Chapter Fifteen – Harper
Harper
“There’s nothing better than the farmers’ market,” I declared, as Declan and I strolled hand in hand through the booths on The Green.
The last month had been amazing, and I couldn’t believe how fast time was going by. It was mid-July, and the temperatures were still above normal with hot days and cool nights.
Declan stopped at a booth that was selling local honey. He picked up a bottle and read the label.
“This is Martin Banks’s honey?” Declan asked the young girl sitting behind the table.
“Yep, that’s my dad.”
Declan’s head snapped up. “Martin’s your father?”
The girl nodded. “Do you know him?”
Smiling, Declan replied, “I do. Or at least, I did a very long time ago. How is he?”
“He’s good. He’ll be here later. Right now, it’s just my mother and me.”
“Good to know,” Declan said, taking out his wallet. “I’ll take this.”
After finishing the sale, Declan grabbed the little bag with his honey and we started walking again.
“Who’s Martin Banks? I don’t remember him.”
“He didn’t go to school here. I met him through football. He was homeschooled, but he played in the same league I played in.”
“Is he related to the local Banks family?”
“He’s Aurora’s cousin, I think? Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s how they’re related. I don’t know why he was homeschooled, though. I never did ask him.”
“Oh wait, I think she’s mentioned him a time or two.”
Declan stopped walking and stared straight ahead. I followed his gaze to see Sean and Caroline standing at the crepe booth.
I couldn’t help but giggle. Every time I saw either of them, the only thing I could think of was pickleball and spanking.
“Looks like things are still going well for those two,” I said, noticing that Declan had turned us ever so slightly so that we wouldn’t be walking toward his brother and Caroline.
“Yeah, looks like it.”
“How’s your mom taking it?” I asked.
Declan shrugged. “I’m not sure. Sean hasn’t mentioned anything about her pushing Crystal on him again, so I guess she’s okay with it all. I mean, he’s still dating her best friend’s daughter, and I’m pretty sure that’s all she and Viola ever wanted.”
“Speaking of Viola, I heard she’s having a huge sale at Sugar and Spice Boutique. I’m going to have to call my sisters and plan a shopping trip. Oh, and my mother would like to have everyone over for dinner tomorrow, if you’re free. I told her I’d ask if you’re working.”
“I’m off, and my folks went to New York City for the week, so that works perfectly.”
“Great!” I said, with a clap of my hands. “She mentioned having my dad grill up some burgers if you’re good with that.”
He nodded. “I’m good with whatever she wants to make. Will Candice, Amanda, and Tina be there?”
I nodded. “Most likely. Why?”
“No reason, I just haven’t seen them around. Well, we did see Amanda and her little one at Slice, Slice, Pizza the other night.”
“Mandy is such a doll. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing.”
“Harper? Declan?”
We both turned to see my father walking toward us. “Daddy!”
Dad stopped in front of us, kissed me on the cheek, then he shook Declan’s hand. “Are you enjoying this beautiful day?”
“We are,” I replied. “What brings you out to the farmers’ market?”
“Your mother wanted me to pick up a few things.”
“Oh, will you tell Mom that Declan and I are on for dinner at the house tomorrow?”
“That’s wonderful, she’ll be glad to hear you’re coming. How are your parents?” Dad asked.
“They’re good. They’re in New York City.”
“Oh, that’s nice. For vacation or work?”
Declan smiled. “I think a little bit of both.”
Hitting Declan on the side of the arm, Dad said, “Well, I’m glad you’ll be coming to dinner, then. I better run before someone on the city council sees me here and wants to talk shop.”
I laughed and kissed him goodbye. “Bye, Dad.”
“Have a good one, Mr. Browning.”
Giving Declan a look, my father said, “Call me Larry.”
With a smile, he replied, “Have a good one, Larry.”
Dad winked and quickly made his way over to one of the booths.
“Look at that—Larry telling you to call him by his first name,” I teased, as we started walking again.
“Don’t let Gavin or James hear that. They’ll claim I’m getting special treatment from the boss.”
After another hour of shopping at the booths and picking up a few more items, Declan and I started back toward his place, each carrying bags from our market haul.
“Brystol texted and said trivia night is on tonight, if you want to go.”
“I’m down for that if you are.”
“The only thing I’d like to do beforehand is make a dish to take over to Hope and Liam. Aurora told me her brother says Hope is having a tough time with the chemo, so she’s organizing a food train for them now that Hope and Liam have told everyone about her cancer.”
Declan shook his head. “Damn, I really hope she beats this.”
I nodded and tried to ignore the dread I felt in my chest. I’d run into Hope at the bakery the other day, and the poor thing looked so frail. “I hope she does as well. I saw her the other day, and I have to be honest…she didn’t look well.”
Sighing, Declan said, “I hate cancer.”
“You and me both.”
“What were you thinking of making?”
Holding up one of the bags, I replied, “Eggplant parmesan. It’s my grandmother’s recipe.”
“Let’s drop my stuff off, then we’ll go to your place and make the dish. We can bring it to Hope and Liam on the way to trivia night.”
I smiled. I loved how caring Declan was. His heart was so big, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for anyone.
“Sounds like a plan.”
Declan knocked lightly on the door and took a step back. Liam and Hope Turner’s house was beautiful, a two-story, historical home right in the middle of Moose Village.
“I’ve always loved this house, especially the turret,” Declan whispered.
“I know, me too.” The large home was exquisite in design. The white stone and white clapboard on the upper part of the house, especially, lent to the beautify of it all.
“Should I knock again?” Declan asked.
I could hear someone on the other side approaching the door. “I think someone’s coming.”
The door opened, and a very tired-looking Liam stood there. He had dark circles under his eyes, and it looked like he’d pushed his fingers through his hair a hundred times.
“Liam, we don’t mean to bother you or Hope, but I wanted to drop off this dish for you. It’s eggplant parmesan.”
He offered up a weak smile as he reached for it. “Thank you so much, Harper. Thanks, Declan. It’s very much appreciated.”
My heart ached for Liam, and I wanted to pull him into my arms and just hug him.
“Is there anything else you need?” Declan asked.
He looked as if he was going to say something, then he shook his head.
“Liam… anything . We really want to help you and Hope.”
He let out a long breath. “I have to head into work for a bit tomorrow, and my mother can’t watch Winnie, and Hope’s father is out of town with Opal. I was going to take her with me, but—”
“Nonsense. We’ll pick her up tomorrow morning, and she can spend the day with us. We’re going to my parents’ house for dinner, and I know my mother would love to spoil that sweet baby.”
Liam looked unsure. I didn’t blame him. We all may have known each other from growing up in Moose Village, but he didn’t really know know us.
“If you’d rather Aurora joined us, I can ask her.”
Liam perked up at that. “Are you sure, Harper? That’s a mighty big ask.”
“I’m positive. Right, Declan?”
Declan nodded. “Absolutely. I mean, I don’t know anything about kids, but we’d love to help out, and I’m sure we’ll all have fun.”
That time, Liam laughed. “I like your honesty. I’ll pack a bag for her tonight. Just some things you might need. You’re totally sure?”
“I am one-hundred percent positive.”
Liam handed Declan the casserole dish and hugged me tight. I hugged him back, and wished I could absorb some of the hurt and worry he was going through.
When we stepped apart, Liam wiped a tear away, cleared his throat, and then took the dish back from Declan. “Thank you.”
My throat was clogged with emotion, so I was relieved when Declan asked when we should stop by to get Winnie.
“How does nine-thirty sound?” Liam asked.
“We’ll be here!” I said, as cheerfully as I could.
Liam thanked us again and bid us goodbye.
Declan reached for my hand, and we started to make our way back toward Main Street. Liam’s house wasn’t far from Main, and was only a fifteen-minute walk or so from the Moose Village Hotel.
We walked in silence for the first few minutes, until Declan spoke.
“I can’t even imagine what Liam is going through.”
“Me either. I don’t know Hope as well as Aurora or Brystol, but I know they’d been trying to make her feel at home in Moose Village ever since she and Liam moved back here.”
“That was nice of you to offer to take Winnie.”
I squeezed his hand. “Now that it’s sinking in, I’m kind of scared. What do we do with a one-and-a-half-year-old?”
Declan laughed. “I have no idea. Take her to the park. Get ice cream. Are there any play places around here?”
“Not in Moose Village. Well…actually, I don’t really know. We could call Brystol and see if we can meet her at the toy store?”
“Yes!” Declan said. “Brystol would surely know what to do with her.”
I nodded in agreement. “Of course, she will. She should know how to entertain a toddler. I mean, she owns a toy store.”
“Great. Then after we pick up Winnie, our first stop will be Memory Lane Toys.”
Brystol stared blankly at me and Declan. He had Winnie’s bag over his shoulder while I carried Winnie on my hip. She was adorable, with her blonde curly hair and big blue eyes. Liam had dressed her in the cutest outfit, as well. A pink romper with a matching pink bow in her hair.
“Why in the world did you think I’d know what to do with a one-year-old?” Brystol asked us both. Her long blonde hair was pulled up and piled on top of her head in a loose bun.
“Well…she’s one and a half.”
Winnie held her little hand out and held up one finger.
“That’s right, sweetheart! You’re one!” I looked at Brystol and Declan. “She’s so smart!”
Declan hefted the bag off his shoulder and set it on the floor. “What’s in this thing? I didn’t pack this much stuff when I was in the Marines.”
“You own a toy store, Bry. You have to know what to do with kids.”
Her brows shot up. “Just because I own a toy store doesn’t mean I know what to do with that !” She pointed to Winnie, who was now sucking her thumb. I gently took it out of her mouth.
“Well, are there places where we can take her to play?”
“There’s a little place right on the other side of the bowling alley. Hold on…they left some flyers here.” Brystol walked over to the counter, grabbed something, and brought it back. “It’s like a jungle gym-type place. They have everything from bounce houses to rock climbing to toddler stuff.”
“This might be fun,” I said as I handed the flyer to Declan. He read it over and nodded.
“What about places to take her to swim? I don’t really want to bring her to the lake.”
Brystol frowned. “What’s wrong with the lake? We all swam there when we were little.”
I shook my head. “I feel like that’s a parent-type thing. I don’t know why, I’m just uncomfortable taking her to the lake.”
“Doesn’t your mom and dad have a pool?” Brystol asked.
“They do! Oh my gosh!” I exclaimed, as I hit Declan on the chest. “I wasn’t even thinking about that. We can go early and swim before dinner.”
Brystol clapped her hands together. “Great, now that you’ve figured that out, what toys will you buy her?”
I laughed—then instantly stopped when I saw she was being serious.
“Well, she has toys in her bag that her dad packed.”
Brystol folded her arms over her chest and raised a brow. “You’re not buying her a toy?”
Declan and I exchanged looks.
“Last night at trivia, you said you were stopping by the store today. I figured it was to buy something, not just to use me for my knowledge of kid stuff.”
Declan huffed. “What knowledge? If we left Winnie in your care, would you even know how to change a diaper?”
“Do you know how to change a diaper?” Brystol retorted.
“We can all three learn how to do it together,” I stated, as I reached for the bag and headed to the counter.
“What are you doing?” Brystol demanded, just as Declan asked what the horrible smell was.
“The three of us are going to change Winnie’s diaper.”
Brystol gasped and clutched Declan’s arm, seemingly for support. “What? Where is Aurora? Didn’t you say she would be helping you guys today?”
I pulled out the little cushioned mat in the bag and laid it on the counter. “She couldn’t make it, but she’ll meet up with us later.”
“You’re doing that here?!” Brystol exclaimed.
I huffed. “No one’s even here yet.” After taking off Winnie’s outfit, I gasped. “Oh my God!”
“What?” Brystol and Declan asked in unison.
“It’s—” Before I could get the next word out, I gagged. “It’s…It’s…”
“Stop gagging!” Brystol yelled, while gagging.
“I can’t help it! That smells terrible. Oh God!”
Winnie was smiling up at me as I took her diaper off, noting the poop had gone up her back.
“Oh my gosh,” I whispered, as I held the diaper out for Declan.
Holding his hands up and taking a step back, he violently shook his head. “No. I’m not taking that.”
“Declan, take this so I can clean her back!”
“Give it to Brystol!” he shouted.
“Me? Why me?”
“You’re a woman!”
Brystol and I both gave him a death glare.
“Is now really the time you want to have that discussion, Declan?” Brystol asked, arms folded over her chest.
I held the diaper out and tried not to gag. “Take. This!”
Declan plugged his nose with his fingers and reached for the diaper with his other hand. The entire time he was gagging, which only made Brystol gag harder.
“Where do I put it?” he gasped out.
Brystol came running over with a trash can. “Here! Put the vile thing in here!”
“I need wipes!” I cried, holding up Winnie’s legs to keep the poop from getting on the little fold-out pad. “STAT!”
“Where are they?” Brystol asked as she dug through the bag. “ What are they?!”
“For God’s sake!” Declan growled, moving Brystol out of the way. “You don’t know what baby wipes are?”
“And you do?” she asked, just as Declan pulled out the pack and opened it for me.
“Quick, my arm’s starting to shake, holding her up!”
Once I had the wipes, I started the clean-up. I would never know how I wasn’t gagging any longer because it was absolutely gag-worthy. Brystol approached my other side, a clip on her nose and the trash can held out as far away from her body as possible. I threw the dirty wipes into the can and laughed when I looked at Winnie. She had a smile on her face the entire time, and I felt my heart swelling for this little angel. I silently prayed that Hope would be okay, and that Winnie would grow up knowing her mother.
“We need a new outfit, I think,” Declan decided, as he held up a green romper that looked almost exactly like the one I’d taken off her.
“Okay, that is so cute,” Brystol stated. “I can dress her if you want a break.”
I threw her a glare, and she held up her hands and took a few steps back.
“Fine, I’ll just throw this away in the dumpster out back,” she said, holding up the small trash can.
“What in the hell is going on here?”
The three of us turned to see my father standing in the middle of the toy store, his expression confused but slightly amused.
“We were changing Winnie’s diaper,” I said, as if it was totally obvious.
“I saw…and I really wish I had my phone to record all of that,” he said with a wave of his hands toward the counter, where Winnie was still smiling away.
“Mayor Browning, you don’t feel like taking a trip out back to the dumpster, do you?” Brystol asked, holding up the trash can. It was then I noticed she still had the clip on her nose.
With a shake of his head, my father replied, “No, thank you, Brystol. Been there, done that.”
“She had a bad poop,” I explained. “And we had to change her outfit and all.”
My father nodded. “That explains the dramatics. But care to tell me why you have Liam and Hope’s child?”
“I can answer that one,” Declan said. “Liam didn’t have anyone to watch Winnie while he ran up to The Muddled Moose, so we offered to do it.”
My father’s eyes twinkled as he nodded again. “That was very kind of you.”
“What brings you to the toy store, Dad?” I asked, finished with dressing Winnie and lifting her onto my hip.
He let out a soft laugh. “Well, I was on my way to visit you when Mrs. Clemens walked out of the toy store, laughing so hard she ran into me. She informed me of the circus going on in here, so I thought I’d check it out for myself.”
“Circus?” I asked.
“Oh my God, I had a customer and didn’t know it?” Brystol cried, running to the front of the store and throwing open the door. “Mrs. Clemens? Mrs. Clemens! I have the toy you ordered!”
Declan leaned against the counter. “Should we tell her she’s still holding the trash can with the diaper and wipes inside?”
“And ruin the fun?” my father replied with a chuckle.
“Dad, we’re going to take Winnie to a little gym Brystol told us about. Would you like to join us?”
Turning back to me, my father’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to! We should call your sister and have her bring Mandy.”
“That’s a great idea,” I said as Winnie started to reach for Declan.
“Son, the child’s reaching for you. Take her.”
Declan looked terrified. “Me? Why is she reaching for me ?”
I handed Winnie over, and he awkwardly took her, holding her slightly away from his body in his big hands. When she looked up at him and smiled, my heart melted.
“Because a girl knows a good-looking man when she sees one.” I giggled watching him with Winnie.