Page 89 of Here With Me

The crowd split in front of him, leaving a clear walkway to Sadie. Jon nudged him forward. “Go win your girl, man.”

David glanced back at Jon, who grinned. Leah stood next to him, giving him a thumbs-up. He hadn’t even noticed his sister there.

As soon as he cleared the crowd, Mayor Jamison grabbed David’s shoulder, spinning him to face the group, forcing him to look away from Sadie. “When David here”—the mayor shook his shoulder slightly—“suggested we place the historic clock on the square and he volunteered to do all the work, the town jumped at the opportunity. Even if it was a little last minute. With David’s long hours this week, the clock repaired—thank you, Chet Anderson—our vision for the town square suddenly didn’t seem years away.”

Lottie bounced up next to David and took hold of his hand, awe showing on her cute face. So similar to Bonnie’s but with Sadie’s mannerisms. His heart swelled as the little girl tugged on his hand. “You put my clock here?”

He nodded, unable to speak past the lump in his throat.

Mayor Jamison gestured toward Lottie. “Before we officially celebrate the establishment of the town clock, there’s something I bet you all didn’t know. Our very own fourth grade students entered their historical papers into a competition, and I’d like to announce the winner.” Mayor Jamison paused and lowered the microphone. A hush fell on the crowd. “It’s probably no surprise that Lottie Linden won with her discovery and research done on the clock.” A round of applause erupted.

After the cheering quieted, Mayor Jamison continued. “Now, I’d like to officially celebrate the establishment of the town clock. And, Lottie, we’d like you to do the honors.”

The mayor guided Lottie to stand by the clock, and David stepped back next to Sadie.

“Here you go, Lottie. It’s a ribbon cutting of sorts.” Mayor Jamison laughed good-naturedly. “We’ve tied a bow, and you can pull right here to untie it.”

Sadie pulled out her phone and turned on her camera. With a huge smile on her face, Lottie picked up the ribbon tail and in one quick movement, yanked. The ribbon fell off and Lottie waved it over her head.

“The town festival can now officially begin.” The mayor patted his belly and then posed with Lottie, and the crowd cheered before breaking off into smaller groups. A handful of people walked toward the booths, but most stayed close by, sending glances in Sadie’s direction.

David turned to face her, the lump in his throat making it hard to speak. But she studied him carefully. “Hi.” Of all the things he could say…but there were so many people, and the noise level had risen so he was almost shouting.

“Sadie.” Anna threw her arms around her sister. “This was fantastic. I’m glad I could be here to see this.”

David stepped back, giving her some space. Some privacy. He’d be around when she was ready.

He turned to slip away, but a hand slid into his. He’d know that hand anywhere, and he closed his eyes briefly to savor her soft skin pressed against his. When he turned around, Sadie’s watchful gaze rested on him. “Can we talk?”

Always. He nodded. He hadn’t anticipated being able to steal her away. But the look in her eyes gave him hope. Could Chet be right about the grand gesture? Had tonight been enough to tip the scales in David’s favor?

Sadie pulled him around the side of the hardware store, away from prying eyes. Closer to the end of the store, she leaned against the brick wall, her hand still tucked inside his.

“Why, David? Why do all this?” She gestured her free hand in a circle. “The letters, the money for the store, the clock?”

David ran his fingers down her cheek, her neck, tracing her shoulder and letting his fingers trail down her arm. Her breath caught, and her skin flushed. “You know why.”

“Tell me, please.” Something in Sadie’s voice cut him to the core. Did she really not know?

“I did it for you.” He linked their other hands together, hers trembling in his grip.

“All of it?”

“I’d do anything for you.”

“Why? Costa Rica?—”

“I’m not going back. God can change dreams and directions. He’s changed mine, although it took me a while to hear that. I’m not giving up my calling, I’m still following God, it’s just He has a different future in store for me. One that, I hope, includes you.”

Sadie’s eyes widened and her entire body went still. Had she stopped breathing? David dropped her hands and placed his on her shoulders. Finally, she inhaled, and he stepped a little closer. “I know my actions last week didn’t show you that I’m all in, and I’m sorry about that. I should never have agreed to visit Costa Rica, or consider a job opportunity and not have talked to you. I have learned that I need to communicate better. I’m hoping that if you give me another chance, I can prove to you I’m all in. For you. For Lottie. For whatever tomorrow brings. I’m here.” David cupped her cheek and rested his forehead against hers. “For us.”

Sadie’s hands came up and touched his elbows. Who knew that could be so intimate? His skin sparked, and nerves danced up his arms.

They stood there, foreheads touching, his hands on her shoulders, and he breathed her in. That spicy scent he’d come to love.

“David?” Sadie’s breath puffed on his face. But her tone held an edge. He straightened, creating some space.

Sadie’s brows were pulled together. “What’s changed?”

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