Page 46 of Wish You Faith

He wrapped his arms around her. Feeling slightly shy, he wasn’t sure whether he should speak or quietly enjoy this surprise treat.

They didn’t say anything until moving lights on the river caught Evan’s eyes. The source was a container ship sailing down the Savannah River.

Rosie looked in that direction when the horn blew. “How cool!”

She waved to the ship for whatever reason. Evan threaded his arms around Rosie from behind her. In a split second, he realized what he had done without thinking. He was about to release her when Rosie leaned back against his chest.

So he held her there in his arms as they watched the ship sail by.

In this very moment, Evan did not have a care in the world except to continue hugging the woman he had fallen in love with. He wondered if Rosie could sense his feelings.

“What time is it?” Rosie asked.

Evan wanted to say that he didn’t care what time it was, but he recalled that Sonya had asked him to get her home before midnight. He wasn’t going to take it seriously, but he’d have to play it by ear and see what Rosie did.

His arms were still around Rosie’s waist. She grabbed his wrist, pulled back his sleeves, and checked his watch. “Almost eleven.”

“How did you know I was wearing a watch?” Evan asked.

“I saw it when you tried to teach me to skate earlier this evening.” Rosie turned her head slightly. She stared straight into his eyes. Their faces were close to each other.

“What else have you noticed about me?” Evan faced her, his hands on her shoulders.

“That you seem to have something to say to me but you’re not saying it. Are you looking for the right time?”

“Maybe.” He inched closer to her to see how she reacted.

She didn’t move. “Maybe what?”

“Maybe I… Uh… I don’t know.”

“We’re both single, so what are you worried about?” Rosie asked.

“How did you know I don’t have a secret girlfriend out there somewhere?”

“Mom talked to Cyrus, and he said you haven’t dated in like five years.”

“And he calls himself a friend.” Evan closed his eyes.

“I haven’t dated in a few years either. I finally have some free time now that Mom’s cancer is in remission.”

Wait a minute.

“Why did your mom talk to Cyrus about me?”

“She fancies herself as my matchmaker. She approves of you, which saves me time from having to vet?—”

“Doyouapprove of me?” His thumb was on her chin, stroking it. His eyes were on her lips, longing for them.

Rosie nodded slightly. Her eyes bore into his. Was she anticipating something as well?

He lowered his lips toward hers. Tasting the hot chocolate. Tasting her.

A public declaration of his love for her. And her approval of him.

Love?

Yes, love.

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