He looked between us, then nodded slowly with a playful smirk. “Right.”
When he was gone, Harmony drew a shaky breath, arms folded against the cold. “He’s always had the worst timing.”
I laughed, but my pulse was still racing. “Yeah.”
She hesitated, then turned toward the glow of the house. “Goodnight, Eric.”
I watched her go until the sound of her footsteps disappeared, the taste of her kiss still lingering like something I’d never really forgotten; something that felt a lot like the truth I wasn’t ready to admit.
CHAPTER 15
Harmony
Morning came too bright for the kind of night I’d had. I spent the night in the loft above Elyna and Phoenix’s garage. It was quiet and cozy. Sunlight spilled through the loft window, catching the steam from my half-finished mug of tea on the counter. I hadn’t slept much, partly because it was a new bed and new surroundings. Mostly it was because every time I closed my eyes, I felt him again, his hand on my waist, the taste of his lips. The way my body turned hot from his touch. I’d told myself it was a mistake; it couldn’t happen again. But the truth was, I didn’t regret a second of it.
The Maple Valley property was quiet in that in-between hour before everything started moving. From my window, I could see the orchard glinting gold in the early light, the aftermath of the wedding still scattered across the yard with folded chairs, empty glasses, petals on damp grass. It all looked peaceful, untouched. Like last night hadn’t cracked something open inside me. A knock at the door broke through my thoughts. I half-hoped it was Eric, even though I knew better. But when I opened it, the chill in my veins reminded me exactly why hope was dangerous.
A plain brown envelope lay on the step. No name. No return address. Inside, a single photo.
My throat went dry. It was taken from across the street of Petals and Pines, it was me laughing with Sandy. Scribbled across the bottom in red ink were four words that turned my blood to ice:
“Keep smiling, traitor girl.”
My hands trembled. I didn’t need to guess who had sent it. Olivier. Maybe Nico. Maybe both.
They were reminding me my father might be behind bars, but his reach still stretched far. I’d been threatened before with anonymous texts and veiled warnings, but no one had ever crossed a threshold like this.
The door creaked behind me. “Harmony?”
I turned sharply, heart pounding even though it was Elyna’s voice. She stood with her hair loose and face still soft with sleep. “You’re up early.”
“You mean, you’re up early, Mrs. Thorne. Aren’t you and Phoenix supposed to be doing married couple things?”
She laughed. “We have it covered. Don’t worry.” Her cheeks flushed.
I forced a smile. “Couldn’t sleep.”
She stepped closer, concern flickering. “Are you okay? You look pale.”
“I’m fine,” I lied, folding the photo into my palm before she could see. “Wedding hangover, I guess.”
Elyna laughed softly. “If anyone deserves a quiet day, it’s you. You made yesterday beautiful.”
“Thank you.” My voice barely carried.
Her gaze softened. “You know, we may not be related by blood but we’re family now. You don’t have to do everything alone.”
I nodded, the words catching somewhere deep in my chest. She hugged me quickly and disappeared down the stairs, calling something about joining everyone at the main house for a big breakfast brunch. When the door shut behind her, I exhaled shakily and looked at the folded photo again. Maybe Becket had been right. Maybe none of this was over. I needed to tell someone. But who?
Eric’s name came to mind, and I hated that it felt like instinct. He’d said he didn’t want anyone else getting hurt, and part of me believed he meant it. Another part knew, letting him in again was the fastest way to destroy us both. Still, my fingers hovered over my phone before I even realized it.
Me:You awake?
The reply came almost instantly.
Eric:Mostly. You okay?
I typed, deleted, then finally sent:
