Page 16 of When Morning Comes Around

“It’ssonot your fault.”

“I’m the one who drove away with your things.”

“And I’m the one who totally forgot that you had them.”

“Okay, so we can call it even.”

She laughed. “I guess so. Is there a time that’s too early in the morning? I can call you before we set off or when we’re almost to town.”

“Whenever suits you will be fine by me. I’ll give you directions then, okay.”

“Okay, and thanks again, Dominic – and sorry again.”

He laughed. “Not a problem. I’ll see you in the morning. And I’ll text you my number so that you can call me.”

“Oh, right. Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Sadie.”

He ended the call and handed the phone back to Jake, who was grinning at him. “I think you need to tell me exactly what happened between you andSadie.”

Dominic’s smile died on his lips. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to tell the truth – he wasn’t even sure he knew what the truth was. He was attracted to her, but that didn’t mean anything. He shrugged. “She’s a lot of fun.” That was the truth.

He was grateful that Jake didn’t push. They hadn’t talked about Polly much, but Jake seemed to understand better than most people did – perhaps because he’d lost friends in the Corps. Whatever the reason, he respected Dominic’s right to shut down when he felt the need.

“I guess I’ll find out for myself tomorrow.”

Dominic nodded. “I guess you will.”

Chapter Five

The next morning, Sadie eyed herself blearily in the bathroom mirror. She was a mess – and a tired-looking mess at that. Never mind, things could only get better from here. She smiled as she reached for the spare toothbrush that Savannah had given her. She might have felt like a total idiot last night when she realized that she’d left her overnight bag in Dominic’s SUV, but she wasn’t all that upset about it – not since it meant that she’d get to see him again this morning.

She wasn’t going to examine why that prospect set butterflies swirling in her stomach. Sure, he was an attractive man, but she was in no position to be attracted to anyone, and he was far from available. He was still wearing his wedding ring. That just highlighted another difference between him and Dale. She really needed to stop making comparisons between them, but Dale had stopped wearing his wedding ring years ago – because it was uncomfortable, he claimed. And Dominic? He was still wearing his, nine years after his wife died.

She brushed her teeth harder. She needed to take a shower and get ready. At least she’d been able to wash and dry the clothes she’d been wearing. Having her dad and Savannah laugh at her as she wandered around the house in her dad’s old pajamas last night was far preferable to having anyone else see her wearing spaghetti-stained clothes today.

By the time she made it down to the kitchen, she felt guilty when she saw her dad sitting at the table, eating scrambled eggs and bacon.

He grinned at her. “You feel better after a good night’s sleep?”

“I do. And sorry, I should’ve come down and made you breakfast before I…”

“It’s okay,” Savannah called from the laundry room. “I did it. I made you up a plate; it should still be warm.”

“You didn’t need to do that, but thanks. Have you eaten?”

“I have; I’m good. I wanted to get a load started before we leave. I’ve folded your things for you.”

“Thanks, you didn’t need to do that.” Sadie checked the time as she took her plate to the table and sat opposite her dad. “I’m not making you late, am I?” she asked Savannah.

She felt totally off kilter. She was supposed to be here to help, but so far, she was only creating more work for Savannah – and she felt like she was in the way.

Her dad grinned at her. “Relax, honey bun. We have a routine set up, don’t go feeling bad. I’m glad you’re here, and you’ll slot right in after a day or two.”

She nodded at him. “I hope so – I’m feeling pretty useless to you so far.”

Savannah came out of the laundry room. “Oh, don’t say that, Sadie! And please, whatever you do, don’t feel like I’m trying to take over or anything.”

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