Page 25 of Snowed in With My Small Town Billionaire

“I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I just talked to Mom and I realized that I’ve been an idiot. As a matter of fact, Brent tried to tell me a couple days ago, because he had asked why Dad called you a murderer and I explained the situation. I didn’t listen. I really only heard Dad’s side of the story, especially after Kyle died, and didn’t even bother to get to the bottom of everything and figure out the truth. Deep down inside, I’ve questioned whether his view of things was wrong, but it was easier to go along with it. I was wrong and I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Sawyer looked her long and hard for a minute and then nodded his head. “Of course, I’ll forgive you. I’ve never been one to hold grudges.”

“You’ve been a hero. The only thing you need is a cape and to wear your underbritches on the outside of your pants. Oh, and you’ll need a leotard.”

Sawyer grinned. “Mmm, I can’t see that happening. I’m no hero. I just did what any decent human being would do. People were buried, I could use the business end of a shovel, so I helped. Wood needed to be brought in, I have arms, so I did. Zaid broke his leg, I’m able to fix it the best I can without a hospital, so I did.”

“It’s a lot. So, um, what have you been doing recently?” she asked, feeling awkward.

“Just working a lot, which was why Lucas was able to talk me into a vacation. I helped Ryder take down a couple of puppy mills lately. He just married a doctor. She and I helped himdoctor them up. I can’t remember how many dogs we rescued in total, but there were a lot. I think Lane still has twelve or so out on his property living the good life there until they can find homes. Other than that, I just hang out with family and take care of sick and hurt kids. What about you?”

“I’m a high school teacher in Colorado Springs at one of the rougher schools. I love the kids. The salary isn’t great and, like all teachers, I have to put in a lot of hours I don’t get paid for. I’m sure I’ll be paying off student loans in my next lifetime. Somedays, the kids get so crazy that I wonder if it’s worth it. Then, I get that one kid who lets me know that I’ve made a difference for them. That is the real pay of being a teacher.”

“I imagine it is. I think in the end, all we really want to know is that we matter and we made the world a better place – or at least our little part of the world. That’s the only legacy worth leaving behind.”

“Is that why you wanted to be a doctor?”

“No. When I was in school one of my friends died of bone cancer. He broke his ankle playing football and it never healed. He went through chemo and radiation, but nothing worked. We watched him slowly die a very painful death. I saw what it did to all of us, but especially his parents, brothers, and sister. I had always been interested in science, but after Quinton died, I decided I wanted to do what I could to help others.”

“Always a hero.”

“Why did you want to be a teacher?”

“I love learning. I also saw how teachers make a difference for kids, both the good teachers and the bad teachers.”

“Noble.”

She was about to reply when Tessie knocked on the door to get their attention. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Millie was wondering if you wanted to be her assistant chef for lunch.”

Gwen jumped up. “Of course.” She put her hand on Sawyer’s shoulder and smiled. “It was good talking to you.”

“You, too.”

She was busy until after lunch dishes had been washed, dried, and put away.

“Let me know if you need help for dinner. I’m your woman.”

“Thanks, Gwen. I don’t know how I could have done all of this without you.”

Brent was in the living room playing a video game with Zaid, who, despite his pain, seemed to enjoy spending time with the boy. Emilia was nearby, playing dominoes with Maddie and Samantha. Gwen was about to get her coat on and get some fresh air when her father roughly pulled her arm.

“I walked by the library and saw you getting all cozy with that Johnson boy.”

She sighed heavily. “I apologized to him for the way I treated him.”

“Why? You know what he did.”

“Neither he nor the rest of the Johnsons did anything wrong and you know it.”

Jerome started to speak, but she held up her hand. “I don’t want to hear it. I’ve been listening to it for the last twelve years, and you were wrong.”

“You need to stay away from him. He is bad news.”

“No, he isn’t. During this entire situation, he’s gone out of his way to save people, help out around here, and take care of Zaid.The only thing you’ve done is be rude to people and try to make life more difficult for everyone.”

“How dare you talk to me that way?”

“It’s about time someone did, Dad. I love you, but you’ve been a jerk and it’s been a little embarrassing.”

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