Page 10 of Here With Me

Her dad adjusted the straps of the sling at the back of his neck. “If you’re certain. But, kiddo, we’ll do what we have to?—”

“I’ll see what I can do.” It might not have been her battle before, but she’d blindly jumped into this mess. She’d have to figure it out now.

Dad rubbed his hand down his face and let out a breath. “If you insist, I’ll go tell your mother. She’s been worried about this. She wanted me to tell you before you moved.”

“And you should have. I honestly don’t know if I would have made the move, but I’m here now. The fourth generation taking over. We’ll get it sorted. Together.”

Dad walked around the desk, hugged her, then left. Sadie called the bank, hoping to make an appointment for tomorrow, but the bank manager was out on lunch, and his assistant asked her to call back later.

The day sped by between greeting customers and trying to organize the office and her thoughts. The bell jingled again, and Sadie stood, rolling her shoulders. Lottie would be home soon. The day had passed in a blur and she’d had entirely too much time questioning everything that had led her to sit behind her dad’s desk. But she needed to let that tension go. Get ready to greet whoever walked in the doors. Customers and sales were even more important now with so much on the line. Every transaction mattered.

Inside the door, two women stood. Recognition dawned, and Sadie’s stomach turned over as her footsteps briefly faltered. At least it wasn’t David.

It was the next best—or worst?—thing. His twin sisters.

She knew she’d have to face them sooner or later. Unfortunately, it happened to be sooner.

Leah and Caroline were still just as beautiful as she remembered, their long red hair styled completely different. Leah wore her curls wild and free, while Caroline had straightened her hair into a smooth, tailored look.

Sadie continued walking forward, working to keep her footsteps even.

She opened her mouth to say something, but what? The only thing that came to mind was So how have you been since your brother dumped me? Probably not the best opener.

Before she could come up with something better, the sound of the bus’s brakes filled the quiet air. Was it three already? The day had passed in a blur. Lottie would be barreling in the store any moment. Lottie who had hair just like David’s sisters. Who had hair just like David. This could be bad.

“Hi. Welcome to Hoover’s. What can I help you with today?” The twins turned in unison and studied her. Sadie glanced down at her simple black T-shirt and jeans. She’d managed to brush off all the dust, but the twins examined her like she was a ghost.

Leah with her easy-going personality made the quickest comeback. “I could ask you the same question. I didn’t know you were in town. It’s been what? Eight years since we’ve seen you?”

“Nine years.” Not since the breakup. Nine years and eight months and five—no, six—days. Not that they would really know, or that she expected them to. “What brings you in today?”

Caroline exchanged a look with Leah. “I wanted to get a new drill for?—”

The front door of the store burst open, and Lottie skipped in. Throwing her backpack at Sadie’s feet, Lottie launched at her. Quick reflexes were the only thing keeping Sadie standing as Lottie’s full weight hit her.

“Hi, Mom! Today was awesome. You’ll never guess what Lucy said on the bus!”

Sadie set Lottie down and gripped her shoulders. “Lottie, didn’t we talk about running in the store? We have customers.” Sadie gestured to the two women looking at them with rounded eyes.

“Oh! Look at your hair.” Lottie pointed at Caroline’s slick straight hair. “It’s so pretty.” Lottie pulled her own wild mess of curls in a low ponytail over her shoulder and ran her fingers through it. “I wonder if I could make mine look like that. Mom, will you do my hair that way tomorrow?”

Lottie turned back to Caroline. “Can I touch your hair?”

“Lottie!” Sadie stepped closer and draped her arm around the girl’s shoulder. Heat climbed Sadie’s neck, and her ears burned. Leave it to a nine-year-old to embarrass her in front of her ex’s sisters.

Lottie shook Sadie’s arms off. “Sorry.” She looked anything but sorry. “Mom, can I run see Oma? She promised she’d make cookies today, and I want one before Aunt Romee eats them all.” Lottie bounced on her toes.

“Go ahead. But remember when you come back to enter a little bit quieter. There may be customers.” Sadie gestured toward David’s sisters.

“Okay. I’ll try.” Lottie hugged Sadie and rushed back out the door, the bell jingling wildly. Sadie picked up the forgotten backpack and walked behind the counter to move it out of the way.

So much for being put together in front of David’s family. Not that it should matter. Sadie huffed a nervous laugh. “Sorry. We’re working on manners.”

Another look passed between Caroline and Leah. This one she could guess. Lottie had red hair and brown eyes—just like David—and she could easily guess they were doing math in their heads. Which was stupid. She could say something to refute their troubled expressions, but she didn’t owe them that. Most everyone in town knew Lottie was Bonnie and Jeremy Linden’s little girl and that Sadie was adopting her. If they hadn’t heard, it wasn’t Sadie’s fault, and she was under no obligation to clear up their assumptions. “Anyway, what brings you into Hoover’s today?”

Caroline studied Sadie carefully while she spoke. “I’d like a new power drill for Grant. His is wearing out.”

Sadie gestured for them to follow her and showed them all the drills she had in stock. Caroline quickly picked one up. “Oh, good. This was my top choice.”

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