Page 92 of Love in the Storm

Loving and being loved was dangerously close to madness.

She broke the kiss and leaned back. “We can’t do this all day.”

“Who says? I could definitely do this all day.”

A bubbling laugh burst from her chest as he pressed a trail of kisses down her neck. She gasped as his lips brushed an exceptionally sensitive spot on her skin. “I have to pick Jacob up from school in half an hour, and I won’t be able to think straight to drive if you don’t stop.”

Asa’s arms loosened around her. “Fair enough, but I want more of your undivided attention later.”

Oh wow. The butterflies in her stomach were swarming. “Yes, sir.” That was a request she could whole-heartedly agree to grant.

He brushed his thumb over her cheek. “I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you about Jacob’s birthday. I was thinking we could have a party at the church. I haven’t always done something big for his birthdays, mostly because he always asks if we can do things together instead of having a party and getting gifts, but I think he has a bunch of friends at school now and might like to have a party.”

“That’s a great idea. What can I do to help?”

“I’m not sure. You probably don’t know this about me, but I’m not a good party planner.”

Lyric giggled. “You don’t say.”

“I know. It’s surprising, but I can’t be good at everything.”

“I’m not sure either, but I can figure it out. We’ll need a guest list, food, a cake, presents. Oh! What do I get him?”

Asa rubbed his chin. “I was thinking about getting him a dirt bike.”

“A dirt bike! Are you sure? That sounds dangerous. What can I get him? A helmet? A full body bubble suit?”

Asa laughed and pulled her to his side. “I was thinking the dirt bike could be his gift fromus.”

The pounding of Lyric’s heart in her chest drowned out all other sounds. “From us?”

“Well, we do pretty much everything as a team now. Why not give a joint gift?”

Asa never did anything without thinking first, so he’d made the conscious decision to include her—to make her a part of something that meant the world to him.

A smile bloomed on her face, and she couldn’t do anything to stop it. She didn’t want to. “I love that.”

“Planning parties together. Giving joint gifts. Are those big steps?” he asked.

“They are, but I want that. I want to do all these things with you.” She waved her hand in the air. “I want it all. With you and Jacob.”

Asa brushed his thumb over her chin. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

He pressed a kiss to her lips, and she breathed in pure happiness. This was a life she didn’t deserve, yet Asa never missed an opportunity to adore her.

Leaning back, she lifted her hands to her cheeks. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” He brushed a hand over her hair adoringly. “I can get a list of his friends from his teacher, and I’ll talk to Tracy about catering. Jacob loves their cupcakes.”

Lyric sat up straighter. “I can’t wait! He’s going to love this. I’ll talk to Betty about it tonight. I’m sure she has some ideas too.”

Asa linked his fingers through Lyric’s, filling in all the empty spaces. “I’m glad you get along with Jacob and my mom.”

“They’re the best. I mean, you are too, but I guess I got double blessed when I got a boyfriendandan awesome family.”

A wave of cold washed from her head to her toes, as soon as she said the words. She held the smile on her face, but the loss of her own family darkened her mood.

“Why don’t you just call them?” Asa said.

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