She smiled. “Good, because I don’t intend to go anywhere.”
The gift box on his passenger seat flashed into his mind. “I’ll be right back,” Chase said.
“Leaving already?” she teased.
Chase signed. “I have something I made for you.”
She touched her heart. “You kept up with the sign language.”
He nodded and signed. “You were worth every hour I spent learning to communicate with you.”
“That’s the best present ever. It means so much to me.” She hugged him close.
It was not as good as the gift he had in the car. Chase stepped back. “I’ll be back,” he said, again. He rushed out of the door and retrieved the baby blue wrapped package. He held it with care and reentered Melanie’s house.
Her eyes lit up and she held out her hands. Chase led her to the couch and gestured for Melanie to sit. Then he placed the box on her lap “Open it gently,” he signed.
Melanie nodded. He admired her dainty fingers as she undid the white bow. Then she carefully lifted the crease of the wrapping before tearing it open. Chase felt sweat lining his forehead and upper lip and wiped his face.
Melanie removed the cover and exhaled.
His heart pounded. Please make her like it.
“Chase, these are beautiful,” Melanie breathed out.
Chase had placed the figures in special grooves so they stood inside the box. Melanie lifted the first piece. She brought it close to her face, examining every single detail. “Wait a minute.” She met his eyes. “Is this me?”
Chase nodded.
“They are exquisite,” Melanie breathed. She scrutinized four of the other intricate pieces he had made. As she moved down the line of dolls, Chase felt his stomach clench with nerves. Finally, Melanie lifted the last doll. Melanie had been frozen in a swan-like pose. He had purchased a piece of white lace to serve as a scarf and resting place for the ring. He dropped to one knee and waited.
As long as he lived, Chase would never forget Melanie’s wide eyes and hanging jaw when she spotted the square cut princess diamond ring. “This looks real! No! It can’t be.” She squinted her eyes. “This is a real ring.”
Chase nodded. He undid the knot and held it in his right hand. Then he took her left hand. “Melanie, I knew from the moment I first saw you that you were the one for me. A lifetime is not enough for me to spend with you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes! I’d be honored to be your wife.” Her eyes sparkled.
Chase slid the ring on Melanie’s shaky finger. With joy in his heart, Chase rested the box with the figurines on the floor next to them. Then, he placed a possessive kiss on his fiancé’s mouth. To Chase, she tasted even sweeter now that she would soon bear his name.
When their kiss ended, Melanie said, “Chase you’ve made me the happiest woman on the planet.” She clapped her hands. “I’m so happy, I could—”
“Dance?”
Melanie nodded. Chase expected her to grab her duffel bag but Melanie surprised him. She turned on her stereo. Chase had no idea what was playing. Instead he focused on the woman beaming before him with her arms wide open.
“Dance with me,” she said.
Chase stepped into Melanie’s arms, and the two began their first of many dances to come.
Epilogue
“Thank you so much for coming to the first dance recital here at Rhythm & Magic Dance Studio,” Melanie said into the microphone. Dressed in a custom-designed studded blue leotard and matching skirt, Melanie rubbed her protruding stomach. The twins were bouncing around in there. She scanned the crowd of forty-something people. Tricia sat with Emory and bounced Amber on her lap. Melanie smiled at Amber’s ballerina outfit.
Judd and Nadine waved at her and Steven signed hello. Melanie waved back at them. They had left their son, Chance, at home with a babysitter.
Next, she nodded at Ted. They would never be close but they were united by their love for God. Chase had confided that Ted had finally begun dating again. She was happy for him but she was happier for herself.
Finally, she blew a kiss in her parents’ direction. Rhoda and Gary beamed from the sidelines. She knew how proud they were of her accomplishments.
Melanie watched the crowd begin to clap their hands as the 18 dancers entered the studio and struck a pose. Her chest puffed. Her girls would do her proud, just like she had taught them.
Janet raced inside, grabbing an empty chair in the back of the room. Melanie blew her mother a kiss.
“These young ladies have worked extremely hard to dazzle you tonight as we take you into our Winter Wonderland performance. Now sit back and enjoy the show.” Melanie stepped past the fake snow and icicles. Chase had worked for two days to transform the studio to make it look like winter in the sunshine state. There were lights and white and blue balloons.
But, Melanie’s favorite piece in the room was the Music, Rhythm & Magic sign. Chase had whittled each piece of the oak into letters then varnished the wood before gluing it to a wooden frame. Her treasured dancer pieces were on display in the cherry wood china case—also crafted by Chase—in her office. Every time she looked at them, she was reminded of Chase’s love and devotion.
Melanie exited the stage to where Chase stood waiting and pulled him into the small cubicle. “I’ve got to go to the bathroom.” She wiggled. “Help me before I ruin this dress you had made for me,” she signed.
Chase helped her with the zipper and Melanie handled her business. She sighed with relief and rose to wash her hands.
Chase laughed and drew her in for a quick kiss. Then he signed, “You have two months to go. Hang in there. Just think you’ll have two more students to add to your roster soon.”
Melanie laughed. It was a tight space but she felt a familiar urge.
Chase must have read her thoughts because he shook his head. “No. Not here. We don’t have enough room.”
Melanie would not be swayed. She opened her arms and Chase complied. “What am I going to do with you?” he asked.
Melanie smiled. “Dance with me.”
The End.
Discussion Questions
1. Chase fell in love with Melanie almost from the first moment he saw her. Do you believe in love at first sight?
2. Do you think Chase was too pushy with his emotions?
3. Did you agree with Melanie and Tricia supporting Rachel?
4. Do you agree with Melanie’s decision when it came to Ted?
5. Were you satisfied with the events leading up to the ending?
6. Alcoholism and addiction has far-reaching effects. Discuss how these issues shaped the characters lives.
7. Dancing for Melanie was a stress reliever. What are some other healthy stress relievers?
8. Share your thoughts on Chase and Melanie’s romance. Did you feel their connection?
9. What was your favorite scene?
10. Who was a standout character?
Silent Praise Page 18