He took her hand in his. “Let’s make a promise to each other, okay? We don’t look back, only forward.”
She nodded, and the lights dimmed again, Cupid and his white shorts appearing on the screen. She glanced at their entwined hands again. This time, she didn’t let go.
***
“You’ve been staring at that envelope for ten minutes, Britt.”
She lifted her gaze from what she was sure was Hunter’s handwriting and looked at Maude, who was on her second glass of iced tea. At least her face wasn’t beet red anymore. What a crazy thing to do, hollering through a megaphone to get her to read a letter. “Where’s Mom and Dad?” she said, moving to rise from the chair. “They haven’t come inside yet.”
“I’m sure those completelygrownadults have figured outsomething else to do.” Maude tapped the letter. “Quit procrastinating. I made a promise.”
“To Hunter?”
Maude paused, then nodded.
“So you’ve seen him? Did he stop by the store?” Her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Did he look—” She bit her lip.
“Yes, I’ve seen him, yes he stopped by the store—to check on you, young lady—and yes, he looked as scrumptious as ever, although quite sleep deprived.”
A butterfly faintly fluttered in her stomach, then disappeared. She didn’t want to worry about him, or think about his scrumptiousness, if that was even a word.
“Britt,” Maude said, a touch of fatigue in her voice. “Just read the letter so I can go back to X. He’s making pot roast tonight, and I’m partial to those little potatoes he cooks with the meat.”
She nodded, not wanting to come between Maude and her spuds. She picked up the envelope. “I have to read this in front of you?”
“That’s the deal. Silently—although I wouldn’t mind if you read it out loud—”
“I’ll read it to myself.” Her fingers shook as she flipped open the flap and pulled out the letter, which wasn’t a traditional letter at all, but several lists.
What I Like About You
The way your eyes sparkle when you smile.
How you stick out your tongue just a tiny bit when you’re concentrating.
Your art, from A-Z. Everything you create is amazing.
You smell really, really nice.
Your hair. Just... wow.
She caught herself smiling, then glanced up to see Maude giving her a sly grin. She shot her a pinched look and continued reading.
How You Make Me Feel
Excited (yes, in all ways!).
Britt blushed.
Comfortable. I can be myself around you.
Warm. Inside and out.
Capable. I feel like I can do anything with you by my side.
Love. I feel love.
Her heart hitched. The last list had only one item.
