“What did you want to show me?”
Her question jolted him into action. “This way.” On his walk to the house, he’d noticed how the trees parted and opened up to a wide view. Now, he led her in that direction.
“It’s beautiful.”
Stars lit the dark sky, so numerous it was hard to fathom and so bright. “I feel like I could reach out and capture a handful.”
“The heavens certainly declare God’s power and glory.”
A lazy breeze drifted past, and she shivered.
“You’re cold. Here, I’ll keep you warm.” He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, smiling when he detected no resistance as if she welcomed their closeness.
They stood in awed silence. On his part, he enjoyed being with her too much to move.
“I’m wondering if you have any ill effects from being stuck on the roof. How long were you there?”
“It seemed longer, but at least an hour I’d guess.”
She hadn’t answered his first concern. Did thatmean?—?
“Are you hurt somewhere?” His arm tightened around her.
“Oh no.” She gave a quiet chuckle. “I admit my arms are a little sore.”
He ran his hand up and down the length of her arm. “Does that help?”
“It does. Thanks.”
His hand grew still. Resisting the urge to press his cheek to her hair, he concentrated on the scene.
She gasped. “A falling star.”
“I saw it.”
“Did you make a wish?” She turned to look into his face.
“I’m making one right now.”I wish this moment would last forever.“Did you make one?”
The starry light danced in her eyes. “I might have.”
“Tell me what you wished for.” Had her wish been at all like his? Dare he hope it had?
“You know I can’t do that. If I did, my wish wouldn’t come true.”
The way her gaze intensified, looking deep into his eyes until he felt as if she’d found a home right inside his heart made him believe they both wanted the same thing.
“Addie!” Her name filled his senses. It took him two breaths before he gathered his thoughts into words. “We will soon be on our way to Golden Valley.”
“Where we’ll part ways.”
Regret edged her words and made him want to rejoice. “I could come and visit.”
She ducked her head and whispered, “I’d like that.”
He pressed his lips to her hair. It wasn’t the kiss he longed for, but her invitation was a fine start.
They lingered on the slope, enjoying the view and each other’s company.
