As if summoned, Harmony appeared in the hallway. Her hair was pulled back in a loose braid, cheeks still a little pale, but she was dressed in jeans, boots, and a sweater, like she was ready to go somewhere.
My heart clenched as my gut instinct was that she was ready for the festival. She was being Harmony and facing her fears head-on.
“Good morning,” she said softly.
Dad straightened. “Morning.”
She offered him a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I think I need some fresh air.”
Dad frowned. “You’re safest indoors.”
“I know,” she said, “but I’ve been inside too long. I’m going stir-crazy. And… the festival is packed. No one will even notice me. It’s the final weekend, there’ll be too many people for anyone to get close.”
I watched her closely. Her voice was steady. Too steady. Her hands didn’t shake, but her shoulders were rigid, held unnaturally straight. She was trying like all hell to be strong. Trying to seem okay. Dad shook his head. I could tell he hated playing the card of the bad guy, but I was grateful too.
“Harmony—”
She cut him off gently. “I went during setup. Nothing happened. I can’t stay locked inside forever. Please.”
There was a desperation under the calm that said she needed out of the house. She was feeling claustrophobic. Dad hesitated, and in that moment, Harmony looked at me instead.
“Eric,” she murmured. “I just need to breathe for a while.”
I swallowed. “You’ll be with me the whole time.”
“Of course.” She nodded quickly. “I won’t wander. I won’t go anywhere alone.”
Dad looked between us, I felt like a little kid the way his jaw tightened. I understood there was danger near, and Dad’s instinct was always to protect his family, but we were adults. Keeping Harmony locked up was hurting her more than helping.
“Just be careful, you two,” he finally conceded because it was obvious her mind was made up.
“I won’t let her out of my sight,” I assured.
Dad grabbed his jacket again. “I’m heading back. Patrol shifts change at noon. Call me if anything feels off.”
He left without another word. Harmony watched the door close, her shoulders dropping a fraction.
I stood. “You sure you want to do this?”
“Yes.” She wrapped her fingers around the back of the chair. “I need to. Otherwise, I’m going to lose my mind.”
I stepped toward her, brushing a thumb along her cheekbone. “Stay close to me.”
“I always do,” she whispered, and the warmth in her green eyes hit me in the center of my chest. But there was also a flicker of something behind her eyes.
A thought she wasn’t saying. Maybe a plan she wasn’t sharing. I pushed it aside for now. She needed air. She needed to move. I could at least give her that.
I went upstairs to get dressed while Harmony made herself some coffee and toast. Then we drove over to the festival in my truck. The grounds were loud and full. People crowded around the booths, kids tugging parents toward the pumpkin patch,musicians tuning guitars near the stage. The crisp breeze carried the smells of apple cider, fried dough, and maple candies.
It all felt… normal. But normal felt like a threat on a day like today. I kept Harmony’s hand in mine, thumb brushing along her knuckles. She stayed glued to my side, her gaze flicking around the crowd. She didn’t seem scared exactly, just super alert. Dominic spotted us from the brewery tent and waved.
“Hey! Thought we wouldn’t see you today.” He grinned. “Phoenix is back by the kegs. Want me to grab him?”
“I didn’t realize the honeymoon was over,” I said to Dominic.
“Yeah, well, you got a lot on your plate right now.” Dominic frowned. Dad had updated all our employees, who worked in Maple Valley, to be alert if anything seemed off. With all the drama going on, I didn’t realize my brother was back from his honeymoon already. I’d have to text him later to check in.
Harmony shook her head quickly. “Oh, don’t bother him. The tent is slammed.”
