Hand in hand, we make our way to the pier at a slow pace. I’ve been here a million times, but seeing Nathan take it in for the first time makes it worth it. There’s a steady line of people, and it’s as busy as I’ve ever seen it with the beautiful weekend. The late summer days are still providing stellar weather, and everyone wants to soak up as much of it as they can before it turns cool.

Nathan insists on stopping and seeing everything, and I don’t mind at all with the goofy smile he wears. We watch a couple getting a caricature done, wander through the arcade, and to the park. I let him set the pace and the itinerary.

He wins me a stuffed bear shooting baskets, and I buy him a Japadog for lunch. When our feet hurt from walking and we need a break, we head down by the water.

“Have fun?” I ask, even though it’s clear he did with the big grin that hasn’t left his face.

“Yeah, I really did. Thanks for humoring me. You’ve probably been here a million times.”

“I can honestly say today was the most fun I’ve ever had at the pier.”

He holds his hand out and opens his palm to me. “I got you a little something to remember it.”

I reach for the keychain. “Oh, my God, when did you get this?”

It’s bright pink and has an outline of a girl on a surfboard.

“Saw it while you were getting lunch. Thought it was perfect for my surfer princess.”

“Thank you. I love it.” I reach in my pocket. “I got you something, too.”

“You did?”

I nod and hand him the tickets I got while I told him I needed to use the restroom. “You can’t come to the pier and leave without riding the Pacific Wheel.”

Up on top of the wheel, Nathan places his hand on my thigh and squeezes. “Is this a bad time to admit I don’t love heights?”

“Are you serious?”

He plays like he’s going to bury his head in my chest but then rubs the side of his face against my boobs. “Ah, much better. I feel safe now.”

I laugh, and he pulls his head up to smile gleefully at me. The hand on my thigh moves up under the hem of my dress and my heart rate increases.

“Today was without a doubt the best date I’ve ever had. I’m sorry I couldn’t take you on every single ride and buy you something better than a cheap keychain.”