Page 41 of When Morning Comes Around

She glanced over at the new development at Four Mile Creek as often as she dared while still keeping her focus on the road. She was looking forward to exploring the shopping center – the Plaza, as they apparently called it. Nina had told her about it. She looked up at the lodge – where Dominic worked in the restaurant. She imagined that he’d be a good bartender. He was good with people.

She just wished that he wasn’t working for the next couple of nights. Still, she’d see him on Friday, that was soon enough. She smiled – it wasn’t really soon enough, but she could enjoy the anticipation. It was a nice feeling – looking forward to something. Her smile faded; if she were honest, she’d almost forgotten what it felt like. Her life in Denver had fallen into a predictable routine years ago.

That life was over now. Her marriage was over. She blew out a sigh. She was on her way to town to go to the gym. She didn’t know why her dad was being so picky about it – it would have been far easier to just call and see if there was someone who could work with him. But she was glad for the ride out. She’d decided that while she was in town, she should see what she could do about finding herself a lawyer. Savannah had told her that there was a women’s center adjacent to the bakery. From what she’d said, that sounded like the place to start – they helped with legal advice. And if it was right there next to the bakery, she might just treat herself to a cup of coffee and something sweet. If she did, she’d pick up something to bring back for her dad and Savannah, too.

She had to park a little way down the street from the gym and decided that she might as well take a walk up and down Main Street before she went in. There were so many new stores, and this was the first chance that she’d had to come over here and poke around.

She felt a little guilty leaving her dad by himself, but he’d insisted that he was fine. Tilly and Parker were keeping the garden center ticking along nicely. Savannah had worked the breakfast shift at the diner this morning, so she’d be home soon. As she walked along, peering into the storefronts, it hit Sadie that it was a little hypocritical of her to worry about her dad now that she was here, when she hadn’t so much as visited for the last couple of years.

She stopped in front of the realtor’s office and checked out the houses on display in the window. There were only a couple of rentals, and they were right here in town. If it were possible, she wanted to find something in Hidden Valley. She didn’t know how realistic a hope that was. Even if she couldn’t findsomething over there, the new development at Four Mile Creek would be better than here in town. In fact, it might be ideal. It was close enough to her dad that she could be there in under fifteen minutes, but it wasn’t on his doorstep.

She looked up, feeling guilty for some reason, when the door opened, and a woman came out. She greeted Sadie with a polite smile that quickly transformed into a big grin.

“Sadie Baker!”

“Terry! How the devil are you?”

Terry grinned. “I’m great. How are you? Nina and I were only saying last night that the three of us need to get together. She said you’ve been busy getting settled in. How’s your dad?”

“He’s okay. I imagine Nina told you that he fell down the stairs?”

“She did. Is he okay?”

“He’s a bit banged up, but it could’ve been a lot worse. I think it shook him up more than anything.”

“I’ll bet. Are you running the garden center, then? The last time Cal and I were over there your dad seemed to be running it himself.”

“He was working it full time until his fall, but his staff has really stepped up. Do you know Tilly and Parker?”

“I do. I knew that they worked there, but I didn’t know if he’d let them run it.”

Sadie laughed. “I think he’s happier with them in charge than he would be with me; the business I can manage, but I have a bit of a black thumb.”

“Well, as long as he’s got someone he can depend on to keep the place going.” Terry frowned. “Do you think he’ll go back to it once he’s recovered?”

“I honestly don’t know. I want to try to talk him into some kind of compromise. Now that he knows that Tilly and Parker are capable, I’d love to think that he might take a bit more of a back seat.”

Terry laughed. “Yeah, but he’s not the kind to do that, is he?”

“No, but I can hope.”

“It’s great to see you, and we really need to get together soon. I have to run, but what are you doing tonight?”

She laughed. “Making dinner for Dad and sitting watching his shows with him.”

“Ah, right. I didn’t think. What about lunch one day soon, then? Nina and I can come over to Hidden Valley if that makes life easier.”

“I’d love to. Have a chat with her and figure out when will work for the two of you. I should be fine whenever, if you want to come over there. Tilly and Parker are on hand if Dad needs them.”

Terry leaned in and gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. And I’m deliberately not asking about Dale because that’s not going to be a two-minute conversation. Are you okay, though?”

“I am. Honestly, Terry, it’s a relief. I don’t know how that sounds but… But go on, you need to get going. Call me and let me know what you and Nina decide about lunch.”

Terry checked her watch. “I do need to go, but I know exactly what you mean about feeling relieved. I felt the same way after Steve.” She made a face. “He was a cheating bastard, too. Being cheated on did a number on me for a while, but it was a price worth paying to be rid of him.”

“I already reached that conclusion. I was shocked at first. I thought that was why I wasn’t more upset or hurt or … anything. I only figured it out the other morning. It sucked to discover what he was up to, but in a way, it was a blessing – it gave me the motivation to leave that I might never have found otherwise.”

“That,” said Terry. “That’s it. I don’t think anyone who hasn’t been there would understand infidelity being described as a blessing but that’s exactly what it was.” She smiled. “I’m just glad you’re okay. I’ll talk to Nina and give you a call. Glad to have you home, girl.”

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