Chapter 55
Waiting in the living room of Laurel’s house, I’m a nervous wreck. As footsteps come from the hallway, I’m frozen in place by her beauty. Her dress is simple yet elegant. It’s the perfect shade of pink for her skin tone, and her brown hair is down and flowing perfectly down her back.
“You ready?” she asks as I stand to meet her.
“Do I have to share you?” She laughs as I step toward her. “You’re my perfect kinda beautiful.” Bending down, I kiss her lips sweetly, careful not to smudge her makeup, take her by the hand, and we walk toward her car.
Arriving at the dance, I’m impressed at how this small town does things in a big way. It’s in the parking lot of a restaurant and there are lights strung side to side. There’s a band on the stage and everyone in town is dressed in their finest attire.
Walking in, we spot Chase and Belle talking to her brother. Taking Laurel by the hand, we walk toward them.
“Well, if it isn’t Jake Bryant,” Beau says as he extends his hand.
“Good to see you again.”
“Same here, but it’s not like I didn’t see you earlier today.” We laugh. “Looks like you’re about to experience the highlight of our town.”
“I hope so.” We stand and talk a few minutes and Laurel never leaves my side.
As the band slows down the music, I look to Laurel and she smiles. I can’t resist her any longer. I want us together on the dance floor. “If you’ll excuse us,” I say to everyone around us. Without giving her a chance to respond, I guide her to the dance floor. Taking her in my arms, we move to the music until all the songs blend together and I forget anyone else is around us.
“Jake,” looking to meet her eyes, she says, “I love you.”
Bending down to meet her lips, I kiss her. “I love you, too. Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Will you go home with me on Wednesday?”
“Absolutely.”
Her confirmation and sureness in her voice allows me to know that no matter what happens with my dad, I’ve got her to support me. Laurel has helped me understand that you need to hold on to the ones you love and mend those relationships that are broken because at the end of the day, family is what matters most.