Page 73 of Love in the Storm

Oh boy. This casual conversation was going downhill faster than she could stop it. She knew the family talked about Danielle whenever they could, but Lyric didn’t know the guidelines yet. Asa said they wanted to keep Jacob’s mom’s memory alive, but Lyric didn’t have any memories of her to share.

“I bet she loves you too, even if she isn’t around to say it.”

He looked up at her. His expression was sad, but he wasn’t on the verge of tears. “I bet it’s like that with your mom too.”

Lyric nodded slowly, willing her emotions to stay steady. Crying would only upset Jacob. “I hope so.”

“I miss mine,” he said.

“Me too,” she whispered.

“Why don’t you ask her if she still loves you?”

Lyric sniffed. “I could do that.”

“You should. Then you’d know she loves you, and you wouldn’t have to miss her like I miss mine.”

“Okay.” It was the only word she could muster. Anything else would break the dam holding back the sadness.

Jacob stood in a rush. “Anyway, you shouldn’t be worried about church. Just stick with me, and you’ll be okay.”

Lyric stood and blinked back the moisture in her eyes. “Thanks. I feel better already.”

Two quick knocks sounded at the open door. Asa stood in the doorway wearing light-gray slacks and a navy-blue shirt that matched her dress perfectly.

“Jacob, give her some space to get ready.”

“I was! We were just talking.”

Asa jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Granny has muffins in the kitchen.”

“Muffins!” Jacob darted past his dad and out of the bedroom in a flash.

Asa looked her up and down. She could feel the heat of his stare as his gaze traveled over her body.

“You’re beautiful,” he said boldly.

“Thanks.”

Asa took a step into the room. “Would it be bad if I bothered you right now after I told Jacob not to?”

Lyric laughed and closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his waist. “He wasn’t bothering me, and you aren’t either.”

Asa cupped her cheeks then slid his hands into her hair. “I love your hair like this.”

“Your son said the same thing.”

“Like father, like son.”

Lyric smiled. “You have no idea.”

“Dad! Lyric! It’s time to go!” Jacob yelled from the other end of the house.

Lyric pushed up onto her toes and pressed a quick kiss to Asa’s lips. “I have to get ready.”

“You look ready.”

“I’m not wearing shoes or makeup, and my hair is a mess.”

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