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“The secret is, don’t piss her off. And if you do, say sorry and keep it moving.” The crowd and the band laugh, with a couple of cheers and ‘that’s right’ from the women in the audience.
His wife nods her salt and pepper head with a soft smile. “That’s right.”
“Amazing. Fifty years with the same person. Kind of unimaginable happening today,” Lacey says, focused on the stage as we clap.
“I don’t think so. Could happen.”
“Really?” Her brows lift, probably thinking about my situation.
I’d laugh too. How ironic, coming from me. The guy separated from his wife, caught by him and his son about to get it on with the service guy. But I’m starting to believe in happy endings again, sitting here with her. Being with her, even talking to her, was never supposed to be. But here we are together, side by side, on a date.
“Really,” I say. “Amazing things happen every day.” Her eyes stay on me as I grin, squeezing her hand, looking away and listening to the singer.
“Give another round of applause to this lovely blessed couple. Arnel and Jackson, happy fiftieth and many more. This is dedicated to you and all the lovebirds out here tonight. ‘Crazy’ by the one and only Patsy Cline.”
“Oh my God! His name is Jackson.” Her head turns to me.
We face each other with a howl of laughter, and I say, “Kismet. Proof we’re supposed to be here tonight, together.”
“If you say so,” she says with a hint of skepticism, but still in awe in the coincidence of the names.
A female band member steps to the mic as the music starts. Her soft voice floats like velvet over the open field of people. I know this is where we are supposed to be right now in our lives. All signs point to it. Hopefully, soon she’ll know it too. I stand, extending my hand to her. “Fifty and beyond is possible.”
Licking her lips, she takes my hand. Everything fades away. It’s just us, swaying to the music. Her eyes, staring up at me, warm and beautiful, almost as trusting as they used to be, with the smallest trace of vulnerability. The kind that stirs protective instincts in a man, leaving him wanting things he shouldn’t. The time’s not right, but it will be.
“Landon—”
I don’t want to break this feeling. I stop her with a shake of my head, bringing her closer. This is all I need. All I ever wanted. Her. Even better when she rests her head in the crook of my neck as we listen to the melody of a timeless classic.
The song ends. Everyone is clapping, and I just want to be alone with her. “Come with me.”
“Where?” she says, affected as much as I am.
“Trust me. You’ll like it. Have I led you wrong so far tonight?”
She shakes her head, the beginnings of a smile forming on her pretty lips. “No.”
And I’ll do my damnedest not to.
Excited, I throw the trash in the nearest can, grab her hand and head for the truck, her taking two steps for every one I take, accompanied by best sound I’ve ever heard: her laughter.
