“Wow. This is amazing,” Harlow said as she began placing the baked goods on a plate. “You saved the day. What’s a tea party without a few indulgences?”
As they sat across from each other drinking their Earl Grey tea and devouring the treats, Harlow grilled her friend about meeting her husband. Although Harlow knew some of the details, she wanted to know more about their romance.
“So, was it love at first sight when you met Luke?” she asked. It was nice to live vicariously through Stella. Her last boyfriend, Neil, had turned out to be of the cheating variety, and it had made Harlow shy away from committed relationships. She was fine being single; this way her heart would remain in one piece. If she was being honest with herself, she hadn’t been in love with Neil or any other man. She’d never allowed herself to fall.
“Not exactly love at first sight,” Stella admitted. “Although he did cut a mean figure in his Navy SEAL gear. He came to my school to surprise one of my students at our end-of-the-year assembly. His nephew, Miles. When he walked onstage my heart was pounding in my chest.”
“So from the sounds of it, he made a great first impression.”
Stella nodded. “He sure did. Not just on me, but on most of the ladies in Mistletoe. They all wanted to date him. His younger brother was being hounded around the clock by females in town wanting to get set up with Luke.”
Harlow laughed out loud. “Wow. That type of pandemonium says a lot about Luke’s appeal.”
Stella took out her phone and showed Harlow her screensaver, which was a picture of her and Luke on their wedding day. “Not bad, if I do say so myself,” she quipped.
Harlow let out a low whistle. “Oh my goodness. I knew he was totally scrumptious but that photo says it all. And the two of you look like you stepped out of a fairy tale.” Not that Harlow believed in fairy tales, but Stella and Luke were a divine couple. “I’m so happy for you. And now that Jade’s arrived, you really do have it all.”
Stella chuckled. “A lot of sleep-deprivation going on in my house, but it’s worth it. My sister and Dante just found out that they’re expecting their first child.” Stella was grinning so hard, Harlow thought her face might crack. Her joy for the couple was effusive. “Ever since we were little, Lucy and I have talked about our kids growing up together without a huge age gap. That’s always been the plan.”
“That’s great news for Lucy and Dante. Now you and Luke can have a friend for Jade.” It was nice seeing good things happen to wonderful people. Harlow wasn’t a big believer in white picket fences or vows of forever—her mother had raised her not to believe in romance or wishing on stars or the kindness of strangers—but she didn’t mind rooting for other people to achieve their dreams. She was the first person to cheer others on, even though she didn’t dream of happily ever after for herself.
It’s a surefire way to get your heart broken.Deidre Jones had known what she was talking about. After Harlow’s father’s death, every ounce of sentimentality had been stripped from her mother’s spirit. Harlow had seen the pain and heartache unfold up close and personal. And she’d sworn never to allow her heart to rule her head.
“So, tell me more about your assignment here in town. I know you weren’t exactly thrilled about coming to Maine,” Stella said, pausing to sip her tea.
Harlow wrinkled her nose. “Don’t take it personally. I’m just not big on small towns. I grew up in one, so I’m biased. Seattle suits me. I like big buildings and being so close to other cities, not to mention having the best coffee at my disposal. Not to ding Mistletoe, but it’s not a place I would have chosen on my own.” She took a bite of a blueberry scone. “So, as you know, I was drowning in student loan debt from undergrad veterinary school. Something truly had to give. I was working nonstop and not even making a dent in it.”
Stella made a sympathetic sound.
“So, I entered a program where I was matched up with a town in dire need of veterinary services,” Harlow explained. “In exchange, the state of Maine will erase my student loan debts in addition to paying me a salary for my vet work that’s competitive to what I’ve been earning in Seattle.”
“Wow,” Stella exclaimed. “That’s amazing. I knew it had to be something extraordinary to get you to relocate to Mistletoe.”
“For a period of one year,” Harlow said, making a face. “After that I’m heading back home to the West Coast.”
“Who knows?” Stella asked with a shrug. “Maybe you’ll fall in love with Mistletoe and decide to stay put. Stranger things have happened,” she said in a teasing tone.
Harlow let out an indelicate snort. “That is highly unlikely. I prefer a city vibe to small towns, although I could get used to this amazing house. The view is spectacular. Thanks for giving me the hookup.”
“That’s why I love my hometown so much. It was so easy to ask a Realtor friend to work on finding you something to make your own…at least for the year.”
One year of working at Paws Veterinary Clinic. One year of being stuck in Hicksville, Maine. She could do it. A lot was riding on her fulfilling her end of the bargain. Financial freedom would be life altering. Harlow could buy a place of her own and help her mother out with her medical bills. She wouldn’t be so cash-strapped all the time. Maybe she could even take the vacation to Antigua she’d always dreamed about or buy a new car. Yes! Being in Mistletoe was a means to an end. She wasn’t about to do a single thing to screw this situation up.
***
Nick counted to ten in his head, all the while taking calming breaths and reminding himself that his brother was, and would always be, his best friend.Be Zen, he told himself. Try to remember that your brother is a war hero and a truly good person.
“You can’t just bring a dog here, Luke, and try to convince me to adopt him.” Nick let out a frustrated sigh as he gazed at the goofy-looking German shepherd sitting next to his brother.
Luke grinned at him. “Why not? You guys need a dog and Zeus is perfect. He didn’t quite work out on the search and rescue team, so he needs a new home. The poor guy was booted out of training.” Luke made a pouting motion with his lips. “Please, Nick. Take me in,” Luke said in a low, growly voice. “I’ll be a good boy.”
Nick frowned. “Who names a dog Zeus anyway? I always imagined giving a dog a warm and fuzzy name like Barney.”
Luke let out a hoot of laughter. “Barney? Sounds like an old man’s name.”
Nick scowled at his brother. “It’s distinguished. Zeus sounds like the name of a WWE wrestler.”
Luke laughed, showcasing his perfect pearly white teeth. “I bet Miles would love him.”
