15. Jace
Jace
Harper’s words set me on fire. Suddenly, it feels like everything in my life is coming together, and dammit, I’m so happy.
I freeze, selfishly hoping to hear more, but Blake, like a chump, stifles a laugh with a loud cough.
I watch Bree spot us, and Harper’s back go ramrod straight, before she pivots, locking her eyes on me.
Her face is redder than I thought was humanly possible.
I step forward to say…actually, I don’t know what I’m going to say, but it doesn’t matter.
I don’t get the chance because Harper squeaks then power walks out the back door without looking back.
I hear a gasp behind me and turn to see Blake bent over, hyperventilating and laughing his ass off.
As bad as I feel for my girl, and after what I just heard, I will definitely be making her mine, I can’t control the smile plastered across my face.
I’m walking on cloud nine and may or may not be rocking a raging boner.
But who the fuck cares? I finally have a shot with Harper, and I won’t let anything mess that up.
I stare at the door she just passed through, and fuck if my head isn't spinning with plans for our future already. A future I’m done waiting for.
Turning to Blake, I smack his shoulder. “Sorry, Blake, you’re gonna have to enjoy that coffee to go.
I have roofing supplies to buy and somewhere to be.
” Then I march to the counter, already giving Bree our order.
Somehow, the universe has yet again put me in the right place at the right time.
Everything points to Harper being something important for my life.
First, the storm caused a tree to fall, blocking my usual route to town, which led me down a road I hadn’t taken yet.
A road that, as it turns out, is where Harper’s house is.
It’s been grating on me that I didn’t know where she lived, or even what her phone number was, but that storm opened the door to an opportunity, and I’m damn grateful for it.
It’s no coincidence that I had been thinking about Harper and working through how I would tell her my offer on the Schuller property had been accepted, as Blake and I headed to The Toasted Bean after checking in on the job site.
When we approached the coffee shop, I spotted Harper inside talking to Bree.
Her hands were moving dramatically, and my heart rate had picked up at just the sight of her.
She was wearing jeans and a red flannel shirt, her hair piled on her head, and all I could think was how gorgeous she looked.
The second act of kismet today was the bell above the door being silent as we entered, letting me overhear that Harper actually is interested in me.
I was so wrapped up in watching her that it had taken a second for what she was saying to sink in, but when it did, it was like lightning flashing through me.
That moment has been on repeat in my head since she walked out. Every inch of me is screaming that it’s now or never, and I’m all in. I won’t, no, I can’t screw this up. She’s too important to me. I can feel it down to my marrow.
A couple hours later, my truck is loaded with supplies to patch her roof, and I put the purchase agreement for the property in a gift bag for her.
After what she said, I know it’s time for me to put it all out there, let her know I’m serious about staying, and I’m serious about her.
My dog Tink has been trailing me through the house since I got home; the storm unsettled her.
I feel bad leaving her again, so on an impulse, I load her up with me and head to Harper’s.
Pulling up, I note that her car isn’t here.
I inwardly curse the fact that I still don’t have her number, thinking that I should have texted that I was on my way.
Oh well, there is nothing to do about that now.
The clock reads 4:45. I’m a bit early, so hopefully, she’ll be back soon.
Too amped up to just sit around, I throw on a tool belt, grab my supplies, and climb up to the roof.
The sooner this hole is patched, the sooner Harper and I can talk.
Thirty minutes later, the crunch of gravel brings my attention to the road.
Harper is pulling onto the winding driveway that leads to her house.
I debate continuing to work but opt for climbing down and greeting her.
Our eyes meet for a second. Her smile is tentative and shy.
She’s still embarrassed about what I overheard.
If she only knew that she made my day. Hell, made my year.
Harper moves to the back of the car, getting Lizzie out of her seat.
I’m torn. Part of me is happy to see Lizzie, she’s the cutest kid, but part of me is disappointed, because I was really hoping to have a conversation about our future with Harper, and I won’t do that in front of her little girl.
Lizzie finding out about my feelings and any, hopefully, relationships, should be on Harper's terms.
Lizzie squirms out of Harper’s arms, smiling at me.
Her hands flap as she hops from one foot to the other.
She lets out a string of words I can’t understand.
I look to Harper, hoping she can help me out.
I want to connect with Lizzie too, but I don’t want to ever overstep.
Tink, who had been sleeping on the porch, chooses that moment to get up, making a beeline for Lizzie.
Harper steps forward, ready to snatch Lizzie up.
Fuck, I should have asked before bringing Tink with me.
Lizzie darts away from her mom, going straight to Tink who is now sitting calmly. Tentatively, Lizzie reaches out and pats Tink’s head. I step closer, in case I need to do anything, unsure of what my next move should be and trying hard to gauge Harper’s reaction to Tink moving toward Lizzie.
“Harper, I’m so sorry, I should have asked if it was okay to bring Tink.” Harper is staring at the two with her mouth hanging open. Lizzie is busy burrowing her fingers in Tink’s fur.
“She hates dogs, Jace. She’s terrified of them, actually cries and hides if she sees one. Like, we had to leave the park because someone had a dog there just last week. This is unbelievable.” Her voice is quiet, like she’s afraid to break the spell.
“Tink loves kids and is very gentle,” I reassure her, just in case Harper needs it.
Lizzie’s giggles fill the yard, and when she leans in, hugging Tink with both arms around her neck and burying her face into the long soft fur, Tink’s tongue lolls out to the side, her mouth open in what looks like a huge smile.
She doesn’t move, save her tail that is thumping wildly on the ground, showing just how pleased she is with all the attention.
Harper raises a hand toward her face, batting away tears that are tracking down her cheeks. Reaching for her, I wrap an arm around her shoulder. We stand together and watch Tink and Lizzie. For a minute, I can see a future of nights just like this, and my heart aches, wanting it to be reality.
“I just can’t get over what I’m seeing. But did you say her name is Tink?”
“It’s short for Tinker Bell.” At her questioning look, I go on, “My cousin, Carrie, was a single mom for years. Before she got married a couple months ago, I spent a lot of time with her and her daughter, Esa, helping where I could, even babysitting when she finally started dating again. Esa had always wanted a golden retriever, but my cousin said no, so when I got one, I let her pick the name.”
“That’s pretty cute.” She smiles at me, and it looks like she’s going to say something, then Lizzie is there, tugging on her hand.
“I promised her some TV time while I cook dinner. Are you done with the roof?”
“Almost, maybe ten or fifteen minutes more and you’ll be good until a professional can get out here. I hope I’m not overstepping in saying this, but that whole roof needs to be redone.”
“I know.” Her sigh is heavy, and I wonder if it’s a money issue. I know it isn’t easy being a single mom, and from what I’ve seen or heard, there isn’t a dad in the picture. Maybe he’s a bum and doesn’t pay child support. Either way, I’m grateful that I’m in a place to help.
“If you’re interested, we have a fantastic roofer working on the project. He should be done with the final parts of the job on Monday. I can send his crew your way when they’re done.”
Biting her lip, she eyes the roof. “Can he give me a quote first? I’ve talked to a few roofers and have some bids, but they are over six months old, so not sure if they are still accurate.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. We have a contract with him through the end of the month.
His time is already paid for through the contract, and I know we have a lot of leftover shingles to use.
” It’s not a total lie. He is on retainer, and we can use the leftover shingles, but I would just cover the expenses and write them off as a charitable contribution or business expense.
“You’re joking, right?”
“Nope, there might be a little due at the end, and I can get you a quote, but I can guarantee it will be less than anyone else.” Lizzie is now yanking at Harper, pointing toward the house.
“Go, take care of Lizzie. I’ll finish the patch, then Tink and I will get out of your way.”
“Can you stay for dinner?” Hope again surges inside me. “You know, to pay you for your work on the roof?” Her cheeks are tinged pink, and her lips are slightly parted, looking so kissable.
“Dinner would be perfect.” Smiling, I watch her head inside with Lizzie. The door shuts for a second before it flies open, and Lizzie claps at Tink. Tink looks at me, her expression begging to go in. A tiny whimper escapes her as she watches the house.
Ruffling her fur, I squat down. “Sorry, girl, but that’s not my call. I’m trying to stay on her mom’s good side tonight.” Just as the words leave my mouth, Harper calls from inside,
“Tink, come on, girl! I have some chicken for you.”
With more pep in my step, and cheeks that hurt from smiling, I head back to the roof and Tink rushes inside.