I was proud of myself for being able to wow my young boyfriend. I had to shut his mouth for him. I recall the first time I met Dylan.

-~-

"Just then the little bell on the door rang as it was opened. I turned to face a teenage boy. His wavy hair ended at his well shaped jaw. His eyes were hazy and relaxed. Quiet and good natured. Just then I knew this was no coincidence. The heavy hard-covered book I was holding slipped and landed on the floor with a thud, the only audible noise next to the thudding of my heart. He walked over to me, taking airy, lazy struts as if he was weightless. He took my chin into his hand. My heart rate increasing. He lifted my jaw, closing my mouth. I was unaware it was open."

-~-

He was wonderful from the moment I laid eyes on him but I never expected him to be jaw-dropped over me. I was twenty-one now, but not attractive and nearly five years older the him.

We pulled into the parking lot of a little park by a lake. The Shepherds were already there; Mr. Shepherds, his wife Avery, Mason, and Gracie.

Claire jumped out of the car after Dylan unbuckled her. She ran to hug Gracie who went wide eyed then started mumbling something about rain.

I started to walk over and join them, but I was pulled back by the car on the side where we couldn't be seen by others. Lips smacked into mine and I didn't even need to process who they belonged to. I wrapped my arms around Dylan's waist and he jumped up, wrapping his legs around my waist. He kissed me a little more passionately than nessisary and after five long seconds a pulled away. He tried to go in for more but I chuckled and held him back.

"We are in public."

"We could find a bathroom." I blurted without thinking. My face went blank and I'm sure I was blushing badly.

"No dear. Its not your birthday. Claire will miss us." He sighed, knowing I was right.

We walked to join up with the others. Mr. Shepherd cleared his throat. "You two took your time getting over here." He noted, raising an eyebrow.

"Dad!" Dylan was so cute when he got embarrassed.

"Yes?" Mr. Shepherds smirked, playing clueless. There was a quiet tension as Dylan pouted at his father.

"Yeah, uh, why don't we start cooking those hamburgers!" I suggested. Mr. Shepherds and I started cooking while Avery entertained the kids- yeah, I just referred to Dylan as a kid.

"Has anyone ever told you about the ghost that lives here, Claire?" Avery was a middle aged hippie. Okay, hippie wasn't the right term for her. She was relaxed, simple and just as paranoid as her daughter, if not more. "Beyond the woods is a graveyard. On the nearest hill there lays an old house. Many people have said they've seen ghosts. I girl with raven hair."

"Yes, yes. I have been getting a lot of complaints and worries on this "Ghost girl" lately." Mr. Shepherd's huffed.

"Daddy, is this true?" Claire questioned. I do love a good story. What I don't like is my little girl having nightmares about ghost.

"No sweetie. It's just a story people made up to make this boring town seem exciting." She curled into my lap as I handed her a cheeseburger. I glanced at Gracie and noted that she was closing her eyes and mumbling things while she rocked back and forth.

Everyone was pretty quiet during dinner. Mr. Shepherds makes a great Hamburger! A Prius parked next to my truck. Dylan gave me that look. A worried look that hurt my heart whenever he made it. I knew it meant he was hurting. I looked back at the Prius just as Camron stepped out.

"Cami!!!!" Claire hopped out of my lap and ran to him. He picked her up and gave a bright smile. I knew the sixteen year old well enough to know it was a fake smile. "You came!!! Daddy and Dylan said you wouldn't but you did!!!" He glanced at us then back at her.

"Of course. I couldn't miss my favorite girl's birthday! Now, do you want your present!" At this she gasped and squirmed with excitement. They went to the trunk. I looked at Dylan.

"Do you want to leave early?" He shook his head.

"DADDY!!! Cami got me an PRINCESS!!!" She came running up to me to show off her new Arora doll. I will give Camron points for remembering Claire's favorite princess has always been Sleeping Beauty.

The rest of the evening was awkward. The cake was good though and it brought me so much joy to see Claire this happy. Avery told more stories to pass the time. The sun was setting beautifully. The only thing that would perfectly complete the night would be to talk the long road home with the loves of my life. Tuck my girl into bed and cuddle my boy while watching a movie.

"Rain..." Gracie broke the conversation. We all went quiet. Then she darted to the car and quickly got in. Avery laughed.

"I guess that's our cue to leave." We said our goodbyes and now the tension was stronger than ever.

"Hey, Dylan. Can I drive you home so we can talk?"

"Actually, I was going to take Dylan back to my place an-" I started but was interrupted by Dylan.

"Sure. As long as you drive me to Nicholas' house." That was the agreement. I kissed Dylan's temple, then he cheek, then pecked his lips. Normal, I wouldn't have done this in front of Claire, but Camron needed to know that Dylan is mine.

After they drove off I buckled Claire up and we drove home, we took the long way...