Touched by Angels Page 0,46

spun their way across the rink. In her child's mind, she'd dreamed about someday being as graceful and talented.

"Come," Joshua said, and reached for her hand. He'd been silent since she'd announced that she fully intended to marry Carl. Hannah hoped he would accept her decision graciously and let matters drop between them. It was as difficult for him as it was for her, but she couldn't tell him that. She willed him to leave because she hadn't the strength to do it herself.

"Where are we going?"

His eyes revealed nothing, then he smiled in that gentle way of his. "Ice skating."

"But, Joshua, it's been years. I'm not sure I even remember how."

"It's been years for me, too."

"I can't," she insisted. "Really. I should get back before Mama asks questions. I can't lie."

Joshua stiffened. Surely he understood that she'd intended never to see him again. Surely he realized that she'd come this evening only because Carl had canceled at the last moment. Even now that surprised her.

"I'm not asking you to lie," Joshua explained, his hand clasping hers firmly. "All I want is for you to skate with me."

Hannah gazed longingly toward the ice. She was tempted. Oh, heaven, she was tempted. It wasn't so much to ask, she decided, not when she wanted this so badly herself.

"All right," she agreed. "But for only a short time."

"Agreed."

Joshua left her briefly, after checking her shoe size, and returned a few moments later with two pairs of ice skates. After lacing up his own, he knelt in front of her to be sure her skates were tied properly.

"You may well regret this," she said, linking her arm through his. Her legs wobbled when they stepped onto the ice, but Joshua's grip about her waist was firm.

Her first few steps were tentative and awkward. If not for Joshua, she was sure she would have fallen. "I can't believe I let you talk me into doing this," she said, concentrating on staying on her feet.

"You're doing just fine."

He was being kind, and she said so. Their first whirl around the rink was marked with her clumsy attempts to remain upright. Even with Joshua holding on to her, Hannah's arms flailed out in front of her a number of times in an effort to maintain her balance.

Before long she found a certain rhythm and glided over the smooth surface. Gaining confidence, she relaxed her grip on Joshua's arm, and he gradually released her. Skating backward in front of her, he smiled and praised her skill.

"Do you think anyone from the Ice Capades is watching?" she joked.

Joshua chuckled.

Thinking herself clever, Hannah decided to speed past Joshua. Unfortunately, in her effort to impress him, she lost her footing. Her feet slipped out from under her so quickly that she didn't have time to react. Arms flailing, she landed butt first on the hard, cold ice.

Joshua nearly fell on top of her, trying to keep her from losing her balance. By some minor miracle he managed to remain on his feet. Smiling broadly, he skated wide circles around her.

"You think this is funny, do you?" she asked, her dignity sadly bruised.

"Hilarious."

Hannah's rear end was getting wet and cold from the ice. She stretched out her arm, silently seeking his assistance. Joshua ignored her hand. Bracing his fists against his hips, his skates perpendicular to each other, he circled her.

"Joshua," she pleaded.

Chuckling, he helped her to her feet.

They skated for more than an hour, and then afterward, because she was unbelievably hungry, they ate huge hot dogs. Mustard dripped onto Hannah's forearm, and Joshua dabbed it away with a paper napkin, teasing her about being so messy.

Time seemed to drift away from them. Never could Hannah remember enjoying anyone's company more. It had been like this from the first moment they'd met.

"I have to go," she said sadly when she noticed the time. It seemed she was always saying that to him.

He hailed a taxi and sat next to her on the seat. When they arrived outside her parents' deli, Joshua paid the driver and climbed out of the cab with her.

On the abandoned sidewalk, Hannah stood with her head bowed, her heart thudding hard and heavy with dread against her chest.

"I can't see you again." The best way was to say it flat out and leave no room for speculation. It was difficult, but necessary.

"Hannah . . ."

"I'm engaged to another man," she said as firmly as she could manage, afraid her voice would catch with emotion. "I can't