Chapter 18

eighteen

T he 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.

The front of the store would look fresh and new once the window was replaced. Gary had ordered the replacement and the new front counter yesterday after the check from Mrs. Allen's insurance came through. They wouldn't have the grand reopening this weekend like planned, but David had put out new flyers announcing it would take place in a month's time. Hopefully, the store would see a boost in holiday sales. Sadie had approved everything while she'd been gone in the one conversation she'd had with Gary.

David still hadn't talked to Sadie. He hadn't called again since the hearing, hoping a little space would be good for them. Besides, Sadie should be able to enjoy Lottie this week. It had taken everything in him not to rush forward to Sadie and hug her after the favorable ruling. He doubted there'd been a dry eye in the entire courtroom, and he'd wanted to be there with her. Celebrate the win. But he'd meant what he told Caroline, he'd been there for support that day, not answers.

He could support from a distance.

But he'd sure like some of those answers soon. If only the entire town hadn't turned out to watch him lay it all on the line tonight. Maybe he'd wait and try to catch her later.

Gary walked next to David as they skirted around the edge of the crowd.

"Won't be long now. Sadie messaged a while back when they stopped for gas. She said it was a straight shot home." Gary looked over the crowd of people. David had noticed him rubbing his muscles as they'd worked side by side in the hardware store cleaning up yesterday. But he seemed to have good movement and rotation, had healed up just fine. Not that he would ever hear Gary complain. "You don't have to stay in the back. She's not going to make a scene in front of people. Plus, you've gone to a lot of work for her this week. She'll want to talk to you."

Doubt settled in David's gut. He had worked hard—first on the letters, then the clock and the cleanup around the store. He'd do it all over again. "I don't want to embarrass her in front of the whole town. And besides, I don't want her to feel like she owes me something. I did it because I care for her."

"No one doubts that, son."

A car drove down Richard Street, but it wasn't Sadie's. David let out a breath and rubbed his chin. His hand held a slight tremble, but nothing like the shaking he'd been fighting. As soon as he'd started moving on the path God had for him, as soon as he'd picked Sadie, the shaking had stopped.

A game of soccer took place across the square, next to the library. Maybe if he joined in, he could burn off some of his nervous energy.

Nate waved and walked up to join them. "I've been looking for you. Left a voicemail on your phone."

There hadn't been time to return the call. Or even listen to the message. "Sorry about that."

"Don't worry. I've heard how busy you've been. I wanted to talk to you, though, after we had our annual budget meeting at church. We've approved a youth pastor position, and I wondered if you might be interested."

Working with teens? Staying in Heritage? It almost sounded too good to be true, but if David had learned anything, it was that God always had a plan in place.

Nate waved at Colby Marc as he walked by, carrying a little girl in his arms. "I don't need an answer today. In fact, take some time to pray about it. We can't start paying someone until January, so there's time to decide."

"I'll definitely pray about it." And talk to Sadie, hopefully, because he wanted her input. Although, ideas were already forming. Dreams coming together. Possibilities exploding.

Sadie's blue Honda drove slowly down Richard Street, and David's heart sped up. She was finally back.

Craning his neck, he watched the car pull behind Hoover's Hardware. Romee and Anna hurried behind the building. Anna had arrived after the hearing, insisting on coming even though her flight had been canceled. Although Anna had been distant this week as they cleaned the store, she had eventually told him that if he could convince Sadie he'd stick around, she'd accept that.

Not exactly an open-armed welcome, but Romee had made up for it with constant encouragement to not give up.

The crowd seemed to close in around the clock, and David stepped back, and back again, not wanting to get carried away with the group. But he also didn't want to be so far outside he was easy to spot.

After an eternity, or what was probably a few minutes, Lottie skipped around the front of the hardware store. He wiped his hands on his jeans and waited.

And waited.

He'd seen Sadie Tuesday at the hearing, but he hadn't spoken to her for a week. Seven days. How he'd gone ten years without talking to her, he would never know, because this week had gone on for an eternity.

Finally, Sadie walked around the side of the building, her sisters on either side of her. He stayed back as she talked to people, touched shoulders, hugged Mrs. Allen, even when her hand slid into her jeans pocket, like she needed a moment to ground herself. When she scanned the crowd, he stepped back farther, staying out of sight. Eventually, the crowd absorbed her.

Mayor Jamison cleared his throat and tapped on a portable microphone, making it screech. The crowd quieted. Sadie stood next to the mayor and the clock with Lottie.

Sadie waved at people, her posture stiff. Probably uncomfortable being the center of attention. Mayor Jamison clapped one hand on his protruding belly and the entire crowd seemed to lean forward.

"When little Miss Lottie started asking questions about an old clock tower on the square, our historical person"—Mayor Jamison walked over and clapped Hannah on the shoulder—"dug up some pictures of this old clock here. We haven't figured out why it was removed, but it has been our goal to have a clock tower on the square since we cleared it. David, where are you?" The heads of the people in front of him started looking around.

"David Williams? Don't be shy, throw your hand up in the air." Heat climbed David's neck. This wasn't part of the program.

"Back here," Jon's familiar voice called out in the crowd, and people started moving as Jon pushed his way to stand next to David. The crowd murmured, but Sadie's expression froze him in place. He couldn't read her emotions this far away, couldn't tell what she was thinking.

"Come on up." Mayor Jamison gestured with his arm. "That's it, everyone make room."

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?"

"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."

"Go get him, girl!" Romee's voice held a hint of laughter as Sadie jogged across the street toward her parents' house.

Her mom stood out front. "He's inside. But I'd hurry if I were you. He didn't want to stay. Said you needed some time."

Sadie stopped at the top of the steps and turned back to her mom. "I've had ten years. How much more time do I need?"

Inside, the lights in the entryway were off, but a warm glow came from the family room. Leaving her jacket on the coat rack, Sadie slid her shoes off and left them next to David's.

A hand on her stomach, she took a deep breath. If she'd known that David would profess his love today, that she'd get a third chance at this relationship, she wouldn't have used dry shampoo for the third day in a row. At least Romee had handed her the peppermint.

In the family room, the fire crackled, and candles filled the space. A fuzzy blanket sat on the floor with some pillows, the promised hot cocoa in a thermos, two mugs, and a plate of cookies.

David stood in front of the fire, leaning his arm on the mantel. His shoulders sagged, and his eyes were closed, almost like he was praying.

A few heartbeats passed, but he didn't move. "David?"

His head shot up, and he took her in. His arm dropped to his side, and he straightened his shoulders. "I'm sorry. I told your mom you needed time?—"

"I don't need more time." Sadie stepped into the room, closing the distance between them. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I…" She let out a breath. "Honestly, you couldn't have surprised me more if you tried."

"I meant every word."

"I know." Sadie gestured toward the fuzzy blanket and pillows her sisters had laid out. She had to hand it to them, they had created the perfect setting. "Want some cocoa?"

Sadie settled on the blanket with David next to her. She filled a mug and handed it to him. When his fingers brushed hers, heat crept up her arm.

"Is that the mug I bought you at Cedar Point?"

Sure enough. Romee must not have thrown it out. Probably used it on purpose today. "Yeah. I've kept it all these years."

A wide smile spread over David's face. "That was a good day. I fell in love with you as you looked through the gift store. It's why I bought the mug, because that was the moment I knew you were it for me."

"We'd only been on a few dates. You knew that early?"

"Yeah. I did. And I was stupid to fight it."

He slid closer, and the oxygen must have been pulled from the room. Sadie's breathing became shallow as David closed the space between them, his eyes tracing her face, her skin heating.

"You have a new dream? A new path?" Her breathy voice didn't hide her nerves. She set her cocoa down. David didn't need hot cocoa spilled all over him. He set his mug next to hers.

"An option. But a future with you—that's my dream."

"David…" Sadie's entire body buzzed with energy, excitement. She extended her hand to him, and he held it, pressing it against his chest, over his heart which pounded beneath her palm.

"Please let me finish." He cupped her face with his other hand. "I want to say I'm sorry again. Before I say anything else, I'm sorry for pushing you away ten years ago. I'm sorry for hurting you when I broke up with you. I'm sorry for not talking with you about Costa Rica. For everything that happened that night Lottie disappeared. I'm not perfect, not by a long shot, but I am willing to apologize and to try again. And again. Sadie, I love you. I love you enough to ask forgiveness. To try again. However many times I mess up."

His words settled over her. Warm, comforting, better than any she'd dreamed of. "I love you, David Williams." She brushed her lips to his in just a whisper of a kiss. The look on his face gave her a thrill, sending a shiver down her spine.

He pulled her closer. "Are you cold?"

"Not even close."

Heat flashed in his gaze, but he leaned back, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. "I want to tell you about an offer from Nate."

Sadie picked up her cocoa and took a sip. "I'm all ears."

"I want you to know that I'm in for the long haul. I want it all—marriage, Lottie, all of it." David took her mug, set it back down, then cupped her cheek again, his hand slowly moving to the back of her neck, gently massaging as he spoke. "Nate said the church is looking for a youth pastor. I haven't accepted anything, I wanted to talk things over with you. Make a decision together, be a team."

A team. Sadie squeezed David's hand. "Say it again."

His head tipped to the side. "I'm sorry."

"No, the last part. Say it again, please."

"Be a team?"

She nodded. "Those are the most romantic words you could say to me, David Williams."

"I want to be a team…with you, Sadie." Confidence laced his words and stole her breath. "I could say it again. Or I could do this." Ever so slowly, he started to close the gap between their lips. His nose brushed against hers. Still, she waited for his kiss, her heart pounding against her ribs. It would be so easy to lean forward, close the space between them, but she held still, loving the feel of his breath on her face, the pressure of his hand as he held her in place. Not that she had any intention of moving.

Finally, finally , his mouth claimed hers. Slowly, tenderly, his kiss promised every moment, every tomorrow, every dream. It held all the excitement of a first kiss and the comfort of forever.

She returned his promises with a few of her own until his lips broke from hers, and he moved to the soft spot behind her ear.

His breath tickled her skin as he moved slowly back toward her mouth, his clean fragrance surrounding her. When his lips finally pressed to hers, he tasted of comfort and home. Friendship and forever. Peace and adventure. Her past and her future. As she returned each of David's promises, excitement settled over her.

David slowed the kiss. Lingering. Savoring. She memorized the moment, the start of their forever. When he pulled away, Sadie sighed, his lips addictive. He leaned down and brushed one more gentle kiss on her waiting mouth.

"I love you, David."

"It will always be you." David wrapped his arms around her, and she relaxed against his chest.

The time had finally come for love, for peace, but only after she'd learned to trust God. When she had reached a point where she'd lost it all, God had stepped in, working miracle after miracle, giving her Lottie, saving the store, and restoring her relationship with David.

Ten years ago, ten days ago even, she had no hope for a happy ending, and yet God had worked it all out, giving her everything she'd ever dreamed of. She'd experienced heartbreak, again and again, but to have this moment, she'd face it all over again. "I'm so glad you're here with me."

David kissed the top of her head. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Thank you for reading Here With Me ! Return to Heritage with Christmas With You , releasing this October !

What do you get when you have an ex-navy SEAL, a Christmas tree farm, and first-time nanny? Find out in the third book of the Home to Heritage series, Christmas with You.

Fallon James has lost everything—her husband, her job, and her home. With nowhere else to turn, she returns to her hometown of Heritage, Michigan, only to find her family's once-thriving Christmas tree farm on the brink of ruin. Determined to save the farm, Fallon throws herself into the struggle, but she can't do it alone.

Enter Cole Scott, Fallon's high school friend and now a single dad working odd jobs to support his two kids. Cole agrees to help Fallon in exchange for her watching his children while he travels for a lucrative security job. As they work side by side, old tensions resurface, but so does an undeniable attraction. However, Fallon harbors a secret that could change everything.

Just as the farm starts to see success, Fallon's former company unleashes a devastating lawsuit, threatening to destroy everything she and Cole have built. With time running out and her dreams slipping away, Fallon must make a choice that could cost her the love and family she's always wanted. Worse, a shocking turn of events forces Cole to confront what truly matters most.

Can Fallon and Cole overcome the secrets, lies, and legal battles that stand between them? Or will they lose the farm, their love, and the future they've risked everything to build?

Filled with heartwarming holiday cheer, pulse-pounding suspense, and the magic of second chances, this unforgettable tale of love, family, and the true meaning of Christmas will keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of small-town romance, single dad heroes, and holiday happily-ever-afters, this book is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love to overcome even the darkest of times.