Page 47 of Stealing Kisses

“I believe we were up to 1957, when Porsche stopped making your car.”

“Boxy,” he reminded her.

“Believe me, I could never forget…named that because all ninety of the Porsche 550 models ever made achieved unprecedented success on the racing circuit, where Formula One racers hear or callboxwhen they need to return home.”

“And because…” Teddy prompted.

“You’re highly successful in the batter’s box.”

“You were listening,” he praised, squeezing her tight until she giggled.

“I was listening,” she affirmed, snuggling even closer. “All seventy-five times you’ve told me.”

Teddy moved his hand over her ribs, threatening to tickle her for exaggerating so dramatically, but he switched gears instead.

“Wanna take a ride in Boxy?” he asked.

“Me?”

“I’m pretty sure we’re the only two people in this room, on this couch, and under this quilt.”

She giggled again.

“You mentioned having faith last night,” she said instead of answering. “Would you go to church with me this morning?”

“Absolutely.”

“Afterward, I need to run by the booth, make sure the kids will take it all down when the festival ends this afternoon.”

“Sounds good.”

“So maybe we could go for a ride together after that?”

“Perfect!”

18

“So This is Love”

Song lyrics written by

Al Hoffman, Mack David,

and Jerry Livingston

and performed by Ilene Woods

and Mike Douglas

in Walt Disney’s Cinderella (1948)

“You seem to have settled your differences,” Janie Lyn Davenport said, joining Baylin after church.

“Well, the differences are still there, but the misunderstanding over them seems less daunting today,” Baylin told her. “At least I hope so. I don’t want to lose him, but I’m scared I will in the end.”

“Anything I can do to help? I might have some insight into the concerns I’m sure you have over his career.”

Baylin looked across the churchyard to where every boy from church — young and old — huddled around Max Davenport and Teddy Gwenn.

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