Robert:Good.
Tink.Her cell phone chimed. He had sent her a new text along with an attachment, the contract for the upcoming film.
“That didn’t take long,” she muttered under her breath.
Another text popped up.Please sign this.
A mischievous smile played on Harlow’s lips.Tomorrow?She texted back.
Robert:Today, now. A deal is a deal.
Harlow set the phone aside. She would sign the contract but planned to let him sweat it, at least for a couple of hours. Right now, she had a special glass of champagne waiting for her.
Chapter 2
Harlow followed Lottie and Eryn out onto the porch, still in awe of the Winter Wonderland the recent snowstorm had created. It was magical…a blanket of pristine snow covering everything from the porch posts to the front gate.
The Christmas blizzard had brought most of the state to a screeching halt. Even the heartiest of Michiganders were forced to hunker down. Unlike Easton Island, which had lost its power, Mackinac Island’s power grid had been recently upgraded, meaning electricity was plentiful for those who stayed to ride out the storm.
Mort, the family’s pup, wiggled past her.
“Mort!”
It was too late. The rascal made a run for it, bolting down the sidewalk and through the open gate. He skittered to the left and disappeared from sight.
Harlow grabbed her boots, intending to chase after the errant pup. Her father stopped her. “Let him go. He’s been itching to get out ever since we were snowed in. Running off a little energy will do him good.”
Lottie wrapped her scarf around her neck and adjusted her hat. “Thanks for inviting me to the celebratory so-long Robert, party.”
“You’re welcome,” Harlow said. “Although it still hasn’t sunk in yet.”
“I bet he’s itching to have you sign the contract now,” Eryn said.
“He’s already sent it over.”
“Did you sign?”
Harlow shook her head. “I’m letting him sweat it for a minute. In fact, I bet if I checked my cell phone, he’s sent a bunch of messages.”
“He deserves a little trouble,” David said. “Actually, he deserves a lot. I wouldn’t be in any hurry.”
“I’m not, except for the fact this is a plum deal, one I think would be perfect for me,” Harlow said. “As soon as I sign, the work begins.”
Which may have been an understatement. As soon as Harlow signed on, the studio would FedEx the script so she had time to study her role, going over the nuts and bolts of the actual project. And then there was dealing with Robert. Although their marriage had officially ended, it would be months before she could finally and forever cut ties.
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Eryn gave her a hug. “Congrats again, my bestie. You’re one step closer to buying Lighthouse Lane.”
“Yes, and I’ll be putting my offer in soon.”
“Don’t forget about the pet parade tomorrow at noon,” Lottie reminded them. “Noelle is saving seats in front of her flower shop.”
For weeks now, the buzz around town was Mackinac Island’s annual Pets on Holiday Parade, a parade and downtown festival held every year right after Christmas and before New Year’s with proceeds donated to a local community program for residents in need called Huron Helpers. It provided heating assistance and free transportation to the mainland, along with a food pantry open to anyone in need.
Not long after finding out about the program, Harlow had made a generous donation to help fund it until the pet parade and festival, the nonprofit’s yearly fundraiser, took place.
Many of the islanders and their pets took part, and although Harlow wasn’t clear about all the details, what she did know was they went all out for the winter celebration, with food booths, fireworks, and even an ice-fishing competition.
Aunt Birdie, well acquainted with the event, had been working on a costume for Mort. Despite Harlow’s attempts to find out what it was, she’d done an excellent job of keeping it “under wraps.”
