Page 90 of Here With Me

“Nothing.” David dropped his hands and stepped back. “Everything.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’ve messed up plenty. And I probably will again, but I’m here now. I’m going to show you every day that I can show up, that I can be depended on, and that I love you. I love you, Sadie Hoover. I always have. I promise I’m going to make sure you know it. Every day if you’ll let me.”

Sadie didn’t say anything. Her hand trembled as she brushed at her cheeks. Great. He’d made her cry. More than anything, he wanted to close the distance between them, pull her into a hug, and hold her. But he’d just told her he loved her, and she hadn’t responded. Not a peep, only tears.

Not exactly the reaction he’d pictured. He’d wanted her to jump into his arms, returning the sentiment. Preferably with some kisses. Weren’t kisses supposed to follow declarations of love?

But he’d determined to be here for the long haul. To show up and give Sadie what she needed. Maybe time and space were the keys for now.

Letting out a breath, he forced his feet backward. “I’ll see you around, Sadie.”

Chet had been wrong. The grand gesture hadn’t been enough. Hopefully, Maria’s advice would be better. He’d continue to show up, day after day, and maybe Sadie would understand his intentions.

He wanted forever, and he would wait as long as it took.

The rough brick of the building bit into Sadie’s back.

David had really just declared his love.

He. Loved. Her.

She wiped at her cheeks. A few stray happy tears had leaked out. She should say something. Anything. But she watched David walk away, his shoulders drooped. She’d just let him go.

Had she dreamed this conversation? It wouldn’t be the first time she’d dreamed of a full reconciliation with David.

She tapped her head on the brick wall and her hair snagged and tugged on the building. Nope—not dreaming. It was the last fly that had buzzed around her the past few days—her love for David. God had worked out all the details, and she let David go and walk away.

“What are you doing?” Romee’s voice held a sharp edge as she hurried toward Sadie, Anna on one side and Lottie skipping along on her other.

“Holding up the building?” Sadie crossed one foot over the other.

Anna scoffed and pushed Sadie’s shoulder. “We can see that. But why did David leave? You’re supposed to be making out. Smoochy, smoochy. The happy ending and all that jazz.”

“I like happy endings.” Lottie wrapped her arms around Sadie’s waist. “And I like Mr. Williams.”

“Me too.” Sadie let out a breathy sigh. “But…”

“Girl, there are no buts. Didn’t he just tell you he loved you?” Romee crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.

“Were you eavesdropping?” Sisters. Unbelievable.

“You betcha. Mom too. And you didn’t say anything. Just let that man walk away from you. What were you thinking?”

Honestly? She hadn’t been. She’d been so shocked by his admission, she didn’t know how to respond. Didn’t know what to say. She’d dreamed up his confession of love so many times, and they all paled in comparison to the real thing. And she’d frozen on the spot.

“Mom?” Lottie looked up at Sadie as she squeezed Sadie’s waist even tighter. “He loves us.”

Anna let out a small breathy laugh. “Both of you. I didn’t think leopards could change their spots, but David is in a category all his own. You’d be stupid not to strike that while it’s hot.”

The street was empty, and there was no sign of David. “I…I don’t even know where he went.”

Romee stepped to one side, motioning toward their parents’ house. “Mom stopped him and dragged him home. Anna and I made sure the fire was roaring, and we may or may not have laid out a blanket in front of it. Some hot cocoa and cookies are there. Candles. We had hoped you wouldn’t need us to intervene, but we had a backup plan in place just in case.” Romee dug in her pocket and pulled out a peppermint and handed it to Sadie. “You’ll need this. Now, hurry.”

Lottie’s arms dropped, and she put her hands on Sadie’s back, pushing her toward the house. “Go, Mom!”

A chuckle escaped, and Sadie popped the mint in her mouth. “Thanks. Wish me luck.”

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