liberty laughs, slaps Ethan’s stomach playfully, and then replies, “A walk sounds perfect.”

The two walk for a while, hand-in-hand, and then Ethan motions to sit down on a park bench. The two stare at the water as the light of day fades.

“I don’t come here nearly enough,” Ethan says. “I mean, people joke about how un-scenic Lethbridge is… but every time I’m down here I am just amazed by how beautiful this place can be."

Liberty just sits there, with a half smile on her face. No response.

“But I mean, I guess it’s not as nice as growing up in Salmon Arm all of your life. This place must be kind of boring for you,” Ethan continues.

Liberty still just sits there, staring out toward the water.

“What are you thinking about?” Ethan asks.

Liberty snaps out of her trance and glances over.

“I am thinking about how great this night has been. This feels right. I’ve been waiting to meet a guy who makes me feel the way you make me feel. All of tonight, it’s been so perfect. In the short time I’ve gotten to know you, you’ve always made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the room. Now, it’s just me and you here in this gorgeous park. We’re holding hands. My heart is pounding. My breath is gone. And it’s all… perfect.”

Though darkness has blanketed the sky, Ethan and Liberty stare into each others eyes. Their faces move slowly closer together. Their eyes begin to close. Their lips meet.