Chapter11
Harper stood in her granddad’s kitchen, her heart tapping an anxious rhythm against her ribs. The warmth of the house wrapped around her, a comfort against her jittering nerves.
Owen leaned against the counter, more relaxed than she would ever be.
“Is it always this hard to tell someone you’re dating?” she murmured, her gaze fixed on the doorway that led to the living room where her grandfather sat.
Owen chuckled, the sound doing little to calm her racing pulse. “Only when it matters this much,” he said, reaching over to squeeze her hand.
She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Granddad’s an important part of my life. Especially after everything he’s been through.”
Owen nodded, understanding the unspoken weight of her words. “He loves you. That won’t change because you’re dating me.”
The creak of a floorboard announced Benjamin’s arrival before he even appeared in the doorway. His tall frame was stooped over his walker, but his eyes were as sharp and bright as ever.
“Harper, Owen,” Benjamin greeted, a teasing note in his voice. “To what do I owe this formal kitchen gathering? Are you planning a coup?”
Harper smiled at his attempt to ease the tension. “No coup, Granddad. We have something to tell you.”
Benjamin settled at the kitchen table, his keen gaze bouncing between Harper and Owen. “Sounds serious. What’s on your minds?”
Owen gave her an encouraging nod, and Harper braced herself. “Owen and I are... we’ve started seeing each other. Romantically.”
For a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the old clock on the wall. Then Benjamin’s face broke into a wide, knowing smile. “Well, it’s about time. I wondered when you two would figure it out.”
Harper blinked in surprise. “You’re not... surprised?”
“Surprised? Harper, I’ve watched you grow up and I know when someone means a lot to you. Owen has become a special person in your life, even when you were only friends.” Benjamin’s voice was warm with affection.
Owen stepped forward. “I care about Harper a great deal, Mr. Nelson. I’ll always respect and support her in whatever way she needs.”
“I know you will, son. You’ve got a good heart, just like your father.” Benjamin chuckled. “With all the tension in the room, I thought you’d asked Harper to marry you.”
Harper didn’t dare look at Owen. Deciding to date him had been a big decision. She couldn’t imagine how she’d have felt if he’d asked her to marry him. “You’ve jumped ten steps ahead of us, Granddad.”
“You’re thirty-one years old, Harper. It’s not such a leap,” Benjamin teased gently, a twinkle in his eye. “But I’m patient. I can wait for that news.”
Owen held Harper’s hand. “We’re taking things one step at a time.”
Benjamin leaned back in his chair. “Then I’m happy for both of you. There’s no need to rush whatever’s happening. Take your time and enjoy each moment as it comes.”
They went into the living room, sharing memories, laughter, and the occasional bout of good-natured ribbing from Benjamin. When her granddad opened a family photo album, Harper sighed.
He didn’t share what was on the worn pages with many people. The smiling family members, most long gone, were her granddad’s link to the past, to moments that made him laugh and cry. But as he showed Owen a picture of Harper’s nana after they’d first met, the soft smile on his lips brought a tear to her eyes.
Time hadn’t healed the grief they’d felt when she passed away. But it had made it easier to talk about her, to remember the good times they’d had together. If Harper could have half the life her grandparents had shared, she’d be happy.
“I love you, Granddad,” Harper said, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Benjamin looked up, his eyes reflecting the love he felt for her. “My dear girl,” he said, “seeing you happy is all the thanks I need.”
Harper reached over to take his hand. The world was a better place with Owen and her granddad beside her. A world that suddenly held even more possibilities.
In a quiet cornerof The Starlight Café, Harper fiddled with the handle of her mug, her nerves dancing like the steam rising from her coffee. She glanced at the door every few minutes, waiting for Daniella to walk through.
After her grandfather, there was only one other person she wanted to talk to about her and Owen. Without meeting Daniella, she never would have spent so much time around Owen. Not that he’d wanted two giggly schoolgirls following him around town.
Harper smiled when she remembered the times he’d hurried away from them, especially when he was with his friends.
