Page 104 of Not Until I Found You

As I pull back, my eyes trail up the long line of his throat, along the stubble covering his jaw, until they focus on the golden flecks in his eyes. His heart beats against my chest, mirroring my own.

Eventually, we start down the trail, hand in hand this time. The descent feels easier now—and not only because it’s mostly downhill. We pass a couple on their way up, both of them seeming determined and nervous. I give them a thumbs up, and the woman chuckles softly, returning the gesture.

When we reach the truck, we climb inside, and neither of us moves for a few seconds so we don’t interrupt the moment. The air is peaceful as things finally settle into place.

Zane sits back in his seat, his gaze fastening on mine, and his brows arch.

“How’d it go?” he asks, finally breaking the silence.

“It went well.” I pause, my face splitting into a wide smile. “I rededicated my heart to Jesus.”

The relief that washes over him is immediate. His shoulders sag as a soft exhale leaves him. He tips his head back for a second, closing his eyes, his lips moving in a silent thank-you meant for God. When he looks at me again, his gaze is full of adoration.

“And I’m falling for you too,” I whisper.

Zane turns to me, his chin dipping until his eyes lock on mine again. Any breath in my lungs hitches as my confession bounces around us. My vision narrows to only him, to this moment, a blip in time that I want to remember for the rest of my life.

Something fierce and tender breaks across his expression. His hand comes up to the back of my neck, his callused fingers warm against the sensitive skin there as he pulls me close. His forehead rests against mine, his breath uneven, and in one quick move, he reaches for me, tugging me against his chest, claiming my mouth in a kiss that tells me everything words cannot.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Zane

Maxinne is falling for me.

It all seems too good to be true, but I refuse to start overthinking everything and ruin this moment. I want to stay right here in this perfect little bubble for as long as we can. I reach over and lace my fingers through hers, as I drive us back toward the cabins.

When I first suggested that we hike Silent Mountain, I wasn’t sure what type of resolution she’d find up there. I hoped she would discover what she truly wanted after the summer is over. I didn’t expect God to answer so clearly…or so quickly. This is exactly what I prayed for the entire hike up the mountain.

I could power a generator with the energy buzzing through me right now. Maybe even launch a rocket ship into space.

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing my prayer.

I look over at Maxinne, searching her face carefully for any traces of doubt, but I don’t see any. All I see are bright eyes and pink cheeks and a mouth that makes my brain forget how to function. When she catches me staring, a smile spreads over her face, and I have to force myself to focus on the road.

“What do you say we make some homemade pizza tonight to celebrate?” Maxinne suggests, rubbing the inside of my palm with her thumb.

“I’d say that you’re speaking my language.”

The sky ahead darkens, clouds thickening into a heavy moodiness. My shoulders tense as I watch a few drops of rain splatter against the windshield, leaving soft, uneven trails behind. I checked the forecast this morning, and it showed clear skies, but the weather around here has never been good at keeping promises.

Rain itself doesn’t bother me, but it’s the rest of it I don’t trust. The thunder that rattles loudly, the lightning that splits the sky open, and the wind that sounds like it’s hunting for prey to destroy—especially when it all leads to tornadoes.

I keep my eyes forward, both hands steady on the wheel, telling myself this is only a summer shower and nothing more. The rain thickens as we wind through the streets of Covewood, the scent of wet pavement sneaking in through the small cracks in the windows. The world seems to blur at the edges as we drive, softened by water and motion. By the time we pull into the driveway, it’s coming down hard with fat drops pounding the roof of my truck.

“We’re going to get soaked,” I say, already reaching for the door.

“It’ll be okay,” Maxinne assures me.

“Are you ready?”

She nods once. “Ready.”

We jump out and sprint together toward my cabin. Maxinne stops halfway in my front yard as she tilts her face up toward the sky, spinning once, then again, rain plastering her hair to her cheeks. She sticks her tongue out, laughing as she flings her arms out wide.

She is completely beautiful and free in this moment. The rain clings to her, darkening her blue shirt, tracing the curve of her smile, turning the moment into something almost cinematic. I don’t pay attention to the thunder or the flash of lightning above us. All I see is the woman who’s completely stolen my heart.

I walk over to her slowly, rain soaking through my clothes, my fear dissolving with every step as I focus on her. I call out to her, and Maxinne turns, her eyes shining with joy, her laughter becoming breathless. I reach out, my hands sliding to her waist, pulling her closer.