Page 89 of Meet Me on Blueberry Hill

Asher tipped up her chin. “No, because of you. You are strong and brave, and I love you.”

The sounds of the crowd melted away as she closed her eyes and absorbed his words.

“I know we haven’t known each other that long, but I can’t change how I feel.”

Sadie nodded. “I get it. I love you too.”

Someone cleared their throat, and Sadie and Asher jumped apart. She turned and found her parents holding hands and standing in front of the stage with Gran.

Sadie practically flew off the platform and into their arms. “You’re here! You came! Why didn’t you say anything?”

They glanced at one another and smiled. “We wanted to surprise you.”

Mom gave Sadie another hug, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “That was beautiful, sweetheart. Absolutely beautiful. Lauren would be so proud.”

Fresh tears warmed Sadie’s eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”

Dad dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Looks like those porch concerts finally paid off, eh?”

Sadie laughed, tears blurring her vision, and wrapped her arms around their necks. “So how long are you staying?”

“How about permanently?”

Sadie jerked back, her eyes wide. “What? Are you serious?”

Dad, standing tall with the same military bearing as he’d had for as long as she’d been alive, ran a hand over his short, dark hair threaded with silver. “Your mom and I talked and chose not to say anything until closer to the date, but I’ve decided to retire. Thirty years is plenty of time to serve my country. Now it’s time to serve my community.”

“Community? What do you mean?”

Gran reached for Sadie’s hand. “Remember my anonymous buyer for the bakery? Imagine my shock when I went to Mia’s office today and found my son and daughter-in-law sitting there, ready to take ownership.” She scowled at her son. “I would’ve given it to you, you know.”

Dad pressed his cheek on the top of Gran’s head and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Of course, Mom, but this way, you get to stay in your home.”

Sadie held up her hands. “Wait a minute—you bought the bakery?”

Dad thrust his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Sure did. Your mom and I sold the house in Hawaii, and we wanted to invest in something meaningful. Seemed like a great retirement project.”

Sadie glanced at her mom. “And you’re okay with this?”

She smiled, tiny lines deepening her blue eyes very similar to Sadie’s. Mom’s dark hair, cut in a chin-length bob, brushed across her cheek as she nodded. “Absolutely. We spent many years being away from family. It’s time to come home.”

Home.

Sadie scanned the park that had always been one of her favorite places when visiting the island. She could certainly settle here, especially if Asher decided to stay.

“You know, when we open the bakery, we’re going to need help with marketing to grow the business again. Interested in a job?”

“Absolutely. Just as long as I have time to write songs on the side.”

“Yes, of course.” Dad wrapped an arm around Sadie and drew her to his side. “I’m proud of you.”

Sadie wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her cheek against his chest. “Thanks for believing in me, Dad.”

“Always.”

As her parents wrapped her in their embrace once again, Sadie reached for Gran’s hand. Over her shoulder, her eyes connected with Asher’s, and he winked as he disengaged himself from signing autographs and started toward her. Dani stepped in his path, caught him in a hug, then talked to him for a couple of minutes, her back to Sadie. Asher’s eyes widened, then he nodded as he grinned. He gave Dani another hug, then pointed at Sadie.

Dani waved to her, and Sadie gestured for her to join them. Dani shook her head and pointed at Liam.

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