Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty-Seven
H arper and Mitch had returned two days ago, and Lucas had essentially thrown together a dinner party of epic proportions in that time. Harper didn’t know how he’d done it but the man was basically a wizard of entertaining.
She stood in the cool shadows of his house’s interior, sipping a glass of white wine as she surveyed the scene in front of her.
Frankie stood by Lucas at the grill, both of them smiling at each other in such a way that it was clear they were in love. Angelo, Jack, and Mitch were near the water, deep in conversation about something. Willa and Kyle had Ruthie in the pool while Joyce and Beryl looked on with the kind of smiles that spoke of deep devotion.
Scout, Archie, and Bunny were having the time of their lives running around in the backyard. The mouth-watering aroma of steaks and chicken wafted through the air. Under the lights strung across the patio area, there was laughter and conversation. Ice clinked in glasses, water splashed, dogs woofed.
It was a perfect evening and they’d only just begun.
The breeze shifted, bringing the faint tang of salt air into the mix. A boat passed by on the river, the people on board waving. Harper waved back.
Life was good, despite the lingering sorrow over her mom. She thought about her parents being back together after having been separated for so long. What a joyous reunion that must have been. She hoped they knew how well she was doing, even with all she’d been through.
They’d given her a great foundation that had overcome her rough start.
She sighed in contentment and took another sip of her wine.
Jack was leaving tomorrow, as was Angelo. She was sad to see Jack go. He’d been entertaining company, to say the least, but Buck and Glenda would be here in two weeks. She was excited to have them. Excited to show them her home and tell them all about her life.
Frankie would no doubt do the same. She’d get to show them the portrait of Arlington, too, which still had a ways to go but was shaping up to be her best work ever. Frankie’s son, Jason, had promised to come for Christmas. Harper snorted. Christmas seemed like ages from now, but she knew it would be here before anyone realized it.
She needed to start working on what to get Mitch. That wasn’t going to be easy. What did you buy for the man who had everything? She was sure she’d eventually come up with something, but it was going to take a lot of serious thought.
Frankie’s laugh caught her attention. Harper narrowed her eyes. Maybe she’d get Frankie to do a portrait of Kyle and Ruthie. Harper had a feeling Mitch would like that. Definitely something to talk to her sister about.
She left the house and stepped outside, the setting sun streaking the sky with glorious shades of pink and orange. It would be another beautiful Hideaway Bay sunset.
Mitch saw her and smiled. He said something to Jack and Angelo, then made a beeline for her side. “You’re too pretty to be standing here by yourself. Doesn’t your boyfriend know better?”
She laughed. “I guess not.” She kissed his cheek. “What were you all talking about?”
“Jack’s stalker, Monica, was picked up by police last night on three outstanding warrants. Angelo won’t say exactly what his role was in all of that, but I think he was involved in some way.”
Harper’s smile dropped. “Is that going to cause trouble for Jack?”
“I don’t think so. Jack was who she called from the police station. Apparently, she was very apologetic and promised to delete everything if he’d bail her out. He got her an attorney that’s going to do his best to get her into rehab in exchange for doing time. The attorney has already personally supervised the deleting of all questionable photos and texts from her phone.”
Her brows shot up. “Wow.”
Mitch nodded. “You can say that again.”
“He always has been a bit of a golden boy.” She touched Mitch’s wrist. “That watch really does look good on you.”
He smiled. “I like that I think about you every time I look at it.”
She could have kissed him right then. He was just the sweetest. “I like that, too.”
His brows bent and an odd look came over his face. “Speaking of things you like…or maybe won’t like, I did…something.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What?”
He took her hand. “Maybe we should talk about it over here.” He led her to the section of the patio that bridged the outdoor kitchen area with the pool surround.
She followed, not quite sure what was going on. “Okay.”
When they got to the middle of things, Mitch stopped them, still holding her hand. Everyone went quiet, looking at them. Then Frankie, all smiles like she knew what was going on, came up and took Harper’s wine glass.
“Hey,” Harper said.
“You’ll get it back, don’t worry,” Frankie said.
In those brief moments, everyone had gotten closer. Kyle and Willa, who was holding Ruthie, were even out of the pool.
Mitch smiled at her. “Harper, I owe you a great debt.” He took a breath. “You changed my life in ways I didn’t think was possible. You showed me a way through my grief. You helped me find happiness again. More amazing still, you made me believe in love again.”
She swallowed as she realized what he was doing. What she thought he was doing. Her heart beat a million miles a minute and she blinked to keep tears back.
He slipped his hand into his pocket and came out with a ring box. “I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I love you. And I think you love me.”
She nodded, unable to speak.
“I’m not an impulsive man, but sometimes, when you feel something deeply, you have to act. So that’s what I’m doing. I want to ask you if you would someday , when you’re ready, be my wife.”
He let go of her hand and opened the box, revealing a ring that had last been on her finger in Las Vegas.
She sucked in air, doing her best to remember how to breathe. “You didn’t.”
He nodded. “I did. I know you think it’s too much, but I don’t. And for the record, in front of God and all our friends, I don’t care if this engagement lasts two weeks or ten years. I just want you to know that this is how much you mean to me.”
He held out the ring. “What do you say?”
She exhaled and gave him the only logical answer. “Yes.”
“Yes?” For a moment, he seemed surprised. Then he laughed and raised both hands into the air. “She said yes!”
Everyone clapped and cheered, causing the dogs to start barking, which made them all laugh. Frankie, Joyce, Beryl, and Jack were crying.
Mitch slipped the ring on her finger, then pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry if this was too soon, but life is short, and I couldn’t wait.”
She shook her head as tears slipped down her cheeks. Happy tears, accompanied by laughter. She kissed him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The loud pop of a champagne bottle got their attention. Lucas held the bottle and Frankie brought glasses out.
Kyle shook his dad’s hand. He smiled at Harper. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you,” Harper said.
Joyce and Beryl made short work of putting a glass of champagne into everyone’s hand. When they each had one, Kyle lifted his glass. “Here’s to family and friends, new and old. I am so grateful for all of you, but especially to Harper, for making my dad happy again.”
Harper sipped her champagne as new tears threatened.
“All right,” Lucas announced. “Everyone, bring yourself to the table and find a seat. Dinner is about to be served.”
Frankie came over, hugged Harper tight, and kissed her cheek. “Are you happy?”
Harper nodded, a little stunned by all that had happened. “More than I ever could have thought possible.”
Frankie grabbed her hand and looked at the ring, letting out a little whistle of appreciation as it caught the light and sparkled like a disco ball. “He did good. Really good.”
Harper looked over her sister’s shoulder and found Mitch. He was laughing with Kyle, Angelo, Jack and Lucas. A sense of peace welled up inside her, a feeling of joy and contentment and pure, unadulterated happiness that filled her heart until she thought it might burst. She nodded in response to her sister’s comment. “He sure did.”
If there was any lingering doubt about her move to Hideaway Bay, it was gone. This was where she was meant to be and the people she was meant to be with.
She was, without a doubt, home.