Page 121 of When Morning Comes Around

“I’ll go ahead and ask him then.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”

“I am. If he gets busier and needs someone full-time, then maybe I’ll have to step down. But I reckon we might do each other some good, him and me.”

Sadie nodded thoughtfully. “I have a feeling you might be right about that, Dad.”

He grinned. “I’m glad to hear it. You know I have my own way of going about things, but I hope you know that this is my way of showing that I respect your opinion and am asking for your advice.”

She reached across the table and gave his arm a squeeze. “Thanks, Dad.”

“And how’s the divorce coming along?”

She blew out a sigh. “I hope you respect my opinion on that one, too?”

He chuckled. “I do. It’s just that I’m a vindictive old bastard and I’d rather see Dom kick the crap out of him than see Dale get what he wants.”

She shrugged. “I know what you mean. I hate that he thinks he’s getting what he wants, but my only consolation – and I hope it can be yours too – is that him getting what he wants is only a side effect of me getting what I want. I want to be rid of him as soon as possible, and I want to make sure that the guys who worked for us all those years are taken care of.”

Her dad frowned. “I get that, but can they afford to pay you a fair price? Are you going to end up walking away with less money than Dale just because you’re a decent person?”

She shrugged. “They’re still putting their offer together. If they can manage close to the asking price, I’ll come out better than Dale. If I have to take less…” She shrugged. “It’ll be worth it to me.”

Her dad nodded. “I get it. You’re a good girl, Sadie.”

“There are more important things than money – you taught me that, Dad.”

“Exactly.” He took a big gulp of his coffee. “And that’s enough of that sentimental crap. As long as you’re okay, I’m okay.”

“And as long as you’re okay, I’m okay.”

He chuckled. “Then I guess we’re all okay.” He waved through the window when Jake spotted him. “What time’s Dom coming for you?”

“He should be here in a few minutes.”

“I’ll have my chat with Jake when you’re gone, then. One more quick question, though.”

“What?”

“You know Dom said I could move into that guesthouse place of yours – how would you feel about that?”

She was shocked. “You’d want to?”

“You wouldn’t want me to?”

She laughed. “I’d love it! Are you thinking about including the house in the sale with the garden center?”

He nodded. “I wouldn’t mind a fresh start of my own. I’ll be able to pay rent.”

She laughed. “You can talk to Dom about that; I’m not going to get involved. You know what my answer would be.”

He shrugged. “I expect his answer will be the same, but it makes no difference – you’ll get all my money when I’m gone.”

She made a face at him. “Or you could have fun spending it all on this new start of yours.”

He chuckled. “Now there’s an idea. Hey, Jakey!” He turned when Jake leaned in the doorway from the shop and greeted him with a grin.

“Hey, Harvey! It’s good to see you.”

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