Page 41 of Soaring and Steadfast

“This is a big move,” he admitted, his voice gentle. “And I want you to be sure before you make it. The last thing I want is for you to regret taking a chance on me.”

“It’s just… a lot.”

“I know.”

She exhaled slowly. “Thank you.”

He nodded, but deep inside, disappointment curled low in his gut. He wished she was as sure about them as he was. But Lila wasn’t built for quick decisions, and he respected the hell out of her for being strong enough to take her time.

“Take all the time you need,” he said quietly. Then, with a playful smirk, he added, “But can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?”

A small smile played on her lips. “Absolutely.”

His heart kicked against his ribs.

“Great.”

That evening, lying in his bunk, Louis was filled with doubts, fears, and so much insecurity that it was painfully obvious even to him how much he wanted things to be differently.

“Are you okay, dude?” Ohio asked openly, causing Louis to look up from his Bible, where he’d been reading the same passage for the last hour – repeatedly. He couldn’t focus.

“Yeah, why?”

“You keep sighing.”

“A lot,” Tic-Tak added.

“It’s pretty bad,” Moonbeam tossed in, rolling over from his bunk. “If you need a rescue inhaler, go to medical. If you are bored, go to bed. But sighing like that every two minutes ain’t gonna get us sinners to read the Good Book.”

“You should,” Louis muttered flatly, shutting his book and checking his phone. No text messages. Dang it.

“What’s your deal?” Ohio asked curiously, looking over from his bunk as Tic-Tak flopped over the side, hanging upside down and looking at Louis.

“Inquiring minds wanna know…”

“Hush,” Louis retorted, pushing on the other man’s face and drawing his curtain shut for privacy. “It’s nothing. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“A certain blonde?”

“Yo. That’s why he shut the curtain…”

“That’snotwhy I shut the curtain,” Louis interjected hotly. “There is more to life than sex and girls.”

“What did he just say…?”

“No, he didNOTjust say that…”

“Dude – Blasphemyfrom you?”

“Et tu Brute?”

“Look,” Louis sighed heavily and yanked his curtain open again, glaring at the men who were smiling at him. “Yes, I’ve gota lot on my mind – and yes – it has to do with Lila. I like her, a lot. In fact, I asked her to marry me.”

“What’d she say?”

“That she’d think about it,” Louis muttered grimly, feeling his face heat up as he knew what was coming next. All three men flinched physically as they cringed and let out an ‘Ooooh!’in unison.

“Brother, that has to hurt.”

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