soaked as expected. I’m going to have to reintroduce that girl to her dresser drawers and closet and what they’re used for. But I did find the culprit . . . the water heater. The ceiling has partially collapsed, making it a complete disaster.”
“What about her schoolwork? Is it okay?”
“I didn’t see any papers or books on the floor. Her desk is piled high so I assume everything is there or with her.”
“Do you have any trash bags to put Ella’s wet clothes in? We could get them in the washing machine as soon as we get to the lodge.”
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea,” Hope said weakly. She could feel herself beginning to cave—just like the ceiling in her daughter’s room. She didn’t have any other options. There was no hotel in Sweet Home, and even if there were, she didn’t have the cash for a room anyway. Plus Ella had school in the morning. “I guess we could stay at the lodge for one night. But not in the main house.”
“You’ll have to stay in the lodge, it’s the only place with beds. Unless you didn’t throw out the other mattresses this past week?”
Which reminded her that he’d left and hadn’t said a word. How many times in her life had she told herself to quit worrying over Donovan Stone? Too many! “Yeah, I lugged the mattresses to the road for Dewey Winkle to pick up over the weekend.” Thinking about Donovan’s absence this last week reminded her of something else. “You need security cameras at the lodge. You never know who might be lurking about when you’re not there.” Like someone clipping a note on your door!
“That’s a good idea. I want to make sure you’re safe when I’m not around.”
That wasn’t the point.
“So you’re okay with staying at the lodge?”
Ella wasn’t going to like it. She’d probably want to stay at Lacy’s until their little home dried out. Yet again Hope felt like a failure as a mother. “We’ll stay.” What other choice did they have?
There was a knock on the front door, and then Rick and Sparkle came in, their arms loaded with boxes. They both looked aghast at the waterlogged floor.
“What happened? A tidal wave?” Rick gave her a sympathetic smile.
Hope pointed up. “The water heater. It’s in the attic. Totally dumb, as it flooded the house.” She looked back into the kitchen to see Donovan carefully repositioning Izzie’s pictures. She knew it was silly but those pictures meant a lot to her. She was kicking herself for not framing them long ago and hanging them on the wall.
“Where do you want us to start?” Rick asked.
Hope pointed to Ella’s bedroom. “Ella’s desk would be great. I’m going to collect some trash bags to put all her wet clothes in.”
“Is there someone I should call about getting things repaired?” Rick asked.
“Thanks, but no. I’ll have to email the owner. He moved to North Carolina six years ago when his wife passed away. With the time difference, it’s too late to call him now.” For all the good it would do. True, Mr. Morse was obligated to pay for a new water heater, but how soon would he send the money? And she didn’t have spare funds to replace all the stuff that was ruined.
Rick gave her a concerned look. “Well, just know that I’m here to help. As an employee of Stone Enterprises, I’m completely at your disposal.”
Sparkle beamed at her man before taking a box into Ella’s room.
Hope only nodded. Stone Enterprises, indeed. She wasn’t used to having any backup besides Piney and Sparkle. Her mother, the town, and even Donovan had shown her their backs. She was alone in this world and she was scared to death of letting anyone in. Especially Donovan.
Before she could get to the kitchen for the garbage bags, Donovan appeared, holding them in his hand. “I found them under the sink.”
Hope took them as graciously as she could and was proud for not barking at him that she could’ve handled it herself. “I’ll get started.”
“Do you want help?” Donovan asked.
“I’ve got it.”
As boxes were filled, Donovan and Rick carried them out to their cars. Hope made sure to carry the box with Izzie’s Memory Tree pieces herself. When she started to drag Ella’s wet clothes to Donovan’s car, though, he reached to take them from her. She wanted to snap that she wasn’t helpless, but they were in a hurry. The temperature was dropping and