There’s nothing more beautiful to me than the start of autumn because the weather gets cooler; you can start wearing sweaters, drinking hot coffee, and enjoying more time indoors. But for me, reading has always been my first love. I’ve never known anything other than small-town life in Autumn Hills, Connecticut, because my father and I moved here after he and my mother divorced when I was three and a half.

Most girls grow up being raised by a single mom, but for me, I always enjoyed being raised by my dad because ever since I was little, he has always been my best friend, the person I’ve confided in the most, and the person who has always supported me through everything. My mother has never really been a part of my life, even though when I was little, my parents tried to work things out to give me a better life. They found their personalities were too different, and they couldn’t get along, so they were better off splitting up.

There are so many benefits to growing up with a single father, but the biggest one has always been that my dad has spoiled me a lot because I’m an only child. One day, my dad and I visited the local coffee shop Love and Lattes when a cute barista named Liam asked for my number. My dad and I were both shocked because there had never been a guy interested in dating me in the past, so maybe Liam and I would go out on a date soon.

Later that evening, when I was at home reading on the couch with my cat Mochi in my lap, I couldn’t help but think of Liam. His warm smile and how he blushed when he asked my me for my number were the only two things on my mind. My dad noticed the distracted look on my face when he sat down next to me and asked me if everything was alright.

He said, “So Ava, are you thinking about that barista at the coffee shop again? I know you thought he was pretty cute, didn’t you?”

I blushed and nodded. “Yeah, I guess so. It’s just… I’ve never really had anyone ask me out before. It feels strange but exciting, too.”

He smiled warmly, reaching out to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You deserve someone who sees how special you are. If Liam is that guy, then I say go for it. Just remember to be yourself and enjoy getting to know him.”

A few days later, Liam texted me, and we decided to meet up for a casual coffee date. When I told my dad, he warned me not to drink too much coffee. But behind his jokes, I knew he was genuinely happy for me.

When the day arrived, I walked into Love and Lattes, feeling nervous and excited. As I got ready for my date, I decided to wear one of my new sweaters that my dad bought me on a recent shopping trip, my Ugg boots, and a pair of light blue skinny jeans. Liam greeted me with that same smile that had caught my attention the first time we met. We spent our date talking about everything from our favorite books to our dreams for the future. We had a lot in common, and the conversation flowed effortlessly.

You know it’s the beginning of a beautiful relationship if you’re unable to take your eyes off your date, and that’s exactly what happened with Liam and I. He has a wonderful sense of humor, stunning green eyes, and floppy brown hair that most girls would die to run their fingers through.

As I left the coffee shop that evening, I couldn’t help but feel like something new and wonderful was beginning. The crisp autumn air filled my lungs as I walked home, my heart lighter than it had been in a long time. I couldn’t help but think that Liam was the guy I’d hoped to find one day. Reading all those young adult romance novels has turned me into such a hopeless romantic, and I am so glad I finally got to experience my first date with such an incredible guy.

When I got home, my dad was waiting for me with a cup of hot cocoa, just like he used to do when I was little. “So, how was it?” he asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.

“It was nice,” I said with a smile. “I think… I think I might really like him.”

My dad grinned, giving me a thumbs-up. “That’s what I like to hear.”

That night, as I curled up in bed, I realized that no matter what happened with Liam, I was lucky to have my dad by my side, supporting me every step of the way. And as the leaves continued to fall, I knew this autumn would be one I’d never forget.

This was written by our co-founder and editor-in-chief, Hanna Perry.