She snorted. “Archie, quit it! You’re getting us both all soapy.”
He responded to that by shaking and covering the entire bathroom with flecks of foam.
By the time she rinsed him off, she was as wet as he was. “You’re a stinker. But at least you’re a clean stinker.”
She toweled him as dry as possible, then opened the bathroom door to set him free. She heard him head upstairs, his nails clicking on the steps. She used the damp towels to wipe up the mess he’d left behind as much as possible.
She’d be cleaning the bathroom, too.
Finally, she gathered up the towels, Archie’s leash and collar, and went upstairs.
Archie was sprawled on the couch on his blanket, snuffling around like he always did after a bath.
Willa was laughing at him. “Your dog is so silly.”
“He is silly, but he also smells a lot better, too.”
“That he does,” Willa said. “I wasn’t going to say anything but he was getting a little ripe.”
“I’m aware. River water and labradoodle is not a great aromatic combination, apparently.”
Frankie came out of the office. “I read Buck’s letter. Twice. I’ll go meet him with you.”
“You will? That’s great,” Harper said. “Thank you.”
Willa looked at them both. “Can I go? Please. I really want to meet him. I found him, you know. If not for me, you wouldn’t even know he was alive.”
Frankie paused as if considering it. “You’re an adult. If you want to meet him, you can go.”
“Yes!” Willa pumped her fist in the air. “I can’t wait. When is it going to happen?"
“No idea, yet. I’m sure we’ll figure it out soon, though.” Frankie’s curious gaze swept Harper from head to toe. “What happened to you?”
“I gave Archie a bath. And now I need one.”
Frankie laughed. “Go shower. Willa and I can make breakfast.”
“Thanks. I’m good with anything.”
“I’ll remind you that you said that.”
“When I come back out, I’ll bring my laptop and we’ll respond to Buck, okay?”
Frankie nodded, turning to the fridge. “Sounds good.”
With a smile, Harper went to shower. She was thrilled that Frankie had agreed to meet Buck. She showered quickly, washing her hair, then dressing in clothes befitting the day. Leggings and a tank top with a thin wrap sweater she left untied. Comfy clothes perfect for working and lounging.
Laptop in her hands, she went out to find Willa setting the table and Frankie plating food. She put her laptop on the counter. “Wow, you two work fast. What’s for breakfast?”
“Scrambled eggs with goat cheese, fresh fruit, and turkey sausage.”
“That sounds amazing,” Harper said. “I should let you two make breakfast all the time.”
Willa laughed. “Mom did most of the work. I cut up the fruit.”
Harper went to refill her coffee cup. “Hey, you could have fed me cereal, and I wouldn’t have complained.”
“Now you tell us,” Frankie said. She carried the pan of scrambled eggs to the table.
