Chapter Seventeen
The days following Christmas and New Year’s felt like a slow exhale, as though the tension that had been holding them all so tightly had started to loosen. The snow stopped falling, and the sky remained a pale, wintry blue, the crisp air carrying with it a sense of renewal.
Maddie had settled into a quiet routine, taking care of the house and Schatzi, checking in on Hannah, and finding moments to breathe amidst the daily tasks that were somehow lighter than they’d been before.
Hannah had begun to open up more after Lisa’s visit. She was still scared at times, still uncertain, but Maddie could see that having someone connected to the baby’s father in her life had eased some of her fears. The girl no longer carried the same heaviness around her, and though she still had a long road ahead, Maddie was relieved to see that she was beginning to accept help.
Not only that, she’d begun spending more time at her own home. Maddie hoped that meant Hannah and her dad were getting along better.
One afternoon, Maddie and Schatzi sat in the living room, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen. Thefire crackled softly, and the house felt unusually peaceful. Ernie had found a spot on Schatzi’s lap, purring contentedly as Schatzi ran her hand absentmindedly through his fur.
“I think I’ll go into town next week,” Schatzi said, breaking the comfortable silence.
Maddie raised an eyebrow. “Into town? Are you sure? Your shoulder still needs time to heal. You might get jostled or?—”
Schatzi waved a hand dismissively. “I’ve had plenty of rest and recovery already. I’m going stir-crazy in here, and I need to stretch my legs. Besides, I’m not made of glass, Maddie. A little outing will do me good. You’re fine company, but I’d like to see how the rest of the world is doing.”
Maddie smiled, though her head protested a little at Schatzi’s stubbornness. She had grown used to having her aunt around the house, filling the space with her sharp wit and comforting presence. The idea of her going out and about again was a reminder that life was slowly moving forward, whether Maddie was ready for it or not.
“If you’re sure,” Maddie said, leaning back in her chair. “We could go into town together. Maybe grab lunch at the diner. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
Schatzi’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Ah, so you’re coming along to keep an eye on me. I see how it is.”
Maddie laughed. “Is that so wrong? I just don’t want you pushing yourself too hard.”
Schatzi gave her a knowing smile, her expression soft. “You’ve got a good heart, Maddie. But you don’t need to fuss over me. I’m a tough old broad.”
Maddie nodded, though she couldn’t help but feel protective of Schatzi. The thought of losing her aunt—the last real connection she and Becca had to their mom’s family—was something she tried not to dwell on. Schatzi was strong, but Maddie knew she wouldn’t be around forever. The thoughtlingered in the back of her mind, even as she shoved it aside for now.
As they sat in comfortable silence, the sound of quick knock was followed by the front door opening. Maddie glanced toward the entryway and smiled as Sam stepped inside, his usual dusting of snow on his coat and boots. Fargo trotted in behind him, shaking off the snow with a happy woof of greeting.
Ernie lifted his head and looked as though he could have done without the interruption.
“Afternoon,” Sam called out, his deep voice warm as he smiled at Maddie and Schatzi. “I come bearing firewood.”
Maddie got up and walked over to him with a grateful smile. “You’re not going to stop spoiling us, are you?”
Sam chuckled, setting the wood by the hearth. “Can’t have you freezing in this weather. Besides, it gives Fargo an excuse to come by.”
“So this is all Fargo’s doing?”
“That’s right.”
Maddie’s heart fluttered at the casual way he said it, and she couldn’t help the warmth that spread through her. Over the past few weeks, Sam had become a constant in her life—a steady, calming presence that she hadn’t realized she needed until it had arrived. She hadn’t fully processed her feelings for him, mostly because she wasn’t ready to, but the way he made her feel—the safety, the companionship—was undeniable.
“How’s everything?” Sam asked, looking from Maddie to Schatzi.
Schatzi smiled, her hand stroking Ernie’s back. “We’re doing just fine, Sam. Though I’m getting restless being stuck in this house.”
Sam’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “I can imagine. How’s the shoulder?”
“Better,” Schatzi said with a nod. “I’m planning on going into town next week.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “You sure you’re ready for that?”
Schatzi huffed. “I’m ready. Maddie doesn’t think so, but I’m not letting this sling keep me down any longer than it has to.”
Maddie laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll make sure she takes it easy.”
