This was not the night I’d envisioned with Faith, but it wasn’t bad either. Somehow, even just sitting on the couch with Faith in my arms was enough. That Danny was pressed in on my other side was even better.
I wasn’t sure how I had fallen so fast for Faith, but falling was definitely what I had done. I would be devastated if things didn’t work out between us. I looked down at her soft blond hair that draped over her cheek and her pink lips.
I wrestled with my fear of whether she would choose to stay in Hillsdale and with me.
There were no guarantees.
The way she talked about her past and her mother pressuring her to return to New York didn’t help.
Danny mumbled in his sleep about stars. I sighed, knowing he would sleep better in his bed.
I pressed a kiss to Faith’s forehead and whispered. “I’ll be right back, just going to put Danny in bed.”
She sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Sorry I fell asleep.” She covered a yawn with her hand.
“You’re fine.” I smiled as I scooped Danny into my arms and walked down the hallway to his room. I laid him on his bed and pulled the blankets up how he liked, and tightened them around him. He flopped over, and I ruffled his hair. “Love you, buddy. Good night,” I whispered as I turned off his light and made sure his night light was on.
As I walked back toward the living room, the power flickered twice, causing the lights to turn off and on. I waited. If the lights flickered again, it usually meant the power would be out for a while.
It did.
The house went completely dark.
“Adam?” There was worry in Faith’s voice.
I turned on the flashlight on my phone. “It’s okay, just the power. Might be from snow on the power lines.” I walked into the living room.
Faith’s wide eyes looked toward the window in its complete darkness. “What time is it?”
I checked my phone. “Midnight.”
Her eyes widened. “Midnight? Yikes, I better get home.” She stood and rushed toward my front door.
Dread pooled in my stomach as I thought of the conditions of the road and her heater not working.
I furrowed my brow. “I think you should probably stay the night. I know I would feel better.”
“Wait. What?” Faith’s eyes shot back to me. “Like with you?”
“Not like that.” I tilted my head. “Actually.” I smiled. “I would be okay if you stayed like that too.”
Her cheeks turned bright red.
I grinned. “But mostly I don’t think it’s safe.” I stepped towardher and held out my hand. “Between your heater and the storm, I think it would be safer to stay in my spare room. Then I can follow you back into town tomorrow, and we can get that heater fixed.”
She smiled at the ground and moved a piece of hair behind her ear. “Oh right, ’cause the snow.”
“Yep.” The snow was at least a convenient excuse.
“Yeah. I guess that makes sense. As long as it’s okay.” She shrugged.
It was more than okay. The way she fit into my life and my arms felt too good. Maybe Mom’s millions of prayers sent Faith to me, but whatever the reason, I didn’t care. I just didn’t want her to leave.
“I need to grab some flashlights and more blankets.” I tried to keep my mind focused on the present. Not where I hoped this was all leading. “Would you like to wait here on the couch or come with me?”
“I’m not sitting in the dark by myself.” She rushed to my side and took my hand. She leaned her chin to my ear, so I dipped my head. “I hate the dark and clowns.” She whispered as if someone might overhear.
I chuckled. “We should be clown free, and I have some lanterns that will help with the dark.” I searched her eyes and found genuine fear. “Hey.” I squeezed her hand. “You’re safe.”
