Page 83 of A Twist of Faith
The warmth in those chocolate-colored eyes reminded her she’d come home. “I don’t care which one you use, as long as you’ll keep saying it to me for a long time.” Her hand tightened with the tension in her throat, preparing her confession. “Reese, I need—”
“Let’s dance.”
His words knocked her out of focus and nearly off her heels. “What?”
He took her hand and drew her toward the floor where a handful of other couples moved to the slow music, his face set with purpose. “But I can’t talk and dance at the same time. I don’t think I can listen and dance at the same time either, but we’ll see. Less hair on my face does not mean more rhythm in my body.”
A shocked laugh bubbled out. “We really don’t have to do this, Reese. I’m as happy to stand aside and hold your hand.”
“I paid good money for lessons.” Reese brought her to him. One hand rested at her waist the other stayed entwined with her fingers. “Might as well make some use of them.”
“You paid for lessons?” Dee stared at him, feet frozen in place. “Really?”
“Yes, ma’am.” His brow furrowed, focused on his newfound skill. “The fastest dance lessons in history.”
He looked at her so intensely she could almost see him counting his steps in his head. She moved along with him and marveled at yet another way this man treasured her. He hadn’t wanted to dance, or dress in a tux, or shave his beard, and yet he’d done it all. For her.
Love.
“Don’t you dare start crying on me, Dr. Roseland,” he said in his best Standard American Dialect, which made her tear up even more. “I know for afactI can’t dance and watch you cry at the same time.”
“Why would you do all of this?”
He stopped in the middle of the floor. “You don’t need me to use words to figure that one out, Dee. You have a PhD, remember?” His grin almost emerged and then he sobered. “You’re more than worth it to me.” He cleared his throat and started dancing again. “But stop asking questions so I don’t have to listen or we’ll never finish this dance.”
A few tears slipped down her cheeks. She wasn’t worth it. He could do much better.Oh dear Jesus, I’m so sorry. Please help Reese forgive me.
She pinched her lips together to keep the prayer inside and not distract Reese, but her heart pumped an erratic rhythm. She didn’t deserve his kindness and patience. His sacrifice and tenderness. His laughter and family. She didn’t deserve any of it—but she craved it to her core, to her soul. Her mind paused a moment on the thought. She didn’t deserve his love? Just like God’s love, but God gave it anyway? Completely. Exactly as Mrs. Mitchell tried to explain.
Dee’s throat tightened as an unexpected rush of tears burned her eyes.
Grace.
The music ended and sweet revelation took hold.She belonged.
Reese breathed a sigh of relief. “Next time I do that, could we make it a private dance? Then I might can dance and listen all at once. Maybe even talk too.”
She pulled him into a hug. “Whatever you want, Reese Mitchell.” Her words snagged on the tears gathering in her throat. “I’m overwhelmed and humbled to have someone like you do all this for me.”
His brows crashed together. “Someone like me? Cattle farmer widower with two rotten kids, a raft of misused consonants, and a pair of stinking farm boots?”
“I was thinking more along the lines of a kind, tenderhearted, funny man who has swept me off my feet with his charm.”
“And roguish good looks?”
She examined his face. “Definitely.”
He drew her into his arms and rubbed his cheek against hers. Knees softened to jelly, but his arms tightened around her, body warm and wonderful.Thank you, God.
The prayer shoved her into motion. “ButI’mnot worth it, Reese.” She shook her head and stepped back, hands resting on his arms. “I need you to understand, it didn’t start this way. The right way.”
“Whoa now,” his voice rumbled low and soothing. “I think you’re worth whatever Charlottesville needs and all your supervisors can see it.”
“No, it’s not them. It’s you. And me.” Tears clouded her vision. “I’ve made a horrible mistake. We need to find a place to talk, because I can’t do this here.” She swept a glance around the room, a frantic attempt among the masses of faculty and guests. “I need to make you understand. I’m so sorry—”
“Dee!” The voice froze her in place. Alex swooped up behind her, his presentation as perfect as if it had been scripted, Drs. Lindsay and Franklin on his heels. “Dr. Lindsay and Dr. Franklin have come to meet your guest.”
Oh, no, Alex. One slipped phrase before she explained the entire ordeal to Reese might ruin everything. One misplaced word.
