The Homeless Man Asked the Heiress to Dance

CHAPTER 5 - Her Second First Dance

Six months after the gala, Emily returned to the same ballroom.

This time, the event belonged to the community rehabilitation center. Patients, families, therapists, and caregivers filled the room.

There were wheelchairs, canes, braces, and no reason for anyone to hide them.

Emily wore a simple blue dress. Her wheelchair remained beside her, but she also carried two forearm crutches.

Sarah walked next to her.

Richard arrived alone and sat near the back. Sarah greeted him politely, then returned to Emily. Their marriage remained uncertain.

Nathan entered through the front doors wearing a clean dark suit.

The scar on his cheek was still visible. Emily was glad he had not tried to hide it.

"You own shoes now," she said.

"I borrowed them."

"That still counts."

When the music began, Nathan held out his hand.

"May I have this dance?"

Emily placed her crutches against the table.

"Only if you stop pretending you know how."

Nathan supported her at the waist.

Emily stood slowly.

Her knees still shook, but she no longer mistook shaking for failure.

They took one careful step.

Then another.

Across the room, Richard rose from his chair. His eyes filled with tears, but he remained silent.

Nathan noticed him.

"You can stop if you want."

Emily shook her head.

"I have stopped enough for one lifetime."

She took a third step.

Her balance shifted, and Nathan tightened his arm around her.

"I have you," he said.

Emily looked up at him.

"No. Walk beside me."

Nathan loosened his grip without letting go.

Sarah began clapping. Other guests joined her, but Emily barely heard them.

She and Nathan moved slowly across the polished floor.

When the song ended, Emily was breathless.

Nathan guided her back to the wheelchair.

She remained standing for one more moment.

Then she smiled at her brother.

"Next song, I lead."

Nathan laughed.

"That sounds dangerous."

Emily reached for his hand again.

"Then try to keep up."