The Edge Walker by Patrick Councilor

David opened the door to the ballroom entrance for Danielle to enter first. The place was done up nice with a full buffet spread including roast beast cut to your order and shrimp and lobster. There was a big dance floor. It had been a trying week and it was good for them to get out.

They went over and mingled with Rocky, Lainie and their dates along with Jonathan and Janice. They met Jonathan's parents. They were a nice couple. Jonathan's mother asked David, "Don't Jonathan and Janice make a beautiful couple?"

"They certainly do," David said with a smile while standing right there in front of Jon and Janice, obviously hearing their conversation.

Jonathan turned a few different shades. "Mom, you're embarrassing me," he whispered.

They all sat at the same table, enjoying each other's company and the wonder food. Wine was flowing like a river as servers worked to keep the glasses full.

"This is a nice turn-out, uh?" David asked Jonathan's opinion.

"It sure is."

The lights lowered and Mr. Rodriguez made a quick speech and congratulated David, Jonathan, and Rocky for landing the contract. Then the band kicked up and people started out on the dance floor.

"Dance with me David," Danielle said, taking his hand.

"Gladly." He said to the others as they got up, "Please excuse us."

It was a slow song. David placed his hands upon her hips and she placed hers around his neck and shoulders.

She pressed her lips to his and then said nothing. She just stared into his eyes.

"That morning I made breakfast at your mother's," he said.

"Yes?"

"That wasn't Jehovah's Witness at the door. It was Frank."

"Oh?" she said in a disappointing tone.

"We had a 'little talk'. I don't think we'll be seeing him anymore."

"Good. Thank you."

"You…" He said. "You make me very happy."

Her reply was a beautiful smile.

"It's time to tell you."

"Tell me… What, what's bothering you?"

David nodded.

"Okay."

"Frank did come and see me at my office. He said that he called your parents to see how you were doing. This was about a year ago, when you were in the hospital from the accident."

"Yes."

He started to get choked up. "He said your parents told him that you…"

"What… David was is it?"

"He said that your parents told him that you had died. You were dead on arrival."

Danielle's eyes widened.

"Danielle, you were dead for two minutes."

"Oh my God." She couldn't believe her ears.

"You didn't know?"

She shook her head. "My parents never told me."

"You see what I meant that it seems trivia, being a year ago, but it still bothered me a great deal?"

She nodded.

"At first, I was hurt that your parents confided in Frank, but didn't tell me, then I realized that they were more familiar with him at the time. Whether they didn't feel comfortable telling your new boyfriend or if they didn't tell us to protect us from needless pain and grief, I don't want to know. I first wanted to ask your parents why, but I don't care anymore. Whatever their reasons, let's just let them be good enough for us."

She gently brushed her lips to his. "You are a wonderful man." She went back into his arms and they swayed on the dance floor. "What a scary thought."

"I didn't know I came so close to losing you. I try not to think of it."

She kissed him on the neck and he leaned his head against hers.

She tapped him on the shoulder. "Look"

David turned in just enough time to see Janice lift her chin to kiss Jonathan on the dance floor.

Jonathan looked stunned. Had they never kissed before? Was it just for show for his parents? Then he moved in. Did he kiss her back? Oh hell yes! It was the kind of kiss that creates their own music to sway to. It wasn't a small kiss either. They were kissing like this was their wedding reception. Just friends, eh? Not anymore. They had just committed to each other in a big way… and in front of God and everyone.

"Oh my God, can you believe it?" Danielle asked.

David eyes caught Rocky's from the edge of the dance floor. He gave her a "check that out" head-tilt toward Jonathan and Janice, but she had seen it and was already reacting.

Jonathan was holding her tight. It was an amazing sight to see a long and anticipated love come together right there in front of their eyes.

Everyone applauded them. Jonathan dipped her in the same kiss and when he brought her up, they were all smiles as they stared deeply into each other's eyes.

Jonathan looked around the room and took a bow. Janice curtsied.

David and Danielle came over to give them hugs. Rocky and her date as well as Lainie and her date did the same.

"It's about time," David said as he gave his friend a solid hug.