Page 30 of Steadfast

I’m up. I’ll meet you on the porch.

She shook her head, feeling foolish for even typing it.

Of course, I’m up.

Her inability to sleep was no secret to those who knew her well, but she seldom spoke ofwhy.

Moments later, she heard Dallas’ truck rumbling down the dirt road. Stepping out on the porch, she tucked her hands in her pockets and leaned on the post. The property was cloaked in the darkness of the late hours of the evening, serenaded by the sound of crickets chirping loudly in the open fields surrounding the ranch house.

Dallas stepped out of his red pickup truck and locked eyes on Maeve. He couldn’t stifle his beaming smile either, and Maeve adored that he didn’t even try.

“I know you weren’t texting and driving?” she scolded, raising an eyebrow.

“I would never—” he answered. He ran his hand over his beard, and his eyes crinkled in the corners. He knew he had been caught. “I was just coming from visiting with folks at the hospital, hope it’s not too late.”

Maeve threw her arms around him as he stepped up on the porch.

“I’ll overlook it this one time.” She was drawn to his easygoing nature, attentiveness, and most of all, his kindness.

He clasped her hand as they sat together on the top step.

Maeve casually propped her head on his shoulder. It was a place that brought her comfort.

“You can’t keep this pace,” she said. “We can’t afford to have you burn out.”

“You’re sure one to talk,” he teased, wrapping his arm around her and tucking her close.

“I’m serious, Dal,” Maeve chided. “We need you.”

“I’ll be fine,” Dallas reassured her. “I just want to share a little hope if I can. Remind folks, we haven’t forgotten about them.”

Maeve understood more about needing hope in times of grief than she would ever choose to admit.

Death was a terrible thief.

Silence seemed to drape over them.

“Are you okay?” Dallas whispered.

She felt him rest his head on hers. Closing her eyes, she combed her fingers softly through his beard. She knew he could sense the heaviness in her spirit. There was very little she could hide from him, even if she tried.

“It’s just Oakleigh, she’s going through something.”

Dallas chuckled. “When is Oakleigh not going through something?”

She gave him a sharp elbow, but she couldn’t help but let an amused smile creep across her face at the truth of his statement.

“She’s lucky to have you,” Dallas commented quickly.

Maeve considered Dallas’ compliment. Despite all of Oakleigh’s jagged edges and the occasional headache, she was genuinely proud of her.

“You sure you’re just concerned about Oakleigh?” he asked.

“I’m fine, Dal. Really,” Maeve replied. She pulled away a little as she spoke, protecting her vulnerability and shoring up her walls. “Please don’t worry about me.”

Steadying himself, Dallas cleared his throat as he gathered his nerves.

“You know I love you, right?”

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