When 17-year-old Rune returns to Blossom Grove, he’s desperate to know why Poppy—the girl he loved and who promised to wait—suddenly stopped talking to him. Her silence broke his heart. But when he finally learns the truth, Rune realizes the pain he’s felt is nothing compared to what’s coming next. What secret could hurt more than goodbye?
Over the past couple of days, her parents had taken turns staying overnight in the family room across the hallway. One stayed at home with the girls. More often than not it was her mama who stayed here. I stayed in Poppy’s room. I lay beside her in her small bed every night. Slept with…
I knew I sounded angry and aggressive, but my heart slammed against my ribs at the thought of him telling me I had to go. If I wasn’t with Poppy, I had nowhere to go. Mr. Litchfield tensed, then he asked, “Why?” Surprised by his question, I turned to him and tried to read his…
And the ninety-eight we’d still collect. When she woke up. Because she would. We had a vow to fulfill. Rune One week later “Hey Rune.” I looked up from the paper I was writing to see Jorie at the door to Poppy’s room. Judson, Deacon and Ruby were standing behind her in the hallway. I…
Mr. Litchfield looked to me, as Mrs. Litchfield added, “Rune carried Poppy in his arms all the way home. He ran and called for an ambulance. He saved her, James. Rune saved our girl.” I swallowed hard as I heard Mrs. Litchfield’s words. Mr. Litchfield nodded, I assumed in thanks, then ran toward his daughter.…
I could see in his face that he desperately wanted to know. Gathering my composure, I declared, “A dream.” “A dream,” Rune echoed, and I saw his lip hook up at the corner. “I read once that when you dream each night, it’s actually a visit home. Home, Rune. Heaven.” I began feeling the warmth…
My heart slammed against my ribs as I took in her lie. Knowing I had to get her back to her parents, I gathered her under my arm. As the nape of her neck almost scalded my arm, I bit back a curse. “Let’s go home, baby,” I said softly. Poppy wrapped her arms around…
Rune shut the door and the limousine drew away. He pulled me close and said, “Come with me.” As we walked to the entrance, I tried to read all of the signs to get an indication about the performance. But no matter how hard I searched, I couldn’t discover who was performing tonight. Rune pushed…
Carnival of the Animals begin. As my now-steady hands began to create the music I adored so much, I felt a lump fill my throat. Each note was a whispered prayer, and each crescendo was a loudly sung hymn, to the God that gave me this gift. Gave me the gift of playing music, of…
“This is how they should always be,” I whispered, gazing at our woven fingers. Rune swallowed and nodded his head in silent agreement. My feet stepped back, and back again. I led us toward the bed. The comforter was pulled back, turned down by the maid service. And the closer I got to this bed,…
I kept my eyes closed, unwilling to break away from this moment. This perfect moment. Eventually, Rune lifted his head. Seeing the vulnerable expression on his face, I kissed him gently. As gently as he had taken me. As gently as he handled my fragile heart. His arms cradled my head, keeping me safe. When…