Page 17 of When Morning Comes Around

“I don’t. I appreciate you doing so much, I just want to help.”

“Would the pair of you relax? No one’s treading on anyone’s toes. We’re all in it together – just like we’ve always been.” Her dad chuckled.

Sadie made a face. “Let’s be honest, Dad, I haven’t been in it at all for years.”

He shrugged. “Well, you’re here now and that’s all that counts. Savannah said that she’s taking you over to the lake with her this morning.”

“I need to get my things back from Dominic.” Sadie hesitated with her fork halfway to her mouth. “But I don’t have to go; what are you going to do? I can stay here with you.”

“There’s no need for that. I’ll be just fine. Like I said, we have a routine, and you’ll soon get the hang of it. We make sure that I have everything I need to last me while Savannah’s out and about. If I get in a pickle, Tilly and Parker are out in the nursery, and I can give them a call.”

Sadie blew out a sigh. “I’m so sorry, I should have come back years ago.”

Her dad chuckled. “You should, but for your sake, not mine. I’m not a feeble old geezer, so don’t go thinking that. I’m more than capable of doing for myself, it’s just that my acrobatics on the stairs threw a wrench in the works.”

“I know that you’re more than capable, I just…”

Her dad waved a hand at her. “We don’t need to talk it to death, honey bun. Now that you’re home, we’ll figure out a new routine.” He cocked an eyebrow. “If you’re planning to stay, that is.”

She nodded slowly. “I’d like to – as long as you don’t mind me being under your feet for a while. I’ll find a place of my own…”

“I’m more than happy to have you here, but don’t joke about getting under my feet; I don’t need any help in the tripping and falling department. I’ll put some feelers out, see if we can find you a place to rent. As glad as I am to have you home, I wasn’tinviting you to come live with me for the long term. But go on, finish your breakfast and get dressed. You don’t want to keep Savannah waiting – or Dominic,” he added with a wink.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “He’s not waiting around for me – I said that I’d call when we’re on the way over there.”

Her dad held her gaze for a long moment.

“What?” she asked when she couldn’t take it any longer.

He shrugged. “I think you might be wrong.”

“About what?”

“About him waiting around for you – it’s just that neither of you know it yet.”

“Honestly, Dad, he assured me that he’s fine with whatever time I can get there.”

Her dad chuckled. “Fair enough, whatever you say.”

Once they were on the road, headed toward Summer Lake, Sadie glanced over at Savannah.

“You, my sweet girl, are an absolute angel. I don’t tell you this often enough, do I?”

Savannah shot her a quick smile. “I’m no angel, I’d do anything in the world for you guys, you know that. And whatever I do could never be enough to repay you – not that it’s about that. I hang out with Harvey so much because he’s awesome. I’ll be forever grateful to you both; I hate to think what my life would be like if it weren’t for you. But honestly, Sadie, it’s not just gratitude. I love Harvey, and I love you. You’re family to me.”

Sadie touched her arm. “And I hope you know that you’re family to me, too. I know I told Dominic last night that you were an old friend of the family, but that was only because I didn’t want to get into the whole story.”

“That’s okay, I know that.” Savannah shot her a sly smile. “But you know, while we’re driving over there, you have the time to tell methatwhole story, if you want.”

Sadie had to laugh. “I would, if there were a story to tell.”

“Oh, there’s a story!”

“Honestly! I’d never laid eyes on him before yesterday. And even then…” She smiled when she remembered the first time she had laid eyes on him in the grocery store.

“Maybe so, but that smile speaks volumes! And I don’t blame you; he’s…” Savannah fanned her hand in front of her face “…Hot!”

“Isn’t he?” Sadie had to laugh at herself. “There, that just goes to show that I’m not trying to hide anything from you. I don’t mind admitting that I find him attractive – or even hot. But you already know almost the entire story.”

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