Page 140 of Sunday Morning
“Singing?”
“I was going to say me, but that works too.”
I snorted, and it felt good because everything felt good with Isaac.
“Do you want to go see your parents now or after dinner?”
“I don’t.”
“You do, baby. You’re just afraid.” He pecked at my lips and bit my lower one, holding it hostage until I grinned and pulled away. “The question is, what are you afraid of?”
I looked to the side, glancing out the window at the oak tree. “I’m afraid they’ll confirm all the awful things I already feel about myself.”
“Then they’re liars, and you’re a liar because Sarah Sunday Morning is remarkable and kind. She’s an extraordinary talent with great tits.”
I shot my wide-eyed gaze to his.
He shrugged. “Just stating facts.”
With a slight chuckle, I shook my head. “Take me home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” I said. “It’s time.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
GLORIA GAYNOR, “I WILL SURVIVE”
“I need to do this alone.”I rested my hand on Isaac’s when he parked in our driveway.
“I won’t stay, but I’m walking you to the door. I’m not dropping you off and slinking away like a coward,” he said.
My nerves were shot, but Isaac made me feel a little less like the world was about to end.
As we walked to the door, he held my hand. I opened it slowly, and my mom poked her head around the corner from the kitchen.
“Sarah,” she gasped, untying her apron while running toward me.
I stumbled backward a few steps when she hugged me. “Hey, Mom.” As I gazed over her shoulder, my dad appeared in his dress slacks, white button-down shirt, and tie.
My bravery wavered while my mom released me. Then Isaac took my hand again.
Dad focused on our hands, brow furrowed. “Isaac, I need to talk to my daughter alone,” he said.
“I’m aware. Before I go, you need to know that I love her. And as hard as it is for you to accept, she’s alive because I convinced her to go to Nashville with me. I took care of her because nothing or no one is as precious to me as her. And while she’s been grieving the loss of her friends, I’ve been thanking God every day for her life. And when we move to Tennessee, and my parents sell all of the land, I want you to know that I plan to ensure that your name is on this property as well as the house.”
My dad’s brow wrinkled in confusion, and my mouth hung open. Was he giving my parents the house and the lot out of his share?
“It’s time for you to go, Isaac,” my dad said with a stony expression, being a stubborn father more than a humble man of God.
“Call me later to come get you,” Isaac said, pressing his palm to my cheek while kissing me.
I couldn’t believe he was doing it right in front of my father. Isaac loved me without shame or fear. Everything he did was like nobody else had ever done. His love was almost too big for my young, foolish heart.
“She’s staying here. No need to come get her,” Dad said.
“My stuff is at Isaac’s house.”