Page 65 of The Fragile Truth

Later that night, Sadie and Ian sat cuddled beside a crackling fire on the beach. The canopy of glittering stars overhead was so brilliant that Sadie felt like she could almost reach out and touch them. The visit with Olivia and the baby had gone splendidly well. She and Olivia traded stories about Brent. Sadie could tell how much Olivia had loved him and how his death had taken its toll. She seemed excited about the prospect of meeting Brent’s mom and developing a relationship with Sadie. She apologized profusely for not reaching out.

Ian’s melodic voice interrupted her thoughts. “What’re you thinking about?”

She shifted to face him. Her emotions were brimming so close to the surface that she had to fight to keep her voice even. “When I lost Danny and got sent to prison—” her throat thickened as she coughed, needing to get the words out “—I was afraid that all the good parts of my life were behind me. For a long time, I simply existed. Now, however.” Her hand went up to cup his jaw. “I realize that the best is yet to come.” She was surprised to see tears glistening in his eyes. He rewarded her with a smile so glorious that she swore she could see the pearly gates of heaven.

“I love you,” he uttered.

“I love you back.” Never had those four words carried so much meaning. She meant it heart and soul.

No other words were necessary. She nestled into the curve of his shoulder as they lost themselves in the motion of the flickering flames and the rhythm of the crashing waves.

She’d often heard it said that the strongest steel is forged from the hottest fire. She and Ian had certainly weathered their fair share of adversity. Sadie supposed that the same could be said for every person on earth. Through all the heartache and disappointment, she’d learned to depend on God and to trust His timing. Sadie’s mother was often saying how God works in mysterious ways.

Yes, He does, her mind answered as she glanced at Ian, drinking in the strength of his lean jaw.And I will be forever grateful!

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