Page 55 of When Morning Comes Around

“I am. Don’t look like that. It’s not that he doesn’t love me to pieces – he does, and I feel the same way about him. But he values his independence. And to be honest, I value mine.” She looked around the kitchen and gave him a rueful smile. “And tonight kind of illustrates why. I want to stay close by. I don’t know if I’ll be able to find a place here in Hidden Valley, maybe Four Mile Creek. I’ll have to see.”

“I like Four Mile Creek. It’s nice over there.” He smiled. “That’s where Damon and Jo live.”

She shook her head. “Part of me wants to apologize, but another part of me is still struggling to believe that you have an identical twin, and you didn’t tell me.”

“I know, you’re right; I should have warned you. All I can say in my defense is that I didn’t even think about it. I told you I had a brother.” He smiled when a thought struck him.

“What?” she asked with a wary smile.

“This might sound strange, but Damon and I have only known each other for a few years. I smiled because I was about to say that I didn’t think to explain about him to you because it’s just normal for me. That made me realize that it’s become normal in the time since I moved here. We’re close now, and that makes me happy.”

“Aww, that makes me happy for you.” She laughed. “In fact, I’m so happy for you, that I forgive you for not warning me.”

He laughed with her. “You forgive me?”

“I do.” She nodded happily. “Yeah, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I was pretty bummed when I thought you had a girlfriend.”

He smiled and reached across the table. Something felt as though it settled in his chest when she placed her hand in his.

“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, either, but I was pretty bummed when you didn’t call me back.”

She squeezed his hand. “But all that’s behind us now.”

“It is, and here we are.”

“Here we are,” she echoed.

“Do you want to see where we go from here?” he asked.

“I do.”

They both laughed when Harvey called from the living room, “I don’t want to disturb you guys, but I’ll take my dessert anytime you’re ready.”

Sadie chuckled. “I guess the first place I’m going is the living room.”

Dominic got to his feet. “I’ll come with you and clear his dishes.”

Chapter Thirteen

After they got her dad settled with his dessert, he shooed them away again. Sadie wasn’t sure if it was to give her and Dominic time alone together or if he just wanted to be left in peace to watch his shows.

When they were back in the kitchen, Dominic gave her a mysterious smile and went to the fridge.

“Do you have room for dessert?”

She laughed. “I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I always have room for dessert – even when I shouldn’t.” She eyed the box that he took out of the fridge. “I didn’t realize you brought more; I thought the toffee thing was a special just for Dad.”

“It was. Taryn sent it especially for him. This…” He smiled as he held the box up “… This is something that I brought especially for you.”

“Ooh! Really?” She knew that she was grinning like an idiot, but she couldn’t help it. She wasn’t used to anyone doing anything especially for her. “What is it?” She took a step closer, but he shook his head with a smile.

“I’m not telling until you’re sitting at the table, ready.”

“But I need to dish it up.”

He leaned his head to the side and met her gaze. “You don’t think I’m capable of doing that?”

“No! It’s not that! I’m not saying that…” She gave him a wry smile when he chuckled.

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