7. Maggie #3
Karla, who sang in the band, stepped up to the microphone, her eyes sparkling with excitement under her straw cowboy hat. "It's time for the dancing part of the evening, everyone!" she announced, her voice carrying a lively, energetic ring. "Grab your partners, and let's get this party started!"
The crowd let out another loud cheer as the band launched into a fast, upbeat bluegrass tune.
Within seconds, the empty floor was flooded with couples, their boots stomping in perfect, rhythmic synchronization as a friend of Karla's stepped onto the floor to lead the group in a series of lively barn dances.
Maggie felt a sudden, happy tug at her hand as Michael pulled her onto the floor, his dark eyes crinkling with a earnest inviting smile. "Come on," he said. "You aren't escaping this."
For the next two hours, the barn was a whirlwind of motion, music, and laughter. Maggie was completely swept up in the joyful energy of the crowd. She danced until her boots felt heavy and her feet ached, but she couldn't stop laughing.
She watched the couples around them: Owen was trying his best to navigate a fast-paced line dance with Isabel, looking adorably clumsy but completely happy as he spun her under his arm.
Martin and Penny were moving in surprisingly smooth, graceful synchronization near the center of the floor, their faces flushed and their eyes locking in a private world of their own.
Linda and Darius were dancing near the edge of the floor, moving with an easy rhythm that made them look as though they’d been dancing together for years.
The fast, lively tempo of the bluegrass music finally began to drop.
The fiddle faded out, replaced by the sweet, and slow strumming of an acoustic guitar as the band transitioned into a gentle, swaying melody.
The rhythm of the room shifted, the energetic stomping of boots softening into a slow, relaxed glide.
Maggie let out a slow, tired breath, wiping a light bead of sweat from her forehead. "I'm going to grab a glass of ice water," she told Michael, starting to turn back toward the edge of the floor. "My feet are officially on fire."
"Not yet," Michael murmured, his fingers gently tightening around her hand to halt her stride.
One of his favorite slow songs had just begun to play, the beautiful melody of the steel guitar carrying an emotional weight.
He stepped closer, his broad frame blocking out the glare of the spotlight. "Stay with me for this one."
Before she could answer, he pulled her gently but firmly into his arms. One of his large, strong hands rested securely against the small of her back, while she rested her palm against his broad shoulder, her other hand linked securely in his as they began to sway.
They moved in a perfect, fluid rhythm, their steps completely synchronized to the slow tempo of the music.
Maggie rested her temple against his shoulder for a moment, breathing in the clean, familiar scent of his skin and the wood of the barn. Every single worry, every ounce of exhaustion from the grueling day, simply melted away.
Michael leaned down slightly, his dark eyes catching her gaze as they moved.
"You look so incredibly beautiful tonight," Michael murmured, his voice low and rich, his eyes full of an intense devotion that made her heart give an unruly, rapid leap in her chest.
Maggie smiled, her green eyes shining up at him under the brim of her hat. "Thank you. I have to admit, being a cowboy definitely suits you."
Michael let out a low, rumbly chuckle, the catchy sound vibrating against her chest. "I might have to make the wardrobe change permanent then."
They stopped their slow swaying as their eyes locked, the busy, crowded barn around them completely disappeared and shrunk to only them.
The music, the chatter of the other couples, and the clinking of glasses at the tables started to become white noise until there was nothing left but the sound of their steady heartbeats.
Michael leaned down further, his lips meeting hers. He enveloped Maggie in his arms, cradling her against his chest. His strong arms wrapped tightly around her waist as the kiss deepened, leaving her knees weak and soul glowing.
A few moments later, when the kiss finally ended, they didn't part. They stayed close, their foreheads resting gently against each other as they caught their breath. Michael held her gaze, his hands remaining steady and secure on her waist.
"I love you, Maggie,” Michael said. "And I want this to turn into something that lasts for the rest of our lives."
Maggie’s entire body felt like it was turning to jelly, pouring out from her soul as her eyes, filled with unshed tears, looked into his.
"I want that too," Maggie whispered back, her eyes never breaking contact with his. "Because I'm madly in love with you too."
Michael’s breath caught sharply in his throat. He smiled and dipped his head to catch her lips with his once again for a heart stopping kiss that made her heart fill with such love she thought it might burst. For the first time in a long time, Maggie felt at peace with her future.