Page 47 of When Cardinals Appear

“I don’t know.” Were it anyone else, I might have lied. But Nate knew how hard being there was for me. I slipped my hand in his and gave him a squeeze. “Thanks for coming.”

“Anything for you.”

My heart skipped a beat, and I turned away. I still hadn’t talked to either him or James, and I hated myself for it. Well, I’d planned to talk to Nate that night at the dance, but maybe right then was my chance. I opened my mouth to tell him everything when Steven joined us.

“Hey, Nate, thanks for stopping by. You wouldn’t happen to be in the market for a new home, would you?”

Nate laughed and shook his head. “Even if I was, I couldn’t afford this.”

“Well, don’t let Lanie here keep you hiding in a corner. We’ve got a great spread of baked goods in the kitchen.” He put a hand on Nate’s shoulder and led him away. Nate glanced at me, worry in his eyes, but he didn’t resist Steven.

Part of me was glad for the moment to collect my thoughts, which made me a bigger coward. Why couldn’t I just tell him? Even if he didn’t feel the same, it was better to know that now before I blew up my whole life, wasn’t it?

I mustered up my courage and headed to the kitchen, hoping to steal Nate away for a moment alone. But when I arrived, he was gone.

That evening, I picked out a simple red dress. I curled my hair and pulled half of it into a silver butterfly barrette. I was still puzzled about Nate’s sudden departure earlier in the day, but I assumed he’d needed to return to the shop. Still, it was odd that he hadn’t at least said goodbye.

As I reached into my jewelry drawer for a pair of earrings, my hand hovered over a small box. With hesitant fingers, I pulled it out and flipped it open, knowing full well what was inside: a silver locket with the initials NL engraved on its face. Nate had given it to me on the anniversary of our first date.

Let’s not be too obvious. I placed the box back into the drawer. I grabbed a pair of earrings and started to close the drawer, but something told me to wear the locket. Shaking my head, I picked the box up and slipped the chain around my neck before I could change my mind. It did go well with the dress, and maybe it would give me the courage to tell Nate how I felt.

The front door opened, and Steven called for me. While I was happy to ride over with him and Rose, I hoped Nate would give me a lift home and I could broach the conversation then. After grabbing my purse and sliding my feet into a pair of red heels, I went downstairs.

“Well, well, well. Don’t you look nice this evening.” Steven smiled warmly. “Trying to impress someone?”

I rolled my eyes and slipped into my coat, gesturing for him to lead the way. After he flipped the porch light on, we headed to Steven’s car. Rose sat in the passenger seat and gave me two thumbs up. I forced a smile as I climbed into the back seat.

“You look amazing!” Rose gushed.

“Thanks. So do you,” I replied, reaching forward and giving Rose’s arm a squeeze.

“And of course, I look awesome,” Steven teased as he settled into his seat and backed the car down the driveway.

“As always, darling,” Rose said sweetly, and I pretended to gag.

The drive to the fire station’s hall was short, and I struggled to calm my pounding heart as we pulled into the parking lot. I didn’t immediately see Nate’s car, but since the whole town was there, that wasn’t a surprise. Steven helped me out of his car, and I followed him and Rose into the hall.

Cedar Haven liked to go all out for their events, and the Valentine’s Day dance was no exception. The hall was decorated with red and pink balloons. Rich ruby tablecloths were dotted with sequined hearts, and the lights were even shaded to give the room a warmer hue. I smiled wistfully. Despite my earlier grumbling, I had missed those events since going away to college. Even when I was home and caring for Mom, I hadn’t had time to attend any town affairs. Growing up, I had a love-hate relationship with Cedar Haven’s desire to celebrate every little thing. While holidays like Christmas and Halloween were normal, the town also put on a Presidents’ Day play, a May Day celebration, and even a Flag Day parade. Sometimes, it felt a little too much, but I suddenly had a new appreciation for the town’s eccentricities.

Trudy and her husband, Russell, sat at a table together, watching the crowds. I left Rose and Steven to go say hello. They greeted me with warm smiles as I took a seat next to Trudy.

“We thought we’d grab a table now, before the crowds take over,” Trudy said. She gave me a brief once-over and a raised eyebrow. “You look spectacular.”

“Thanks,” I replied, a warm flush stealing over my cheeks. I tried to keep my excitement in check. So far, it seemed like the town’s rumor mill hadn’t caught on to Nate and me, and I hoped to keep it that way.

“Where’s the baby tonight?” I asked Trudy, trying to distract myself, though my eyes kept sliding to the door.

“With my mom,” Trudy replied with a smile. “She’s been chomping at the bit to have an overnight with him, so I thought tonight would be perfect.”

“And let me tell you, it’s awesome to be off duty,” Russell said, clinking his glass with Trudy’s. “Parenthood is no joke.” He drained his glass. “I’m going to get another one. You want one, babe?”

Trudy shook her head, having barely touched the drink in front of her. I saw that as an opportunity to scout the hall for Nate, and I jumped up to join Russell.

I ordered a glass of wine and tried to discreetly search the room. Rose and Steven were chatting with Bea. I had heard that Bea was cutting back on her hours at the diner and might be looking to sell it soon. Without any close family nearby, she didn’t have anyone to take over. I hoped when the time came, someone in town would step up and keep the place the same.

Wine in hand, I started to make my way back to Trudy when I saw him. He stood near the entrance to the hall, talking to some of the guys from the shop. My heart in my throat, I placed the glass on an empty table then rushed over to him.

“Nate, I’m so glad you’re here. I’d hoped to catch up with you at the open house, but you left without saying goodbye.”

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