Page 65 of One Last Shot

Out on a dusty road, my heart was alone.

Life’s twists and turns had left me on my own.

Then she walked into my world, like a shining pearl.

With every step, my broken heart she unfurled.

His gaze was on the crooner, maybe early twenties, grinning at someone in a nearby booth.Aw,this song was for her.

“He’s not bad.” Boo reached for a fry. Dunked it into the ketchup.

“This was one of my first songs. It’s a little corny.” The kid hit the chorus, and Oaken hummed a little.

She’s my girl, my guiding light.

In her arms, everything feels right.

With her love, I've found my place,

Blessed each day by her sweet embrace.

“I think it’s romantic. And sweet. Who is it about?”

He drew in a breath. Looked at her.Oh . . . um. . .

“Oaken?”

“Nobody. It was just... you know. A young man’s fantasy.”

Her laughter’s like a song, a melody so pure.

In her eyes, I see a love that will endure.

Through stormy nightsand sunny days,

She’s the anchor that keeps me from drifting away.

Boo looked over at him. “Oaken Fox, the romantic.”

“Oaken Fox, the man who knows how to make money.”

She laughed, and there it was.

The song he wanted. It hit him like the sunshine, a burst of heat inside him. He almost gasped. Swallowed.

Shewashis muse. He could almost hear the entire song, the words rich in his mind even as he stared at her.

“Wow, you’re pretty.”

She blinked at him. Turned and looked at the singer onstage, breathing. Wide-eyed.

Aw.

And the singer didn’t make it easier.

I thank the stars above for this love so true.

Grateful for every moment, every “I love you.”