Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
Harper
The bell over the door of Earth’s Own chimed as I stepped into the warm shop that smelled of cinnamon and cardamom. Strings of twinkle lights ran along the shelves, making the jars of tea sparkle like they belonged in a Christmas market.
“It’s always so welcoming in here,” I told Lauren as I scooped up a package of organic gingerbread. “I just love this store. What a great addition to Trickle Creek.”
“Thank you.” My new friend smiled warmly. “I’ve really tried to bring new and different products in.”
Lauren was hardly new to town, but because she’d moved here after I left, she was new to me. But both living and working in the plaza, we’d become friendly in a short amount of time. Especially considering she always seemed to be with Brody.
Well, less so lately, according to Grayson. There seemed to be some story between the two of them, but I didn’t know Lauren well enough yet to ask her about it.
From the back of the store, a customer caught her eye. Lauren turned to me quickly before going to help her. “Let me know if I can help you find anything, okay?”
“For sure. I was just hoping to pick up a few stocking stuffers.”
I took my time browsing the homemade soaps and bath salts, lifting each one to my nose to find the perfect scent for Grandma. I lingered over a cedar and orange-scented bar that reminded me of Grayson.
I was about to put it in my basket when a voice stopped me.
“Harper. Hey.”
I turned to see Doctor Samuels by the bulk bins, a paper bag of sliced almonds in his hand.
“Doctor.” I smiled. “I was actually hoping to run into you.”
His expression softened. “I hope everything is okay?”
“Oh yeah. I’m fine.” I hesitated. “I was actually hoping to speak to you about my grandma. She’s been pretty vague about her health lately.
I’m concerned that there’s not more I can be doing for her while I’m…
well, while I’m home,” I continued quickly.
“I want to make sure that she’s got everything she needs and help in the restaurant and…
well, I guess I just want to know what the prognosis is.
” I blew out a breath. Now that the question was out there, I wished I could take it back.
Was knowing the truth of the situation really going to make it any better?
The doctor smiled kindly as he shook his head. “Harper, you know I can’t talk about her case without her permission. Patient confidentiality.”
I knew that. Still, the words felt like defeat.
“I understand,” I said. “It’s just that Grandma is from a generation that doesn’t like to talk about these things. All she’s told me is that she’s sick. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how difficult it is for me to be far away and not know exactly how much…” I let the sentence drift away.
Doctor Samuels nodded and took a step closer. “I’m sure it’s very hard,” he said. “You’re planning on leaving for work again, I take it?”
I started to nod, but finished with a shrug.
“Your grandmother is a strong woman, but time does have a way of catching up with us all. Perhaps we can set up a time for both of you to come in together. That way, we can discuss any concerns you might have with her present and won’t be in breach of any confidentiality issues. Would that help?”
“Yes.” I blew out a breath. “I would really appreciate that. I’ll talk to Grandma and call the clinic to set it up.” I shook his hand. “Thank you, Doctor Samuels.”
He returned to his shopping, and I took my soaps up to the counter to pay.
“That looked serious,” Lauren said as I dropped my purchases in front of her.
“I sure hope it’s not.” I didn’t want to get into my concerns about Grandma’s health. At least not until I knew more.
Lauren clearly understood. She grinned and made small talk while she rang everything up. “Am I going to see you tonight at the community skate night?”
I laughed. “You’re going to see exactly how long it’s been since I’ve skated,” I told her. “Living in the land of sun and sand hasn’t given me many opportunities to get out on the ice.”
“I’m sure Grayson will be more than happy to help you out.” She winked.
I shook my head. Grayson told me that his brothers all knew the truth about our relationship, but I didn’t know if that extended to Lauren as well. To be on the safe side, I assumed she didn’t know anything.
“Oh,” I smiled, “I’m sure he will. He’s been on a personal mission to make me fall in love with winter again.” And him. The thought flashed through my mind, but I dismissed it just as quickly.
“The two of you are so sweet together,” Lauren said wistfully. “Seeing you together, you both look so happy and…well, hopefully, one day I’ll find that kind of happiness, too.”
So, she didn’t know the truth.
“I’m sure you will.” I handed over my credit card. “Grayson said you’re dating?” It was actually Brody who’d said it, but something told me not to mention that particular detail. Or the fact that Brody hadn’t seemed all that happy about it. “How’s that going?”
Lauren waved my question away. “It’s a process,” she said after a moment. “But I’m not losing hope. Not yet.” She handed me my card and a paper bag with my wrapped soaps. “I’ve hit a point in my life where I have everything I’ve ever wanted and things are really good, you know?”
I nodded.
“Now, I’d really like someone special to share it all with. I’m not getting any younger and lately, I’ve been feeling a pull for more.”
I could see the longing in her eyes. I had no doubt she’d find it, too. I told her as much.
“Well,” Lauren laughed, “I guess we’ll see if I can be as lucky in love as you.”
I laughed along with her, but as I stepped out into the cold December day, the laughter died on my lips.
My new friend was chasing the kind of love she thought I already had. If only she knew the truth, that what she thought she saw between me and Grayson was nothing more than borrowed time.
Grayson
The scene in front of me looked like it had just been ripped out of a Hallmark movie. Pretty much like everything this town did. I had to laugh at it, but I also kind of loved it.
The air was filled with the scent of woodsmoke and pine from the giant bonfire next to the creek and the frozen skating rink that had been created for the season, and the town skate night.
White twinkling lights were hung from the low tree branches nearby, and someone had a tinny speaker blasting out carols, enhancing the whole Christmas card effect.
All the festivals and over-the-top events that Trickle Creek hosted were part of what made my hometown so special. They were also a big part of why I’d always wanted to make a life there and raise a family one day.
Of course, those were dreams of a much younger Grayson. Dreams that had only ever been about one person and had faded over the years.
I should have moved on years ago, but something had always held me back. What if I couldn’t ever find someone who would come close to making me feel the way she had? Even if all those feelings were based on the naivety of youth.
But now…
Harper.
I spotted her before she saw me. She stood near the hot chocolate booth, laughing and talking with Charli. Every single time I saw her, I was struck by how natural she looked back in Trickle Creek. Like she never left.
And maybe she’d stay.
Reid’s words kept replaying in my brain.
Keep telling yourself whatever you need to believe, Gray. But you know how this ends. Her future isn’t in this town. It never was.
Of course, there was a part of me that believed that he was right, but there was a growing piece of me that was certain my twin brother was wrong. We weren’t kids anymore. Things changed. And even if they hadn’t, they still could.
“You look beautiful tonight,” I said as I approached, sliding my arm around Harper’s waist and pulling her in for a quick kiss on her cheek. “Hi, Charli. You look great, too.”
My old friend laughed and waved away the compliment. “You’re a charmer, Gray. But I know you only have eyes for this one.”
She wasn’t wrong.
“Hi.” Harper’s eyes flashed with warmth as she turned to greet me. “I’m still not sure about this skating thing. Charli says it’s like riding a bike, but I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve done that, too.”
“What?” I pulled back, pretending to be surprised. “What have you been doing?”
Harper shrugged. “Cooking.”
“I’ll see you guys out there,” Charli said with a laugh before slipping away into the crowd, leaving us alone.
“I promise, you’ll be fine,” I told Harper. “I won’t let you fall.”
“I know.”
She looked up at me with so much trust, my heart clenched in my chest.
It was ridiculous the way I was letting her affect me. But I was powerless to stop it. I wasn’t even going to try.
“Come on.” I tugged her hand. “Let’s go get laced up.”
We found a spot on the bench by the ice, and I quickly pulled on my skates and laced them with practiced ease while Harper struggled with the laces of her borrowed skates.
“This is ridiculous,” she grumbled. “Why do they make them so long?”
She held out the excess string, and I laughed. “Here.” I crouched in front of her, brushing her hands away. “They’re so long, so you can wrap them around your ankle like this.” I wrapped them snugly and tied them in a neat bow before looking up.
Her eyes caught mine, and for a moment, it was just us. “Some things never change,” she said softly.
I forced myself to look away and move on to the second skate. “What do you mean?”
“You taking care of me.”
Her words caught me. I froze, the laces in my hand for a moment before I swallowed hard and finished the job. “Ready?”
She clung to my arm as we stepped onto the rink, wobbling just enough to make me grin. “I warned you,” she said. “It’s been a long time.”
“I’ve got you.”
“I know.”
Dammit if she didn’t have a way of getting right to my heart with a few simple words.
We glided slowly at first, her steps cautious. I kept my hand firmly in hers, steadying her every time she slipped.