Free Finding Faith (Love's Compass Book 4) by Melanie D. Snitker Page B

face because he held up a hand as though it would halt her train of thought.
    “Trust me, it’s better that way. I had a younger brother who passed away and neither of them were able to move past it. Things were rough until they split and they’re still volatile when we all get together, even now. It’s not worth it.”
    Serenity hadn’t expected that and worked to digest his words. Should she ask him about his brother? Avoid the subject completely? The strangely emotion-free expression on his face wasn’t giving her much of a clue.
    Gideon motioned to the arcade, interrupting the awkward haze that had descended over the table. Serenity nodded. “If you’re done, you can go play. Let’s wipe the grease off your hands first.” She did that and smiled as he ran back to the car game. The insistent beeping from a fryer in the back of the restaurant joined the sound of the bell as the front door swung open. “I’m sorry it’s like that with your parents. And I’m really sorry about your brother. I can’t even imagine.” She didn’t know what else to say.
    He must have taken pity on her — or maybe he took advantage of the moment to change topics — and turned the conversation back to her. “What about your parents? Do they get along?”
    “Yes, they were best friends. My parents always got along great and when my dad died a few years ago, it was devastating for Mom.”
    “I’m sorry.” A flash of pain appeared in his blue eyes, gone a mere moment later. It was replaced with the kind of understanding only someone else who’d lost a close loved one could express. “What happened?”
    “He passed after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.” Even years later, thinking about Dad made her heart hurt. When Lexi was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it was like reliving those moments. Praise God He was able to use surgery, chemotherapy, and some natural remedies to help her beat it. The image of Aaron wavered and morphed as tears filled her eyes.
    “That had to be rough. I’m sorry your family had to go through it.” When he cupped his hand over hers, they both froze in place.
    A surge of adrenaline began where he touched her and flowed through her body, leaving her head buzzing from the jolt. They stared at their joined hands for several breaths before Aaron pulled his back.
    She shifted in her chair. “I appreciate it. We were all able to be with him at the end and I’m thankful for that.” Somehow, she’d managed to keep her voice from shaking.
    “I’m glad.” He reached for his drink but stalled, moving to crumple his napkin into a tiny ball and dropping it into the basket the food had come in. “Saying goodbye is never easy.”
    The air felt heavy as crackles of awkwardness and uncertainty arched between them. Serenity could still feel Aaron’s hand on hers as though the contact had seared her skin. She rubbed her palms together several times and leaned in her chair towards Gideon.
    “Hey, big guy. Five more minutes and then it’s time to go.” He shook his head, never taking his attention off the game he was watching. “Yes, five minutes. We need to go get a fan. We’re going to set it up in your room and Mommy’s going to camp out there tonight. Remember?” She made a note of the time on her watch.
    Ugh, she wasn’t looking forward to getting back to their house and the sweltering heat she knew was waiting for them. It’d be worth going into work tomorrow for the air conditioning alone.
    Aaron asked if she’d like a refill of her drink. She told him she would. He gathered the trash and disposed of it before taking her cup to the dispenser. Serenity watched as he chose the cola and realized she’d never told him what she’d been drinking. It was such a small thing and yet Serenity found his attention to detail nestled itself in her heart. She took the cup from him, their fingers touching momentarily.
    She fought to keep from reacting to the connection, moving quickly to tell Gideon it