30. Sadie
I wake up early to bake a batch of muffins for Piper before she starts her drive to Kansas City. She’s planning to leave before the first of my day school clients arrives, or possibly before any more of my friends stop by unexpectedly.
Penelope was right about the effect of the viral video. I’m booked solid for the next three months and my waiting list is long—both for boarding and training.
I hate that dogs in crisis are the reason my business is flourishing again, but I’m not turning people away. Mona, my former assistant, reached out last night and asked if I needed help, so things must be bad over at Dogapalooza.
My gaze flicks to the window facing Ian’s house. The blinds are down, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling his presence. I lost too much sleep last night after realizing he and Riva had returned home.
I owe him an apology and an explanation. If my friends have anything to say about it, that convo will lead to me telling him I love him and the two of us will ride off into the sunset together.
Not sure I have the nerve to open my heart with the potential of having it shattered again, but it’s important he knows that I wasn’t using him for a memorable V-card story. I’m embarrassed I lied to Sloane and owe her an apology as well.
I’ve always prided myself on accepting myself for who I am, but my behavior in the past few weeks hasn’t lived up to that.
A fake relationship seemed harmless when Sally and Trina suggested it, and the idea of boring me being linked to snack-and-a-half Ian was exciting at the start. Then I got to know him—the real him—and I fell hard.
Beyond his public image, he’s deeply genuine and unpretentious. He listens and makes me feel seen in a way I haven’t felt before. Despite his past in the spotlight, Ian also values the quieter, intimate moments that matter most to me.
He’s a devoted dad, and with him I feel safe and cherished. I was careless with his heart, and I’m so sorry for that.
Hurting people—even accidentally—isn’t my idea of excitement.
I hear Max’s footsteps on the staircase. Princess and Beast have already eaten and been out for the morning, but Max slept in Piper’s room. The dog is going to be forlorn when she leaves, but hopefully she won’t stay away so long. Or maybe Max and I will take some time off and drive to Kansas City to see her.
I turn to greet her, then blink when I realize she’s still wearing pjs, yawning like she had about as much sleep as me last night.
“You’re supposed to be leaving early. Change of plans?”
She walks over, grabs a muffin from the wire rack, and pours a large mug of coffee. My sister can’t function or speak in the morning until she’s had at least a few sips of caffeine. She pours a generous amount of creamer into her cup then gulps down several giant swigs.
“Pump the double-shot brakes, Pip. And take a bite or you’ll get the jitters.”
She gives me an indulgent smile. “I could drink the whole pot and stay calm as a Tibetan monk. Don’t forget that most of my CNA shifts during nursing school were overnight. Sometimes it felt like I was mainlining coffee.”
“Hopefully, those days are behind you. Have you thought about where to look for a new job, a non-hospital position?”
She slides into one of the chairs at the kitchen table and crinkles her nose. “I like working in the hospital.”
“Then you and Bradley will have to?—”
“I’m going to apply to the county hospital here.”
My mouth falls open. “You want to stay in Skylark?”
Max whines at the back door, and I let him out to do his business. Princess and Beast follow him into the yard, so I leave the slider open.
“Would it be too much of an imposition if I stayed with you until I get settled?” she asks with a timid smile. “I can find someone to sublet my place in Kansas City easily enough, but I’m tapped out from wedding expenses.”
My mind is whirling with everything there is to unpack from this conversation. I start with the most straightforward question. “Why are you tapped out? When I offered to help, you told me the two of you had it handled.”
“The me part of we had it handled,” she admits, lifting the mug to her mouth.
“Piper, he’s a doctor.” I shake my head as I drop into the seat across from her. “Besides, I know you have student debt even with Mom’s life insurance money and your job.”
“Every time I mentioned an expense, he acted like I was spending frivolously. His mom made me feel like a cheapskate when I tried to cut corners. I didn’t want to ask you, so I took out a wedding credit card. I figured once we were married, I could pick up a few extra shifts, or he’d be willing to help pay it off because of how great everything went.”
I wince at that. “First, of course, you’re welcome to stay here. It’s your home, Piper.” I reach across the table and take her hand. “If you need help, let me?—”
“Sadie, stop. I don’t want you to rescue me.” She yanks her hand away with a pleading look. “Just be my sister, okay?”
Right. This is new me, not trying to fix everything for everybody. “Fine. You can stay here, but you’ll either help with groceries and do chores or pay my rent.”
The words sound funny coming out of my mouth and Piper laughs. “Way to put your foot down, sis.”
“It’s a start,” I say, and walk around the table to hug her.
“It’s a new start for both of us,” Piper agrees. “One where I finally learn how to take care of myself, and you let me.”
“I like that for both of us,” I say.
“Me too,” she agrees and hugs me a little tighter. “I’m sorry it took me so long to grow up. And I’m sorry I didn’t bring Max to live with me when I graduated. Maybe if I’d had a decent man in my life, even the canine variety, I wouldn’t have settled for Bradley.”
“Max loves you no matter what. So do I.”
She tears off a generous piece of muffin and pops it into her mouth. “Thank you for everything. Not just recently, but everything you sacrificed after Mom died.”
“She’d be proud of you for calling off the wedding.”
“Mom would have hated Bradley.” She grins up at me. “But she would have liked Ian.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Pretty sure I’m right, though.” She takes the last bite of muffin and stands. “I’m going to shower, then start figuring out my next chapter.”
“Wipe your crumbs first, please.”
“Taking your hard-ass era seriously, huh?”
“It’s about time.”
“Agreed.” She looks over her shoulder as she wets a paper towel. “Maybe your book club will let me join, I could do with my own bucket list challenge.”
As happy as it makes me that Piper is going to stay in Skylark, I want her to find her own way. She needs that. We both do. “Could be that starting over is enough of an adventure for now.”
“Maybe.” She winks and begins to wipe the crumbs off the table. “Do you regret making your non-existent sex life a part of your bucket list?”
“No longer non-existent,” I remind her. “And, no, I don’t regret being with Ian. But I do owe him an apology. Even if it doesn’t make a difference, I want him to know our time together meant something to me.”
Because, if I’m being honest, it meant everything.
I glance out the kitchen curtains toward his house. “I just need a bit of time to figure out what to say.”
Her smile is knowing. “You’ll figure it out. He’s a good guy. You deserve a good guy. Don’t sell yourself short.” She tosses the paper towel into the trash. “People make mistakes, but most of them are fixable.”
“Hey, Piper?”
She turns at the base of the stairs, Max at her feet. “Hay is for horses.”
I smile because that’s a bit we did when she was little. “I’m taking Princess and Beast to the farmers market and fun run this afternoon.”
“Good for you. I hope someone falls in love with them both.”
My hands curl into fists as I work up the nerve to continue. “Ian and Riva will probably be there. Is there any way you’d go with me as moral support? I don’t want to face Amanda—or anyone—alone.”
Piper inclines her head, shock clear in her hazel eyes. “Are you asking for my help?”
“It’s okay if you don’t want to.” The words spill out in a rush like a mountain stream during the spring runoff. “You probably want to keep a low profile right now. I’ll be fine on my?—”
She cuts me off with a flip of her wrist. “I’d be honored to be your wingman. Whenever you need it,” she says, and relief pours through me. “I’ve got your back with Amanda and anyone else who thinks about coming for you.”
“Thanks, Pip. I’m happy you’re staying.”
She blows me a kiss and disappears up the stairs.
Glancing out the front window, I see my first client of the day pull into the driveway. I smooth a hand through my hair and head for the garage to make the transfer.
The thought of showing up to an event half the town will turn out for gives me significant intestinal distress, but knowing Piper will be at my side eases the anxiety a bit. God willing, I won’t be puking on anyone’s shoes or making a run for a porta potty.
I should have let my guard down and allowed people in way before now. But no time like the present to create the future I want. I just wonder if I can convince Ian—who plowed through the walls around my heart like a three-hundred-pound linebacker—to be part of it.
The farmers market is in full swing, with people milling about the park just off Main Street when Piper and I set up chairs near the local Humane Society booth. Things are initially awkward as it’s clear everyone has heard about the fiasco in the mountains, but my sister and I are a team. And we’re a good one, despite everything that’s happened.
As Penelope requested, Princess is wearing her frilliest pink dress, and I even managed to bathe and brush Beast so his coat resembles fur, not feathers.
Several families approach, but no one expresses definite interest in adopting either of the animals. Could be because Beast is audibly farting at regular intervals, and Princess keeps growling low in her throat. Neither of them is exactly making a great first impression.
We’re also visited by a number of both of our former classmates. The consensus is that Piper’s better off without Bradley, and I’m selling myself too short thinking that I can’t get a man on my own.
It’s mildly humiliating, but once the novelty of rehashing the situation wears off, both Piper and I relax. We even talk to one of our mom’s old friends who works as an administrator at the hospital. She gives Piper her card with the promise of helping connect her with an open position.
My nerves haven’t fully settled because I know the most challenging part is still to come. Ian and Riva are bound to be here for the fun run.
Sure enough, about an hour after we arrive, a group starts to form at one end of the park—elementary school kids and their parents all wearing matching neon yellow shirts with the Skylark Elementary Wolves logo splashed across the front and a list of sponsors, my business included, on the back.
I busy myself adjusting Princess’s rhinestone collar, but Piper grabs my arm.
“He’s here, and he’s looking this way.”
I don’t need her to alert me to Ian’s presence. Moments earlier, goosebumps erupted along my arms and legs, a sure sign he’s nearby.
“Does he look like he wants to shank me?” I ask.
“He’s wearing sunglasses, so it’s hard to tell.”
I bark out a laugh. “Very reassuring.”
“Oh sorry, is this the point where I blow sunshine up your ass and tell you it’s going to be easy and you don’t have to publicly castrate yourself and beg for his forgiveness?”
“Something like that. Don’t quit your day job to become a professional wingman,” I advise.
“Hey.”
“Is for horses.”
She squeezes my hand. “If falling in love were easy, everyone would do it.”
It’s the reminder I need. As much as I’m not relishing the whole public humiliation thing, I love Ian. I’m in love with him. Hopelessly head-over-heels. Not because of what he is—a famous, hot-as-hell ex-football player. But because of who he is—someone who makes me feel safe and like a better version of myself. The version I want to be more often.
“I’m going to do this.” It’s unclear whether the words are for her benefit or mine. “I can do hard things.”
“Yes, you can.” She starts to take the leashes from my hand.
“Oh, hell, no.” I yank them back. “The dogs are coming with me. Canine moral support.”
“Um…if the idea is to not look like a fool, maybe don’t haul along the ugliest dog in America and one dressed like a cartoon character with an underbite.” Piper’s eyes widen. “Oh shit, too late. He’s coming this way.”
“Don’t look so terrified.” It’s hard to keep my gaze straight ahead. Even harder not to run for my car. “You’re freaking me out, Pip.”
“Because I’m freaking out.”
“We’re all freaking out,” one of the shelter volunteers whispers.
Piper swallows. “He’s taking off his sunglasses. Dang, he looks intense.”
“Pissed intense?” I crouch down to scratch behind Beast’s ears when my knees turn to rubber. He lets one rip, and I’m enveloped in a cloud of dog stank. Perfect.
“Intense like there’s seven seconds left in the Super Bowl, we’re fourth and goal, and he’s going for the win.”
“The win,” I repeat, trying not to choke as Beast farts again. Princess whines like she’s embarrassed for us both. I don’t blame her. “What’s the win in this scenario?”
“I don’t know,” Piper snaps. “But stand up, wipe the dog slobber off your jeans, and act normal. Normal for you, anyway.”
“Worst wingman ever,” I say through gritted teeth. And difficult to manage when my knees are still the consistency of Jell-O. Somehow, I manage to stand without toppling over and turn in Ian’s direction.
Riva is at his side, and both of them look like they’re on a mission. Nearly all activity in the market has stopped, and I notice groups of people drifting closer, silently, as they glance from him to me then back at him.
As a woman who doesn’t like to be the center of attention, I picked an interesting guy to fall for.
“Hi, Sadie.” Riva waves and does her best to ignore the gathering crowd. “My dad has something he wants to say to you.” She bites down on her lower lip like she’s trying to suppress a smile. “He’s been practicing with his coach.”
Ian glances down at her. “Subtle, kid.”
She shrugs, her grin widening.
“That’s great.” I sound like a cartoon chipmunk who just took a hit from a helium balloon. Piper pinches my arm. I stifle a yelp then clear my throat. “I have something I want to say to your dad, too.”
My voice is shaking, but that’s okay. Just because I’m willing to do something hard doesn’t mean I’m not terrified. Being brave means being scared but taking action anyway. Which is exactly what I intend to do.
“I’d like to adopt the dogs,” Ian blurts out, catching me off guard.
“What dogs?” Those words were last on the list of the things I expected to come out of his mouth.
“Beast and Princess,” Riva clarifies. “But that’s not what he’s been practicing.”
“It’s one of the things,” Ian corrects her. “It’s the thing you wanted me to say.”
“It’s not the only thing I want.”
The back and forth is making my head spin even more. “You want to adopt Beast and Princess? I thought you had a no-dog policy.” I glance down at the two dogs. Beast is straining on the leash to get to Ian, while Princess is straining to attend to her lady bits around the skirt’s tulle fabric.
His eyes crinkle at the corners just the tiniest bit as he offers a soft smile. My heart beats double time in response.
“Things change. This is one of them. I’ve talked to Riva’s mom, and we agree that having a dog?—”
“Two,” Riva interrupts.
“—at my house is acceptable. Riva’s going to be responsible for them. I’ll help too, of course, because I’m a Skylark local now.”
He looks at the crowd that surrounds us, and it’s hard to know whether he’s trying to convince himself or me or the people watching us.
“I’m here for the long haul,” he adds, nodding toward his daughter and the dogs, “and I’m here for you, Sadie.”
I hear a snicker to my left and turn to see Sally, her hand clasped with Trina’s, shaking her head. “Not exactly the smooth transition we planned, Playmaker, but go with it.”
“What is actually happening?” I ask no one in particular.
“I’m asking you to give me another chance,” Ian answers. “Awkwardly, but my heart is in the right place.” He takes a step toward me. “No matter how this thing between us started, my heart is with you. I think it always has been.”
“Fake news,” someone shouts from the back of the crowd.
“Shut your pie hole, Amanda,” Piper hollers back.
Ian sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “It’s not fake, not for me.” His voice is loud and sure and carries across the quiet square. Everyone seems to be waiting for him to say more. I’m right there with them.
He doesn’t disappoint.
“I fell for you from the start. I think it might have been that deer leg sticking out of your backpack.”
I snort out a laugh. “Or the fact that I called you a creeper to your face?”
“That, too,” he agrees, his gaze tender. “My feelings were never pretend. They’ve only gotten more real the more I’ve come to know you, Sadie. You’ve got the biggest heart of anyone I know. You take care of everyone else because it’s who you are. I love how you support the people you love—Riva and me most of all. You don’t play games, and I’m done chasing a ring or fame. I want real love, and I’m absolutely head over heels in love with you.”
There’s a whispered murmur in the crowd. I blink back tears as his words wrap around my heart, patching up all the cracks and broken pieces.
“Because she’s awesome,” Sally says.
“Because you’re awesome,” Ian repeats. “You make this place feel like home. I want you in my life, if you’ll give me another chance.”
“Please give him another chance.” Riva clasps her hands in prayer position in front of her. “And not just because he’s letting me adopt the dogs.”
“Because I love you.” His gaze is filled with so much tenderness, it makes my heart ache. “Not from pretending, but because of the real you. The one you don’t let everyone see. You’re strong and kind, and you make me feel like I don’t have to be perfect every moment. You’re perfect for me, Sadie. I’m going to spend every day proving it if you’ll let me.”
“Your turn.” Piper gives me a gentle shove.
“I love you, too,” I whisper, then swallow down the emotion making it difficult to speak. This is important, and I want everyone to hear it. “I love the man you are inside. And how you make me feel like I’m enough just the way I am.”
“More than enough,” he confirms and takes my hands, giving me the boyish, heart-stopping smile I’ve come to adore. “You’re everything.”
I lift our hands and swipe the back of mine over my cheeks. “I’m sorry for what you heard me say to Sloane. It wasn’t true. You’re the man I wanted to…”
I look around, because there’s public humiliation, and then there’s too much information and oversharing. I’m smart enough to know the difference. “To let into my heart. For real and forever.”
“So we’re done pretending?” he asks as he steps so close the front of him brushes against me, sending sparks zinging along my spine.
“So done.”
When Princess starts spinning in a circle, Riva grabs the leash from me and scoops up the dog.
“Okay,” she says, waving her hand between her dad and me. “You two do the kissy face stuff quick so we can start the fun run.”
“I like a girl who stays on task,” Iris says, giving Riva a thumbs up.
“Are you ready for the kissy face stuff?” Ian asks as he cups my face in his hands.
“Oh yeah,” I tell him.
And then his mouth is on mine, gentle but demanding, like a silent promise. Like a dream come true.
There’s a round of cheering, and he pulls back. “I love you, Sadie,” he says again, softly. This time, the words are for me only.
“I love you, too.”
The light in his eyes ignites a fire inside me, and I know that as much as Skylark has always been my home, this man is the place my heart belongs, forever and always.
Thank you for reading Sadie and Ian’s story.