First love and romantic self-discovery intersect in Some Love Lasts and Getting to Yes by Tim Hunniecutt. Together, the stories reflect on how early experiences with courage and vulnerability leave enduring impressions.

Some Love Lasts

Fourteen-year-old Madi anticipates quiet days at her grandparents’ condo. Instead, she becomes captivated by Matthew, the older neighbor known for stepping into danger as a lifeguard. Admired by many, he appears distant until his attention settles on her.

Their bond strengthens as summer intensifies, moving from innocent curiosity into something powerful and lasting. When a hurricane strikes, Matthew risks everything during a rescue that forever defines love in Madi’s heart. The memory of that courage shapes her long after they part. Years later, a reunion in college reopens their story and forces both to confront what still remains.

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Getting to Yes

In 1978 Florida, nineteen-year-old Chris seeks clarity in matters of the heart. Through reflective and often humorous recollections, he traces the women who pass through his life and the lessons they leave behind. Each relationship adds to his understanding of intimacy and responsibility.

When he meets Chloe, the connection feels distinct and meaningful. Faced with the possibility of something lasting, Chris must decide whether he is ready to embrace vulnerability. The story captures innocence, heartbreak, and the enduring hope that guides him toward saying yes to love.

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Excerpt from Some Love Lasts

From Chapter One: The First Save

Though it was still early morning, warm humidity saturated the air. Billowing white clouds with dark spots drifted across the sky. The foaming waves gently crashed on the sand. Tiny sandpipers darted in and out. Seagulls squawked while circling.

Her eight-year-old sister edged into the water until it covered her feet. “It’s really warm.”

Madi joined her, and Roe grasped her hand firmly as they ventured farther until it reached their chests. Madi crouched and helped her sister float. “Yeah, it’s so warm, like being in a bathtub.”

She allowed her sister to do what she wanted as they were the only ones on the beach. Grandpa sat on one of the chairs, watching them from the shore. Her sister practiced swimming while Madi held her hat.

Roe tried to ride the waves as they broke, but they barely rippled, and she moved little if at all. She stood upright. “I’m bored.”

Madi put her hat on. “What do you want to do?”

“I’m going to hunt for seashells.” Roe scooted around in ankle-deep water, digging her toes into the sand to locate them.

Grandpa shouted, “I’ll be back to fetch you girls for lunch.” Madi waved goodbye, but Roe ignored him and continued to hunt for shells.

Madi suggested, “Let’s go read some.”

Roe pouted. “I don’t want to read yet. Can I keep looking for shells?”

“Sure, but stay on the beach. Don’t go into the water.”

“Okay.”

Madi sat and opened her book, dutifully checking on Roe before becoming absorbed in the story. The book she read enthralled her, and she failed to check on her sister until she finished the chapter.

When she did, however, she did not see Roe.

Alarmed, she stood.

No sign of her on the beach.

She looked at the Gulf and was shocked to find Roe hanging onto a man swimming toward the shore. Madi dashed forward, still wearing her hat and sunglasses, but she tripped and her hands smacked hard into the sand. Jumping up, she scrambled to the water as he carried Roe through the mild waves. It was the same guy she had seen swimming next door.

The tall young man put Roe down and smiled. “She got in too deep, and the tide began pulling her out. She isn’t a good enough swimmer to handle the deeper water. She’s okay. She’s a good floater and held on tight while I brought her back.”

Madi reached Roe and gripped her in a hug. She choked out her words. “What were you thinking? I told you to stay near the edge!”

Her sister hugged her back and began crying. “I’m sorry! I wanted to practice floating. I didn’t know the water would pull me. I’m okay. Matthew saved me.”

Madi still wore her hat and sunglasses, but her tears cascaded down her face.

Madi, the reliable.

Madi, the dependable.

Madi, the responsible one, had been reckless with her sister!

The bitterness and shame of this thought filled her tears. The fact that the guy she noticed in the morning had saved her made it worse. She did not want him to see her face, so she left the now fogged sunglasses and hat on, dropped her head, and mumbled, “Thank you so much.”

About the Author

Tim Hunniecutt has loved words since childhood, writing poems and stories for family and friends from an early age. Lifeguards have played a meaningful role in his life, from the rescue of his younger brother to several of his own children who later worked as lifeguards. He studied psychology and English at Florida State University, where the emotional spark for this story began after he fell in love during his first summer home from school. He now lives in Lithia, Florida, with that same girl, now his wife, and enjoys traveling, escape games, ballroom dancing with her, and time with his grandchildren.

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