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I took another deep breath and jumped into action! I turned off my Jeep, slung my crossbody bag over my shoulder, grabbed the envelope, and speed-walked across the parking lot like I was competing in the Olympics. I yanked open the glass door with a little too much force, my hair blowing back in the rush. I needed to do this quickly before my courage faltered. I didn’t stop at my desk before heading to my supervisor’s office. I dropped the envelope on her desk before I could second-guess myself. Jill turned from her computer screen, her eyes widening as she took me in.

“Sawyer?” I reached out with a trembling hand to push the envelope toward her.

“Th-this is my two-week’s notice. I’ve decided to make some changes. If it’s possible, I’d like to introduce the kids to their new worker.” I stumbled over my words, but I wanted to ensure that the transition for the kids was as seamless as possible.

My heart raced in my chest. Those speed walkers may be onto something with their cardio. Jill adjusted her glasses, reached for the envelope, and opened it, glancing up twice as if trying to gauge my sanity. Her eyes skimmed the two pages before rising to meet mine.

“Yes, of course. We will be sad to see you go, but I feel confident you will make a difference wherever you go.” Jill looked at me as if she were proud, and I expressed my thanks as I made my way back to my desk. The aftermath of the adrenaline rush still made my hands tremble, but I settled in and pulled up my calendar. I had dozens of children to see in the next two weeks, and I wanted to tell each of them how special they were.

Then I paused, realizing something had shifted within me. There was a lightness in my chest, a fragile spark of hope that everything would be okay.

Chapter

Fifty-Three

Sawyer

A week and a half later, I tugged my dress down as the wind blew and stared at the restored historical building in front of me. It was cut limestone with large white-framed windows. A large sign broadcasted it as The Hope Center, and something about that tugged at my heart, because hope could truly change everything. I clutched the folder with my resume and letters of reference to my chest and walked in. I had corresponded with a man named Will who stated he was an assistant to the individual running the organization. My heels clicked on the newly refinished wood floors as I walked in. Everything was modern with an industrial rustic touch that felt fresh and welcoming. It smelled slightly of fresh paint, and I wondered if it was because of the beautiful mural of the Flint Hills painted on the wall. I was stunned as the two men turned toward me at the sound of my heels. It was Lane and Jonah. They didn’t appear to be surprised to see me, though.

“Sawyer,” Lane stated.

Lane smiled and walked forward, extending his hand. We shook as I tried to figure out what was going on. Jonah studied me, but didn’t extend his hand. His head simply dipped with a nod. His face was always serious, it was difficult to know what he was thinking. Lane was dressed in a suit while Jonah wore nice denim pants, a button-down shirt tucked in at the waist, and a blazer.

“We’ll meet in here.” Lane pointed with the folder in his hand.

Lane led the way, and I followed. Did he own this place? Why was Jonah here? What was going on and how was Soren? I wanted to thank him for the flowers, but I knew if I contacted him, it would be difficult to cut off contact. I couldn’t continue the same way I was. I had scheduled a therapy appointment, and by some miracle, I had been able to have three appointments already, despite being a new client. I had found a wonderful therapist named Susie, who was a recommendation from Talia. She made me think of Soren’s mom. She was an avid cyclist and yoga fan, but she had this way of being both kind and blunt and it was exactly what I needed. I needed someone to make me think outside the box, but also understood that my life experiences were unique.

A spark of hope had ignited in me again. I think that’s why the sign outside drew me in. I knew hope changed everything because it had begun to change me. We entered a beautiful meeting room that hosted a long boardroom table with ten rolling chairs around it. Jonah sat on the opposite side while Lane took the seat on the end, I sat on his other side. He flipped open the folder.

“My assistant has been the one to organize these interviews, it wasn’t until this morning that I saw exactly who I was interviewing. I’ll admit I was surprised to see your name,” Lane stated.

I swallowed.

“I was also surprised when I walked in. I didn’t realize both of you were connected to this,” I responded.

They looked at each other and then Lane announced,“Let’s get started.”

Lane tapped a pen on the table and proceeded to ask me questions about my experience, making notations on an iPad in front of him. This side of him was in stark contrast to the jokester that loved sports, and it was staggering. After thirty minutes of continuously answering questions with no input from Jonah, I was taken aback when Jonah interrupted.

“Why do you want this job?”

His voice was gruff and his face had that ever-present scowl of concentration. I wanted to run. This whole interview had been a complete shock. I pushed all thoughts of Soren out of my mind. When I considered working in his town and being surrounded by his friends, I didn’t think I could do it.

“To be honest. I’m not sure if this job is for me . . . I’m not sure I’ll fit into this town.”

I paused and looked down. My hands itched to pull the military tags from underneath my shirt. Jonah scoffed. My eyes burned, but I forced myself to finish. I raised my gaze that welled with tears, and met his eyes.

“I just want to make a difference. I want to do whatever I can so that kids don’t have to grow up the same way I did,” I said, despite the shakiness in my voice.

A shadow passed over Jonah’s face, and I willed my tears to stay at bay.

After a pause that felt incredibly long, Lane spoke softly, “Sawyer, thank you for coming today. We will have a decision by Monday of next week. I do feel I should make you aware of one more thing. Soren is on the board and one of the decision makers. Myself, Jonah, and Soren will be overseeing the center. Is that something you would be comfortable with?” I tilted my head.

“Why is Soren not interviewing?” I had to know the answer. Lane immediately turned to Jonah with surprise on his face.

“You don’t know?” Lane asked. My back shot ramrod straight.

“Know what?” I blurted as every fiber of my being stood at attention.