Page 69
Sophie
Drewwassofidgety when I asked him about Penny’s mother. I’m not sure why talking about her would’ve unnerved him so much.
I have a feeling there’s more to this story than meets the eye. But I also don’t want to push and ruin our date. And this is only our first date after all. Perhaps he’ll be more comfortable telling me about her mother once we’ve gotten to know each other better.
His shoulders relax instantly once the subject is changed. His relief is palpable. Even his facial expression goes from tense to smiling again. I will definitely get to the bottom of this eventually.
He thinks for a moment, then asks, “Why did you rent my apartment when you could have easily purchased a house with your trust fund, or your husband’s life insurance? What you do with your money is your business, I’ve just always wondered.”
I give him a tight smile, slightly aggravated that I’m willing to share everything about myself with him, but he’s obviously holding back for some reason.
“Well, Sam didn’t have much of a relationship with his parents once he finished school. They lived in an old trailer park and never cared to put much effort into raising him or to provide for him. Which meant he didn’t have a college fund or anything like that.”
Drew’s eyes widen in surprise and I continue, “That’s why he joined the Army right out of highschool. He wanted to serve and also to earn his G.I. Bill for college. He was the hardest working person I had ever met.” I smile at the memory. “He was determined to take care of me and our future children. He wanted to be an example of having a strong work ethic and providing for those you love. And because he wanted our children to learn those values, we agreed not to use the trust fund.”
Drew concentrates on his hands folded in front of him while he listens. “I respect his determination.” He pauses. “So, then, what are you going to do with the money?”
I shake my index finger at him. “No, no. It’s my turn to ask a question.”
He chuckles. “Oh right, go ahead.”
Clearing my throat, I muster up the gumption to ask the important question that’s been on my mind. “Do you … want more children?”
He sits up straighter, seemingly taken aback by my question, but one side of his mouth pulls up into a boyish smile.
“Absolutely. It was just me and Em growing up, and we weren’t close until we lost our parents. I’ve always wanted a large family. I just never met anyone. Or more accurately, didn’t have time to meet anyone.”
I bite the insides of my cheeks to keep from smiling, but it’s impossible.
He looks amused by my expression. “Do you want more children?”
“Yes,” I blurt.
Drew laughs. “Should I be concerned by how quickly you answered that? Do you want like twenty kids?”
I nearly choke, trying to contain a laugh. “Oh gosh, no. But a few more would be great.”
His lips pull up into a smile, and his eyes swelter as he looks into mine. Drew’s gaze gets hotter as the seconds tick by. How can I be this affected by something as simple as eye contact?
We continue walking around the carnival, stealing glances at each other and playing carnival games, until a small band assembles in front of the dance floor. It’s just a vocalist, a drummer, and an acoustic guitarist. They’re pretty good for how young they are, as they begin playing covers of popular country songs.
Linking his fingers through mine, Drew leads me toward the dance floor. “Dance with me.”
“Okay.” I scrunch up my nose. “But I haven’t danced in ages.”
He rolls his eyes playfully. “Please. I know your mother probably made you take a million dance classes. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”
I smirk and shoot him a side glance, letting him know he’s correct. Then he whisks me onto the dance floor. He puts one hand on my waist and takes my hand with the other.
My arm curls around his neck, his skin is hot against mine. It feels good to be close to him. His warmth radiates through his clothes as we twirl in step to the fast-paced music. The air has cooled now that the sun has gone down, making me want to curl up into his warm body like a cat with a cozy blanket.
The twinkle lights surrounding the dance floor gleam as we laugh and swirl, enjoying each other’s company. I’m relieved there’s only joy in my heart. No guilt, no second-guessing. Being in Drew’s arms gives me an overwhelming sense of safety and contentment. Déjà vu sends goosebumps over my flesh like this very moment, here in Drew’s arms, was exactly where I was meant to be at this very moment in time. Almost as if Sam sent Drew to me and is giving me his blessing to move on.
My eyes lock with Drew’s. His expression is gentle. I have the unnerving sense that he’s thinking the same thing I am. We twirl together on the dance floor, eyes locked on each other.
The jubilant music fades to a stop and so do we. The band begins again, but the lights around us dim and the song is slow. The air between us is charged with whatever this feeling is passing between us. Without hesitation, Drew pulls me closer to him, looping both hands around my waist. My hands link around his neck. We step in pace to the music, our bodies pressed together in the most delicious way. I can feel the rise and fall of his broad chest as he breathes and his hands pull me a little tighter, like he never wants to let go.
As we sway from side to side, enjoying the feel of holding each other tight, all the other couples become invisible to us. It’s just Drew and I, dancing in our own dreamland.
