In Some Love Lasts and Getting to Yes, Tim Hunniecutt examines how early love can define a lifetime. One story unfolds through a single unforgettable summer; the other traces a young man’s gradual awakening to emotional responsibility.
Some Love Lasts
Along Florida’s shoreline, fourteen-year-old Madi anticipates solitude and familiar routines. Instead, she meets Matthew, the older neighbor whose swimmer’s build and lifeguard courage draw attention. Though admired by many, it is his recognition of Madi that alters her quiet expectations.
Their bond grows steadily as the heat of summer rises. What begins as curiosity evolves into something intense and lasting. When a hurricane strikes, Matthew steps into danger during a rescue that forever shapes Madi’s understanding of devotion. Years later, they meet again in college, carrying with them memories of a season that defined their first understanding of love.
Getting to Yes
Nineteen-year-old Chris moves through early adulthood searching for something genuine. Through a series of relationships, he confronts attraction, confusion, and the desire for deeper connection. Told in his voice, the story blends humor and introspection as he reflects on women who leave lasting impressions.
Each experience offers insight into vulnerability and expectation. As he grows more self-aware, he begins to recognize what he has been missing. When he meets Chloe, the connection feels immediate and distinct. The story explores innocence, heartbreak, and the resilience of hope as Chris navigates the path toward meaningful love.
Enjoy an Excerpt from Some Love Lasts
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!”
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.
Visit Tim at his website and on Facebook.
Buy Some Love Lasts and Getting to Yes on Amazon.
