Page 2 of Sadie's Guarded Harbor

Tommy stompedhis boots on the front mat in the foyer before stepping into the living room and admiring the transformation from a cozy spot to a magical wonderland. He loved this time of year. Loved even more that he could do his part in bringingjust the tiniest piece of joy to anyone who used the old Victorian house as a stopping point on their road to a better place.

“Unk! Unk!” Nora kicked her legs and reached for him.

Amelia giggled. “I think she’s talking.”

He grinned at Sadie’s adorable daughter. Her freckled face was just like her mother’s but always so much friendlier. Her wide smile showcased her missing front tooth, where Sadie’s constant scowl broadcast her disdain and kept him at arm’s length.

“She’s saying uncle. I’m her favorite person, ya know.” He shot Amelia a wink then nodded at Sadie and Mrs. Collins before grinning at Marie. “I’ll trade you the bag for the baby.”

“She’s so heavy these days, I’ll take any chance to offload her on someone else.” Marie handed over the happy baby and grabbed the bag, untying the top to peek inside. “Holy moly, this is so generous. Where did all these gifts come from?”

Tommy shrugged. “Just took what my sister gave me. I’m only the delivery man.”

Sadie coughed to cover a strangled sound.

He faced her, head tilted to the side and brows raised high. “You doing okay over there?”

She straightened and stared him dead in the eyes. “Something went down the wrong way, that’s all.”

“I’ll get you water, Mama.” Amelia raced out of the room, the echo of her hurried footsteps lingering even after she disappeared.

“I better go help before she makes a mess.” Sadie offered a tight smile before following her daughter.

Marie chuckled, drawing her attention to him.

“What?” he asked.

Mrs. Collins clicked her tongue. “You always stick in that girl’s craw.”

“Not sure why. I hardly speak with her, but I’m not wasting time on it. Not when I have this little cutie to focus on. Look at those curls, Nora.” He tugged at the end of a dark lock and the baby giggled. “My brother’s going to have his hands full when you get older. Good thing you’ll have both of us to watch out for you.”

“Poor kid won’t stand a chance. Maybe once you have a family of your own my little lady will get more breathing room.” Marie swept Nora back into her arms and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

His arms were suddenly as empty as his heart. The day his brother Owen had fallen for Marie and Nora, he’d gotten a glimpse of the family he’d never have. He adored his niece—and the nephew his sister had given him—but his future didn’t hold the same cards for him.

Not after ripping away the only two women he’d ever loved, leaving him to live a life that would never be entirely whole.

Amelia dashed back into the room with Sadie on her heels. She stopped right in front of him and grinned with both hands behind her back. “I got something for ya.”

“Oh really.” He crouched low to meet the little girl on her level and ignored the hard stare heating the side of his face from her mother.

Amelia gave one big nod. “Yep. But ya gotta guess a hand.”

He tapped the tip of his finger against his chin. “Hmm, the right hand.”

She swished her lips to the side as if trying to figure out her left from her right then presented the correct one, palm outstretched. A green tin foil wrapped candy greeted him.

“For me?” He pressed a hand to his chest and gasped.

“Uh huh. Merry Christmas, Mr. Tommy.”

He swiped the chocolate, unwrapping it quickly and popping it in his mouth. “Thank you. Best treat ever.”

If Sadie wasn’t hovering over them like she was about to smack him upside the head, he’d give the little girl a hug. But no way he’d poke that bear.

Standing, he pulled lightly on one of Amelia’s pigtails. “All right ladies. I’ve made my delivery and now it’s time to head to work.”

Sadie frowned. “You’re working an overnight shift?”

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