I know Dallas isn’t interested in Goldie. I’m not sure Dallas has any interest in getting married. But under his sometimes-crusty exterior, he’s a genuinely good guy.
A slower song comes on, and I nod toward the dance floor. “Bonny Blue, may I have this dance?”
Bluebonnet cuts a glance at Goldie as Dag walks off to find a dancing partner.
And I could hug Goldie when she says, “Y’all go on. I’m fine here.”
“Thanks.” I lead my wife out to the floor, and after talking her through where our hands go and what the steps are, we start dancing.
Her brow wrinkles, and she’s clearly thinking about her feet, so I drop a kiss on her neck. Her gaze snaps to mine, and she steps on my boot. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. My boots don’t mind.”
She inches closer and smiles. “You’re right. It’s easier when I’m not focused on my feet.”
I remember a high school teacher of mine who wagged her finger and warned what dancing would lead to. Tonight, I hope more than anything that she’s right.
We dance another song; then Bluebonnet tugs me toward the table. “Dag is dancing with someone else, and I feel bad for Goldie.”
“We’ll go chat with her for a bit.”
Hand in hand, we stroll across the room, and Dallas walks up as we get to the table.
“Howdy. I can’t believe y’all went dancing and no one invited me.” He crosses his arms. “Figures.”
Bluebonnet tenses. “I’m sorry. Poppy and Kent asked us if we wanted to—”
“He’s joking, sweetheart.” I tuck an arm around her waist. “He has a reputation as a curmudgeon that he has to maintain.”
“An angry troll of sorts.” Dallas winks. “You know, because I’m short.”
Bluebonnet shakes her head. “You aren’t that short. We’re about the same height.”
Dallas looks up at me, then at her. “You’re really nice, which makes you a good match for Parker.” He turns to Goldie. “You up for dancing with a short guy?”
“I’d love to dance.” She hops off the stool, her smile wide. And her quick scan for Dag is barely noticeable.
They walk off toward the dance floor, and Bluebonnet clasps my hand. “We should dance some more.”
“Let’s do it.”
This time when we start dancing, she’s right up against me. I’m loving our date.
* * *
When we get home,Bluebonnet hugs me as soon as we walk inside. “I had so much fun. But that was exhausting. I’ll sleep well tonight.” After patting my chest, she disappears into the bedroom and closes the door.
I drop onto the sofa and drag my hands through my hair. That teacher lied.
A minute later, the bedroom door swings open, and Bluebonnet walks into the living room, wearing one of my T-shirts. “Your turn. While you change, I’m going to find a snack.”
“I made you a sandwich earlier. It’s on the second shelf.” I’m prepared because she’s hungry every night before bed.
“Thanks, Dumplin’.” She pads into the kitchen, and after staring far too long, I wander into the bedroom.
I pinned too much hope on tonight. And I shouldn’t have. Instead of wishing things were different, I need to accept them as they are. Bluebonnet and I are only friends, and that may not change for a long while. Or ever.
Chapter 21
