Whispered Southern Secrets (Magnolia Grove #11)

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

John David

The wedding ceremony for Olivia and Landon goes smoothly, and it’s an honor to be part of it. I was only partly distracted by how stunning Honey was as a bridesmaid. We’ve finished taking photos and now everyone is leaving for the reception.

“Do you need a ride?” I ask Honey.

“Actually I do. My grandparents went ahead to the venue.”

I lead Honey to my truck and then open the door for her. A small, skeptical grin plays on her lips as she climbs into my truck. “I can’t even imagine the small-town gossip this is going to stir.”

I’d rather not think about that. I don’t like being the subject of gossip. Before becoming a representative of the church, so to speak, I didn’t mind it. Now that I’m wanting to help people and make a difference, I’d prefer to be viewed with some respect.

When I climb into the driver’s side, I prop my left arm on the windowsill and lean toward the door. My truck suddenly feels small. Even though we’re not touching, I can feel her warmth. Her sweet floral scent drifts to my side of the truck. It’s calming. It feels right. Natural.

We pull up to the venue and I walk around to help her step out of the truck. Placing my hand on the small of her back, I gently guide her toward the entrance of the reception. My eyes catch on Honey’s grandparents. They’re watching us with bemused interest. Honey quickly removes herself from my touch once we fully enter the room full of people. She tells me “Thank You,” before leaving my side. My throat tightens as I watch her walk away. I want to call out to her, but I let her go. Excitement fills the room. People are lifting their glasses and making their own toasts at their tables. I find my seat and make polite conversation with those surrounding me. The whole time, my eyes keep following Honey.

As the night progresses, swaying and laughing bodies begin to fill the dance floor. Millard is twirling Honey around in circles. Her laughter is so bright when he dips her. When the song ends Millard holds his side but his smile nearly splits his face. Honey doesn’t hurry away, but watches him hobble to the table where Minnie is clapping for them. I want to join her on the dance floor.

I try to search for reasons for me not to dance with Honey. What harm could there possibly be? Other than my complete and total desire for her. Desire isn’t bad. I have a desire to be a good person. I desire some of that wedding cake. Desiring a person could also lead to love. Love is one of God’s greatest gift. 1 Corinthians 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

I have faith and hope. What if I have those things in a partner? What if… I am missing the greatest of three? I have God’s love, love with my family and church, but I’m not in love. I could be. She’s right there.

I’m going for it. Standing from the table, I slowly make my way to the dance floor. Her golden brown eyes widen as she takes in my face. I wonder how much she can read on my face. That I want to start with a slow dance and then hopefully I can spin her into having a relationship with me.

“May I have this dance?” I hold my hands out to her, silently praying— begging that she accepts.

There’s a glimmer in her eyes that gives me hope. But she hesitates. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

Without overthinking it, I take her hands in mine. She releases a slight little gasp. Her eyes move all the way down to my shoes and back up to meet mine, but she doesn’t pull back. Does she like me touching her? Holding her hands firmly in mine? The selfish part of me almost feels guilty for holding her the way I’ve been wanting to all afternoon. I slide my left hand from hers at her side to her hip and keep the other one firmly locked in mine. Warmth ripples through me. Maybe it is the warmth from her body. Her touch. Her scent.

“There is the risk of me not wanting to let you go, again.”

“Then don’t.”

I angle my hand and lean closer to whisper. “Don’t dance. Or don’t let go?”

“Don’t let go.”

It’s been years since I’ve held her in my arms, but I’m still familiar with her body. I remind myself I’m going to take things slow this time. Her fingers flex against me.

“We’re not doing anything wrong by sharing a dance, darlin’.”

“I feel like everyone is watching us.”

“Just look at me the whole time. Let them all fade away.”

“Focus on you.” Her smile is soft and flirty.

Owning the fact I want to hog all her attention, I pull her closer to me. “If you need me to be your anchor, I’m here for you.”

“You’ve been an anchor for a lot of people. It’s amazing what you’ve been doing around town.” I don’t do anything for praise or the reward of feeding my ego. However, hearing Honey right now, I feel pretty good about myself. I’m practically puffing my chest out. My face must look smug because she fights back a smile. “Okay.” She sucks her lips in. “That’s all the compliments you’re getting from me tonight.”

I love the way she feels under my hands and next to my body. The way we effortlessly move together. I’m a firm believer in fate, and there’s a plan for all of us. This is fate bringing her back into my arms. Life keeps pushing us back together. And when we are together, it feels like I have everything I could ever want. I feel whole. I used to think our timing was off because we met before we got our lives settled, but maybe not. The Bible tells us that there’s a time for everything. The book also tells us to make every minute count.

“If today was my last day, I wouldn’t want to waste it worrying about what anyone thought. Because it wouldn’t matter. What matters is spending time with you. I’m a firm believer in making every moment matter, darlin’.”

Her eyes reflect what I’m feeling. Longing. Her voice is barely above a whisper. “Here’s to making every moment matter.”

My lips curve up on one side and my heart pounds against my chest. I feel slightly breathless. “Every. Moment. Matter.”

It’s time to stop wasting time with Honey. Not to take for granted the fact she’s back in my life after three years. I never stopped thinking about her. The softness of her lips and the way they taste. My stomach flips with the memories of the secret we share.

“I want a relationship with you more than I care about opinions.”

“My mimi said with enough courage you could do without a reputation.” I’ve heard that line before, but not from her grandmother. Honey laughs and then says, “She quoted it from Rhett Butler.”

“So we’re going to do this?”

“Dance?” she teases.

“Dance through life together. Make every moment count. Be my girlfriend.”

“Brother John David, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

“I am. Even though I know you’re going to be trouble.”

We both laugh and it feels so darn good. She licks her lips and then gives me that megawatt smile of hers. “A little trouble never hurt anyone.”

Of course the next day everyone is buzzing about the wedding and whispering about me and Honey dating. We hadn’t even gone on our first date, yet. Some say they’re not surprised. Some say we deserve one another—but I don’t think they mean it in a good way. Others are wandering if that mean Honey is going to be in Magnolia Grove permanently. And the most disturbing is people questioning if our relationship will be platonic and pure.

I knew this would cause a stir in the rumor mill. The thought of having a sermon on idle gossip and reminding everyone that preachers are human with human desires has crossed my mind. However, I’m not going to. Instead, I’m going to focus on the fact that I’m dating Honey Beaumont. The most beautiful person in Magnolia Grove. She’s as sweet as her nickname, loves those closest to her fiercely, and is always ready to spread happiness wherever she goes. She’s also the only woman who I’ve never gotten over. I push that thought away. No need in reliving our past “relationship,” I’d rather focus on the present.