Page 100 of Not Until I Found You

As we’re waiting in line, someone taps me on the shoulder, and I turn to see Lily—who’s still very much pregnant—and her husband standing behind us. He has a skeptical expression on his face, and Lily smiles shyly up at me, her eyes darting beside me to where Maxinne’s arm is still wrapped around mine.

“Hey, Zane.”

Seeing Lily this time is different. There’s no tightness in my chest begging to burst free or the instinct to run away. All of that has been replaced by gratitude and a hint of understanding. Because if Lily had not broken my heart, we might still be together, and then Maxinne and I would have never been given a chance.

Without even realizing it, I’ve gotten over the past.

“Hey,” I reply. “What are you guys doing back in Covewood?”

“We’re visiting family for the holiday,” she adds, leaning into her husband.

I run a hand through my hair as the words leave my lips quickly. “I, uh- I’m sorry for how I acted before, when I ran into you at Trail and Tackle.”

“I came over in hopes of apologizing to you.” She waves me off, but I sense the relief that washes over her.

“I had a few unresolved issues to work through, but I’m better now.” I gesture toward the two of them. “I’m happy that you’ve found your person and that you’re about to grow a family together.”

Her smile grows as she looks down and rubs her belly. “Thank you. I needed to hear that. And it seems like you’ve done well for yourself too.”

I give her a nod and look at Maxinne, who’s watching me with a hint of pride beaming on her face. She understands how big this moment is for me, and I’m glad she’s here to witness it. After all, she’s the reason my heart has been able to heal.

We end up chatting with the two of them while we wait in line for the food truck. It feels like a small miracle that I’m able to finally move forward from the past. Only God has the ability to completely change someone’s heart, and I’m thankful for it.

Maxinne clings to my hand, glancing back twice to make sure I’m still with her, as she weaves us through the crowd. She leads me toward the edge of the town square where the stage is set up. A local band is playing songs that are upbeat and perfect for the evening’s gathering. Once we find a good spot amongst the crowd, I wrap my arms around her shoulders and bring her closer to me as we listen to the music together.

The last streaks of sunset cling to the horizon, right behind the stage, shifting the sky into a deep blue that blends into purple. The strings of white lights overhead cover us like glowing stars. Edna and Wren are in front of us, dancing to the music. Wren is moving gracefully as she always does—Edna, not so much. Maxinne tilts her head back and giggles, especially when Olivia joins in.

Her laughter fills the space around us, and happiness bubbles inside of me. I never thought I’d have her like this, and I certainly couldn’t have pictured it feeling this good. There isn’t a single part of me trying to hold back anymore.

I used to be consumed by the idea of never letting anyone get too close, because then I’d never have to survive losing them. But standing here with Maxinne in my arms, I realize how much life I’ve missed by always guarding my heart. Maybe this is what God has been trying to show me all along, that some people are worth the risk.

Maxinne twists in my arms until she’s facing me. “Dance with me.”

I chuckle. “I can’t dance as well as Wren over there.”

“Oh, come on,” she counters, taking my hand into hers.

Before I can protest, she shifts her weight, guiding me with her, and I follow her movements. My hands settle at her waist while hers slide up my arms, resting behind my neck. She smells like vanilla and coconut as I take a deep breath and let myself be here in this moment with her.

The music pulses through the ground beneath our feet, and I lean in close to say, “You got what you wanted. I’m dancing.”

She rolls her eyes. “Barely.”

Maxinne grabs my hands and tugs me with her, spinning us into a loose, off-beat twist that has more enthusiasm than rhythm. She giggles when I stumble half a step, nearly tripping into someone. Her hips sway as her shoulders bounce, and she dances like she doesn’t care who’s watching. I love this carefree version of her.

She tugs me forward, twisting away from me then back again. Her hips roll to the beat, hair swinging over her shoulder as she chuckles at the look on my face.

“Relax. You’re thinking too hard.”

I shake my head, smiling, and let the music pull me with her. I loosen my grip on her hands and try to match the rhythm, my feet finding something that I hope resembles a beat. I bounce a little, shoulders rolling as I exaggerate the movement only to make her laugh, and when she does, it’s worth every ounce of dignity I lose.

I spin her clumsily, nearly taking us both out, and she squeals, catching herself on my chest. I lean into it, adding a ridiculous hip shimmy that earns me a stunned look from her before she breaks into laughter all over again.

“Oh, wow,” she says, her eyes bright. “I didn’t know you had that in you.”

“Neither did I,” I admit, grinning as I lift my hands and let the music take over completely. I move without thinking now, not caring if I have too much bounce, not enough coordination. Maxinne mirrors me, matching my energy step for step.

I can see why Wren loves dancing so much. She says it’s a type of therapy for her. As Maxinne and I move unapologetically together to the music, I’m not worried about what comes next. I’m not thinking about the future. I’m only here, in this moment with her, and it’s exactly what I need.