Page 18 of The Fragile Truth

He considered her comment as he pursed his lips. “It is … most of the time. Except when everybody tries to butt into my business.”

Her eyes turned to saucers as a chortle sputtered from her throat. “I didn’t think about that.”

“My uncle is a pastor of one of the local churches. He thinks it’s his duty to save me from my wicked ways,” he grumbled. His comment was meant as a joke. He was taken back by the intensity of her gaze as she studied him.

“Are you wicked?”

He rocked back, not sure what she was asking. “I guess that depends on your definition of wicked,” he retorted.

Her features relaxed into a smile. “You seem like a good guy … from what I can tell.”

Something about the way she spoke her words fanned his curiosity. He knew so little about her. As much as Ian wanted Sadie to be impressed with him, it was better to be upfront. “I certainly have my share of faults.”

Her eyes held his. “Such as?”

“I’ve been known to leave the toilet seat up on occasion.”

She grinned. “You’re such a menace.”

He continued listing his faults before he could talk himself out of it. “I’m short-tempered, moody, and insist on doing things my way … with no help from anyone else.” He thought of his conversation with his uncle Davis. Ian knew that he’d shut God out of his life. The image of the old woman, broken and crumpled in the snow, kept returning to his mind. Blast his uncle! Lina had taunted him about being Superman and trying to save the world. So what if Ian wanted to make Summerhaven a better place? Was that such a crime? That was the problem with Lina—she twisted things around to make good seem bad and bad seem good.

“You’re independent. I can respect that.”

“That’s because you’re also independent. It takes courage to move to a new town and rebuild your life from scratch.”

“I suppose it does,” she answered in a tone that suggested she’d never thought about it before. She went to the oven and opened the door to check the lasagna. The cheese was bubbling and golden-brown on top. “It’s done,” she announced. “I just need to pop the bread in, and we’ll be ready to eat. Oh, there is one thing you can do to help.”

He got to his feet.

“Would you get our drinks out of the fridge?” She winked. “I got Perrier. I figured that was a safe bet.”

“Thanks,” he said, impressed with her thoughtfulness.

After the bread was done, they sat down to dig in. Ian was reaching for the basket of garlic bread when Sadie stopped him with, “Do you mind if we have a blessing on the food?”

Guilt pricked at him. She probably thought he was a heathen. “Sure.”

“I’ll say it.”

They bowed their heads and closed their eyes as she began, “We thank thee for this food, for our newfound friendship, for the gift of thy son, and for the many opportunities that are before us. Please help us to be aware of those around us who may need help.” She paused. “Please watch over us and keep us safe. And please help us to improve ourselves each day.” She ended with a hearty amen.

“Amen,” Ian repeated softly. “Thank you,” he uttered as they opened their eyes. “I can’t remember the last time I prayed over my food. You’re a good example for me.”

An emotion he couldn’t discern flickered in her eyes. “Dig in,” she encouraged.

The food was excellent. Ian put away three helpings of lasagna and four slices of bread, along with a fair amount of salad. Finally, when he couldn’t eat another bite, he sat back, touching his stomach. “That was excellent.”

“Thanks,” she hummed as she gave him a resplendent smile. It wasn’t only Sadie’s beauty that drew Ian in, but rather her refinement, grace, and her confident air.

“With cooking skills like this, it won’t be long until you make a name for yourself on Honeysuckle Island.”

Appreciation simmered in her eyes. “You think so?”

“I know so.” He reached across the table and took hold of her hand. Sparks rippled through him as he stroked his thumb lightly over her skin. “I have a few contacts. I could put in a good word for you.” He thought of Madeline Chasing. Ian and Madeline had butted heads when he suspected her son, Talon, of murdering Lina. However, now that Ian knew the truth, he was working to make amends to the Chasing Family. Madeline Chasing carried a lot of weight on the island. An endorsement from her could launch Sadie’s career. Normally, Ian didn’t go out on a limb and ask for favors, but for Sadie, he would do it.

“That would be great,” she said with enthusiasm.

He felt good about his decision to help Sadie. Even though he was just now getting to know her, Ian could already tell that it would be a waste for her to get stuck serving at a restaurant. “I was thinking that it might be fun to take the ferry out to Honeysuckle Island. We could get some ice cream, maybe watch the sunset on the beach.”