“She’s radiating happiness,” Violet whispered loudly.
“I’m not,” I snapped.
“You’re smitten,” Beck confirmed.
I threw my hands up. “Can wepleasetalk about literally anything else? How about the trail conditions? Or the weather? Or—”
“Or your love life?” Fiona offered.
I grabbed a muffin from the basket and lobbed it at her head. She caught it midair and took a celebratory bite.
“Violence,” she declared with satisfaction. “She’s definitely in love.”
“I am not…”
Liam held up a hand. “Okay. Enough. Let the woman breathe.”
Finally. Someone with sense.
Liam sipped his coffee thoughtfully, giving me a long, quiet look that unnerved me far more than his sisters’ teasing.
“He’ll be back,” Beck said gently.
“I know that.”
“You believe it?”
“Yes.” The answer came easier than expected. Too easy.
Beck set his mug down. “You’re not already planning an Alaska escape trip for October. That’s… huge for you.”
My stomach dropped.
All teasing aside, Beck wasn’t joking now. I usually already had my exit plan by April.
I clenched the edge of the counter. “I’m not running away.”
“I know you’re not,” Beck said kindly. “I’m just saying, your instinct isn’t to run this time. And that means something.”
A strange chill passed through me.
Mom placed a warm hand on my arm. “Sweetheart, you don’t need to be afraid of caring about someone.”
“I’m not afraid.”
Every Harper in the room stared at me.
I sighed. “Okay, fine. I’m alittleafraid.”
Fiona grinned like she’d been vindicated by the universe. “There it is.”
“But,” I added quickly, “I’m working on it.”
“And we’re proud of you,” Mom said.
“Extremely proud,” Violet added.
“Honestly shocked,” Beck said. “In a good way.”
