Raisa practically races me to the car she is so excited.

I can’t stop smiling as we climb in and she grabs my phone to find out what the address is.

“Oh, sorry,” she says, handing my phone back to me, realizing she was getting ahead of herself because I have a pin code.

“Seven Seven Four Zero,” I say, not taking the phone away from her.

“What?”

“My code.”

She types it in, the most beautiful smile spreading across her face—one that she couldn’t even try to hide if she wanted to.

A few moments later she has the address and I punch it into the car’s GPS.

She puts my phone into the center console, still grinning, looking really pleased with herself.

I reach out and run my hand over her leg.

Today is perfect already.

I have never been to the monthly fair in the city. In fact, I didn’t even know about it. I’ve been so focused on work and my family that I never bothered to explore other things.

Raisa is showing me that I can still run the business and enjoy time away from it. I never knew I wanted this so much.

The fair is hosted in the massive park area near the city center. The green grass and surrounding trees make us feel like we are somewhere far from the busy hustle and bustle of city life.

Raisa is captivated by everything. There are hand-made crafts, home cooked treats, hot dogs, popcorn and candy floss.

She excitedly pulls me from stall to stall. Admiring people’s art and touching everything.

We spend the day roaming around, admiring everything, laughing at other people, tasting all the foods that catch our eye and buying more to take home with us.

Raisa finds some natural skin care products which she loves and I get her the entire set. She tries on a long cotton coat that looks amazing on her and I get her that as well. I actually try to buy her a lot more things but she stops me.

“I really appreciate the gifts, Oleg—but it’s not necessary. You are already spoiling me by being here with me.”

Before I can reply and tell her I want to buy her gifts, that it makes me happy, she spots bumper cars and shouts with excitement. “We have to go on those.”

We stand in line and she is giddy, jumping up and down until we reach the front. I pick the black car and she picks the yellow one. We race around the ring, just for fun, crashing into each other, screaming with laughter.

We stay at the carnival all day, and when the sun begins to set over the tree line, we get a coffee and find a quiet bench to sit on so that we can carry on watching all the people come and go. Raisa leans into me, and I think of our beach date. It also ended with a coffee on a beach while we people-watched.

This date was even more fun than that one. I think we have grown a lot closer since then—over coming some difficulties and getting to know each other a little better.

I wrap my arm around her, holding her close.

My heart pulls tightly when I think of her and what she means to me.

This is the first time that I have realized that Raisa hascompletelycaptured my heart.

I have real feelings for this girl.

She has become more than special to me.

I think I am falling in love with her.

Everything about her makes me happy and I can’t actually imagine my life without her in it.