Page 100 of Love in the Storm

“What do you mean?”

He parked and left the truck running. “You’ve barely said two words.”

“I’m just nervous.”

“No one is going to say anything. If they do, I’ll lay down the law.”

A chuckle lightened the heaviness in her chest. “You think it’s funny.”

“It’s not funny at all, but I’m serious when I say it doesn’t matter. You’re with me, and I dare anyone to say a cross word about you.”

She sucked in a shaky breath. “Why are you so good to me?”

“Why are you so good to me?” he countered.

Fair enough. She didn’t know how they’d ended up together or even how to explain their relationship, but every piece of her mind, heart, and soul reached for Asa. He believed in her wholeheartedly.

He brushed a hand over her cheek and into her hair. “You belong to me and the Lord. You shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.”

She rested a hand on his arm and squeezed. The restrained power beneath her touch was one protection, but Asa’s determination was another. He was reminding her of the invisible armor she wore every day. Why did she keep forgetting about it?

“You’re right. Let’s go have fun.”

He jumped out and jogged around the truck to get her door. She accepted his offered hand and snuggled into his side as they walked in. Light and music burst into the quiet night, as soon as Asa opened the door. Inside, laughter, songs, and chatter wrapped around them, folding them into the lively atmosphere.

Asa led her toward an empty booth near the wall, but someone shouted his name. A man and woman sitting a few tables down waved their hands in the air, urging Asa and Lyric over.

“That’s Lucas and Maddie. Want to sit with them?”

“Sure.” She’d met the couple a few times, and though they’d talked about getting together to hang out, nothing had worked into everyone’s schedules yet.

Maddie stood and wrapped Lyric in a spine-cracking hug. “It’s so good to see you. Asher and Haley are on their way. He’s playing tonight.”

“Oh, yay! So many people have told me I need to hear him play.”

“You’ve been missing out. He’s a riot,” Lucas added.

The Hardings were well-known around town, and their reputation preceded them. If you needed a hand, you called the Hardings. If you wanted a sponsor for a sports team, you called the Hardings. Ifyou needed prayer or support, you called the Hardings.

Lucas and Asher were born into the Harding family, but their wives, Maddie and Haley, were just as well-known for their willingness to help others.

No wonder Asa was so close with the Hardings. They were raised in the same kind of loving families.

“Well, look at this!”

Lyric turned toward the familiar voice. Brenda made her way toward them with her arms spread wide.

“I heard you two were an item! Oh, this just makes me giddy.”

“Aunt Brenda, what are you doing?” Maddie asked, sounding a lot like an embarrassed teenager.

Brenda wrapped her arms around Asa and Lyric. “I could just kiss y’all!” she said in her raspy Southern accent.

“Please don’t,” Maddie begged.

Brenda released them from the hug and clasped her hands in front of her. “I just knew you two were meant to be when you got stuck in that cabin together.”

“Stuck in a cabin? I haven’t heard this story,” Maddie said, sidling up beside them.

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