Page 67 of Through the Storms

Riley subtly gestured with her head in the direction she was looking. “In the doorway.”

“Holy shit, it’s her.”

Riley’s gaze shifted to Oakley, who had her back to the door and was oblivious to Lana’s arrival. Britt’s eyes danced, and she gave a subtle nod to Lana, who gave her a smile in return.

Riley grinned. “Britt’s in on it, but I don’t think Oakley has a clue.”

“Oh, my god, I think you’re right.” Chloe grabbed Riley’s arm. “This is going to be so sweet.”

Lana moved quietly across the room behind Oakley. Others in the group must have spotted Lana, as well, because the conversations around the table stopped. Oakley prattled on, seemingly unaware of the hush that had fallen.

Riley gaped. Lana was even more gorgeous in person. She’d assumed makeup and whatever lighting and filters they used in the TV studio enhanced Lana’s looks, but that certainly wasn’t true. Lana’s long brown hair fell to her shoulders in waves, and as she walked, it flowed out as if a hidden fan blew it.

Riley smirked at how starstruck she was. It was doubtful that Lana’s hair moved differently than anyone else’s. It was likely her purposeful stride and confident air that created the illusion.

When Lana got to within a few feet of Oakley, she stopped and smiled down at Oakley. Lana’s smile lit up her face and put a twinkle in her vibrant blue eyes.

“Put your eyes back in your head,” Chloe whispered.

Damn. Busted.Riley shot Chloe a sheepish grin before she returned her gaze to Oakley.

Lana glanced at the group and gave them a quick wave. A few from the table waved back, while others smiled broadly.

Oakley stopped her story midsentence, and her head pivoted from side to side. Finally, she’d noticed the strange way the others at the table were reacting.

Just as Oakley began to turn and look behind her, Lana bent and wrapped her arms around Oakley’s neck from behind. Oakley stiffened and glanced down at the hands that lay on her chest. Then a huge smile lit her face.

Oakley leapt from her chair and wrapped Lana in a bear hug. She easily picked Lana up and spun her around. Lana let out a squeal before her melodic laughter filled the room. It was contagious, and soon everyone joined her.

Once Oakley set Lana back on the ground, she took Lana’s hand and led her to the table. “Hey, everyone. I’d like to introduce you to someone.”

“I don’t think she needs any introduction,” someone called out.

The group broke out in applause as several others agreed.

Oakley held up her hand. “Okay. I know this lovely lady needs no introduction, but if you’d indulge me.”

The room grew quiet.

Oakley smiled at Lana and squeezed her hand. In the few seconds that passed, Riley had no doubt that Lana was the only person in the room Oakley was aware of.

Lana moved in closer to Oakley and made a subtle motion with her head toward the table. Oakley chuckled and nodded before she turned back to the group. “I would like you all to meet the love of my life. The woman that stole my heart eight years ago and who I plan on going through the storms with for the rest of my life. Oh, and you might know her as the best meteorologist in Oklahoma, all the way from Oklahoma City, KOOK 13’s very own Ms. Lana Monroe.”

Lana scrunched up her face and rolled her eyes at the end of Oakley’s introduction. Color dotted her cheeks as she waved to the group. “Just ignore her introduction. She’s biased. It’s nice to meet you all.”

Oakley wrapped her arm around Lana’s waist. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Britt invited me.” Lana turned her gaze to Britt. “She promised me a beer.” Lana held up her empty hand. “But I don’t see one.”

Britt jumped to her feet. “I’m on it.”

Chloe picked her credit card up off the bar and stuffed it into her wallet, while Riley moved her fingers and muttered under her breath.

“How much do you want to leave?”

“Uh, twenty percent.”

“Two eighty-four.”