"Keep your eyes closed! No peeking yet!"

"They're closed! They're closed! We've been walking forever! Are we almost there? I swear if you puss me o-"

"This isn't a trick. It's a surprise. Last one, I swear."

"Not that I don't appreciate it but it's been getting dark."

"Yes, school. I know. Just humor me for a little bit longer."

Shawn hadn't really expected to be still here until dark but it did complete his plan perfectly.

Besides the soaking wet feet and hour trek back up the river to his course that led on a trail up into higher ground.

To say he enjoyed the last fifteen minutes of leading Kelsey by hand was an understatement.

"...Okay...you can open your eyes. But look up first."

"Oh...my...Shawn."

"...You want to go up there?"

"Of course I do!" squealed Kelsey, "How is there treehouses out here! The lights...you're too much."

Shawn gazed upward at the treehouse with colored lights draped across the top.

Yes, he was being a little too much but this might be the last time he had hope.

"After you, I'll be behind you. I won't let you fall and no I'm not pushing you off of here."

"I know you wouldn't," said Kelsey softly as she set her foot on the long wooden ladder attached to the side of the tree.

Shawn was even gentlemen enough to not peer up her dress as he followed her all the way up even though it was quite tempting as the slight breeze swayed it ever so often.

"Wow...just...wow...it's...