"Thirty Seconds" (Based on "A Most Unfortunate Happenstance" by Esther Hatch)

Based on "A Most Unfortunate Happenstance" by Esther Hatch https://a.co/d/0i5CsOO6 Book Blurb: Will the storm that brought them together be the scandal that tears them apart? Captain John Calder has finally secured the means and standing to propose to the woman he has dreamed of since the day they met—and a house party offers the perfect opportunity to become reacquainted with her. But a violent storm on the road to Blackwell changes everything. The cold and damp strike John down with a sudden and violent return of the ague. Evelyn Blackwell, traveling to her family’s estate to secure a suitor for her disgraced cousin, is caught in the same storm and forced to take refuge alone in an abandoned cottage. The door flies open to reveal a fevered stranger who promptly collapses at her feet. She keeps vigil through thunder, darkness, and delirium, certain he may not survive. But he does survive and in the morning light, they promise to leave as strangers, hopefully never to see each other again, bound only by the secret of a shared night together. However, days later, John arrives at Evelyn’s house party. Now they must spend weeks together while Evelyn balances arranging a match for her cousin with memories of that night—memories John does not share. The longer they spend in each other’s company, the more Evelyn wonders if her cousin’s happiness can come only at the cost of her own—and whether the storm that brought her and John together has set her heart on a course to be broken apart Lyrics: You came close with unbound hair Said, "I remember and it isn't fair. The storm, the dark, the trembling ache, The kiss I relive sleeping and when I'm awake. You walked away with nothing to recall While I've been haunted by it all. Your lips, your hands, the rain outside, The way my foolish heart complied." Heaven help me what should I say I truly wish I could remember that day I could regret the reckless start But not that I have lived inside your heart I slid my shaking hands from view Afraid to hope this dream was true "Evelyn, I swear though the memory is gone, My tortured imagination is strong." "You have thirty seconds, John. Choose a place before they're gone, Or I'll take the choice back in my hand. I think it's high time for you to understand" Thirty seconds is not enough When forming a single thought is tough. All I know, with no defense, Is that I want to kiss you senseless. "We are not leaving this room tonight Till we both know the feel of your lips on mine." I surrender. I'll let you guide me. All I want is you beside me. I've been lost in imagination. I've been tortured by the truth. "So, tell me where you'll kiss me, love." And I'll spend my life with you. You stepped toward me hand to my face. The stubble I felt your fingers trace. "Do I feel like a hallucination you see?" "Doubting, I nodded, yes, absolutely." I leaned my forehead against your own, Waiting for you to make the location known. I said, "Your mouth," with a wondering stare. "Yes, my mouth, but tell me where?" I glanced around saw your eyes aflame. Lost rational thought. Forgot my own name. The door is closest. My senses are undone. I leaned back and smiled. I felt I'd won. I touched your hair, I tipped your chin, Asked if you'd run before I leaned in. Then you whispered close beneath your breath, "John, I'm not leaving." My resistance fled. "You have thirty seconds, John. Kiss me now before the dawn. By the door, the shelves, the fire, Come near, my dear, that's my desire." "You gave me thirty seconds, love, And I thank heaven above. I never want from you to part. I'll hold you close, memorize your heart." "We are not leaving this room tonight Til we both know the feel of your lips on mine." "Now I want a lifetime to Find new places to kiss you." "I've been lost in imagination." "I've been tortured by the truth." "So I'll tell you where I'll kiss you, love, And I'll spend my life with you. I’m done fighting what I feel. Done pretending this isn’t real. I want you with me night and day. In every place we choose to stay. Then hold me close and marry me. This is more than the croft or library." "I have been brave." "I have been afraid." "But I can promise you that I will stay." The scent of orange my senses met. My name on your lips I can’t forget. A good soldier, when I heard you say, "To the sofa." I was swift to obey. My scar beneath your gentle kiss. My heartbeat racing under this. I ran my fingers through your loose hair. Anticipation leaving my heart bare. We’ll spend our lives, if heaven allows. With grateful hearts and sacred vows. Room by room and day by day. Choosing where our hearts will stay. Your smirk twitched upon my lips, unable to stay serious. "Strangely enough, love, you're better at this When you are not delirious." Now I'll remember for all time. The feel of your lips on mine. Our embarrassed children will always know Of our constant love by the tenderness we show. #30Seconds #BookwormsReadtreat