Page 9

M att stood by the refreshment table, sipping his punch and scanning the barn.

The fairy lights that Lynda had hung created a magical atmosphere, casting a warm glow over the crowded dance floor.

Thankfully, the fundraiser was a resounding success.

The weather hadn’t deterred anyone, and the first five auction items had sold for far more than they were worth.

He spotted Lynda across the room, talking with Isabel and Frank.

Carol appeared beside him. “You should ask her to dance.”

Matt nearly choked on his punch. “I’m supposed to be helping you.”

“There’s another half hour before the next items are auctioned,” Carol replied, nudging him with her elbow. “And you’ve been watching Lynda all evening. Go on before someone else asks her.”

As if on cue, the band finished their current song and the lead guitarist stepped up to the microphone.

“Alright, folks! Time for everyone to get on the dance floor. We’re going to do the Sapphire Bay Stomp—you all know this one!”

A cheer went up as people began moving toward the dance floor, forming lines. Matt recognized the traditional line dance that had been a staple at town events for as long as he’d been here.

Taking a deep breath, he set down his cup and walked across the barn. Lynda saw him coming and smiled, causing his carefully rehearsed greeting to evaporate from his mind.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked simply when he reached her. “It’s the Sapphire Bay Stomp. Everyone joins in.”

“I have no idea what that is,” Lynda admitted with a laugh, “but I’d love to try.”

“Don’t worry,” Matt assured her, feeling more confident as he led her toward the dance floor. “I’ll teach you the steps. It’s pretty simple once you get the pattern.”

They joined one of the lines forming on the dance floor. Isabel and Frank were already in position a few people down, and Matt noticed Tommy eagerly demonstrating the steps to a group of children nearby.

“Okay,” Matt explained quickly as the band began to play the introduction. “It’s four steps forward, back-step, quarter turn, stomp twice, then clap and repeat. Just follow my lead for the first round.”

Lynda frowned but still nodded. “Forward, back, turn, stomp, clap. Got it.”

The music started in earnest, and the lines began to move. Matt stepped confidently through the familiar pattern, watching from the corner of his eye as Lynda followed his movements. She was a quick learner, only hesitating slightly on the quarter turn before finding her rhythm.

“You’re a natural!” he called over the music as they completed the first cycle.

Lynda laughed, her eyes bright with enjoyment. “This is fun! The last time I line danced was when I was a teenager.”

As the music continued, Matt relaxed in a way he hadn’t in years.

There was something wonderfully uncomplicated about the line dance—the predictable pattern, the communal energy, the simple joy of moving to music.

And seeing Lynda beside him, cheeks flushed and laughing every time she got a step slightly wrong, made everything better.

By the third repetition, Lynda had mastered the basic steps and was adding her own flair to the movements. When they reached the stomp section, she caught his eye and deliberately stomped with extra enthusiasm, making him laugh out loud.

“Show-off!” he teased as they clapped in unison.

“Just following the local customs,” she retorted with a grin.

The dance grew more spirited as the music quickened. Matt felt years younger, especially when the pattern changed and partners briefly joined hands for a twirl before returning to their lines. Lynda’s hand felt warm and steady in his as they spun into the next steps.

When the song finally ended, everyone erupted in applause. Matt and Lynda stood side by side, slightly breathless and smiling.

“That was wonderful,” Lynda said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Though I think I might have stomped on someone’s foot during that last turn.”

“If you did, they’ll survive,” Matt replied. “You were great for a first-timer.”

The band started playing a slower tune, and couples began pairing off on the dance floor. Matt hesitated, wondering if he should ask Lynda to stay for another dance.

Before he could decide, Carol’s voice called out over the crowd. “Matt! We need you at the auction table. It’s time to announce the next set of winners!”

Matt’s shoulders sagged. At this rate, he wouldn’t be spending much time with Lynda at all. “Thanks for the dance.”

“Thank you for reminding me how to line dance,” she replied. The warmth in her eyes made him wish he could stay. “I’ll have to practice before the next fundraiser.”

Something about the way she said “next fundraiser” gave Matt hope. It sounded like she might be planning to stick around Sapphire Bay a little longer. “I’d be happy to give you more lessons.”

Lynda smiled. “I might take you up on that.”