Page 64 of When Cardinals Appear

“You’re amazing with them,” Nate commented.

“They’re such sweet kids.” I faced him, and when our eyes met, a spark shot straight through me. He angled his head closer to mine, and my eyelids drifted shut as I closed the distance.

The sounds of the curtain rising and the audience applauding made us both jump. Nate blinked before giving me a sheepish smile and stepping away.

In that moment, I knew what I wanted, what the real Lanie needed. This life, these children, this man, this—no, my—town. Though my chest ached, knowing I would be going back on my promise to my mother, I knew the alternative would break my heart beyond repair. Somehow, I doubted my mother would be angry or surprised to find out I’d broken my word to her.

As I watched the play, in the back of my mind, I considered how to tell Nate I’d made my choice. We were going out to lunch after the play was over. Based on our history, Bea’s seemed a fitting location to tell him the good news.

My students did an amazing job, and when they exited the stage with excitement on their little faces, I gave each of them a hug. Nate and I stayed backstage until the last class had performed their scene, then we joined my class onstage for their bow.

After everything was broken down and packed away, we headed to Nate’s car. As soon as he unlocked the door, I slid into the passenger seat. He entered chuckling.

“What’s so funny?”

“It’s nothing,” he said, but an amused smile pulled on his lips.

“Tell me!”

He turned in his seat. “It’s just… When I picked you up that day on Main Street, you were so tentative around me. But now, you jump into my car like it’s where you belong.” I bit my lip, and he hurried on. “Not that that’s a bad thing. On the contrary, I like that you feel comfortable with me again.” His brown eyes softened as he took my hand. “I missed it. I missed you.”

My heart melted, and I cupped his cheek with my other hand. He leaned into it, shutting his eyes, and I took advantage of the moment. Leaning forward, I brushed my lips against his.

When I pulled away, his eyes were wide and dark. I swallowed, hoping I hadn’t just done something to jeopardize whatever was growing between us before it had a chance to fully bloom.

“I’m sorry,” I said, pulling away from him.

“Don’t be.” He grabbed my shoulder to stop me. “I’ve been wanting to do that for some time, but I worried you weren’t ready.”

I grinned and moved close to him again. “So, does that mean we can continue where I left off?”

He huffed a laugh. “Let’s not make out in the school parking lot.” Then his face sobered. “I still think we should take things slow.”

“As long as ‘slow’ doesn’t mean glacial, I’m good with that.”

That earned me another laugh as he twisted in his seat and buckled his seat belt. Then he drove us to Bea’s. We were silent on the drive there. I was too excited and nervous, replaying the kiss in my mind while at the same time trying to rehearse what I would say.

When we arrived, I chose a booth toward the back of the restaurant. Our conversation didn’t need an audience, though the whole town would learn of my choice soon enough.

As soon as we were alone, I slid my hands across the table. Nate eagerly grasped them in his.

“Thank you for today,” I said, looking up at him from beneath my lashes.

“It was my pleasure,” he replied, his voice growing husky. “I always knew you’d make a great teacher, but I guess I didn’t realize how well suited you are for the role until today.”

I smiled. “The kids make it easy. They’re such a sweet bunch.”

“Have you given any more thought to the job offer here?”

“I have, actually.” I was brimming with so much excitement, I practically bounced out of my seat. “I’m accepting it!”

His mouth fell open. “You are?” He swallowed and shook his head as if he wasn’t sure he’d heard me correctly. “You’re staying?”

“I still need to call both schools and tell them my decision, but yes, I’m staying.” I grinned, expecting him to congratulate me or say how happy he was with my choice, but he shifted in his seat, and my uneasy feeling from the night before returned. “Aren’t you happy?”

“Of course I’m happy,” he said, but it came out flat.

“You don’t sound like it.” He didn’t look it either. I tried to catch his eye, but he avoided me, choosing instead to focus on a straw wrapper. What did that mean? Had he changed his mind? Did he not want me to stay? And then my stomach dropped. Was it because I kissed him?

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