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“My parents fought constantly. They were always yelling or making offhand jabs at each other. There was constant noise, so I guess I just learned to keep my thoughts to myself. Easy, simple answers without explanations always did better in my house.”
“I’m sorry, Maverick.”
“It is what it is. Their constant fighting is actually what turned me off to marriage. I had to believe they’d been happy enough at one time, but then they just drove each other crazy. My mom spent more time crying than smiling, and my dad was always angry. I guess I never wanted to make someone miserable like that.”
“Being in love starts with a feeling, but it becomes a choice. At least, that’s what my mom always told me.” Her cheeks flush with color. “Feelings are fleeting, but love grows stronger when you make the choice to keep loving, even on the hard days.”
“Sounds like your parents were happy.”
“They were. Embarrassingly so sometimes.” Her smile falters. “I miss them a lot.”
“What happened to them?”
“They died in a car accident two years ago. A drunk driver hit them and pushed them off the road.”
“I am so sorry, Sadie.”
“Thanks. It was really hard. Thankfully, the family I worked for was great. They helped me pack everything up. Without Bella and Darren, I’m not sure how I would have handled that.”
“I’m glad you had them.”
“Me, too.”
“Have you thought about calling them and letting them know you’re okay?” Even as I ask it, I hate myself for doing so. What if she decides she wants to go back? What if she talks to them and realizes all that she’s missing by staying here with me?
“A few times.”
“What’s keeping you from doing that?”
“They never filed a missing person’s report for me.” When I don’t respond, she continues. “Whatever letter he sent on my behalf must have worked. The last thing I want to do is cause them guilt or pain by letting them know what really happened.”
Once again, she’s thinking about how what she went through might affect others. Despite the fact that their support could be what helps her move through this.
“What about your stuff? You said you were living in their guest house?”
She shrugs. “It’s just stuff. There are some things I wish I could get back, but to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t snuck in and stolen the bulk of it to make it look like I did leave on my own. I don’t think Bella or Darren would have bought me leaving without my things.”
It’s something I’ve considered, too. Though I can’t understand why they wouldn’t have at least contacted the police just in case.
“As soon as I get my license back from Captain Leopold, I can start trying to get replacement bank cards so I can access my accounts. I have decent enough savings that I can replace a lot of what I had. Because I doubt I’ll see any of it ever again.” She takes a deep breath. “Wow, that’s heavy.” She smiles. “Subject change?”
“How about I go grab the lasagna?”
“That would be great. I can help.” She starts to get up, but I shake my head.
“You stay there. I’ll be right back.” Taking the salad bowl with me, I head into the kitchen and set it aside, but as I’m about to lift the lasagna, I’m hit with this overwhelming desire to do something I’ve only done once now.
Pray.
So, even though I have absolutely no clue what I’m doing, I close my eyes. God, can You help her, please? Can You ease her pain? I want so badly to make her feel better. Seeing her hurting is killing me, but I don’t know what to do. She believes You do, and, if I’m honest, I’m starting to believe it, too.
SADIE
The music is so smooth around me. I stand and walk around, nervousness making it impossible to sit still. He did all of this for me. The lights, the music, the flickering candle in the center of a beautifully set table.
Never, in my entire life, have I ever thought I could feel this way.
This soul-stirring, heart-warming type of affection that only seems to grow with every passing moment.
