was laughing and looking into my eyes.” He shook his head. “Our little girl.”
They pulled out of the neighborhood and Luke kept his eyes on the road. “She thanked me for dancing with her like that—one more time. That’s what she said.” He breathed in deep. “And all I wanted was to freeze time.”
Reagan leaned back into her seat. Her tone was easy, her expression young and carefree. “I can’t believe she’s going to be a teenager. Where did the little girl days go?”
“Exactly.” Luke let another string of memories fill his heart. Malin, the day they brought her home. The way she was the best big sister when they adopted Johnny and brought him home. “All our kids… they’re each a miracle.”
A gentle quiet filled the car. “It’s the perfect night for a waltz, my dear.” He reached for her hand. “I’m so glad we’re doing this.”
“I couldn’t believe… when you asked.” She turned to him again. “It’s been what… four years? Five?”
“Probably.” He sighed. “That’s the thing about time. The more you love life, the faster it goes.”
She studied him, the length of him. “I forgot about that suit.”
“I probably haven’t worn it since the last time we went dancing.” He ran his thumb over the diamond in her wedding ring. “I love you, Reagan Baxter.”
“I love you, too.”
They listened to John Mayer until they reached the studio. The place was known throughout the city for its trained dance instructors and expansive ballroom. It looked newly remodeled. Even better, Luke thought.
The closest available parking spot was at the back of the lot, so Luke stopped the car near the door. He didn’t mind the walk, but Reagan might. “You can get out. I’ll meet you after I park.”
“It’s okay.” She lifted one heeled foot. “These are more comfortable than they look.” She leaned over and kissed Luke’s cheek. “I’ll walk with you.”
Something about the dimly lit parking area or the distance they needed to walk to get to the studio gave Luke the slightest sense of concern. They weren’t in the worst part of the city, but the area wasn’t exactly safe. For a moment he thought about taking her back to the front door and insisting she skip the walk.
But then he came upon a spot and he parked. “They need more light back here.”
“Agreed.” She looked out her side window and then through the windshield to the wooded area that lined the lot. “Let’s hurry.”
Luke wasn’t afraid. But his concern deepened as he helped Reagan out of the car. Lord, walk with us. Something doesn’t feel right. He pulled Reagan close and she took his arm.
They had just started walking toward the dance building when someone behind them shouted. “Hey! Turn around!”
They both pivoted and Luke felt a rush of terror. Two men were running toward them, guns drawn. Instinctively, Luke moved Reagan behind him. The men were young with masks on their faces. Clown masks. One of them was laughing.
“What do you want?” Luke thought about fleeing, but they couldn’t turn their backs on the armed punks.
The guys stopped a few feet away. Their guns were real. Luke was sure. The one who was still laughing raised his weapon higher. “Your money. Throw your wallets and purse down on the ground.”
Before Luke or Reagan could do as they asked, sirens sounded near the entrance of the driveway. The lead clown shoved his gun at Luke’s shoulder. “Your wallet. Now! Or I’ll kill you both!”
The sirens were louder, closer.
“They found us, man.” The other masked guy turned and started running the other way. “It’s too late. Come on!”
Just then a police car sped up and two officers jumped out. “Stop. Police!” they shouted, and as they did, the guy with the laugh turned and ran after his buddy.
Luke couldn’t breathe. What had just happened? What if they had…? He turned and pulled Reagan into his arms. “Honey. It’s okay.”
“Luke they… they could’ve…” Her skin was sheet white. She buried her face in his shoulder. “We had no warning.”
In the adjacent lot, the officers tackled the guys and cuffed them. Luke closed his eyes and breathed in the smell of Reagan’s hair. She was right. It had happened so fast. And just like that they could’ve been… their kids would’ve been without—
He couldn’t let himself go there. “We’re safe.” His voice sounded desperate with relief. “Thank God, we’re safe.”
They waited while the bad guys were taken to the squad car. By then a few other officers had