“No shot today, buddy,” he said gently. “I promise.”

Every part of Sadie’s body seemed to be shaking. She bounced Lincoln against her hip. “I know I need to protect the house as best as I can. I just buckled down and googled what to do.”

“Google?” Dan set one of his tanned hands on Sadie’s shoulder. “Listen. Why don’t you and Renee head inside and try to get ahold of Ethan again? I can handle storm-proofing both of your cottages.”

Renee’s heart warmed.

“Really?” Sadie said.

“Really.” He chuckled in that easy way of his. “I like to feel like my epic tool collection is not in vain.”

Still holding Lincoln, Sadie gave Dan a hug with her one free arm. “Thank you. You are a hero. I don’t want to sit around like a damsel in distress, but I’ve never really used power tools.”

“No big deal. I happen to love it.”

Renee suggested they hurry back to Sadie’s house, volunteering to pack a small overnight bag for Lincoln while Sadie called Ethan’s office downstairs. “We’ll want to be at Bree’s,” she explained. “Her house is on high ground away from the oceanfront. It will be much safer than Seashell Lane.”

“Oh, I don’t want to barge in—”

“Nope.” Renee held up her hand. “Stop it right there. We’re friends, business partners, and neighbors. You and Lincoln are always welcome. And Ethan for that matter.”

The relief in Sadie’s eyes made her want to scoop up the woman in a hug and assure her it would all be okay.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sadie stood in front of the bay window staring out at the gray sea, strangely anxious about calling Ethan’s office. Renee had taken Lincoln upstairs, asking him if he could help her pack while his mommy made a phone call. Sadie had to smile as she imagined the items her toddler would deem important during the storm, likely his blankie, a favorite book, and his fire truck.

You know, just the essentials.

She took a deep breath before pressing the “call” button. Should she provide some sort of explanation for calling the main line versus his cellphone? Would Patty Hubbard, the IT department’s administrative assistant, simply assume Ethan had forgotten his phone at home or that the couple’s wires had been innocently crossed in the confusion of toddler parenthood? Only spouses whose calls were being rejected would reach out this way, and Patty would know that better than anybody.

“Hello, how can I help you?” Patty trilled.