It Was Down Hill the Rest of the Way

Mr. Smooth must have followed every direction from the guidebook, "How To Hook Miss Bookworm"...

Step 1: Let her take you snowskiing for the first time. Act impressed with her slalom, take a few mandatory spills and then blow her away with your natural ability. Keep her warm on the chairlift.

Step 2: Help her babysit five little cousins. Endear yourself to them (and her!) by bringing a pocketfull of candy kisses. Let the little one ride on your shoulders and smile when she calls you "Daddy!"

Step 3: Fill her apartment with roses and love notes on Valentine's Day.

Step 4: Make it a Saturday tradition to fix ailing cars and pancake breakfasts. Do all the dishes, too.

Step 5: Watch basketball with her grandpa. Flirt with her little sisters. Joke with her brothers. Be respectful to her parents. Take her home to meet yours.

Unfortunately, he must have missed the page that said...

Step 6: If an old flame comes back on the scene and invites you and all your friends (aside from Permgirl) to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show late one Friday night, do NOT go.

Luckily, he did read...

Step 7: Tell Miss Weepy Bookworm that you are falling in love with her and that it scares you. A permgirl cannot resist a guy who is scared and in love. All will be forgiven and forgotten ('til she starts her blog, of course)!

Step 8: Take her to a fancy Italian restaurant. Arrange for the waitress bring a dozen roses between every course. Hide a small velvet box in the last bouquet. Propose to cheers from the entire restaurant. Good job!