Excerpt of Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount

Joseph kicked the post again. “If you’re not too worn out from your trip, I was wondering if you would like to go for a ride.”

Naomi crinkled her brow, puzzled. “A ride? Now?”

The glow from the battery-operated lantern in the living room window revealed a tide of red rising into Joseph’s cheeks. “It’ll be right pretty, maybe, with the snow falling. So? Would you like to go for a drive with me tonight, Naomi?”

When Naomi finally understood what was happening, she was too astonished to answer right away. She’d seen the bravest boys asking the prettiest girls similar questions at the singings she’d attended, all with the same hopeful, shamefaced expressions. Can I drive you home, then?

But nobody had ever asked Naomi, not until this minute.

The prickly worries of the day slipped away, replaced with a grateful, glowing joy. Maybe she didn’t know what her future held, but right now, in this moment, she was happier than she’d thought she’d ever be.

Joseph Hochstedler had finally come courting.