“The way we see it, we’re going to take our lemons and make lemonade,” Jill told her over brunch, as Bree’s boss, Nina, nodded. “Essie persuaded us the hurricane was simply clearing the path for bigger, better things.”

“So, what do you say?” Nina smiled. “Will you help us design our shops?”

“I’d be honored,” Sadie replied.

When was the last time she’d felt this excited?

The baby kicked, seemingly in agreement, and Sadie instinctively rubbed her hand over her abdomen.

“When are you due?” Alexis Vogel, a reporter for The Bog, walked over. “Has it been difficult juggling parenthood while starting your own business? How are you balancing it all?”

Sadie fought an eye roll. The kid meant well. But seriously, would anyone ever ask Ethan this question?

Not in a million years.

Hester’s was much more Renee’s business than Sadie’s—they’d agreed to split the profits seventy-thirty—but Sadie was certainly working a full-time schedule when she considered all the hours she was putting in on the rest of the Old Red Mill’s renovations. She’d been talking about taking over as special event manager once all the stores were up and running. There was so much potential at the mill, from holiday events to catered parties and even weddings.

“I’m due in November,” Sadie smiled. “And honestly? Being a working mother suits me pretty damn well. I love my children and my job. There’s no way to be a perfect mom, but this is my way to be a good one.”

And with a full heart, she walked to the front of the crowd, toward her future.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

Mom! Look over here! That’s it, strike a pose. I love what you’re serving here.” Tansy put her new Instax camera to her eye and snapped another Polaroid-esque photo. Wearing her knit violet dress and favorite denim jacket, her daughter looked like herself again.

“Dude.” One of her high school band friends walked over. “Your mom is the coolest.”

“Well, duh,” Tansy replied with a wink and Renee couldn’t hold back the ear-to-ear grin.

Renee looked around, taking it all in. Sadie was busy chatting with high school friends. Dot Turner was talking Dan’s ear off about resting heart rates and Sadie’s dad was clapping people on the back right and left. A pretty perfect scene.

“Hey, sorry to stop all the chitchat, but if we could have our families please join us up in the front,” Sadie called over the crowd, motioning for Ethan, Lincoln, Annette, and her parents to come forward. Renee did the same with Tansy, Bree, and Dan. Her people.

“I always knew you could do it,” Dan whispered in Renee’s ear, his warm breath sending a delicious shiver down her spine.

“Yeah?” She smiled up at him. “Well, now I believe it myself.”