Harlow’s gaze trailed after him as he placed his tray on the top of his black SUV before opening the car door, reaching up for the tray, then sliding into the car. Within seconds he’d zoomed away, causing longing to sweep over her. Harlow didn’t know what to make of her feelings. She barely knew Nick Keegan.
“Take a picture. It’ll last longer,” Malcolm said, reverting to his ten-year-old self.
“You’re so funny I forgot to laugh,” Harlow said.
Malcolm wiggled his eyebrows. “You like him, don’t you? I can tell.”
“He’s nice,” Harlow said, trying not to smile too much. Malcolm was like a shark who could smell blood in the water. “Not to mention he saved my life. That’s pretty badass, right?”
“I like him too, Harlow. He seems like a cool guy. Personable. Laid back. Humble.” Malcolm gave her a thumbs-up. “I’d love to see you with a guy like Nick.”
“He has a son. And I’m not one hundred percent sure he’s not married,” she sheepishly admitted.
Malcolm let out a groan. “That man was not giving out married vibes. He’s into you, sis. And he wasn’t wearing a wedding band.” Malcolm winked at her. “I checked. Can’t have you out here slipping.”
She let out a little shriek and threw herself against Malcolm. “You’re the best. Have I ever told you that?”
“A few times here and there,” he said, wrinkling his nose. “You know I’ll always have your back. You’re my little sister.”
“By five minutes,” she said, rolling her eyes. “But I do appreciate you looking out for me.”
“That’s never going to change,” Malcolm said. “Now don’t be shy. Go after what you want. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines.”
Go after what you want.It had been their father’s mantra. Harlow tried to ignore the painful twisting sensation in her gut. She had been thinking of Jack Jones a lot lately, not only missing her father, but feeling cheated out of so many years with him. Sometimes when she least expected it, grief grabbed her by the throat and wouldn’t let go. Sometimes when she saw a father and daughter duo a fiery rage came over her.It wasn’t fair!She and Malcolm had beenrobbed of a childhood and their precious father!
“I still miss him too.” Malcolm’s voice interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back to the here and now. “That feeling of loss won’t ever go away, Harlow. But it doesn’t mean we can’t be happy. It doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to find love.”
“You’re right,” Harlow said, reaching out to tightly hold Malcolm’s hand. “I hope we both find our true north.”
Maybe, just maybe, if she said it enough times to herself in the mirror she would finally start to believe it.
***
For the entire ride over to Miles’s soccer game, Nick found himself wishing he’d bitten the bullet and asked Harlow out when he’d seen her earlier. He tried to tell himself it would have been awkward with her brother sitting there. When had he become such a chicken? Maybe somewhere around the time he’d been forced to bury his wife. Being with Kara had always been effortless. They hadn’t been perfect, not by a long shot. They had bickered and nagged at each other like most couples. But not a day had gone by during which they hadn’t been a couple. Nick missed the simple things, like having someone warming up a plate of food for him after a long shift. Receiving a text for absolutely no reason at all. Having his and her sides of the bed. Being so in tune with another person that you finished each other’s sentences.
Nick wanted to experience all those things again. He wanted to be in love. He yearned to hold someone’s hand and ask them how their day had gone. Nick had no idea what might happen with him and Harlow. It might never get off the ground. She might laugh in his face when he asked her out, but he was going to try.
He’d been relieved to discover that Malcolm was Harlow’s brother. When Nick had first spotted Harlow sitting on the patio with a handsome guy who looked like a male model, his stomach had plummeted. She’d looked so happy and comfortable chatting with her companion that he’d almost walked off in the opposite direction. But he was glad he hadn’t.
By the time Nick returned to the field, halftime was over. He quickly made his way over to Luke and their parents, as well as Stella, who’d just arrived with baby Jade. Nick handed out the coffees and peered down at his little niece in her baby carriage.
“How’s the little princess doing today?” Nick asked, breathing in the scent of baby powder and sweetness.
“My granddaughter is amazing,” his mother said, reaching down and picking Jade up and cuddling her. Betty cooed at her grandchild, who gazed up at her with sparkling brown eyes flecked with caramel.
“We need more grandkids. You two need to get cracking,” Willie said, sending a pointed look at both of his sons.
“Hint taken,” Luke said, locking eyes with Stella.
“Don’t look at me,” Stella said, twisting her mouth. “I’m not even thinking about bringing another life into the world anytime soon. I’m still breastfeeding!”
Nick shook his head. “Don’t even start with me. I’m as single as a dollar bill.”
“Kara is a hard act to follow,” his mother said, “but you’ll find someone, Nick.” She reached up and tweaked his chin. “You’re the handsomest bachelor in Maine. Any woman would be lucky to have a man like you.”
“Aww, Mom. You’re so sweet,” Nick said, pulling her in for a hug. She had always been one of his biggest supporters, and she continued to rally for him and Miles. Having that type of support had been crucial in the weeks and months after Kara’s death. As a single dad, Nick always tended to doubt himself. Was he doing enough for Miles? Was he making sure he kept Kara’s memory alive for his son? In the absence of another parent in the house, was Nick enough?
His mother blinked back tears. “I speak nothing but the truth.”
