Chapter 25

For the first time in two years, Steve was actually looking forward to the End of Summer Dance. He was going to pick up Diana at her place.

He should’ve brought flowers. That was the traditional move, wasn’t it?

He shook his head. What had gotten into him? He was acting like a teenager with a crush.

Hopefully, Laura wouldn’t be there—snapping photos with her phone or making them pose for awkward mock prom pictures like she was prone to do.

As his truck bumped up the gravel driveway, his worst fears were confirmed. Laura and Grace were already waiting at the door. His stomach dropped.

What if all this attention made Diana uncomfortable? He’d have to move fast—walk in, find her, and whisk her away before the ambush began.

“You look great in that cowboy hat, Bro,” Grace said before he could even make it inside. “Your handsome mug’s going to be all over Instagram tonight.”

He stepped around his sister, trying not to smile. “Where’s Diana? We need to head out.”

At that exact moment, Diana walked out the front door, and the sight of her hit him like a punch to the gut. His heart took off like a racehorse leaving the gate.

The usual dress code for the End of Summer Dance was jeans and flannel, but Diana wore a flowing skirt that swayed as she moved, shiny new boots, and a shirt that cinched at her small waist.

Beautiful didn’t begin to cover it. She was stunning. Her hazel eyes sparkled like stars, and her copper curls spilled down her back in loose waves.

Steve swallowed hard. This incredible woman—who teased him, challenged him, and somehow enchanted him—was his date.

At least for tonight.

“You look ... wow,” Steve managed.

Diana gave him a lazy smile and shrugged. “I feel ridiculous. I think Laura’s trying to sabotage me.”

She lifted the hem of her skirt a few inches to show off her boots. “Look how high these heels are. I’m not used to walking in these, let alone dancing.”

“Just hang on to me tonight,” Steve said, offering his hand and gesturing toward the truck.

“You two are so cute,” Grace gushed, slipping between them and looping an arm through each of theirs. Dropping her voice, she added to her brother, “You owe me. I talked Laura out of making a whole scene with pictures. She fought me on it, too. And Bro, you better make your move—every guy in town is going to be after her tonight.”

Diana glanced at Steve as he drove them to the school. He’d seen her fall apart, heard her anger, listened to her deepest wounds, and never once turned away. He’d stayed when her heart was bleeding, and hadn’t laughed or flinched when she confessed her doubts about men and love. And still, he kept showing up.

His cowboy-themed button-down shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, and he looked freshly shaved. He glanced at her shyly out of the corner of his eye.

In a small town, nothing was far. They pulled into the school’s parking lot quickly, and Steve rounded the truck to help her down.

“These boots were a terrible idea.”

“You can kick them off once we’re inside. Most people end up dancing barefoot anyway.”

“Okay.”

Steve offered his arm, and they walked toward the entrance. One of his students dashed up, phone already raised.

“I didn’t know you guys were dating!” she squealed. “Sorry, Mr. McAllister, but my friend is going to be devastated. She’s had a crush on you since last year.”

Diana bit her lip. She should probably correct the girl before this turned into a rumor that spread all over school.

But the student grinned. “You two look adorable together. Nice work snagging him, Miss S.” She glanced at her phone screen. “This is totally going in the yearbook!” Then she ran off.

Heat rushed to Diana’s cheeks. “Teenagers can be so ... nosy.”

Steve chuckled. “Especially the girls.”

The gym was decked out in rustic charm: hay bales lined the walls, scarecrows guarded the corners, and a chocolate fountain bubbled in the center of a massive refreshment table. A live band played country and bluegrass onstage.

“You look great, girl!” Amelia waved, standing beside the lanky IT guy from the district office.

“You too,” Diana mouthed, smiling as she and Steve made their way across the room.

When the next song ended, Principal Livingston took the mic to announce the start of square dancing.

“Our chaperones will lead the first two songs. After that, everyone else can jump in!”

“Ready?” Steve gave Diana’s hand a light squeeze.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, grinning.

They stepped onto the floor, and Diana did what Steve had asked—she let him lead. She kept her eyes on his face, trusting his guidance. They missed a few steps, but it didn’t matter. They laughed through it, and judging by the applause at the end of the second song, the crowd didn’t care either.

Steve guided her off the floor.

Amelia grinned at her. “You did great, Diana.”

“I messed up a few steps.”

Amelia waved it off. “We all do. I’ve gotta go—I can’t let Georgina flirt with my IT guy.”

Soon the square dancing gave way to more modern teenage rhythms. Diana and Steve made their rounds, fulfilling their chaperone duties and checking the hallways. Students kept stopping them for photos.

Steve squeezed her hand. “I’ve got to go announce the dance king and queen.”

“I think I’ll grab some fresh air while you do that,” Diana said, stepping outside.

The crisp evening air filled her lungs, calming her nerves. Steve’s words from earlier echoed in her mind.

“Trust that I can lead you.”

Could she?

He meant it about dancing—but she knew, deep down, that it meant more than that.

Professor Livingston cornered Steve before he could make it back to Diana.

“I have a small favor to ask,” the principal said, adjusting his oversized Stetson hat and belt buckle.