Chapter 17
17
HARPER
I pace restlessly in front of the cabin window, my pulse racing with every distant echo of helicopter blades growing louder. I tug nervously at my sleeve, the knot in my stomach tightening. Nick and Asher will be here at any minute, and despite Brody’s reassurances, I can’t shake the anxious flutter in my chest.
I’m nervous about seeing Asher. I’m so afraid he’s disappointed or mad at me for inviting Micah into his home. The last time I saw him, his eyes were wild, and he was so fucking pissed. I’ve never seen him so enraged.
I stop pacing, pressing my forehead against the cool glass, breathing deeply.
“Harp.” Brody’s calming presence fills the room, steadying me without words.
I glance back at him, standing near the kitchen counter, his eyes locked on to mine.
“It’s going to be okay.”
He moves closer, but he’s careful not to crowd me. His fingers brush mine lightly, offering comfort without pressure.
“Eventually,” I whisper, leaning into his touch. “I just don’t know how to face Asher after everything that’s happened.”
Brody grabs my hand; his thumb strokes my knuckles. He holds my gaze. “Asher’s coming because he cares about you and Billie. He doesn’t blame you. No one does.”
I draw in a shaky breath, trying to absorb his strength, hoping he’s right. Since I escaped Micah, Brody has been my only contact with the outside world. However, I needed solitude, more than anyone knows, while I worked out shit in my head.
The helicopter’s powerful hum suddenly fills the air, rattling the windows slightly and breaking our moment. My heart thumps nervously, the anxious flutter returning.
Brody squeezes my hand one last time. “Come on.”
Together, we step onto the porch, the crisp mountain air washing over me, clearing my head just enough to breathe. I shield my eyes from the sun and the dust swirling beneath the spinning blades as the helicopter settles onto the grass in the clearing ahead. Anticipation and dread tangle inside me. Figures inside begin to move.
I brace myself, heart hammering in my chest as the blades slow and finally stop, leaving a sudden stillness that fills the clearing. Dust settles slowly, drifting like golden particles through the sunlight. The door swings open, and my breath catches as Nick, steps out, followed closely by Asher.
My nerves ease slightly at the sight of Nick’s familiar, reassuring smile, his gaze immediately finding mine. He crosses the clearing with purposeful strides, pulling me into a comforting hug without hesitation.
“God, it’s good to see you, stepsis,” he says, relief in his voice. “You scared us, Harp. You good?”
“Getting there.” I squeeze him tight. We only became stepsiblings last year when his mom married my dad. Before then, he was my brother’s best friend. Their relationship is still on the rocks, but I’ve forgiven him for being a dipshit. Nick has a kind heart and he’s a good man at his core; he just makes dumb decisions with his dick.
Asher steps up behind him, calm and steady as ever, giving me a gentle nod. “We’ve got your back. You’re not dealing with this alone.”
Relief floods me, and it’s almost overwhelming. But just as I start to relax, another figure emerges from the helicopter, one I wasn’t expecting.
Billie.
My pulse spikes, and shock freezes me in place.
My best friend hesitates when our eyes lock together. Hers are filled with relief, worry, and something softer that makes my breath hitch. And before I can react, Zane climbs out behind her, my brother’s familiar frame instantly recognizable, and he gives me a nod. Easton and Weston quickly follow.
“Everyone is here?” I whisper.
My heart swells painfully. They all came for me, even after all the chaos I caused.
Billie closes the distance quickly, reaching me in a rush. Without a word, she pulls me into her arms, holding me tight as my emotions fracture open. Hot tears blur my vision, slipping silently down my cheeks.
“Billie, I’m so sorry?—”
“Don’t you dare apologize. I was just terrified of losing you.” She holds me tighter, cutting off my apology, her voice firm and filled with emotion. Her words break through the last of my defenses.
I cling to her, shaking as the weight of the guilt and uncertainty finally releases from me.
“I thought I’d lost you too,” I admit.
She pulls back slightly, cupping my face between her hands, her eyes shining with sincerity. “You’re family, Harp. We don’t break that easily. Will take a lot more than a mediocre fucking man to destroy what we have.”
I nod, choking back fresh tears, relief washing over me as Zane steps forward, pulling me into his arms.
“Sis,” he says.
My brother’s strong embrace steadies me, reminding me I’ve always had a safe place with him. Easton and Weston both offer smiles, their presence reassuring me that we’re in this together. My eyes find Brody, and he offers me a comforting smile.
Right now, I’m surrounded by the people who love me the most, and the realization sinks in—they’re here because they care; because despite everything that’s happened, they still want me to know I’m not alone. And for the first time in months, I actually believe the bonds that hold us together can withstand even the harshest storms.
Billie’s expression shifts, her eyes welling with fresh tears. Her hand flies to her mouth, and a broken sob escapes, shattering the quiet.
“Hey,” I whisper, immediately reaching for her hand.
She shakes her head quickly, tears slipping down her cheeks, even as she tries to laugh them off. “Nothing’s wrong. I just—” She squeezes my fingers, her voice breaking. “I’m so happy you’re okay. I missed you so much, and I just want my best friend back.”
Her words hit me straight in the chest. Without hesitation, I pull her back into my arms, holding her tightly, like if I let her go, she’ll disappear. “You never lost me. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
We stay wrapped together, crying until our tears finally slow.
When we pull apart, I offer her a smile. “And you know what? There’s a bright side to all this chaos.”
Billie bursts into laughter. “Of course you’d find a silver lining.”
She wipes her eyes, raising an eyebrow curiously as we sit on the porch swing together. Brody and the boys stand in a circle as he explains a number of things that neither of us can hear.
I instinctively look over at him and feel warmth flooding me. The calm confidence radiating off him awakens something deep inside me that’s been simmering for years.
Billie tilts her head knowingly, a slow smirk curving her lips as she follows my gaze. “Hmm, interesting choice of view.”
Heat rushes to my face. “It’s not … I mean, it’s just …” I stutter, shaking my head, a shy laugh slipping out. “He makes me feel safe. Really safe.”
Billie’s smile widens, mischievous and teasing. “He always has. How’s that crush?”
“He’s Alcatraz, impossible to break through … still.” I nudge her lightly, laughing. “Nothing’s happened. We haven’t even kissed.”
“Have you tried?” Her expression softens.
I tuck my lips into my mouth, remembering our moment by the pond. “Denied. Do not pass go. Do not collect two hundred dollars.”
A cute little smirk plays on Brody’s lips when our eyes meet again. My brother notices, and his brows furrow as he looks between us.
I glance back at Billie, breaking the connection.
“You’ve had a thing for him for as long as I can remember. Maybe this happened for a reason. Maybe it’s finally time you two gave each other a real chance.”
I meet her gaze, my heart fluttering at her words. I catch Brody’s eye just briefly before he turns away. Maybe it really is time.
The late afternoon sunlight spills golden across the clearing, casting warm, shifting shadows through the trees. Voices drift toward us from the yard, where Zane, Easton, Weston, and Asher talk low with Brody and Nick.
I still can’t believe my closest friends and family are here, together, protecting and supporting me despite everything.
“You can tell me anything,” Billie says. “You know that?”
“I know,” I say. “And same.”
Zane stalks toward me across the grass and steps onto the porch, his expression gentle and protective. “Hey, Harp,” he says, stepping closer and lightly touching my arm. “Can we talk for a sec?”
“Sure,” I say, sensing the seriousness beneath his casual tone.
He guides me away from Billie, toward the opposite end of the porch.
For a long moment, Zane simply looks at me, his blue-gray eyes searching my face intently.
“Are you really okay?” he finally asks. His voice is filled with genuine concern. “Don’t give me the easy answer just because everyone else is here. I need the truth.”
I swallow hard, knowing my brother would fight an army with his bare hands for me. “I’m getting there. It’s been a lot, but I’m feeling more like myself every day.”
His shoulders visibly relax, and the tense lines of his face soften. “Good. You had me scared, little sis. I’m so fucking glad Brody was there.”
“Me too,” I whisper.
Zane quickly shakes his head, squeezing my shoulder. “I just want you safe. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, you call me. I’m always here for you.”
“I promise I will,” I tell him, noticing the flicker of vulnerability in his gaze. I give him a soft smile. “How are you? How’s Autumn?”
My brother got married last fall to the love of his life, Autumn. He’d met her at a coffee shop when he went to Cozy Creek to escape the world.
A warm smile spreads across his face. “She’s incredible. The love of my life. I didn’t realize how good things could be.”
I study him carefully. “And you and Nick?”
He doesn’t answer immediately, but his jaw tightens, and the pain in his eyes isn’t lost on me.
It’s a touchy subject, considering he and his previous fiancée ended things because she had been cheating on him with his best friend. Nick sometimes lets his dick think before his head. My brother said Nick was dead to him after that, but marrying that evil woman would’ve been a mistake.
Zane was supposed to find Autumn, and I smile, thinking about how damn cute they are together.
“It’s complicated. He broke my trust, and I don’t know if I can forgive that, but I’m trying. I can’t promise it’ll ever be the same between us, but we’re working through it.” He exhales slowly, glancing away. “He was my best friend. That’s not something I can just easily forget.”
I take his hand, squeezing it firmly. “People make mistakes, even huge, messy ones. Forgiveness is possible. I know it was super fucked up, but Nick is a good guy. Just kinda dumb sometimes.”
“He is a dumb fuck. But also when did you become the wise one?” he teases and glances over at the guys, who are deep in conversation. He adds, “We’ll see what happens.”
My brother’s eyes land briefly on Brody, who’s chatting with the others, his strength steadying me, even from a distance.
Zane clears his throat, eyes twinkling as he nudges my shoulder. “Speaking of complicated … Brody Calloway, huh?”
My cheeks flush instantly. “Shut up.”
He grins warmly, lifting a hand in gentle surrender. “Relax, Harp. If I trust anyone with you, it’s him. He’s a Calloway. They don’t do anything halfway. And if I recall, you’ve always had a thing for him. Bet you get married.”
I tilt my head at him. “Isn’t it usually my job to hand out love prophecies?”
He chuckles, eyes brightening with affection as he leans in, speaking near my ear. “Yeah, well, maybe it’s finally your turn.”
He straightens, his eyes sincere, the teasing fading into something deeply heartfelt. “You deserve happiness, Harp. Brody’s a good guy. If that’s what you want, you’ve got my full support.”
A wave of emotion hits me unexpectedly, gratitude and relief mixing inside me. I pull my brother into a tight hug, closing my eyes briefly, soaking in his familiar strength. My brother is my rock, the only reason I survived my mother’s death. He protected me through it all.
“Thank you,” I say, not realizing how much I needed to hear that.
“Doesn’t mean I won’t give him hell and fuck him up though,” he says with a laugh and a smirk as we pull away. “Now, try not to get into any trouble after I leave. Okay?”
“I’ll try,” I tell him. “No promises though. Trouble is my middle name these days.”
“It’s always been,” he reminds me.
Zane guides us to where everyone is gathered, their laughter and easy banter drifting comfortably in the cool mountain air. Easton checks his watch, glancing briefly toward the waiting helicopter, then shifting his gaze toward his car parked on the gravel nearby.
Brody follows Easton’s eyes, his mouth curving into an easy smirk. “Yes, your fucking car is still in one piece.”
Easton chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “You read minds now?”
“Something like that.” Brody shrugs, his gaze steady but playful.
Weston elbows his brother, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he glances from Brody to me. “Maybe you two should just elope and get it over with. I’m sensing fireworks.”
Billie shakes her head, smacking Weston’s arms, but I know he’s just giving Brody a hard time because it’s obvious he’s different. Happy, even. I think we both are.
“Behave,” she warns him with a mock stern look before turning back to me with a soft smile. “Actually, Harp, before we go, I brought you something,” she says. “Wait here.”
She jogs to the helicopter and returns with a weekend bag stuffed full. “Thought you might need some clothes.”
I squeeze her tight, nearly crying when I see the brightly colored fabrics inside the bag. “Thank you so much.”
Brody takes it and jogs it inside the cabin for me. He’s gone for less than thirty seconds.
“Can we take a picture of us together? You know, to post something casual online and let everyone know you’re fine and just taking some personal time?” Billie asks.
“That’s a good idea,” Asher agrees with a nod. He’s a marketing expert who helped us navigate a treacherous path with Bellamore when Billie’s ex tried to destroy our company. “It could ease some of the pressure. Everyone thinks you’re a missing person right now, but thankfully, since you didn’t marry that stupid fuck, there is nothing he can do but talk.”
“If you think it will help,” I say, adjusting my hair. “Do I look like shit?”
“No,” Brody says, and everyone turns to him. He shrugs with a smile, but doesn’t deny it.
Billie pulls out her phone, stepping close and wrapping an arm tightly around me. “On the count of three, say Little Miss Disaster.”
I burst into laughter just as she snaps the photo.
“Gorgeous,” she says, showing me.
We look happy, like we’re teenagers again without a care in the world even though everything outside of this cabin is so heavy.
I hug her tight, and she whispers in my ear, her voice only audible for me. “About that pregnancy test?”
“Hell no,” I tell her, my voice louder than I intended. “Was a setup. He planned it, like he knew I was getting ready to run. I’m not pregnant.” I tap my arm where my implant is. “Old Faithful is still going strong. My reputation, on the other hand …”
She chuckles, but her relief is visible. She meets my eyes with a protective spark. “We’ll fix this. I promise. Whatever it takes. Asher and Nick will help.”
Emotion rushes through me, and I hold on to my best friend, the sister I never had. The helicopter’s engine starts and sends the blades into a slow rotation, the rumble filling the space. When we pull apart, Billie’s eyes shine, her determination easing any lingering fears inside me.
We exchange goodbyes, and I actually don’t want them to leave, but there is nowhere for them to stay. Everyone moves toward the helicopter.
Easton reminds me they’re all just a phone call away.
Weston shoots me another teasing grin, mouthing, Elope , dramatically, earning an amused shake of the head from Brody.
Zane pulls me into another firm, brotherly embrace. “Stay safe, Harper,” he says. “Remember, whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
“I will,” I whisper back, hugging him one more time.
Nick and Asher finish their conversation with Brody then give me waves as they load up.
Brody stands beside me as they lift off, wind tossing my hair around.
Stillness settles over us as the helicopter grow smaller and disappear behind the trees.
Brody grabs my hand and squeezes it. “Want to sit by the firepit tonight?”
I exhale slowly, feeling the weight vanish from my shoulders. “Sounds perfect. I’ll grab us a drink.”
“Grab the bottle.” He smiles.
I move across the grass, take the porch, then step inside the cabin. The peaceful silence wraps around me as I reach into the cupboard and pull out the bottle of tequila. I smile, and it brings back several memories. Through the window, I watch Brody carefully arrange logs and kindling.
Today was exactly what I needed.
Seeing Billie, feeling her arms wrapped around me again, talking to her, and laughing—it’s something I didn’t realize I’d so desperately missed until that very moment. And Zane’s protectiveness, his belief that things would somehow get better, soothed places in my heart that had been raw. My family and friends showing up for me humbled me deeply. We’re in this together. All of us.
Stepping back outside, bottle in hand, I feel the comforting heat as the fire begins to take hold, crackling against the dusk. Brody settles into one of the chairs beside the flames, his steady gaze lifting immediately to mine. The warmth of the fire dances across his face, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw and his perfectly sculpted cheekbones.
“Come here, Harp,” he says, his voice low.
I move to him without hesitation, allowing him to guide me onto his lap. His strong arms wrap easily around me, holding me securely against him, and I sink into him. The tension in my body melts away.
We pass the tequila back and forth, sipping in comfortable silence. He steadies me, and effortlessly, he makes me feel safe.
Brody’s arms tighten around me ever so slightly, like he knows exactly where my thoughts have drifted, what storms linger beneath the calm surface. Without speaking a single word, he lets me know I’m safe, that he understands. I relax fully against him, savoring the gentle strength that surrounds me.
I tilt my head slightly, glancing up into his eyes, my voice barely above a whisper as I say, “Thank you.”
He studies me, his gaze warm and curious. “For what?”
“For being here,” I say, feeling the emotion swelling in my chest. “For not forcing me to talk about things before I’m ready. For just knowing exactly what I need.”
“Always.” His expression softens, tenderness flooding his features as he reaches up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
My breath catches sharply, and before I can stop it, words slip from my lips.
“You’re going to fall in love, Brody Calloway. And when you do, it’ll change everything you’ve ever known about yourself.” My eyes widen in surprise, and I cover my mouth. “Whoops.”
“Did you just give me one of your famous love prophecies?”
I squeeze my eyes shut and nod. I open one eye to peek at him.
“Well then, I’ll drink to that.” Brody just gives a slow, easy chuckle, lifting the tequila to his lips, his eyes shining warmly in the firelight. He doesn’t question or deny it. Instead, he just smiles, a knowing smile, as if he already knew, as if I merely confirmed something he’d accepted long before tonight.
My heart skips, and butterflies flood through me as I rest my head against his chest again, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. I close my eyes, savoring the peace that settles over us.
I know without a doubt that I’m not alone. I have an entire army behind me, people who love me unconditionally.
And most importantly, right now, I have Brody, and he has me.