Page 44 of A Fall to Remember

“I know.” Jim cut into the flaky salmon with his fork. “You remember what it’s like at that age. You’re still figuring out who you are and ready to take on the world, but also terrified to be an adult.”

“Pete hates this, but I often call him and Elise emerging adults.” Miranda lifted her fork and then set it down again, gazing over in their direction.

“That’s the perfect term. Emerging, yes. It’s such an exciting time, but I forget how much angst I had in my twenties. You and I might have a few gray hairs and fine smile lines, but I wouldn’t trade this stage for anything.”

“Oh, me too.” Miranda sounded wistful. “I made so many mistakes back then. I appreciate the wisdom that comes with this age. And knowing who I am, without any shadow of a doubt.”

“Yep, it’s nice to feel settled, isn’t it?” Jim savored a bite of the salmon, which was crusted with a spicy horseradish sauce and crunchy pistachios. “Anyway, I suspect there is much more that Shelby hasn’t felt ready to share, but I’m glad we had that moment, and I’ve made it clear I’m here to listen if she ever needs a friend.”

“I have a feeling she will.” Miranda took a bite of her mushroom ravioli.

The conversation steered away from Shelby as the head chef took the stage again to talk through each dish.

Jim filmed Miranda enjoying the meal and happily chatting with everyone around them. Whenever she tossed her head back and laughed, his heart skittered like it couldn’t find the right rhythm. He wanted to ask more about her love life and whether she was closed off to the mere thought of dating again, but he couldn’t find a natural way to bring it up.

By the time the servers returned to clear plates, people stood to stretch, take in the sunset, and fill the dance floor. Jim excused himself momentarily to put in a special request. “Would you care to dance?” he asked Miranda, offering his hand hopefully.

“I’d love to.” She beamed at him.

God, she was lovely.

Was it his imagination, or were her eyes flecked with gold? Yes, it was almost like they’d been dusted with the shimmery glitter his nieces used to give him makeovers when they were little.

He laced his fingers through hers as they drifted to the makeshift dance floor, which had been constructed with sheets of plywood. Tall posts at each corner held Edison-style string lights in a crisscross pattern above them. The sun had nearly sunk into the Pacific Ocean, casting a soft purple glow over the fields.

They swayed to the music, not speaking, content with simply being in each other’s company. At least that was true for him. Miranda rested her head on his shoulder. He held her on the small of her back, breathing in the scent of her shampoo and soft skin.

When the band played his request, she pulled away and gazed up at him. “Is this ‘It Had to Be You’?”

“The moment calls for some Harry Connick Jr., doesn’t it?”

What happened next took Jim entirely by surprise and almost knocked him off his feet—literally. Miranda stood on her tiptoes and kissed him, right there in the middle of the dance floor in front of everyone.

34

MIRANDA

Miranda didn’t know what had come over her. She’d never done something that bold. Kissing Jim on the dance floor. It was just all so romantic—the farm, the dinner, the fading purple light, the music. The music. He had asked the band to play her favorite Harry Connick Jr. song.

It was like a script. How could she not kiss him? The moment was too perfect, too magical to pass up. He had returned the kiss. She could have sworn she’d even heard him whisper her name, but maybe that was wishful thinking.

This wasn’t like her. She wasn’t quite sure what had possessed her to kiss Jim right here under the shimmery pools of moonlight in front of everyone.

She didn’t want a spotlight shining on her or the entire town gossiping.

And yet, she’d done it, and she didn’t even regret it. She was seriously tempted to kiss him again, but the song ended, and dessert was being served. Jim wrapped a sturdy arm around her and guided her back to the table.

That’s when she caught Pete’s eye. He was seated on the opposite side of the table, directly across from her. Lacy was practically in his lap. She had both arms wrapped around him and was massaging his shoulder seductively. For the briefest flash, Miranda thought maybe she and her son had found unexpected love tonight, but Pete held her gaze, glaring at her with such an intensity that Miranda’s heart dropped into her stomach.

He must have seen the kiss.

Was he upset? Furious, even?

Why?

Miranda shook her head, trying to explain with her facial expressions. She probably looked like she was having a stroke. If only she knew sign language.

Pete wasn’t buying it.