AllFreeNovel
Share Us
They knew how to make problems disappear.
I closed my eyes and let the air escape my lungs. I had to get a grip. I knew what I stood for. I could solve this problem like I solved all the rest.
And I’d be there for Sadie.
I stepped out of the mudroom and saw Sadie all bundled up, looking as cute as ever in her pink goose-down jacket that almost ate her up. Her matching pink gloves and knit hat made me think about how much fun we had here when she first arrived. It was in April, and the last mountain snow had peppered everything, giving her just enough powder to make snow angels. And before I knew it, we were gently wrestling in the freezing snow, kissing and…
“I’m ready. Are you?” Sadie asked, pulling me out of Memory Lane.
Thankfully.
She moved against the wall and smiled, catching my gaze. “What’s that goofy look for?”
“Honest answer?” I asked.
“Always.”
“I was thinking about the first time you dressed like a pink marshmallow when you arrived.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Oh, yeah. That was fun.”
I nodded. “It always is with you.”
Sadie’s expression fell slightly. “And then you had to leave for three weeks.”
It was like a piece of dynamite exploded in my heart.
She was right. I always had to leave.
I took a step closer, brushing my finger along her cheek. “I wish my life were different, Sadie. I actually—”
Sadie shook her head, cutting me off. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I can’t expect you to give up what you love.”
“It’s not like that. I’ve come to realize—”
She stood on her toes and placed a quick kiss on my cheek to stop me. “Let’s just be grateful for the amazing time we had together. I regret nothing, and the same should go for you.”
There was so much I’d wanted to tell Sadie. There were so many plans that my brother and I had discussed that involved the evolution of the company and my role… and then it was too late.
She held out her gloved hand. “Ready?”
“Absolutely. Let’s get you some fresh air.”
As we made our way outside, the chill in the air reminded me why I loved living in the mountains year-round.
Granite Peak was a fantastic place to recharge after a high-intensity job. Pretty much everyone left everyone alone, and the tourists generally only added a bit of liveliness during the ski, leaf, and ATV seasons.
It was the solitude I’d craved growing up in such a vigorous family. I was so grateful for my parents and the life they’d given us and the knowledge they'd handed over to us through the years. I’d just never expected the reason behind their cautious living to be so…
Horrendous.
“It’s so pretty with all the leaves changing,” she said quietly, her hand still in mine as she looked up to see the towering maples glowing fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. “The East Coast always gets the credit for leaves, but this is beautiful.”
I nodded, taking it all in through Sadie’s eyes.
“Are you sure you have to leave?”
I regretted the words as soon as I let them out. I wasn’t trying to make her stay for me. I just wanted her to be sure she wanted to leave for her.
