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“Oh, yes. I should have read it before I met you.”

“It’s addressed to both of us.” Waylon pulled a sheet of paper out, grinning like a madman as he read it aloud.

“Dear Dad and Waylon,

Here are two hiking activities so you won’t get bored.

A scavenger hunt. Please look for the following items: a skeleton leaf, a red leaf, a pinecone, a piece of moss, a twig, acorns.

Also, take pictures of: woodpeckers, interesting rocks, rabbits, a black bear (but don’t get too close).

Take a selfie, too.

Things to talk about on a date. (I looked it up on the internet)

Favorite song to sing in the shower.

Do you like roller coasters?

Do you put pineapple on your pizza?

Would you rather go to Hawaii or Alaska on your vacation?

Do you have any regrets?

We hope you have fun and that you’re not mad.

Love, Gretchen and Rhys

PS—I’m making dinner (Gretchen xo)”

My smile was so wide, it hurt my cheeks. “This was evidently a premeditated and well-executed plan. Devious little shits.”

Waylon draped an arm around my shoulder and lifted his phone. “Let’s start with a selfie and go from there. Say cheese.”

We took our assignment seriously. Waylon stuffed his pockets with acorns, leaves, and twigs while I snapped photos and referred to the list of date-friendly topics.

“If you say you like pineapple on pizza, this is gonna be over real quick,” I snarked.

“What’s everyone’s beef with pineapple? It’s not terrible.”

“No, but does it belong on pizza?”

“Fuck no,” he huffed.

“Roller coasters, yay or nay? Yay for me.”

“Love ’em. Have you ever been to that rooftop rollercoaster in Vegas? It’s like you’re being hurled into the clouds.”

“I’ve never been to Vegas,” I admitted.

“Oh, you’ve got to go. Bright lights, slot machines, and Elvis? Sign me up.”

“You’ve seen a lot of the country.”

Waylon nodded. “Yeah, I have. But I’ve never been to Hawaii or Alaska.”

“And which would you visit first?”