Page 64 of Truly, Madly, Deeply
And Luke did just that. Plodding across the floor, mustering as much grace as he could with a twelve-year-old on his feet. The boys had stopped the game to watch, and after a minute the part of the song that Luke knew came to an end.Beauty and the… Beast.
Then he and Malin stepped back from each other, still holding hands like a bridge between them. Lukebowed again and she curtsied once more. “You’re a very good singer, Prince.”
“Thank you.” He grinned. “As long as you’re my audience.”
“And us!” Johnny jumped up and clapped. “I think you sing good, too.”
Luke laughed. “If that’s true, I get it from my mom.” Memories from long ago filled his heart. “Your grandma Elizabeth used to play the piano and the two of us… we’d sit together and sing. Mostly at Christmastime.”
Malin hugged him. “Thanks, Dad.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “For dancing with me. One more time.”
One more time?So was this the last time she would dance on his feet? The way she had from the time she was two till… till whenever she grew up? “We’re going to dance again, Malin. This isn’t the last time.”
“I know.” She grinned. “Plus… we’ll dance at my wedding one day.”
“True.” Luke didn’t want to think about that. He put his hand on her cheek. “But that’s a long time from now.”
“Yep.” She giggled once more and hurried back to the Sequence game. “My turn!”
Reagan came out of their room then. She wore a black dress with short sleeves and a skirt that flowed close to her high heels. Luke whistled. “Wow… talk about princesses.” Her dark blond hair hung down past her shoulders, and her eyes had never looked more blue. Luke sucked in a quick breath. “Honey… you… you look stunning.”
“Really?” She came to Luke and the two hugged.
“Yes. Really.” Luke whispered near her face. “You take my breath, Reagan.”
Tommy was on his feet now. “Wow, Mom! That dress!”
A smile filled Reagan’s face, and her eyes looked bright. “Your dad asked me out dancing. We used to love dressing up for that.”
“And now… it’s time to go.” Luke motioned the kids close. He and Reagan hugged them all. “Have fun tonight. And may the best Sequence player win.”
The kids returned to their game as Luke led Reagan out to their car. “Ever have a moment you want to remember forever?” Luke held her door for her.
Once they were inside Reagan turned to him. “You and Malin?” She smiled with her eyes. The way Luke loved. “I heard you singing to her.”
Luke put his hand over his heart. “I can’t remember the last time she danced on my feet like that. We sort of waltzed around the room and she was laughing and looking into my eyes.” He shook his head. “Our little girl.”
They pulled out of the neighborhood and Luke kept his eyes on the road. “She thanked me for dancing with her like that—one more time. That’s what she said.” He breathed in deep. “And all I wanted was to freeze time.”
Reagan leaned back into her seat. Her tone was easy, her expression young and carefree. “I can’t believe she’s going to be a teenager. Where did the little girl days go?”
“Exactly.” Luke let another string of memories fill hisheart. Malin, the day they brought her home. The way she was the best big sister when they adopted Johnny and brought him home. “All our kids… they’re each a miracle.”
A gentle quiet filled the car. “It’s the perfect night for a waltz, my dear.” He reached for her hand. “I’m so glad we’re doing this.”
“I couldn’t believe… when you asked.” She turned to him again. “It’s been what… four years? Five?”
“Probably.” He sighed. “That’s the thing about time. The more you love life, the faster it goes.”
She studied him, the length of him. “I forgot about that suit.”
“I probably haven’t worn it since the last time we went dancing.” He ran his thumb over the diamond in her wedding ring. “I love you, Reagan Baxter.”
“I love you, too.”
They listened to John Mayer until they reached the studio. The place was known throughout the city for its trained dance instructors and expansive ballroom. It looked newly remodeled.Even better,Luke thought.
The closest available parking spot was at the back of the lot, so Luke stopped the car near the door. He didn’t mind the walk, but Reagan might. “You can get out. I’ll meet you after I park.”
