“It’s a good name,” I said. Austin put his arm around my shoulder and squeezed me closer.
“It’s a great name,” he said.
It’s a great name.
Epilogue
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.” I looked out into the room filled with young people. Their eyes so full of promise and hope. “That was great everyone,” I said. “Let’s do it one more time, from where the two lines split at the back.” I glanced to the left to see Austin standing off stage, watching, smiling, and holding a blue lunch bag. I lifted my hand and tossed him a small wave. Some of the young girls saw my action, turned their heads, and once they saw who I was waving to, became excited, waving frantically. They sure do love him. I watched Austin, the man I loved, my husband, wave back at the young girls, making them smile and giggle frantically. And so do I.
Austin laughed and walked out onto the stage. “Okay, let’s take a five-minute break,” I called out over the high-pitched giggles. The children scattered across the stage to both ends.
Kissing my cheek, Austin reached down and placed his free hand on the small baby bump that had started to form under my shirt. “So,” he said, “How are you doing today?” I put my hand on top of his, feeling happier than I had in years.
“I’m good,” I replied with a smile. “We’re both good.” He kissed my cheek again and I leaned into his lips.
“Angela made you a lunch,” Austin held out the blue lunch bag and smiled. “She wanted to make sure you remembered to eat.” I took the bag from his hand and peeked inside. Apples, peanut butter, cheese, water. And chocolate. A perfect lunch. “Oh, and she’s started tossing out baby names.” Austin chuckled. “She’s really excited to have a baby brother. Or a sister. But I think she’d prefer the brother.”
“That was so sweet of her,” I said. “Give her a kiss for me when you see her. And let her know we’ll talk about the baby names when I get home for dinner.”
“How are the classes going today?” Austin turned his head toward the girls at the far end of the stage. “Your class seems bigger than the last time I stopped by.”
“It is!” I boasted, a big smile plastered on my face. “I even have two more boys signed up in the older class.” I was proud of my accomplishments and thrilled that I was able to pass on my knowledge and love for dance. My eyes caught sight of two young girls practicing the dance steps near the rear of the stage. “It’s going really well.”
Amy, a six-year-old girl with the most adorable, crazy blonde curls skipped across the stage and hopped to a stop in front of us. “Ms. Mathey,” Amy said. I love the sound of that.
“Oh, honey, you can call me Peyton.” I smiled at her.
“Okay,” Amy smiled back. “Ms. Peyton …” Austin and I both chuckled.
“Yes, sweetie. What is it?”
“Are we going to dance with the older kids today?” Amy put her hands behind her back and shifted up and down on the balls of her feet.
“Yes, you are.” I leaned over and pushed her curls off her face. “You have to be ready for next Saturday’s recital, right?” She nodded, her curls bouncing. “The best way to do that is to practice with everyone on the stage.”
“Whoo hoo!” Amy leaped up, spun around, and skipped away with her arms up in the air. She quickly moved toward a small group of children who were dressed identically to her. “She said yes!” she exclaimed.
“You know,” I said turning to Austin, “All this is what we have to look forward to.”
“I know,” Austin grabbed my hand and twirled me around before pulling me in close, wrapping his arms around me. “And I can’t wait.”
About the Author
In addition to an award-winning, and best-selling author, Carma Haley Shoemaker is also a nurse, wife, and mother of three. Living in North Central Ohio, she fills her days with writing mixed-genre romances, Supernatural reruns, and dancing around the living room like no one is watching. While she enjoys putting her characters through many hardships, heartbreaks, and angst-filled moments, Carma believes in fast-love, true romance, and HEA endings - however they come about.
Carma would like for you to keep in touch. You can connect with her at her website or through one of her social media platforms.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writercarma
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/carmicwords
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/carmicwords
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/carmicwords
You can also receive updates on upcoming releases and events by subscribing to Carma’s newsletter: http://madmimi.com/signups/268299/join
Thank you for taking the time to read TOUCHDOWN DANCE.
Please take a moment to leave a review.
Happy Reading!
Whispers of Winter: A Limited Edition Collection of Winter Romances Page 152
