The storm rolled in faster than expected. One moment you and Bailey were joking about how gloomy the clouds looked, and the next, rain was pounding against the windows, the wind howling like it wanted to tear the house apart. Then, with a sharp flicker of lightning—everything went dark.

“Great,” Bailey muttered, fumbling for her phone. “Power’s out. Just what I needed.”

The kids were already tucked in, so it was just the two of you in the living room. Bailey lit a few candles, their warm glow dancing across her face. She glanced at you with a small smile. “Guess it’s just us and the storm.”

She picked up her guitar, strumming softly. The notes filled the silence, blending with the rain drumming on the roof. “Wanna sing with me?” she asked quietly.

You shook your head with a laugh. “I don’t exactly sound like Carrie Underwood.”

Bailey leaned closer, eyes sparkling in the candlelight. “Good thing I’m not asking for Carrie. I’m asking for you.”

Your cheeks warmed as you gave in, your voice joining hers hesitantly at first. But soon, the melody carried you both. Bailey’s voice wrapped around yours like the storm outside didn’t exist, like the world had shrunk down to just this moment.

When the song ended, Bailey set her guitar aside, the room quiet except for the rain. “Y’know,” she said softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, “nights like this… I don’t really mind the storm.”