MY TOMORROW Chapters 7-10

CHAPTER SEVEN

Friday arrived, and the entire town was eager for tonight's event at the opera house to welcome the new schoolteacher. As Sadie prepared for her first public introduction, Sarah Ann and the ladies had worked tirelessly to transform the Opera House into a festive celebration space. The air inside was rich with the warm scents of baked bread, roasted meats, and pies filled with summer berries, ready to tempt guests who walked through the doors.

Sadie spent the morning as usual poring over lesson plans at the schoolhouse. She reviewed notes, picturing the faces of each young child she'd met in town—eager learners with curious minds and boundless energy. By afternoon, she joined the ladies in the community garden, where the sprawling plot of land brimmed with ripened vegetables and overgrown berry bushes. She met the Blairs, the Deckers, and the Ford families with some of their children. The children pulled weeds, picked beans and spiny cucumbers, and pulled red globe radishes, while also helping in the strawberry patch.

The garden was a feast for the senses. The earthy scent of soil mixed with the sweetness of strawberries, and a hint of tang from dill and other herbs met Sadie's nose. Sadie dug her hands into the rich soil, marveling at the way God's hand brought life from the humble seeds. Each plant, each sprout, felt like a miracle; a reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope could still bloom.

Around her, familiar faces of the town gathered. Mrs. Blair called to her children to be gentle with the strawberry plants. The Decker and the Ford children darted between the rows, their laughter ringing out like a cheerful chorus. Sadie smiled as she watched the children pick beans and radishes, marveling as they cradled them like prized treasures.

Just then, the garden gate creaked open, and Sadie looked up to see Caroline waddle in, a basket balanced on her hip, her other hand resting on her rounded belly. Beside her, a small tow-headed boy toddled along, his chubby cheeks flushed from the afternoon sun. He spotted a pebble on the ground and eagerly dropped it into his mother's basket with a delighted giggle.

That must be Brady, Sadie thought, warmth spreading through her chest. He's so adorable! With his golden curls and toothy grin, the boy looked like he had stepped out of a storybook. A pang of longing struck her heart, and how she yearned for a family of her own, a little one who might share her copper hair and mossy eyes.

Caroline's voice broke into her thoughts. "Now, Brady, watch how Mama pulls the onion." She crouched, guiding his small hands to wrap around an onion stalk and tug it from the ground. Brady squealed in delight, clutching the dirt-dusted bulb as if it were treasure.

Sadie's gaze lingered for a moment longer, and her heart fluttered at the sight of the boy and his mother. But a knot formed in her stomach as he passed by. Caroline had always been her nemesis—the thorn in her side at the orphanage, and likely still the same spiteful girl now. Sadie silently prayed their paths would rarely cross.

Back at home, Sadie poured a few drops of rose water into her bath. As the water warmed her skin, she felt the tension melt away. She leaned back, closing her eyes, but the familiar ache of longing crept in. Without thinking, her mind drifted to Elijah Brownstone.

Where was he now?” she wondered. Out on his medical rounds, she supposed. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she remembered the boy he'd once been. The same boy who had sat beside her on that cold orphanage floor as they cut out paper hearts for the Valentine's party. Elijah had been her first friend, her first and true ally. She remembered he'd scrawled his name with boyish charm, his handwriting crooked but bold.

Sadie's cheeks flushed as she wondered if he ever thought of her, if he still held that paper heart as she did. Could true love be that simple? Is there such a thing as love at first sight? The notion seemed as delicate as the thin, faded paper, yet it had endured a decade of uncertainty, hope, and heartache.

When the bath water cooled, Sadie dressed carefully, pulling on a new moss-green taffeta dress that made her hair glow and her eyes sparkle. She tucked the red paper heart beneath her chemise, close to her own heart. If only you knew, Elijah, she thought, as she secured a jade clip in her hair, her gaze lingering in the mirror.

In the reflection, Sadie saw not the orphan girl from ten years ago, but a young woman who had worked hard to carve out a future. She'd earned her teacher's credentials and had become the person her younger self had dreamed of being. But still, doubts clung to her like shadows. What if the children don't like me? What if I can't reach Tommy, Sammy, and Michael?

Sadie pressed her palms together, breathed deeply, and lifted her worries to the Lord. Father, grant me the courage to do your will and the strength to see it through.

Just then, Florence's voice called up the stairs, "Sadie, it's time to leave. Are you ready, darling?"

"One moment!" Sadie took one last look in the mirror, reassuring herself with a smile. This marked the beginning of her new life in Rocky Corners, her second chance to create something beautiful from brokenness.

As she descended the stairs, she felt a sense of peace settle over her. She wasn't alone here. Florence and her sisters stood by her side, and maybe, just maybe, the Brownstones would too—if Elijah returned soon enough.

***

The June evening pressed in, thick and sultry, with towering thunderheads piling up in the western sky, casting an ominous shadow over Rocky Corners. The storm held a brooding promise, and with each rumble that rolled in from Oklahoma, townsfolk cast wary glances upward. The atmosphere felt electric, as if the storm was just waiting for the right moment to unleash its fury, bringing the potential of fierce winds, hail, and torrents of rain.

The Rocky Corners Opera House stood proudly east of the well at the crossroads, its windows ablaze with light that spilled onto the dusty street. Built shortly after the town was incorporated in 1873, the opera house had become the beating heart of local entertainment. Its vast two-story brick structure echoed laughter, lively music, and chatter. Tonight, it was alive with anticipation, filled with neighbors, friends, and families eager for the evening's festivities. The sounds of fiddles and brass from a lively band poured out into the humid air, mixing with the distant grumbles of thunder.

Wagons, buggies, and horses lined the crowded streets, tied to posts and trees, while folks milled about, catching up with old friends and laughing in clusters. Zim eased the carriage to the opera house's steps and hopped down, assisting Lillian and Florence before gesturing toward Sadie. She stepped down, her nerves tingling with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. A ripple of energy coursed through the air, and she glanced up at the swelling storm clouds.

"Is it the storm brewing, or just the excitement of the crowd?" Sarah Ann asked her husband as she adjusted her skirt.

Zim chuckled, patting his wife's shoulder. "Likely a bit of both! Folks around here don't pass up a chance for a good party with food and drinks!" He winked, making everyone laugh.

Florence linked her arm with Sadie's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I know you're nervous, dear. But remember, everyone is eager to welcome you to Rocky Corners. Just stay close to us." Sadie nodded, her heart beating fast. She stole a deep breath, trying to steel herself for the moment ahead.

Inside, the opera house was a sight to behold. The polished wood floors gleamed in the light of chandeliers, and the unique horseshoe-shaped balcony looked down upon a bustling dance floor. Wildflowers in vases adorned long refreshment tables on one side, filling the room with the faint scent of daisies and roses. The tables overflowed with cakes, pitchers of punch, and other treats tended to by familiar faces, including Kate Dabbs and Martha Johnson.

"There's Kate and Martha! I'll go say hello to them, Miss Florence." Sadie's face lit up with relief. But just as she moved toward them, her gaze caught Caroline, standing by the refreshments and watching her with an all-too-familiar look of disdain. Sadie's smile faltered momentarily, but she gathered herself and moved on.

Florence gave an encouraging nod, her watchful gaze sweeping the room. She spotted her nephew near the stage, his figure tall and dignified in a finely cut black suit and brocade vest, a glint of his watch chain peeking out from his pocket. She approached him, her eyes soft with admiration. "Horace, you look dapper this evening."

Horace grinned and adjusted the notes in his hand. "Ah, Aunt Florence, you flatter me. Isn’t tonight a wonderful occasion? Having Sadie here will be good for everyone." He tucked the paper into his pocket and added, "Just practicing my welcome speech."

Florence returned his smile as her gaze bore into her nephew's handsome face. "If your plan works, Horace, you'll make a lot of people happy. Me included! Has he arrived yet?"

Horace lifted a brow as he lowered his voice, "Not yet, but I expect to see him walk through the door at any moment." He stiffened a bit and drew a breath.

"Well, I do hope it goes the way you are expecting it to go, Horace. For his sake as well as Sadie's…"

"Dearest Aunt, my plan should go off without a hitch."

A drumroll of thunder punctuated Horace's words, underscoring the tension. Before Florence could respond, Mayor Zeke Laney took to the stage, silencing the band and waving jovially to the crowd. Dressed in his best suit, minus his coat due to the sticky heat, he tipped his beaver hat to the crowd. "Good evening, Rocky Corners!" His voice boomed, met with cheers. "I'd like to remind you that next week is our summer picnic, and you know what that means—food, fun, and plenty of competition!" The crowd laughed, and Zeke grinned wider. "But tonight, we've got a special welcome planned. And let's hope this storm holds off!"

Zeke continued with his cheerful announcements before calling out, "And now, I'd like to welcome the president of the school board, Mr. Horace Brownstone!"

Horace stepped forward, nodding politely as he acknowledged the applause. His gaze swept over the crowd, pausing at the entrance, where his son, Elijah, had just arrived. Elijah Brownstone, tall and striking in his crisp white shirt and dark vest, stood with an air of quiet confidence, though his face held a flicker of surprise. As the crowd quieted, Horace's gaze softened, pride swelling in his chest.

"Many of you know my aunt, Lilian Lamberson, is retiring from her role as teacher," Horace began, his voice warm. "After much searching, the school board found the right candidate to fill her shoes—a young lady of integrity and spirit. Please welcome Miss Sadie Danley!"

Sadie stepped forward, heart pounding as she met the sea of friendly faces. She stole a glance at Florence, who nodded with encouragement. Taking a steadying breath, Sadie turned to the crowd, speaking in a clear but soft voice, thanking them for their warm welcome and sharing her excitement to teach in Rocky Corners. As she spoke, her gaze drifted over the crowd, lingering on familiar faces—until she saw him.

At the refreshment table, holding a glass of punch, stood Elijah. Tall, composed, yet with eyes wide, his expression struck somewhere between shock and wonder. For a heartbeat, the room and the storm outside seemed to melt away. She took in his dark eyes, his raven hair, and a gentle familiarity that stirred memories. His childhood kindness, their shared laughter at the orphanage, the paper heart she had kept all these years. Her breath hitched, her words faltering.

The crowd's cheers swelled, breaking the spell. Horace laid a steadying hand on Sadie's back, guiding her off the stage, but her gaze stayed locked on Elijah. A flash of recognition passed over his face, followed by a smile that reached his eyes, softening his expression. The years between them vanished, leaving only the memory of a paper heart, a promise unspoken but never forgotten.

Outside, the rumble grew, rolling across the hills, and suddenly a peal of thunder echoed through the hall, followed by the first fierce drops of rain pelting the windows. The wind howled, rattling the doors, but inside the opera house, the storm between Sadie and Elijah had only just begun.

 

CHAPTER EIGHT

Sadie followed Horace, her legs feeling shaky beneath her. The room's warmth contrasted with the slight chill of the rain-swept night, and her skin tingled with anticipation. Horace sat next to his wife, and Sadie settled at the far end near the three sisters. Sarah Ann had thoughtfully set delicate glasses of punch and plates of savory treats at each seat. Sadie reached for her glass, gulping down the cool, fruity liquid. Her throat felt tight, parched by nerves, while her stomach churned with the conflicting emotions brewing inside her. It had been a decade since she'd last seen Elijah Brownstone, and here he was—only feet away, closer than he'd been in all these years.

Elijah approached the table, his boots silent against the floor, but Sadie felt his presence like a sudden burst of sunlight. He stopped by her chair, and her eyes traveled up from his rugged leather boots to his tall, lean frame until they met his gaze. Time seemed to hold its breath as she took in his features, the bronze glow of his skin, deeply tanned by the sun, the faint shadow of a beard emphasizing his strong jaw. His dark hair, tousled by the wind, lent him an untamed, roguish charm that hadn't been there in his youth.

"Sadie," he said, his deep voice a familiar, soothing balm to her frayed nerves. His hand came to rest lightly on her shoulder, a warm, steady weight that made her heart skip. She saw something in his gaze—a depth of feeling that mirrored her own—but he kept his composure, resisting the words he truly wanted to say.

"Elijah," she managed, her voice soft, trembling with unshed emotion. She longed to throw herself into his arms, to hold him as tightly as she had dreamed of over the years. But she held back, letting her gaze speak for her until he whispered, "Please stand up."

Sadie rose, and Elijah wrapped his arms about her. The warmth and his strong arms gave her the feeling of protection. The faint scent of cinnamon and whiskey drifted up from his collar, a rich, masculine fragrance that made her heat flutter with longing. She closed her eyes, feeling the comfort of his hand pressing firmly against her lower back as if he'd never let her go.

A sudden crack of thunder shattered the intimate moment, reverberating through the building and drawing gasps from the guests. Rain lashed against the windows, filling the room with a pulsing rhythm, the storm intensifying as lightning briefly illuminated Elijah's face. 

The front doors flew open, letting in a man drenched from the downpour, shaking himself like a dog. "Caught in a gully washer, I was!" he exclaimed, grinning as someone handed him a towel.

The commotion broke the spell, and Sadie felt a chill as Elijah's arms slipped from around her. She looked up to see Sue Ellen's disapproving gaze fixed firmly upon them, her ruby-colored lips pushed into a sharp, petulant smile. "It's good to see you've beat the storm, my dear son," she said, her voice cutting through the warmth between them like a cold wind. She patted the chair beside her, her eyes never leaving Sadie. "Come sit. You must be tired from your long journey."

Elijah gave Sadie's hand a gentle squeeze, reluctance clear in his eyes as he held on a moment longer before drawing a deep breath and replying, "Yes, I would've been drenched if I were still on the road…"

Elijah pulled out the empty chair between Lillian and Florence, and Sadie sat down. Her heart crashed as she watched him take the seat next to his mother.

Horace rose, raising his glass of punch with a broad, warm smile. "We're glad you're safe and dry. Let's have a toast!" He glanced at Sadie, his eyes twinkling with pride. "To our new schoolteacher, Sadie Danley. May her life blossom and bloom with love and success!"

A cheer rose around the table, and Sadie's cheeks flushed as glasses clinked. She savored the toast, feeling for a moment like she belonged, basking in their acceptance. But then Abby Crowe appeared, gracefully balancing a plate and a glass as she approached with a dazzling smile. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing eyes of vivid blue, and her presence drew every gaze, including Elijah's.

"Oh, I was hoping for a seat, but it looks so crowded here." Abby's tone was light, yet her glance toward Sadie was pointedly sweet.

Caroline stood abruptly, making space with a deliberate flourish. "Nonsense, Abby! We'll make room for you right here between Elijah and me." She directed Andrew to bring another chair, her voice ringing out with all the practiced charm of someone who had orchestrated this very moment. Abby took her seat, beaming up at Elijah.

Florence broke the tension by greeting her great-nephew with a fond smile. "Lige, I'm glad to see you again. You're the spitting image of your father!"

Elijah laughed, lifting his glass to her with a wink. "Then I'm quite fortunate."

Conversation resumed around the table, easy and cheerful, but Sadie felt a gnawing ache in her chest as she watched Abby leaning toward Elijah, laughing softly as they chatted. Sadie forced herself to focus on Lillian, who told a lively story in her animated voice about the upcoming summer picnic. But her gaze drifted back to Elijah and Abby, their familiarity stirring a sharp pang of doubt.

As the evening wore on, Sadie met and exchanged polite smiles with townsfolk who came to introduce themselves. Thunder rumbled in the distance as the storm began to diminish, and guests gathered their things and prepared to leave. Sadie busied herself, helping Sarah Ann and Florence clear the plates and sweep up, glancing now and then to see if Elijah would seek her out. But he was gone.

Her heart sank, disappointment weighing heavily as she gathered the dishes. She had hoped for another moment with Elijah, just one more chance to hold his gaze, to feel his warmth. She couldn't shake the embrace they had shared earlier, how secure and cherished she had felt. Yet he had left quietly, without so much as a farewell.

Was she clinging to a hope that didn't exist? That hug had been real, a warmth she hadn't felt in years, but perhaps she had imagined its depth. And then there was Abby, laughing with him as if they were close—maybe more than close. Sadie felt a pang of envy, sharper than she cared to admit, as Abby's beauty and ease haunted her thoughts.

What could she offer Elijah? She was an orphan, a woman who had fought for every shred of dignity and hope. Elijah had grown into a man of stature and means, a doctor who was respected and admired. Why would he be interested in her if he could have someone like Abby Crowe? The thought left her hollow as if the world she'd built around her dreams had crumbled to dust.

She pressed her hand to her chest, where the small paper heart lay hidden against her skin. It was as if her own heartbeat was in rhythm with its fragile pulse, yet now, she felt it sink like a stone. The rain pooled in the streets outside, and she could almost hear her own heart's hopes wash away with it, dissipating into the night.

***

The next morning, sunlight burst through the clouds, bright and clear, chasing away the remnants of last night's storm. Puddles filled the rutted roads, and in the fields, gleaming like small mirrors, a reminder of the rain's force. The wind had scattered barrels and baskets around the fenced garden, and rows of sweet corn leaned, bent at odd angles as if exhausted by the storm's relentless battering.

The songbirds singing in the trees woke Sadie from her fitful sleep. She hadn't rested at all, her mind restless, drifting back to memories of Elijah and whispered secrets of the orphanage. Her energy was gone, her limbs heavy with fatigue. Today, she decided she would seek solace in solitude. She'd rest her weary spirit and sort through her tangled thoughts. With its quiet solitude, the cemetery seemed the perfect place to do just that. She planned to stop by the schoolhouse for a book on plants, a little something to keep her mind occupied.

The storm had left debris scattered across the schoolyard, fallen branches, leaves, and patches of tangled grass still wet. As Sadie passed the playground, a tall basket lying on its side caught her eye. She stepped towards it, wondering who might've lost it. Before she reached it, her foot snagged against something sharp. A sudden, sharp pull stopped her.

Before she could fully register what was happening, her dress caught, and pain sliced across her thigh. She looked down, horror dawning as she saw the barbed wire coiled against her leg, tangling her dress, digging deeper. Her dress was torn, ripped by the wire. Thank goodness she wore her boots; they protected her ankles and feet. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself not to cry, but tears slipped out as pain pulsed through her legs. She was caught.

"Help!" Desperation surged as the reality of her predicament sank in. She struggled to remove the wire from her dress, but it held tight, and she scratched her hands. Each movement seemed to make the wire tighten around her, digging deeper. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to think of what to do. The wire was scattered all around her.

As she tried once again to untangle her dress, her movements caught her off balance, and down she went, rolling onto the sharp barbs. This time, the wire gouged her upper right arm and grazed her cheek. She knew she was bleeding from the pungent smell and the drops that fell onto her wet, ruined dress. She was in big trouble.

"Sadie!" A familiar voice called out urgently, and her eyes flew open to see Elijah sprinting toward her.

"Stop, Elijah! There's wire! Barbed wire, don't get too close!" she warned, her voice strained with pain and relief.

He halted, eyes wide as he took in her predicament.

"What on earth…" he muttered, carefully approaching, his gaze scanning the tangled mess of wire. "I'll get you out of this, but it might hurt a little. Trust me?" he said gently, reaching down.

She nodded, pushing the tears out of her eyes. Her fingers clung to his hand, her heart pounding. With steady hands, Elijah guided her up, gently disentangling her from the wire, each movement deliberate as he worked to free her without causing further injury. Finally, he had freed her enough to move away. He pressed a handkerchief into her hand. "Press this against your cheek to stop the bleeding. Now, step right where I do, all right?" he said, pressing down the wire with his boots to clear a path.

As he helped her forward, his gaze caught on something red in the grass. "What's this?" He bent to pick it up—a paper heart, dampened but still intact.

Sadie's breath caught. "My heart!" she whispered, reaching for it with trembling fingers. Elijah's eyes softened as he recognized the token he'd given her so long ago at the orphanage.

"You kept this?" His voice was low, almost a murmur, as he placed the heart in her hand. The world seemed to pause as their eyes met, a shared memory passing between them like a bridge to the past.

"Yes," she whispered, closing her hand around it, the damp paper pressing into her palm. She barely felt the pain of her wounds, her heart swelling as the warmth of his hand steadied her.

Once they were free of the wire, Elijah scooped Sadie up without a word and carried her inside the schoolhouse, setting her carefully on a bench. He glanced around, his face growing concerned when he saw the empty water bucket. "I'll take you to my office, where I can tend to these cuts properly," he said firmly. And before she could protest, he lifted her again, carrying her to his buggy and driving to his practice with quiet, focused determination.

At his office, Elijah gently placed Sadie on a long table draped with a clean white sheet. His hands were careful as he washed her wounds with warm, soapy water, the cloth gliding over the cuts and scrapes. The sting of the soap made Sadie wince, but his touch was so gentle it comforted her.

"Tell me what happened," he asked, his voice soft but edged with concern. She explained how she'd seen the basket and assumed the storm had scattered it into the yard. He methodically cleaned each wound as he listened, then snapped off two pieces of aloe from a large plant on the windowsill, smoothing the cool gel over her cuts.

"This should help," he said, his tone reassuring. The cuts aren't deep enough to require stitches. We'll leave them uncovered to breathe, just for a bit." His fingers brushed against hers as he held her gaze, his expression unreadable. He turned his attention to her cheek. He removed the handkerchief and examined the scrape. His face was so close she felt his breath upon her—minty and a whiskey smell.

Sadie felt warmth rise to her cheeks. She glanced at his eyelashes, then dipped to his lips, where they pursed as he carefully blotted the blood away. "Thank you for coming when you did." She wanted him to kiss her. To taste the whiskey upon his lips, herself. Her green eyes closed in response to a deep breath.

Elijah dabbed her cheek with the rest of the aloe gel. He paused, rubbing a hand over his chin. "I'm just glad I was nearby." He hesitated, his gaze thoughtful. "It's strange, though—how did that barbed wire end up in the yard in the first place?"

Sadie shrugged, "Maybe the storm blew it in from somewhere."

His expression grew skeptical, his brows knitting together. "Barbed wire's heavy, and that storm wasn't strong enough to move it like that." He sighed as if shelving the thought for now, then helped her down carefully. "Regardless, you're safe now."

Sadie managed a laugh despite the sting of her wounds. "You're my knight in shining armor, Elijah."

He chuckled, leading her to the buggy. "And you're the princess in need of rescuing, it seems." As they rode, Elijah glanced her way. "I hope you're free for supper tonight. There's been too much time between us, Sadie. Let's catch up at the cafe."

Sadie's heart swelled as she looked at him, her earlier pain fading in the warmth of his smile. "I'd like that."

When Elijah dropped her off, Sadie watched him from the window, a mix of exhaustion and contentment settling over her. Her heart fluttered with a new, hopeful rhythm, the memory of his light touch lingering like a whisper on her skin. Could her dream be within reach? Could Elijah Brownstone be her dream come true? A future here with Elijah, building a family together, seeing their dreams burst into a love like no other. Just like the fairy tales of old.

 CHAPTER NINE

Elijah stepped out of his small, neatly organized office, his leather satchel swinging at his side. The warm summer air hit his face, carrying the faint scent of roses in bloom and the distant clatter of wagons on the road. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten since dawn. He decided to head home for a quick bite before resuming his afternoon calls.

As he approached the house, the cheerful clapboard exterior painted a pristine white with dark green shutters belied the tension that always seemed to linger within. His hand paused on the brass doorknob when his parents' sharp, overlapping voices cut through the stillness.

"Elijah, you fool," he muttered, tightening his jaw. "You knew this would be waiting for you."

He shut his eyes and inhaled deeply, letting the familiar scent of baked bread, roasted ham, and sharp pickles waft through the door. It reminded him of the home he wanted but never truly had. A home that wasn't ruled by strife. Maybe soon, he would buy a house and get out of this one.

When he pushed the door open, the wooden frame creaked, silencing the voices from the kitchen. The sound of his boots hitting the waxed plank floor echoed ominously. Elijah stopped in the entryway, the dining table in sight, with his parents seated opposite each other, the tension between them palpable.

"Elijah," Sue Ellen greeted, her tone overly bright as she adjusted her collar and wiped her red face with a handkerchief. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, a telltale sign she'd worked into one of her usual frenzies. "Come sit, darling. I'll fix you a plate—"

"No, Mother," Elijah cut her off sharply, his tone like a whip crack in the air. "Stay seated. I've suddenly lost my appetite."

Horace, who had just begun to rise, froze in mid-motion. He lowered himself back into the chair, rubbing his temples as though bracing for another tirade. His gray tie hung loose about his neck, and his face, furrowed with worry lines, looked older than his years. He avoided Elijah's gaze, choosing instead to stare at the centerpiece on the table, a weak distraction from the gathering storm.

"Father, sit," Elijah commanded, his voice firm but not unkind. "We're going to have this out, here and now."

Sue Ellen stiffened, her lips pursed into a thin line as she fanned herself with the tea towel. "I don't know what you mean by this behavior, Elijah, but I won't be spoken to like some common—"

"Enough!" Elijah's voice boomed, reverberating against the high ceiling. His fists curled at his sides as he took a step forward. "Do you hear yourselves? Do you even know how far your voices carry? I could hear you arguing from the street! It's embarrassing! You are embarrassing!"

His mother gasped, her hand flying to her chest as though she was struck. "How dare you—"

"Dare? Oh, I dare, Mother." Elijah's brown eyes darkened like a fire roaring behind them. "Because I have lived with this madness all my life. You, with your sharp tongue, belittle anyone who crosses you. And Father—" He turned to Horace, who shrank slightly under his son's piercing gaze. "You let her. Day after day, you sit there like a whipped dog, letting her tear you to pieces!"

Horace's head jerked up slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. His shoulders hunched forward, as if he were trying to make himself smaller.

"You two have poisoned this house with your bitterness. Not just for yourselves, but for me."

The room fell deadly silent. Only the steady ticking of the wall clock punctuated the tension. Sue Ellen's face crumpled, and she blinked rapidly, her eyes glistening with tears.

"You think I haven't noticed?" Elijah continued, softening only slightly. "Mother, your health is failing. Your hands tremble, your heart races, and your stomach churns because you live in a constant state of anger. Do you even care what this does to you? Or to Father? Or to me?"

His mother's lip quivered. She fumbled with her tea towel, twisting it in her hands. "I…I didn't know you felt this way," she admitted in a small, broken voice.

"Well, now you do," Elijah's tone was still firm but tempered with something resembling hope. "And I intend to help you if you'll let me. Tomorrow morning, you'll come to the office. We'll discuss your health and what we can do to improve it."

Sue Ellen nodded, her usual defiance momentarily stripped away. Elijah turned to Horace, who had straightened slightly in his chair, looking at his son with an expression that teetered between guilt and admiration.

"And you, Father. You'll come after her. You may not bicker like Mother, but your silence and inaction have done just as much damage."

Horace gave a slow nod. "You have my word, Elijah. I'll come."

Satisfied, Elijah stepped back, his chest heaving with the weight of his words. "Good. Now, I've got supper plans at the cafe with Sadie—"

At the mention of her name, Sue Ellen's head snapped up. "Sadie Danley? That orphan girl? Elijah, no son of mine will marry an orphan…."

"Enough, Mother!" Elijah thundered, his voice filled with the finality of a gavel strike. "Did I say anything about marriage? I did not. In fact, I refuse to marry anyone. And do you know why?" He stopped and let his words sink in.

Sue Ellen huffed, "I forbid it!"

A sneer broke over Elijah's face. "I've decided not to marry because I've seen what marriage looks like right here. And I want no part of it! And I will not allow you to heap your wrath on Sadie. She's more of a lady than you'll ever admit. If you cannot respect her, you'll also lose my respect."

Without waiting for a response, he spun on his heel and marched out, the heavy thud of his boots echoing behind him. Lunch was forgotten. Elijah's stomach had turned sourer than milk setting out in the summer sun.

Horace sighed deeply, rubbing his temple before pushing back his chair. "You have much to think about, Sue Ellen. You'll listen to that boy if you care about this family." He stood, adjusted his tie, and left without another word.

Left alone at the table, Sue Ellen pressed trembling hands to her mouth, tears slipping down her cheeks. She felt the weight of her son's words settling into her heart for the first time.

***

The blazing afternoon sun glared through the Bank of Brooming County's wide glass windows. Horace entered the warm interior of the town bank with heavy steps, sweat trickling down his temple. His broad shoulders slumped beneath the weight of Elijah's words as his ever-present cane thumped across the floor. His hand lingered on the polished brass knob of his office door before turning it.

Once inside, he closed the door firmly, cutting off the faint murmur of clerks and customers in the lobby. The heavy click of the latch echoed in the small room. The smell of wood and ink hung in the air. Horace pulled the blinds, casting streaks of muted light across his oak desk and the carpet below.

Lowering himself into the plush leather chair behind his desk, he sighed, his chest rising and falling with the effort. The chair creaked under his weight, a familiar sound that seemed to scold him for his inaction over the years due to rheumatism. He rubbed the coarse stubble on his cheek, feeling the grit of the day's neglect, and stared at the ledger before him. Numbers stretched across the page, but his mind was elsewhere.

Elijah's anger still reverberated in his ears. His son had finally spoken the truth, shattering the fragile, unspoken truce that had governed their family for decades. "You're an embarrassment to me," Elijah's words rang again in Horace's mind. He flinched, gripping the edge of the desk, his knuckles whitening.

Horace drew in a sharp breath, held it, and released it with a force that stirred the papers on his desk. He knew the boy was right. He had allowed his wife's harsh words and controlling ways to cow him. But there was a reason—one he rarely admitted, even to himself.

He loved Sue Ellen.

Horace leaned back in the chair and gazed at the ceiling, where cracks spidered out from the edges of the plaster medallion holding the light fixture. He thought of their younger days when Sue Ellen's laughter had been a balm to his wounded soul, her fiery spirit a beacon. Somewhere along the way, after losing multiple miscarriages, that fire had turned destructive, consuming their peace and burning him.

His fingers tapped the desk in an uneven rhythm as he considered Elijah's declaration about marriage. The boy had sworn off the institution, and the revelation gnawed at Horace's heart.

No wife? No family? Horace shook his head, his brow furrowing. "Preposterous," he muttered aloud.

He turned to a small, framed photograph on his desk, the image of a young Elijah clutching a fishing pole and grinning beside Horace at the riverbank. His only biological child, the boy in the picture, had been hopeful and bright-eyed. Somewhere along the years, that hope had dimmed, and Horace knew he was partly to blame.

Horace's gaze shifted to the ledger. His plan to bring Sadie Danley to Rocky Corners suddenly felt more urgent than ever. He had long suspected Elijah's feelings for the girl, and after the party, he was certain. The way his son had watched her, his eyes softening whenever she smiled, it was unmistakable.

Resting his elbows on the desk, Horace clasped his hands together and pressed them to his lips. "This has to work," he whispered.

He had failed Elijah as a father in many ways, but he could make this right. If he could help bring Sadie and Elijah together, perhaps his son could find the happiness Horace had once dreamed of—and perhaps reclaim for himself a sliver of the man he used to be.

The chair creaked again as he stood, his determination settling over him like a tailored coat. He straightened his tie and smoothed the front of his waistcoat, his resolve hardening with each motion. The faint hum of life outside his office seemed to surge, a reminder of the bustling town and the responsibilities awaiting him.

There was work to do. But as soon as he could, he would speak with Elijah and tell him the truth about how he brought Sadie to Rocky Corners. And why.

***

Sue Ellen sank onto her plush feather-tick mattress, the bedframe creaking slightly beneath her weight. The midday sun filtered through the lace curtains, painting mottled patterns across the room's floral wallpaper. The oppressive heat pressed down on her, and she dabbed a cool, damp cloth against her throbbing temples.

The headache was relentless, a pounding reminder of Elijah's outburst. His accusations stung, but not because they were true, at least, she told herself.

She adjusted the cloth over her eyes, shutting out the light. Mean? Cruel? The words echoed in her mind, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Ridiculous," she muttered under her breath. Sue Ellen Perkins Brownstone wasn't cruel! She was practical, decisive, and knew how to take control.

Her thoughts drifted back to her childhood, when chaos reigned. An unruly household, a scatterbrained mother, and an alcoholic father had left her desperate for order. When she married Horace, his easygoing nature seemed like a godsend. He was agreeable to her decisions and content with letting her manage the household in its entirety. Over the years, she'd taken the reins completely, steering their family's course with a firm hand.

Her fingers tightened around the cloth. Change? After decades of controlling every aspect of their lives, could she change now?

The question was as unwelcome as Elijah's accusations.

Her thoughts shifted to Sadie Danley. The mere idea of the girl standing beside her son as his wife made Sue Ellen's chest tighten. Elijah was accomplished and educated—a doctor. Sadie? A simple orphan with no family name to speak of, no legacy worth mentioning. Sure, the girl had earned her teaching credentials, but Sue Ellen's lips twisted in doubt. How had she paid for it?

Lifting the cloth from her eyes, Sue Ellen stared at the ceiling, her brows furrowing. Florence must have had a hand in it. Her husband's aunt was soft-hearted and foolish enough to waste resources on someone like Sadie. Sue Ellen's breath came quick and shallow as unease bubbled beneath the surface.

Elijah needed someone suitable, a wife with standing and means, not some charity case.

Her gaze shifted to the vanity table, where her silver-handled hairbrush gleamed in the light. She needed to talk to Caroline and find out if Abby had made headway with Elijah. They sat together at the party last night, which was a good turn. Together, they could ensure Elijah stayed far away from Sadie Danley.

Placing the cloth aside, the headache began to dull, but her resolve sharpened. She would protect her family's future, no matter the cost. Sadie Danley was an unwanted thorn in her carefully constructed life.

***

Despite her harrowing ordeal with the barbed wire, Sadie couldn't stand to be cooped up in her room. She slipped into a fresh dress, traded her boots for soft, worn slippers, and went to the Peace Hill Cemetery. The sun blazed overhead, but the promise of shade beneath the sprawling oak trees lured her forward. She craved the solace only the cemetery could provide, its quiet stillness a balm for her frayed nerves.

The wooden bench, nestled near a line of weathered, oversized headstones by the persimmon trees and the blackberry brambles, called to her. Their gnarled limbs stretched wide, dappling the humid air with patches of cooler shade. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of ripening fruit and mingled with the melodies of songbirds perched high above. Their trills seemed to weave a lullaby, and she allowed herself to sink into the calming embrace of the scene.

Settling on the bench, Sadie folded her hands in her lap, her thoughts turning to the earlier event. The barbed wire had torn her dress beyond repair. She sighed, picturing the faded fabric added to the rag bag destined for a quilt or a braided rug. Practicality was her strength, but the thought of the wire unnerved her.

Her brow furrowed. Elijah's question had stayed with her. Who would leave the wire in the schoolyard? Thank goodness it had been her and not one of the children who had been caught in the cruel metal. The thought of their tender limbs, tangled and cut, made her stomach churn.

Then, she smiled faintly. Elijah had miraculously arrived as if summoned by some unseen force. His steady presence had soothed her panic, and his touch, firm yet gentle, had steadied her trembling hands.

Her heart tumbled into her throat as she remembered how his fingers brushed her skin while tending her scrapes. The memory of his warm scent—a mix of soap and cinnamon—lingered, bringing a blush to her cheeks. She drew a deep breath, attempting to calm the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

Her lips curled into a wistful smile. What was this feeling? Memories from the orphanage surfaced, clear as day. Sitting close to Elijah as they made Valentines, she had felt the first stirrings of young love. His voice, tinged with hope and despair, had wrapped around her heart like a tender promise.

The raucous cawing of blue jays interrupted her reverie. Glancing toward the commotion, she saw them darting through the maple branches, their cries warning of some nearby threat, perhaps a snake slithering toward their nest. In the distance, a cow waded into the swollen pond, its lowing joining the symphony of summer sounds.

Sadie breathed in the earthy aroma of the grass and the warm breeze filling her senses. She closed her eyes again. Solitude gave her the space to think and dream. She wanted a family, a home of her own. Most of all, she wanted Elijah Brownstone by her side.

Her thoughts turned to the climbing morning glory vines on the fence row. Mixed in were other vines beginning to strangle the older headstones, overgrown by the brambles. Their creeping tendrils marred the dignity of the stones, and she resolved to clear them. Fetching clippers from the small garden shed nearby, she set to work.

The heat clung to her as she snipped and tugged at the vines. She piled the tangled mess in a heap, unaware of the faint, three-leafed warning on the shiny green leaves. The poisonous vines had woven themselves into the other climbing plants, but Sadie, engrossed in her task, paid no mind to them.

By the time she finished, her arms ached, and the sun was lower in the sky, casting late afternoon light over the cemetery. She straightened, brushing her hands on her skirt. She paused, glancing toward the pile of vines. "I'll burn that later," she murmured to herself, then headed home. Supper with Elijah was just hours away, and the thought quickened her steps.

As she walked away, the cemetery fell silent again, save for the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the faint song of cicadas. A quiet peace enveloped the space, though the vines lay in wait; their irritation was a lesson still to come.

 CHAPTER TEN

Sadie saw Lillian's house in the distance as she walked home. She noticed the slight itch as her hands and wrists turned red. Before she turned on the street to take her there, Tommy Dabbs rode his red bicycle toward Sadie, his hair blowing in the breeze and his face red from the exertion. When he was close to Sadie, he slammed on his brakes, making the tires slide on the dirt road. His laughter filled the air as he said, "Hello, Miss Danley! Do you like my new bicycle? Pa put a basket on the front for me!"

Sadie laughed at the young boy's daring antics. "Yes, it's a nice one! I'm glad to see you out riding in the afternoon sunshine."

"Mama had me ride to the store for baking powder." He glanced at the sack in the basket. "Hey, when are we going to play ball again?"

"Oh, very soon. When I return to school, look for me there, and we can practice. Is that alright with you?" She watched Tommy's face break into a giant smile if that could happen.

"Oh yes, that's great! I gotta go. See you later!" He waved and then took off again, riding like the wind down the road.

Sarah Ann and Florence sat with Lillian on the front porch when Sadie arrived home. A plate of cookies sat between the sisters, and their laughter and chatter filtered out toward the street.

"Halloo!" Lillian called. She wore a floral scarf about her hair, and she sipped from a teacup.

Florence raised her hand as she bit into a frosted cookie. A closed book lay on her lap, her lorgnette on top.

Sarah Ann wore the apron from the cafe and informed her, "We were just talking about you!"

Sadie smiled to herself. The sisters were always a bright spot on an ordinary day. Their antics were funny to watch. Sadie wondered what it was like when they were younger, still living at home. They had other sisters and one brother, and their parents were deaf! What a household that must have been. She compared her home life to theirs. Before her father was killed in the fire and her mother was taken to an asylum, they had a happy life together. Her brother, John, just a year younger than she, always kept the family laughing. Younger sister Phoebe was the baby darling, and Sadie and John kept watch over her while playing in their big backyard.

"I hear that you're meeting a certain young man for supper tonight," Sarah Ann called out, her face bright and teasing. "He came by the cafe this morning to make sure we had a table reserved just for you two." She waggled her eyebrows.

Florence and Lillian chuckled and made funny noises in their throats. "Elijah Brownstone's a good catch," Lillian interjected.

"Oh, Sadie caught his eye when they came to the orphanage to adopt. Elijah begged his father and mother to let him stay with her so he could help make the Valentine's party decorations. They enjoyed their time together!" Florence added to the conversation.

"And so handsome, just like Horace," Sarah Ann said. "That black hair is shiny like a crow's wing." She sighed, and then a little laugh escaped her lips. "And Horace got his looks from his father, and so on, down the line…"

"Horace's mother was a looker, too," Lillian interjected; her face was wistful. I wish she were still with us. God rest her soul."

Sadie knew her face was beet red, and it wasn't from the warmth of the June day. She rolled her eyes and stopped at the bottom of the steps. "He wants to catch up with what we've been doing for the past ten years." Her stomach rumbled. Smiling, she added, "My stomach is ready for a good meal."

"Cookie?" Lillian handed the plate to her.

Shaking her head, Sadie turned them down. "Don't want to ruin supper. How's the library planning going?"

All three sisters' eyes widened, and their mouths dropped open. "Oh, Zim is coming soon to start the renovations on the house." Sarah Ann's long face beamed. Her husband was a regular town handyman, always helping somebody do something.

"We'll have a library in no time!" Florence added, sitting straight and regal in her chair.

"My house is being turned upside down, but it'll be worth it!" Lillian's chubby face looked forlorn, but she brightened. "As soon as the library is open, it'll be a glorious day!"

"I'm itchy and hot. I'm taking a long bath and getting ready to meet Elijah." Sadie made her way inside the house.

***

Sadie arrived at the cafe and was taken to a corner table, where roses in a vase graced the table. A white linen cloth covered the table, and water goblets and a pitcher of cold water waited. She poured a drink from the pitcher and was about to sip when Caroline and Andrew appeared before her. Andrew held their youngster, Brady, by the hand.

"There's our schoolteacher. Sadie, how are you?" Andrew's greeting was warm and friendly. He wore a brown vest over a white shirt and brown pants. A silver star adorned his lapel. He pushed his cowboy hat back from his forehead.

Brady wore the same clothing as his father, and a paper star was pinned to his vest. His cowboy hat was a bit big and fell just shy of his eyes. His blonde hair peeked out from around his little ears. The four-year-old's eyes were as blue as the summer sky. He stood still, looking up at Sadie.

"Hello, Sadie." Caroline's voice was smooth and cold like molasses in January.

"Hello." Sadie's answer was nervous, and her words shook slightly. She spoke to Brady, "And you must be Brady?"

Brady's head bobbed vigorously as he answered, "Yeah, I'm Bady Cowe."

Sadie noted Brady's speech impediment. "Pleased to meet you." She stuck out her hand to the little boy, and they shook.

"We came in to eat. Caroline's feeling mighty tired tonight, so I told her not to cook." Andrew's voice held laughter and friendliness. His bright blue eyes sparked with happiness. Brady squirmed, looking around the cafe.

Sadie watched Caroline touch Andrew's arm and command, "Andrew, you and Brady get a table. I'll be right there. I want to speak with Sadie." Her face was drawn, and dark circles rimmed her eyes, and her mouth held no smile.

Andrew smiled at his wife, looked at Sadie and touched his hat, and led Brady to a nearby table.

Caroline plopped down on the vacant chair next to Sadie.

"How are you feeling?" Sadie's voice was polite. She knew the pregnancy was weighing on Caroline's body.

Caroline ignored Sadie's question. She hurried the conversation along, "I know you're meeting Lige here tonight for supper." Her blue eyes glanced from the cafe door and back to Sadie. "But don't get any big ideas, Sadie Danley." She leaned toward Sadie, her voice dripping with icy hate. "Elijah is seeing Abby Crowe, Andrew's sister." She watched Sadie's eyes grow round.

Satisfaction spread over Caroline's face. "Oh yes, they're practically engaged. I watched them whispering last night while they sat together. Abby's a darling girl; my brother is lucky to have snatched her. We all expect that Lige will ask for her hand since he's returned from his circuit."

Sadie's first thought was to laugh in Caroline's face. But she didn't want to entice the woman further and make the conversation ugly. Instead, her face pulled into a poker face, and she murmured, "And, Caroline, why would I care?"

Caroline drew back for an instant, clearly surprised at Sadie's nonchalance. "Just a friendly bug in your ear, that's all," Caroline spat out. "Don't get any big ideas that Lige is up for grabs."

Sadie did not look away from Caroline's rude stare; she held her own. She had to stand up for herself to stay in Rocky Corners. "It never crossed my mind." She couldn't help but arch her brow at Caroline.

Caroline drew herself up from the chair, her belly heavy with her baby. "See you around."

Sadie watched Caroline hurry to her husband and son just as Elijah entered the cafe. Catching a glimpse of his sister, Elijah threw his hand up, smiled, and then stood before her.

"Sorry, I'm a few minutes later than I promised." He beamed at her as he sat down. The smell of cinnamon and whiskey swirled around the table. "Did you see Caroline and her family?"

"Oh yes," Sadie answered.

A waitress appeared to hand menus to the couple, and the subject was dropped. They enjoyed a dinner of roast beef, vegetables, and warm buns fresh from the oven. Butter melted over the tops, and when Sadie took a bite, her mouth burst with homemade warmth and goodness.

All through dinner, Elijah talked about the last ten years and the effort he had to put into medical school. Sadie told Elijah about her time in college and how Florence had decided to come to Rocky Corners to join her sisters and her nephew.

Elijah reached for her hand but stopped. "Your hands are swollen. Are you alright?"

"Other than itching badly, I'm okay."

He dismissed her answer and went on, "I'm quite pleased that you were able to attend teacher college and now have a marvelous career," Elijah commented as he sipped his coffee.

"Well, that's quite the mystery," Sadie added. "I don't know how Miss Florence came up with the payment. But I'm glad that she did. I intend to pay her back as soon as possible."

Elijah nodded, wiping his mouth with the napkin. "Father won't hesitate to help you if you ever need a bank loan. I intend to visit him very soon and inquire about buying a house. It's time I leave my parents' house and have a place to call home."

Sadie thought momentarily, then inquired, "Are you thinking of getting married?" Her breath caught on the last word, but she needed to know his intentions toward Abagail Crowe and if Caroline was telling the truth.

His face changed from pleasant to horrified in an instant. "Married?" His laughter bounced off the ceiling and turned everyone's heads in their direction. "God forbid! No, never!"

"I'm sorry…" Sadie's voice was torn with shock when she started to speak, but Elijah cut her off.

"I have no intention of ever marrying. I'm quite happy as a bachelor, coming and going as I please. Like other couples I know, I shan't be tied to an unhappy, loveless marriage." He shook his dark head and took another drink of coffee.

Sadie felt her face drain of all hope. Her dream melted away like snow in the hot sun. Why was he so adamantly against marrying? She swallowed the heavy lump in her throat and brightened. That meant Caroline was way off base and that he wouldn't ask Abagail Crowe for her hand. But that meant he would not ask her for hers, either.

For Sadie, the evening ended on a sour note. Her body was itching with a slight burning sensation, which made her want to jump into Indian Creek. But Elijah's confession made her heart break. The ache in her heart thrummed viciously because having a family was the one thing she longed to have that she would never have with Elijah Brownstone. She was ready to go home and let her heart crash to the floor.

***

Elijah wasn't sure how the evening had ended so abruptly. Was it something he said to Sadie? He thought their evening would be fun to catch up on the past and get acquainted again. After all, they barely knew one another. Spending two days together ten years ago hardly qualified them as friends. However, for ten years, he carried that paper heart with him and thought of her freckles that danced across her nose.

He scrunched his eyes closed. He did feel something for the girl who had cut a simple red heart out of paper, signed her name on it, and given it to him. He thought of her ginger hair, hanging like bouncing ribbons over her shoulders, her laugh, making anyone stop to take notice, and those emerald eyes! Sparkling with love and wonder.

To him, Sadie Danley was delightful. No, she was more than delightful. She was everything he could want in a wife.

And then, it occurred to Elijah. His eyes popped open. He had been a fool. He answered her question with gusto about never wanting to marry! Reality hit him hard. His heart thundered in his ears. He shook his head, upset and angry. The echoes of Horace and Sue Ellen's arguments pounded his head. The visions of their angry faces and scalding words threw cold water on Elijah's thoughts of love and marriage. His gut felt stomped upon, and the energy drained from his body.

At that moment, Elijah knew that he thought of Sadie Danley as a friend, yes, but maybe even more. He wanted to be with her, hear her laughter, make her smile, and take care of her for the rest of her life. And the truth was, he did want to get married. He thought of the house he would buy and fill it with a big, happy family. He gulped down the panic and turmoil that came with those thoughts.

He was not ready. Would he ever be? What was he going to do? Could he take the chance and marry Sadie to have it end up like his father and mother's marriage? No. The answer was certainly a big no. He could not do that to himself, and he would not do that to beautiful Sadie.

But how could he undo what he had just done? Or should he even try to undo it? He stared through the window at the inky night, and stars twinkled in the heavens. He had a choice to make. Take the chance and marry Sadie. Or love her from afar and never commit.

Quickly, the answer came. Although he had only been home for two days, as soon as he finished up with the patient appointments, he would leave—get away from Rocky Corners and the woman he longed to have. He closed his eyes when dread washed over him. There was just one problem. He would have to return eventually. Because now Sadie Danley lived in his hometown.