“We’ll find a way to work through this,” he promised me as he kissed my forehead.

I hoped with all my might that he was right because I just couldn’t imagine a solution that would make us both happy.

28

I spent a restless night tossing, turning, and feeling Peanut shift in my belly. Sam had gone home and Court was asleep, so I didn’t have anyone to share this new sensation with. I was pretty sure that the movements were big enough to feel from the outside of my tummy. It made my baby seem so much more real when I thought about it stretching and adjusting in there.

I had Monday off, so I decided to walk into town. My doctors were always telling me that walking was great exercise for the baby, and I needed some activity to take my mind off my no-win situation with Sam. Besides, I thought sadly, it might be one of the last times I get to enjoy the quaint little stores along the lakeshore before Sam turns the area into strip malls, condos and parking lots. Okay, that might be exaggerating, I admitted to myself, but I am pretty sure he is going to commercialize it beyond recognition.

As I walked along, I was shocked at the number of storefronts that were already either gone or had “Going Out of Business” signs in their windows. Had I been in a daze the last few weeks or had this all really happened this quickly?

I considered turning around to go back home, but instead, I forced myself to continue on and face what was happening. I almost felt guilty about it, due to my connection to Sam and Davis Industries, even though I knew that didn’t make any sense.

The little, herbal tea shop that I had intended to visit to see if they had any teas that would help me sleep (without harming the baby) was already gone. The cute bees-wax candle store that always smelled like honeysuckle and lilacs was empty. I could still smell the faint, floral scent as I walked past. The fun make-your-own pottery studio was an empty storefront. This was completely depressing.

The bookstore that normally had its shelves crammed with books was open, but the shelves were becoming noticeably bare. I ducked under the “75% off” banner and went inside. I found the children’s section and bought several board books and children’s classics for Peanut. I smiled at the kindly old lady who ran the store. I wondered if she was happy about being pushed into selling her store, but I refrained from asking. I was too afraid of what her answer might be.

I grinned when I saw the sign at the quirky store on the corner that sold nearly-new shoes, handbags, and accessories. Their big banner read, “Still Open and NOT Selling Out!”