Page 126 of When Morning Comes Around

He chuckled. “Go and say hi, but let them get their own drinks.”

She rolled her eyes at him. If it were up to him, she wouldn’t lift a finger to do anything. She loved that he looked out for her – but it was in her nature.

Josh waved at her and came hurrying over before she could set out toward them.

“Hey, Mom, Dom! You’re not gonna believe this!”

“Believe what?” Sadie asked.

“You want to talk about poetic justice? This is unbelievable!”

“What is?” she asked with a puzzled smile. “You’re obviously pleased about something, but we can’t join in until you tell us.”

“First of all, I’m sorry we’re late, but when we were on the way out, I got a phone call from Dad.”

Her heart sank; he was the last person she wanted to think about today. She glanced at Dom, and he didn’t look thrilled, either.

“Don’t worry,” said Josh. “I wouldn’t bring him up if I didn’t know how much you’re going to love this.”

“Love what?” she asked again, growing impatient.

“Did you hear about the flash floods?”

“No.”

“I saw something about that in the headlines this morning. I was going to ask if it was anywhere near where you guys used to live,” said Dom.

Josh laughed as he nodded. “Not just near.” He grinned at Sadie. “The house got flooded.”

“It did? How bad is it? Is he okay?”

“He’s not hurt, but he’s mad as hell! Apparently, he redecorated, brought in all new furniture – and it’s all ruined.”

She glanced at Dom, who tried to keep his face neutral, but she knew him too well – there was no mistaking the way his lips quirked up at the corners, even as he said, “That’s a shame.”

“It gets even better,” said Josh. “Wait until you hear this. You know what he used to be like about cutting costs?”

Sadie nodded. It used to drive her nuts the way Dale would cancel different subscriptions and memberships just to save a few bucks here and there. She couldn’t resent it too much anymore – if he hadn’t canceled their AAA membership, Dom would never have come up the hill to rescue her that night.

“When you sold him your share in the house for his share in the business, he had to redo the insurance in just his name.” Jake was grinning so broadly he looked fit to burst. “He didn’t bother getting flood insurance!”

Sadie’s hand came up to cover her mouth as she laughed. Dom laughed so hard that everyone turned in their direction.

“Something funny enough to share?” Harvey called.

“You’re going to love this, Grandpa!” Josh hurried over to tell him.

Sadie met Dom’s gaze, and he winked. “Is that what you call karma?”

“I believe so.”

He came to her and wrapped his arms around her, and pressing a kiss to her forehead he said, “I like it when justice is served.”

She nodded happily. “Will you tell me something?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe.”

She chuckled. “Was that you?”

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