Schatzi’s eyes softened, and she reached out with her good hand to rest it on Maddie’s. “You did the right thing, Maddie. Offering her a safe place was the first step. That’s what she needs most right now. Someone to show her she’s not alone.”
“But what about after?” Maddie asked, her voice low. “What happens if her dad can’t—or won’t—help her? What if she?—”
“She’ll have us.” Schatzi’s gaze held Maddie’s for a long while before she spoke, her tone firm but kind. “We’ll be here for her.”
The certainty in Schatzi’s words brought a small wave of relief, but the enormity of the situation still loomed large. How could they take care of Hannah and the baby on top of everything else?
Most days, Maddie was barely keeping her head above water herself. Between caring for Schatzi, managing the house, doing the cooking and the laundry and trying to heal from her own grief, she felt stretched thin.
Schatzi must have sensed her worry because she squeezed Maddie’s hand gently. “We’ll figure it out, Maddie. One step at a time. We can’t solve everything today, but we can give Hannah what she needs right now—kindness, a roof over her head, a little hope, and a safe place to land.”
Maddie nodded, grateful for Schatzi’s steady presence and generous heart, though her mind was still racing. Of course, they’d figure this out, but the uncertainty gnawed at her.
Just then, the sound of boots on the snow outside reached their ears, followed by a loud bark. Maddie’s heart lightened as she glanced out the window to see Sam and Fargo making their way up the path, the familiar sight of the chocolate Lab bounding through the snow bringing a faint smile to her lips.
“I’ll get the door,” Maddie said, standing and heading toward the front entrance. The cold air hit her as she opened the door, and Fargo immediately rushed in, wagging his tail and leaving a little trail of snow as he trotted toward Schatzi’s chair.
Sam followed, brushing the snow from his coat with one hand, his face bright from the cold. His other arm cradled a pile of split logs. “Afternoon,” he said, his deep voice warm as he smiled at Maddie. “Brought some firewood. Thought you ladies might need it with this snow coming in.”
Maddie smiled, grateful once again for his thoughtfulness. “You read our minds. We’ve gotten a little low. I was justthinking I should head out and get some so I didn’t have to bother you.”
“It’s never a bother.” As Sam set the firewood by the hearth, Fargo settled in front of the fire, his large body sprawling out comfortably like he was exactly where he wanted to be.
Schatzi chuckled at the dog before she looked at Sam. “You spoil us,” she said to Sam, though her voice was light. “Between you and Maddie, I hardly have to lift a finger anymore.”
Sam grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Good. That’s the point. I’m going back out for another load. Should be enough to get you through to tomorrow.”
He returned quickly, stomping his boots off on the porch as Maddie got the door. His arms were twice as full as they’d been the first time.
Maddie closed the door behind him and walked with him to the living room where she watched Sam with quiet appreciation. He had become a constant in their lives, always showing up when they needed him, always knowing just what to say to keep things from feeling too overwhelming. She found herself relying on his presence more than she cared to admit.
It had been a while since a man had had that kind of place in her life. It was a curious feeling to have one occupying it again.
As Sam stacked the firewood near the hearth, Maddie debated whether to bring up Hannah’s situation. She trusted Sam, but this wasn’t her secret to tell. Yet something about his calm, steady demeanor made her think he might be able to help in ways she couldn’t.
“Sam,” Maddie began, her voice tentative. “I need to talk to you about something...personal.”
Sam paused, straightening up and brushing the wood dust from his hands. He turned to face her, his expression open but serious. “Of course. What’s going on?”
Maddie took a deep breath, glancing briefly at Schatzi, who gave her a small nod, before looking back at Sam. “It’s about Hannah. She’s in...a difficult situation.”
Sam’s brow furrowed, concern flickering in his eyes. “What kind of situation?”
“I’m not sure I should be telling you this, but I trust you. She’s pregnant,” Maddie said quietly, her heart squeezing as she spoke the words aloud again. “It’s a secret. She hasn’t told her dad yet. And you can’t tell him, either.”
“I won’t.”
“She’s scared to tell him, and...she doesn’t know what to do.”
Sam’s eyes filled with sympathy as he took in Maddie’s words. He didn’t speak right away, but Maddie could see the wheels turning in his mind, the concern deepening in his expression.
“That poor kid,” Sam murmured, shaking his head. “No wonder she’s been so withdrawn lately.”
Maddie nodded. “I’ve offered to let her stay with us, but...I’m not sure how to help her beyond that. She’s really frightened, Sam. She doesn’t have much of a support system.”
Sam was quiet, his gaze thoughtful as he leaned against the stone mantle. “Well, first off, you and Schatzi are doing more than enough by giving her a safe place to stay. That’s huge, Maddie. She needs that stability more than anything right now.”
Maddie sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind one ear. “But what about her dad? He’s been distant, and she says he’s angry a lot. She’s worried, rightfully so, he won’t take the news well.”
