⭐ PART II — Southern Heat, Midwest Heart
States 11–20
11. Florida — Where She Lets Him In
Florida wrapped them in heat the moment they crossed the state line. At the University of Florida, Renee teased him for sweating through his shirt. Later, in the Everglades, she clung to his arm every time an alligator surfaced.
On the airboat ride back, wind whipping her hair, she whispered, “I’m not used to trusting people this fast.” David kissed her forehead. “You can trust me as slow or as fast as you want.” She smiled like she believed him.
12. Alabama — Where They Dance
Tuscaloosa was loud with school pride, but the Gulf Shores were quiet. They walked barefoot along the water, the sky turning orange.
A song drifted from a beach bar — something slow, something old. David held out his hand. Renee stepped into his arms.
They danced in the sand, her cheek against his chest, his chin resting on her hair. She whispered, “I hope this doesn’t fade.” He whispered back, “It won’t.”
13. Mississippi — Where She Shows Him Her Soul
Oxford felt like a town built for writers. Renee lit up in the bookstores, running her fingers along spines like greeting old friends.
In a dusty shop, David found a vintage typewriter. He bought it for her without hesitation.
She kissed him between the shelves — slow, grateful, certain — and said, “No one’s ever believed in me like you do.”
14. Tennessee — Where He Catches Her
They hiked the Smoky Mountains, fog curling around them. Renee slipped on a wet rock, and David caught her by the waist.
She laughed breathlessly, hands on his shoulders. He didn’t let go right away. Neither did she.
15. Kentucky — Where She Admits It
They toured horse farms, watching thoroughbreds sprint across rolling fields. Renee fed a horse an apple; David swore it winked at her.
She leaned against the fence and said softly, “I think I’m falling deeper every day.” He kissed her knuckles. “I know the feeling.”
16. Ohio — Where He Opens Up
In Hocking Hills, they found a sandstone cave where their voices echoed. David told her about his past — the heartbreak, the loneliness, the fear of trying again.
Renee held his face in her hands and said, “You’re safe with me.” He believed her.
17. Michigan — Where They Dream
They walked Ann Arbor’s bookstores, Renee buying more than she could carry. At Lake Michigan, they skipped stones until sunset.
She leaned into him and whispered, “Do you ever think about the future?” He kissed her temple. “Only with you.”
18. Indiana — Where They Leave a Mark
They drove through Indiana’s covered bridges. Inside one, Renee carved their initials into the wood.
David laughed. She shrugged. “It’s tradition.” He kissed her under the carved letters.
19. Illinois — Where They Rise Above It All
Chicago was wind and steel and sky. On the Navy Pier Ferris wheel, the city glittered beneath them.
At the top, Renee kissed him — long, slow, certain — and said, “I’m not scared anymore.”
20. Wisconsin — Where She Writes the First Line
Door County was blooming with cherry blossoms. Renee opened her notebook and wrote something quickly.
David asked what it was. She smiled. “The first line of the book I’m writing about us.” He kissed her under the blossoms.