Eric chuckles. “It’s almost Christmas, Harp. Don’t start lying now. Santa doesn’t like it.”
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I came down here for help with Kenzie’s ridiculous invitation.”
“I think you should go. Show everyone you’re not still pining for Asher or holding a grudge,” Mom suggests.
“But I am still holding a grudge.”
My siblings exchange a knowing glance, and Gina grins. “But you’re not pining anymore?”
“For Asher? I’m pretty sure he used the money I paid for the venue to fund his wedding with Kenzie. I can’t prove it, but it feels… suspicious. Plus, I had to book the Starlight Manor nearly a year in advance. I doubt they just happened to have an opening when they got engaged a week ago.”
“He took your money?” Eric asks, his voice edged with disbelief.
I glance at Gina, who looks equally shocked. “Not that I can prove.”
“I can,” he states firmly as he stands. “Brandon handles all the scheduling for the Starlight Manor.”
As he strides past us toward his room, I point toward the hallway. “He seems oddly protective, doesn’t he?”
“I was just thinking that,” Gina replies.
“He may be your little brother, but he’s always looked out for you two. Dad had to talk him out of going after Asher when everything went down this summer,” Mom adds. “He may not say it, but he loves you both.”
“Color me stunned,” Gina remarks. “But not stunned silent. That’ll probably never happen.”
I laugh and cross my arms as we wait for Eric to speak with his childhood friend about the wedding venue. It surprised no one when Brandon began managing events across town.
Brandon has a strong feminine side and excels at planning and decorating. He possesses a vision that most men lack, and he genuinely enjoys the details—something I imagine his pregnant wife appreciates too.
“Well, good news and bad news,” Eric announces as he returns. “The bad news is that you definitely paid for the manor. The good news is that you don’t have to get Kenzie a present since you contributed to part of her wedding.”
Mom’s jaw drops, and Gina giggles. I shake my head in disbelief and ask, “You really think I should go now?”
“Absolutely, and make sure you eat five of everything she serves at her little shindig,” Mom insists.
We all chuckle, but a wave of dread washes over me. I really don’t want to go, but I know how it’ll look if I don’t have a solid excuse. For some reason, not wanting to celebrate my ex’s wedding won’t sit well with the town.
“Don’t look so glum. Ford’s coming over with his brother soon to help with some of the bigger things Dad can’t assist Lance with,” Gina reassures me.
Depression fades away, replaced by a flutter of anxiety and excitement.
Chapter 14
Ford
If it means I can be around Harper every minute, I’d help her father dig a swimming pool in December with just a shovel. Each time she walks by, I catch a whiff of her perfume, and our eyes meet in fleeting glances. Those looks say she enjoyed the kisses as much as I did.
“Yeah, the doctor says I shouldn’t lift anything heavier than fifteen pounds for over two months, and I told him that wouldn’t do. I’m not an invalid,” Harold says.
“Don’t strain yourself. If you need something heavy moved, just give me a call. I’m always happy to help,” I reply, and I mean it. I’ve never felt more certain about anything.
He asks about my mom and stepfather, and we chat about Christmas plans. Our conversation has shifted beyond just tasks he needs completed, and I wonder if Harold spoke to Asher likethis. He called me “son” and asked me to use his first name—something Harper said he never did with Asher.
Maybe I’m making inroads. I want to show Kenzie that I can fit seamlessly into her family, proving I’m the right choice for her. The best choice. No one could ever be better for her than me.
My phone rings, and Harold steps away to take the call. Asher’s name flashes on the screen, and I decline it.
“Why’d you ignore your best friend’s call?” Harper asks, startling me.
