Page 99 of Her Final Hours

With a playful glint in her eyes, Alicia fired up the engine and put on a pair of aviator sunglasses. She sat there for a second or two before glancing his way. “Are you asking me out on a date, Noah Sutherland?” she teased, waiting for a response.

He cleared his throat, glancing off briefly, the sunlight reflecting in his eyes, before looking back with a subtle smile. “It’s just a meal between friends,” he replied, trying to come off as all casual.

She stared back, the corners of her mouth twitching with amusement. “Friends, right? Ask me again sometime,” she challenged, maintaining the banter.

As Alicia began to reverse, Noah quickly interjected,determined not to let the opportunity slip away. “Wait up,” he called out, causing her to pump the brakes and the gravel to crunch under the tires. “Yeah, a date,” he confirmed, his tone more assured.

She studied him for a second, considering his words.

“You did say to ask again sometime.”

Alicia shook her head with a smile. “All right. I’ll text you my schedule,” she agreed. “Now, can I go?”

He stepped back, and with a smile, she pulled away.

Noah felt good as he walked back toward the gathering; a broad smile formed on his face, and his heart felt lighter. He couldn’t help but notice the playful nudging from McKenzie and Ed, who seemed to have been observing the interaction.

“Oh look,” McKenzie teased, nudging Ed again. “Someone’s made a touchdown.”

Ed responded with a grin. “Yeah, just a pity he didn’t land with more beer. Come on now, Noah. McKenzie and I are dying of thirst!’ He tossed the keys to the Bronco to him. “Chop, chop!”

Noah shook his head and chuckled.

He took a moment to survey the faces around him, witnessing the group’s energy as they engaged in conversation, laughter, and playful exchanges. He realized that although his brother, father, and sister were absent, at that moment — surrounded by his children, Callie, McKenzie, and Ed — he wondered if the family he needed was already here.