Page 69 of Saving Her Heart
"Heard you needed help," Sawyer says simply.
"I can't afford—" Kendall starts.
"Not asking for money," Sawyer interrupts. "Asking where you want us to start."
"Sawyer, this is too much?—"
"My company has resources," he says. "William Thornfield tried to destroy our town. We're going to rebuild it. Together. Besides, I’m looking into getting some properties in Hibiscus Harbor. My brother isn’t the only real estate developer in the family." He winks at her.
More vehicles arrive. The Walking Ladies pull up in their Buick, trunk full of sandwiches and water bottles. Hudson arrives with Kate and her catering truck. The Bad News Babes show up with cleaning supplies and determination.
"What is happening?" Kendall whispers.
"Hibiscus Harbor is happening," I tell her. "This is what we do."
Chance Carter approaches with his arson investigation team. "Ms. Greene, I need to tell you something. We found evidence that William had tampered with the original building inspection reports. Made it look like there were code violations that didn't exist."
"What does that mean?"
"It means your insurance company has no grounds to deny coverage. The building was up to code. The fire was criminal arson by someone with no connection to you or the property management."
The insurance adjuster reappears, phone in hand, looking defeated. "My supervisors have reviewed the case. We'll be covering full replacement cost."
Kendall cries. Not the sad tears from last night, but relief.
"Additionally," the adjuster continues, clearly reading from notes, "given the circumstances and media attention, we're expediting payment. You'll have initial funds within 48 hours."
As he leaves, Kendall turns to me. "Did you threaten them?"
"I made them aware of their options," I say innocently.
"The entire town shows up to help, and suddenly insurance pays out?"
"Coincidence."
"Right." She kisses me right there in front of everyone. "Thank you."
"Get a room!" Kane shouts from where he's directing equipment.
"We had one," I call back. "It had cameras in it, remember?"
Everyone laughs, even Kendall. It's the first genuine laugh I've heard from her in days.
The cleanup begins in earnest. It's organized chaos—construction crews clearing debris, volunteers sorting salvageable items, the Walking Ladies keeping everyone fed and hydrated. Even Mrs. Parsons shows up with Gertie, brought by the memory care facility staff.
"Gertie wanted to help," she tells Kendall, and sure enough, the goat is there, wearing a little vest that says "Emotional Support Goat."
"Is that legal?" I ask.
"Reid filed the paperwork," Kendall says. "She's officially a therapy animal now."
Gertie immediately tries to eat someone's blueprint, because of course she does.
By afternoon, the site is transformed. The debris is sorted; the foundation is being evaluated, and Sawyer's architects are drawing up plans for a better building.
"Modern safety features," Sawyer explains. "Sprinkler systems, fire-resistant materials, better evacuation routes. If anyone tries this again, the building will survive."
"I can't pay for all that," Kendall protests.
