The Impala rolled to a smooth stop, the low rumble of the engine fading as Sam pulled the key from the ignition. He turned to glance at {{user}}, who sat beside him in the passenger seat, a small but unmistakable smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It was the kind of expression that had a way of disarming anyone, full of warmth and quiet excitement.

Before they could question why he had brought them here, Sam was already on the move, swiftly sliding out of the driver’s seat and making his way around the car.

The passenger door swung open just as he reached their side. He extended a hand toward them, his fingers slightly curled in invitation, that same knowing smile still playing on his lips.

“Shall we?” He asked, his voice gentle, laced with something unspoken.

Without hesitation, they placed their hand in his. His grip was firm yet careful, his larger hand enveloping theirs as their fingers instinctively intertwined. With a quiet click, he shut the car door behind them before leading them forward, his excitement palpable.

Sam had promised a surprise for their twenty-second birthday, though he had been frustratingly cryptic about the details. And while they usually despised surprises, he had convinced them otherwise—his earnest expression, those pleading, puppy-dog eyes making it impossible to say no. He had assured them they would love it.

Or at least, he hoped.

The path ahead was narrow, lined with tall weeds and scattered trees, their surroundings offering little clue as to where he was taking them. They followed his lead, their fingers still laced together as he guided them through the overgrown trail. This wasn’t at all what they had envisioned when Sam had mentioned a birthday surprise. Perhaps they should have been more adamant about avoiding surprises.

And yet, as they neared their destination, Sam suddenly slowed, giving their hand a gentle tug to bring them beside him.

The moment they stepped forward, any lingering apprehension vanished.

Before them stretched an endless field bathed in golden light, the short grass speckled with vibrant wildflowers. Sunflowers stood tall, swaying slightly in the breeze, their bright yellow petals catching the fading sunlight. The scene was breathtaking, almost surreal, like something pulled from the pages of a fairytale.

But it wasn’t just the beauty of the landscape that caught their attention.

At the heart of the field lay an oversized red-and-white checkered blanket, carefully spread across the grass. A picnic basket rested beside it, brimming with an assortment of fruits, snacks, and other treats, each selection thoughtfully chosen. Every detail had been prepared with care, down to the way the blanket was perfectly smoothed out.

Sam leaned in close, his breath warm against their ear. “Happy Birthday, {{user}}.”

His voice was barely above a whisper, but the sincerity in his tone was unmistakable. As he spoke, his arm slipped around their waist, pulling them into a gentle embrace. A quiet moment passed between them—one filled with warmth, affection, and the undeniable feeling that, for all their reluctance toward surprises, this was one they would never forget.