"Wild animals"

Having a picnic wasn't in my plans for the day but I’d do anything to keep this smile on Nova's face. While Nova was getting ready I texted the prospects to get something ready at the park for me. It was last minute but it will have to do.

After we iced the cake and packed up the rest of our lunch I asked Nova if it was okay we went to our local park. Since the state park is so far away from Galax and we didn't plan anything out. She was completely okay with it and didn't seem to mind at all. I’ll make it up to her one day and take her anywhere she wants to go.

The park isn't far from the shop, but the basket is pretty full and I’d rather the cake not be destroyed before we even get to the park. While she was dealing with the cake. I had packed us turkey sandwiches, the rest of the potato chips we had left and I chopped up some fruit.

“We’re almost there, Nova. It's just right around the corner. When we get there don't get out of the car until I come to your door, okay?” No way am I letting her list a finger today. Today is about Nova. What am I talking about, everyday will be about her.

We pull into the parking lot and I notice it isn't too busy. It's a Tuesday and during school hours so I don't have to worry about kids. I start thinking to myself. Does Nova want a family? She's so young and is just opening a business.

“Do you want a family one day Nova?” I ask as we pull into a parking spot. I put the vehicle in park and look over at her. She fiddles with the hem of her shirt and looks at me.

“I never really thought about it. I didn't have the best relationship with my own mother so I don't know if I'd be any good at it. My dad was always there for me but I just have this empty spot in my heart.” She says with so much feeling. I know what she's talking about. With my father not being in the photo.

“Darin’ , I believe you’d be the best mother. You would always put your family first. Look at how you’ve taken care of me. It was that simple for you to step in and nurture me.” In some ways Nova reminds me of my mother. She is so caring and soft spoken.

“I guess. Thinking about it now I think I’d say yes. Maybe two or three kids. I’ve never been in a serious relationship before either so I never brought it up with anyone.” She hasn't dated anyone before? If that doesn't get my heart going. She will know by the end of the night that she's mine. Mine to love, mine to care for.

“Two or three? I can handle that.” I say with a wink and Nova instantly blushes. “You stay right there. I'm going to come around and open your door. Don't move.” I opened my door and jump out. I can see from here where the prospects set up.

They did everything I asked for. They brought a blanket, some wildflowers from the florist and set up some twinkling lights on a tree. It’s perfect and I can't wait to show Nova. I round the truck and open her door. “Let's go sweetheart. I’ve got something to show you.”

“What is that over there?” I see Nova can see the lights from where were at. “Madz, what have you done?” I can see her eyes glistening with tears. I pull her into me and give her a tight hug.

“It's a surprise. You’ll have to wait until we're closer to see it all.” I pull down the truck bed and grab the picnic basket. Nova tries to grab it from me and I nudge her hand away. “Nope, I've got it. Don't even try to take it from me.”

“I can help carry something. Let me hold the drinks at least.” Shes stubborn as fuck but thats okay. I can handle it. We start to head towards the lights and I can feel Nova slow down. A little tug on my arm tells me she has stopped.

“Madz is this all for me? I can't believe you did all this and so fast. How did you even set this up? You were with me all morning.” Nova starts to walk again and we finally get to the blanket. The boys did a good job with this. That sure gives them points for sure.

“I have my ways. I told you today is about you and it will be perfect.” I take Nova's hand and set down everything. We start to pull out all the food and Nova just starts to take it all in.

“This is so beautiful Madz. I can't believe you did this all for me.” Knowing that all she's had is her father in her life breaks my heart but now she has me, my family and the club at her back and we take care of our own. “The lights and the flowers are perfect. I love wildflowers. They are my favorite.”

I finally get her to settle down and I pull her into my lap. She lets out a little ‘squeak’ and she sounds so adorable. “So what do you want to eat first? The cake or the sandwiches?” Smiling, she nods her head towards the sandwiches.

“Didn't your mother ever tell you you could have sweets after your main course?” She's got me there. My mother didn't let us have anything until we cleared most of our plates. Heather would always throw a fit but I would get her to finally finish her plate.

I pull out the sandwiches and the bag of chips we eat in silence and I think we both just take everything in. It's a nice day outside. A perfect day for a perfect woman.

After we finish up our food I pull out the cake. “Okay birthday girl, let's get the party started.” I pull out a lighter and light the candle we found in her box at the shop. I hold the cake in front of both of us and sing her happy birthday. “Make a wish sweetheart.”

Nova closes her eyes and she takes a few seconds thinking of something good. I know it's bad luck to ask, but I'm dying to know what she is thinking. Nova finally opens her eyes and blows out her candle. She lets out a chuckle and I set the cake down.

“I’ve only ever had boxed cake mix so let's see how well your cake tastes.” Nova just looks at me like I'm crazy and gets me a slice ready. “You get the first slice, it's your birthday, not mine.”

Nova just rolls her eyes and takes the slice. I get my own slice and I take a bite. She watches me as I moan. This is the best shit I’ve ever had. It's so light and fluffy and full of flavor. I can't believe she made this so fast.

“How is it? I wish I could have made a different flavor but this is all I had at the shop. This is my dads super special recipe.” God damn is this cake good. Nova just tilts her head and I realize I haven't said anything.

“Baby this is the best cake I’ve ever had and I eat a lot. I can’t believe you made this all by yourself and so fast too.” I get another bite and feed it to Nova. She just smiles and takes the bite from my fork.

“I’m glad you like it, Madz. I love making this flavor. Lemon anything is my favorite but plain vanilla is the runner up.” We finish up our slices when I hear a sound coming from the bushes.

“Nova dont move, there is a raccoon right behind you. I don't want it to bite you.” Even after telling her that Nova turns her head and I curse. “Nova, I'm serious. Stay still.”

“Oh Madz he just looks so hungry we have to toss him some food. I’ll be careful I promise.” Knowing she will just argue with me I pass her some leftover food and she holds out her hands to the wild animal.

“Damn it Nova. Just toss the little fucker the food and leave it at that.” She ignores my comment and I sit still waiting for it to bite, but that animal doesn't bite her. He simply grabs the food and runs back into the bushes.

“See Madz I told you id would be okay. We will have to leave a slice of cake behind for him. I’ve always loved racoons. They are so cute and they act like tiny toddlers. They get into everything.” A raccoon is a wild animal not a pet but I bet I can find her one that is tame. I’ll have to look into it.

“Whatever you say Nova.” Shaking my head. I take a slice of cake and bring it to the bush where the animal came from and leave the damn beast a slice. I know that it's Nova’s birthday but this cake is mine and I don't want to share it with anyone but her.

We end up spending the rest of the time talking about what kind of goods she is going to make at the shop. So far it will be simple slices of cake, muffins, some types of cookies and she will make weekly loafs of bread. I’m so proud of her.

I didn't have time to get her a gift but I have something in mind. Other than that I do have a question for her. “Hey Nova, I've got something I want to ask you.” She gets a serious look on her face and I just smile.

“What is it?” She asks me and I start to feel a flutter in my stomach. I grab her and pull her close. I pull her chin up to look at me in the eyes. I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. My life was black and white before I met her. Now it's a rainbow of colors and I never want to lose that again.

“Ever since I met you I've felt a pull. Like I’ve been waiting for you and you’re finally here. I’ve never felt like this before. Like my soul was missing a piece until you arrived. Will you be mine?” She's quiet for a moment and she snuggles into my chest.

“Of course I'll be yours Madz. I feel the same way. I didn't expect to fall so fast for anyone. I’ve never felt like this before. My heart feels whole when you're around and I don't want to lose that feeling. I also didn't expect my wish to come true so fast.” She smirks at me and I start to wonder what she wished for.

“I wished that I’d find my forever.” And with that my heart stops and I smash my lips to hers. Everything around me just melts away. I can't hear anything around me other than Nova's quick breaths. Nova just sealed the deal and I’ll never let her go.