Until We Meet Again

Chapter Ten: Surprise-Surprise

Eliza rushed down the stairs and swiftly opened the door. She tried to play it cool, leaning against the other door with her arms crossed.

"Hey, West," she greeted smoothly. Kyle chuckled.

"Hi, you're Eliza, right?"

"Yes, sir, I am. She talks about me a lot, doesn't she?" Eliza asked playfully. Kyle wasn't sure how to respond. Eliza huffed, realizing he didn't have an answer.

"She doesn't? Well, I'm going to have to talk to her about that," she pouted while Kyle stood there, laughing.

"Whatever," Eliza rolled her eyes. Kyle finally regained control of his laughter. Eliza spun around and dramatically shouted up toward the stairs, "Hey, Apple, Kyle is here!"

She must be an awesome best friend, Kyle thought silently as he watched Olivia escort Allison down the stairs. Allison gracefully descended, and Olivia left her side to join Kyle.

"So," Olivia asked, holding onto the railing, "what do you think?" Kyle's eyes locked with Allison's as he took her in.

"Hi," Allison greeted him simply, waving shyly.

"Wow, you look stunning—beautiful." Kyle reached behind his back and pulled out a bouquet of mixed flowers.

"Thank you," Allison replied as she buried her nose into them. "They smell amazing!" Eliza stepped in, taking the flowers from Allison.

"I'll put these in a vase for you," Eliza said, with a wink.

"Thanks," Allison said, hugging her friend. "My parents probably aren't coming home anytime soon, so you'll be safe." Kyle noticed Allison tense up at the mention of her parents, but he let it pass.

"Oh, here." He handed Allison a beautifully wrapped gift.

"What is it?"

"Open it and find out," he teased. She gently tugged on the golden bow, untying it. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw what was inside.

"You got me a Bible?"

"I hope you like it." He flashed one of his famous grins.

"I love it!" She threw her arms around him in a heartfelt embrace.

"You ready?" he asked, and she nodded in excitement.

"Okay, let's go." Kyle turned to Eliza and Olivia. "Thanks, girls."

The two high-fived each other as Allison silently laughed. Kyle opened the door for Allison as she stepped outside, and he followed. He offered her his arm as they made their way to the car, opening the passenger door for her.

"Thank you," she said as she slid into the seat. Once both were inside the car, an awkward silence hung in the air. Kyle started driving as Allison gazed out the window. It had been so long since she had gone anywhere without feeling the weight of tension. Kyle finally broke the silence.

"Since I want this to be a super fun evening, I planned something nice. But first, we have to make a quick stop," he said with a mischievous smile.

"Okay," she replied, her curiosity piqued.

"Thanks again for agreeing to come," he added. They drove for about ten minutes, chatting, until Kyle pulled into a rocky parking lot. Before Allison could ask where they were, she saw a white steeple come into view.

"Are you taking me to church?" she asked, realizing his plan.

"Yeah, I probably should have asked first, but—" Kyle was cut off as Allison's hand lightly touched his.