Page 96 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Well, let’s just say, recently, I came to realize that I had strong feelings for Juniper. And it turns out that she actually still had strong feelings for me.

“And I really was made aware of this fact when Juniper came up on this very stage to perform in a wet T-shirt competition. Of course, I, being a gentleman, carried her off the stage and then promptly devoured her.”

Sage cries out, and Juniper blushes.

“Well, we’re not going to go into details. But I thought, as this is our second official date, I wanted to make it special. I wrote a song about much of our relationship, and I wanted to sing it to her and to everyone else. Now remember, I’m not David Bowie or Prince or Michael Jackson. I’m not going to be in NSYNC or One Direction anytime soon, but I can play a simple tune on a guitar. And I hope that you all enjoy this song just like the others.”

I grab ahold of Juniper’s hand.

“But you, my darling, I hope you love it and you feel how heartfelt this is. And I hope this is an amazing second date.”

“It is,” she says.

I point toward the chair, and she takes a seat.

“I know this is cheesy, but I’m going to serenade my girl if you guys don’t mind.”

“Let’s hear it.”

The boys at the bar start cheering, and I strum the C chord and clear my throat.

“Eighteen years old, and you kissed me. Eighteen years old, and you had fire in your eyes. Brown eyes that confused me. That told me that you would never tell me lies.

And that kiss was one I remember. That kiss is one I will never forget. And when you told me that it was over, I said you will never know regrets.

Juniper, you are the only one I’ve ever loved. You are the only one I dream about. You’re the only one who holds my heart.

Juniper, when I look at you, I feel intense. You know I want you to be my end game.

I know I’ve not always been the perfect man, but I’m trying to be the one you need. I’m trying to be the one you want.

Juniper, tell me you’ll be my girlfriend. Tell me you love me till the end.

I want you to know you own my heart, and I don’t think I could ever restart it if you weren’t in my life.

Oh, Juniper. I love you, so I mean it. Yeah.

And if this song isn’t good, please forgive me because I just love you, and I want you to love me.

Oh.”

I strung the last chord, and Juniper jumps up and rushes into my arms.

“I love it. And, yes, of course I’ll be your girlfriend. Rafe, I love you.”

“She loves me, everyone!” I call out to the crowd.

I watch Sage and Rosie and Mia all clapping.

“I’m the happiest man in the world.”

“And I’m the happiest woman,” Juniper says, grabbing the microphone. “I love you. This is such an amazing second date.”

“What if I told you the third date was in Paris?”

She giggles. “That would be even cooler.”

“Well, surprise, surprise, my darling. Pack your bags because this weekend, we’re flying to Paris.”