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"Okay," Bailey says, giggling at the warm sensation of Reggie's hands over her eyes. "Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise," Reggie says, his breath tickling her ear.
"You're not murdering me, right?" she jokes as they walk forwards.
"Please," Reggie scoffs. "If I was going to murder you, it would have been like 10 dates ago."
Yep. They've gone on 10 dates together and each one has been perfect. They haven't made anything official. They've just been spending time together getting to know each other and kissing. Just kissing. Reggie does want more one day, but not right now. Bailey is special. He's worried it'd feel too much like one of the hook ups he'd used to have if he didn't wait for a while. Plus, she told him she's waiting until marriage. Reggie is fine with that. He'd wait for an eternity if that's what she wanted.
"We're here," he says, removing his hands from her eyes. She smiles as she looks around. Reggie loves the way her smile brightens her face and makes little wrinkles by her eyes. Wait, he means he likes. Yeah. It's too soon for love, right?
"No way!"
They are at a lake. Not just any lake, but a lake that is important to Bailey. She not only grew up coming here with her family, but her first big photoshoot was at this lake. It was good luck for Bailey and Reggie is hoping some of that transfers to him.
"I figured we could go on a walk around the lake?" he says.
"I'd love to," she says, letting him intertwine their fingers. She sighs, leaning into him as they start to walk. "So, why the lake?"
"You said it was special," he shrugs. "If it's special to you, it's special to me."
Bailey feels her heart flutter at the statement. She kisses his blushing cheek. She loves the way he blushes almost as much as she loves the freckles on his nose. Which, she really loves his freckles. Like. She means like. Not love. It's too soon for that.
"Oh my gosh, you're Reggie Peters," a girl walks up to them. Reggie gives a sheepish smile to Bailey, but she gestures for him to talk to the fan.
"Hi," he says. Bailey can't help but be entranced by the way Reggie seems to genuinely care about what this fan is saying. He's so nice to her, asking her questions about her favorite song and signing the back of her phone case.
"Can I get a picture with you?" the fan asks.
"Of course," he says.
"I can take it for you," Bailey smiles, when she sees the girl awkwardly fumble with the position to take a selfie with Reggie.
"She's a photographer," Reggie tells the fan as the phone gets handed to Bailey. "She's amazing. Her name is Bailey Evans, you should look her up on Instagram. Her pictures are awesome."
The fan nods. Reggie wraps a friendly arm around the fan. Bailey, making sure she takes good pictures after the hype Reggie gave her. Although, she can't help but feel butterflies at the praise.
"These are great," the girl says, looking at the pictures. "I'll definitely have to follow you."
"Did you just somehow help me gain a new follower?" she asks after the fan leaves. Reggie smiles.
"You deserve it for your amazing work," Reggie says, kissing her on the cheek. She shakes her head at him. "Okay, come with me."
"What?"
"Come on, I found something pretty," he says. "Well, it's not as pretty as you..."
She pushes him lightly, but lets him guide her down the path. Their fingers are intertwined. Reggie holds both of Bailey's hands, standing in front of her. She can't help but look around. They are surrounded by one of those tree arches. Basically the tree is grown to form an arch. There are daisies decorating the arch. It's absolutely gorgeous. Bailey makes a note to bring her camera to this spot.
"How did you find this?" she asks.
"I decided to explore the area," he shrugs. "Uh, I have a question."
"Yeah?" she asks.
"Would you-" Reggie gulps, feeling a rush of nervousness. He feels like he's back in high school even though he's an adult. "Would you be my girlfriend?"
"Of course," she says, pulling him to a kiss. Reggie's arm instantly wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. Bailey's hands move from his face to around his neck. Reggie's lips move against hers slowly, but passionately. Bailey pulls away to catch her breath. Reggie keeps pecking kisses all over her face, making her laugh. "Okay, that tickles."
"I'm just trying to show you how much I lo-" he gulps. Crap. "-like you."
"I lo-like you, too," she says. Reggie can't help but let out a laugh at that. Reggie pulls her back into a kiss.
"How'd the date go?" Luke asks, barely even giving Reggie a second to shut the door. Reggie knew he was going to regret telling Luke he was asking Bailey to be his girlfriend. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"I'm still waiting for my nieces and nephews," Alex says from his spot on the couch. He doesn't even look up from his book as Reggie throws his wallet at Alex. It misses the blonde's head and Alex doesn't even flinch.
"Bailey and I are officially dating," Reggie says. Luke pulls Reggie into a bear hug, lifting him a little.
"I'm so happy for you!" Luke gushes. "So, when you get married, I can be the best man."
"A. We are just dating," Reggie rolls his eyes. "And B. when I get married, obviously Bobby is my best man. But you can be a groomsman with Alex and Willie."
"Can I at least play at your wedding?" Luke asks.
"Of course," Reggie rolls his eyes.
"Sweet!"
"Why do I hear Luke squealing?" Julie asks, making her way into the living room.
"I am not squealing!" Luke exclaims.
"Reggie and Bailey are dating officially," Alex says. Julie gasps, running over to Reggie. She instantly pulls him into a hug.
"I'm so happy for you!" she pulls away. "How did you ask?"
"I took her to a lake that's special to her," he says. "I scouted it out beforehand and found this beautiful tree arch and that's where I asked her."
"Luke, why can't you be that romantic?" Julie scolds her boyfriend, lightly hitting him in the arm.
"I can!" Luke whines. Reggie and Alex give him a look that states otherwise. "I can! See."
Luke picks Julie up so she's over his shoulder. She's squirming and laughing as he walks her to their room.
"Wow, how romantic," Alex deadpans which gets a chuckle out of Reggie. He loves his friends.