Page 101 of Love in the Storm

“I’ll tell you all about it,” Lyric said.

Maddie waved a hand in the air. “Another time. I love this song. Dance with me!”

Lyric glanced over her shoulder as Maddiepulled her out to the dance floor. The smile on Asa’s face said he was more amused than upset about being left at the table.

Maddie whirled Lyric around until they were in position for a line dance.

“I don’t know this one!” she shouted above the music.

“Yes, you do. It’s the same concept as the electric slide. Just add some heel-toe action and a few more hip shakes.”

Bursting into laughter, she tried to keep up with the moves. Although it seemed she was always a step or two behind. They laughed until their stomachs were sore before giving up on the dance. Asa and Lucas waited at the table and greeted them with a round of applause.

“The prettiest footwork I’ve ever seen,” Lucas said.

“I don’t know about the feet, but something else was pretty.” Asa winked at Lyric and pulled out the chair beside him for her to sit.

The night passed in a blur of food, dancing, and music. As promised, Asher put on a good show, and Lyric learned a few new dances. By the time they called it a night, her eyelids were growing heavy.

“You ready to head home?” Asa asked.

Home. Nothing had ever sounded so sweet. “I’m ready if you are.”

It took a quarter of an hour to say their good-byes to all their friends, and she shivered when they stepped out into the cold night. Asa’s strong arm wrapped around her, enveloping her in his warmth as they headed to the truck.

“Did you have fun?” he asked as they fastened their seatbelts.

“So much fun.” She let out a massive yawn. “I don’t think I’ve stayed up this late in years.”

“I’m pretty sure you stayed up all night when I was in the hospital,” Asa reminded her.

“Oh yeah, I was happily repressing that awful memory.”

He squeezed her hand. “Thanks for taking care of me. Again.”

“It was my pleasure. Just don’t get hurt anymore. I don’t know if my heart can take it.”

They pulled up in front of his mom’s house, and she smiled as he walked her to the door where he pulled her into his arms again. When she tilted her head up to him, he pressed a warm kiss to her lips.

When he broke the kiss, he rested his forehead gently against hers and whispered, “I don’t want to leave you.”

“The feeling is mutual,” she said, pressing another quick kiss to his lips.

When he leaned back and looked at her, a mischievous smile greeted her. They’d both been firm about one thing: marriage was the only way they would go home together.

He gently kissed her forehead and took a step back. “I love you. Good night.”

She gave him a little wave and reached for the doorknob. “I love you too.”

Marriage was a huge and scary thing she had no right to wish for with Asa, but that didn’t stop the hope blooming in her chest.

34

ASA

Asa stepped into Deano’s and took his place at the end of a long line. The diner was packed for a Thursday afternoon. Thankfully, he’d called in the order on his way over.

Jerry Lawrence turned and extended a hand. “Hello there, Mr. Scott.”

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