Page 87 of Here With Me

Our loan. The word sank in. She wasn’t alone. And when she had nothing left to give, God had stepped in and worked out everything.

Romee shook her phone. “I called Toby and Anna. Between the three of us, we can cover the five thousand dollars that didn’t come in. Everything from the insurance settlement will be able to go back into the store. Show her the bank account info, Dad.”

Her dad pulled his phone out and tapped the screen a few times. He turned it for Sadie to see the total in the bank.

“People paid their loans?” Tears kept streaming down Sadie’s cheeks.

Her dad nodded. “I’m sorry, Sadie. It was never my intent to put the stress of the loans on you.”

Sadie hugged him, his strong arms coming around her, holding her tight. “You were right, Dad. God worked it all out. Took care of so many of the flies in my life. Even better than I could have imagined.”

He pointed at the letters. “Everything but one area. And He will work that one out too. But I’m still holding out hope for a happily ever after for you and David. Especially after today. Maybe I’ve watched too many of those mushy movies with your mom. Or maybe I know a good team when I see one.” He tapped the side of his nose.

A team. A partner. A support. David had been all that and more. Until he wasn’t, choosing again to make decisions as a solo unit.

But he’d stepped up today, helping her in ways she didn’t even know she needed.

Plus, he’d shown up for the hearing. Several people still mingled, happiness clear on their faces, but there was no sign of David. His sisters still visited with her mom, but David’s familiar shoulders, his confident stance—nowhere to be found.

Giving her space, just as Caroline said. Today wasn’t about them, it had been about her daughter. He’d been there. For Lottie, for support, but not for reconciliation. Their time had already passed. There was so much hurt, so much history. The saying ‘the third time’s the charm’ didn’t apply here. “It may be too late.”

“Now see here. Don’t be giving up hope yet.” Mayor Jamison pulled his pants up by their belt loops and raised onto his toes. “When you get back from your time at the cabin, we have the fall festival. I imagine good things can still come.”

Sadie had completely forgotten she’d reserved Jeremy’s cabin for a few days for her and Lottie. There was no way she could go now. She hadn’t even packed.

Sadie’s dad put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a side hug. “Lottie’s been so excited about that cabin trip. Your mother and I knew you had a lot on your plate. I will watch over the store and continue to work on repairs if anything comes up.”

“I’ll need to go home to pack.”

“Your mom did. You were a little preoccupied. It wasn’t hard. Also, you have reservations for lunch?—”

“Mom!” Lottie’s excited voice rang through the courtroom. Sadie would never get over that title. “The American Girl Store? That’s so awesome! Oma packed Amber!”

Sadie’s dad nodded at Romee. “Why don’t you go help Lottie move the luggage from your mom’s car into Sadie’s.”

Sadie dug into her purse and pulled out her car key, handing it to Romee.

Dad wrapped her in a hug. “I prayed for this outcome. Now, you go enjoy a few days. And when you get back, you can choose the future you want.”

Sadie sank into her dad’s embrace, his familiar scent of leather and peppermint comforting. Today she’d been granted her biggest wish, her most earnest prayer—Lottie’s adoption.

Could she still ask for more?

“Sometimes, Dad, we don’t always get what we want. What I have now is more than enough.”

And it would be enough.

More than enough.

Because God had never left her, and no matter what tomorrow brought, He never would. She could trust in that.

Her dad placed his hand on her shoulder. “Oh, honey. God is the God of the impossible. Don’t settle yet. He will surprise you with what He can do.”

eighteen

The entire town had turned out for the unofficial start to the Fall Festival on Friday night. After working out all the details with Mayor Jamison, David had helped to install the old clock on the town square, right across the street from the hardware store, and they’d unveil it to the town tonight, after Sadie arrived.

Last night Otis had moved right next to the clock, as though he approved of the addition to the square. It seemed everyone waited, like Otis, with their eyes glued to the clock.

---