Page 144 of Through the Storms

“It’s a state-of-the-art vehicle, equipped with a cannon to shoot sensors into the storm.”

“This will be its second run?”

Oakley’s cheeks reddened. “Yes.”

“Can you tell us what happened on the first run?” Lana couldn’t help but grin at Oakley’s reddening cheeks.

“I ditched it. Put it in a ditch.” Oakley’s eyes lit up. “But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When they went in to fix the cannon, the engineers discovered that the roll cage hadn’t held up as well as it should have, so we grounded it last year. Since then, they’ve enhanced the safety features.”

A loud clap of thunder sounded, causing several of the crew to flinch. “I’d say that’s our cue to wrap up this interview,” Lana said and nodded to Oakley.

“Ready?” Oakley called.

Asher and Britt gave her a thumbs up.

“Three, two, one…do it,” Oakley said.

They yanked the tarp to reveal the car.

Lana burst out laughing.

Lanaramawas painted across the hood.

“I renamed it.” Oakley took Lana’s hand. “Do you like it?”

Tears filled Lana’s eyes. How far they’d come in a year. Lana threw her arms around Oakley, not caring they were still being televised. “I love it.”

“And I love you.” Oakley hugged her tightly.

Lana let go of Oakley and turned to the camera. “We are about to take the Lanarama out for its inaugural run.”

Lana looked up at the sky. It had darkened since they’d arrived. The wind whipped her hair, so she shoved it back up under the baseball cap she sported to keep her hair out of her face. The light rain had grown heavier.

“As you can see,” Lana said, “a storm is brewing, so it’s time I sign off. This is Lana Monroe reporting for KOOK 13.” She smiled into the camera. “I’ll see you soon.”

Once the camera stopped, Lana turned to Oakley. “I can’t believe you did that.”

Oakley smiled. “I got a much better reaction than the first time I introduced you to the car.”

Lana groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

“Thanks for not giving up on me.” Oakley’s eyes clouded.

“I couldn’t. You’re too cute.” Lana held out her hand. “Are you ready to go?”

“Definitely.” Oakley took Lana’s hand. “Didn’t I always tell you I’d follow you anywhere?”

“Our very first date.” Lana chuckled. “I thought you were a kook.”

“And here we are.” Oakley nodded toward the Lanarama. “I kept my word. I’m about to follow you into a storm.”

“No.” Lana squeezed Oakley’s hand. “We’re doing what we always do, going through the storm together.”