Chapter 9 - The Summer of Firsts
Summer arrived at the Vale Estate with brilliant sunshine, blooming flower gardens, and green lawns stretching as far as the eye could see.
The house, once silent and mausoleum-like after Clara’s death, was now bursting with noise, laughter, and endless activity.
Sadi enrolled in a local private academy, excelling in art and creative writing. For the first time in her life, she had friends her own age, sleepovers, and birthday parties. Maisie was now a thriving two-year-old, running across the grass, chasing the estate’s newly adopted golden retriever puppy, named 'Sled' in honor of the wooden board that had brought them together.
One Saturday afternoon in July, Grant took Sadi and Maisie to the estate’s private lake.
They spent the day building sandcastles along the shoreline, swimming in the warm water, and eating picnic lunches prepared by Mrs. Gable.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple, Grant and Sadi sat on the wooden dock, dangling their feet in the cool water. Maisie was fast asleep on a blanket nearby, wrapped in a plush towel.
Sadi looked down at her feet splashing in the lake. She was wearing a pink sundress, her skin tanned from the sun, her eyes bright and filled with life.
"What are you thinking about, Sadi-girl?" Grant asked, putting an arm around her shoulder.
"I was thinking about the sled," Sadi said quietly.
Grant paused. "Do you miss your old life?"
"No," Sadi said quickly, shaking her head. "I don't miss Aunt Darlene or that cold house. But sometimes... I miss my dad. I wish he could see that Maisie is walking. I wish he knew we were safe."
Grant reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet-lined box. He handed it to Sadi.
"Open it," Grant said softly.
Sadi opened the box. Inside lay a beautifully crafted silver locket. On the front was an engraving of a small wooden sled surrounded by stars.
Sadi popped the locket open. On the left side was a photograph of her biological mother and father holding her as a baby. On the right side was a photograph taken last week—Sadi, Maisie, and Grant sitting together on the estate porch, laughing.
"Your father built that sled to protect you," Grant said gently. "He gave you the strength to drag Maisie through that storm. You never have to forget where you came from, Sadi. Your past made you brave."
Sadi held the silver locket against her heart, tears of pure happiness shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Dad."
Grant’s heart swelled at the word—Dad. It was the first time she had called him that without hesitation.
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He pulled her close, kissing the top of her head. "I love you, Sadi."
"I love you too, Dad," she replied, resting her head against his shoulder as the golden evening light danced across the water.
