Chapter 5: Across the River, Into His Arms

He rubbed his forehead, but a smile tugged at his lips. Daisy, waiting outside, barked her approval.

We went in and got a window booth.

The view overlooked the city skyline, all twinkling lights and distant sirens. Zach pressed his nose to the glass, eyes wide with wonder.

The Blue Velvet wasn’t just a bar—it had singers, comedians, and dancers, all talented and beautiful. Perfect for a little education.

A jazz trio played in the corner, and the stage lights danced across the crowd. I ordered us sodas and a mountain of fries, figuring it was the least I could do.

“See anyone you like?” I asked.

I gestured at the stage, hoping to spark something.

“What does ‘like’ mean?”

He looked genuinely puzzled, his innocence almost comical. I stifled a laugh.

Yup, clueless.

I leaned in. “It’s missing them when they’re not around. Being happy when they’re happy. Wanting to be with them, always.”

I tried to sound wise, but it came out more wistful than I intended. Zach nodded slowly, taking it all in.

Zach looked thoughtful.

He stared out the window, lost in thought. I waited, half-expecting him to shrug it off.

I figured he’d say no, but he blushed and nodded.

My eyebrows shot up. I leaned closer, curiosity piqued.

When I asked who, he refused to say.

He ducked his head, cheeks flaming. I let it go, figuring he’d spill eventually.

Maybe after sobering up, he realized he liked Savannah?

I wondered if the party had finally worked its magic. Maybe fate was back on track after all.

Thinking this, I gave him a crash course in flirting: how to bump into her, what she likes, and most important—how to play the hero.

I listed Savannah’s favorite books, her go-to dance moves, even the kind of flowers she liked. Zach listened, taking mental notes.

Of course, I had to go and ruin it. I drank a little too much. On the way home, I nearly got hit by a speeding car.

The night air was sharp, and the city lights blurred around the edges. I stumbled off the curb, only to hear tires screeching.

“Careful—”

Zach pulled me into his arms.

He moved faster than I thought possible, yanking me back onto the sidewalk. For a second, the world spun.

For a second, time stopped.

I could hear my own heartbeat, loud and wild. Zach’s arms were strong around me, holding me steady.

We were so close, I could see my flushed face in his dark eyes. His intense gaze made my heart pound.

His breath mingled with mine, the city noise fading into the background. I felt suddenly, inexplicably shy.

“Sis,” he said, “is this what you meant by saving the beauty?”

His words were soft, almost teasing. My cheeks burned.

Half my buzz vanished. I pushed him away, awkward. “Yeah, you learn fast. Not bad, not bad.”

I forced a laugh, trying to shake off the weird tension. Daisy barked, breaking the spell.

After New Year’s, Zach went with my older brother to the National Guard camp for training. National Guard camp was a rite of passage around here—summer sweat, discipline, and a badge of pride for every small-town kid.

He left in a flurry of duffel bags and promises to write. The house felt emptier without him.

He came back just in time for Memorial Day.

The town was draped in flags, and the air smelled of barbecue and fresh-cut grass. Zach looked older, more confident, the hint of a tan on his cheeks.

The new governor had just been sworn in. By tradition, he visited the old church to honor the state’s founders. Small-town politics, gotta love it. Savannah, as the senator’s daughter, would attend too.

It was a big deal—everyone in town turned out, dressed in their Sunday best. I saw Savannah’s car pull up, her dress as perfect as ever.

Another chance.

I checked my hair in the mirror, determined not to mess this up. Daisy wagged her tail, sensing my nerves.

After settling in, I heard Savannah had gone to the old oak hill, so I sent Daisy to find Zach.