Staying here would mean dealing with her emotions. That did not mean telling Mitch about them. That would ruin everything. But it did mean she’d have to figure out how to keep them bottled up.
She had no doubts that moving here would eventually result in him being her only client. The rest of them, without personal attention, would sooner or later drift away. Then what would she do? She’d be solely reliant on a man she harbored feelings for, a man who obviously was not available.
What if she slipped up and said something? What if, in a moment of weakness, she kissed him? She closed her eyes at the thought, both wonderful and horrible.
“Harper?”
She sucked in a breath and jumped like she’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “What?”
Mitch laughed. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I was just, um, hi.” She exhaled and smiled. Mitch had Ruthie over his shoulder. “You two getting some fresh air?”
He nodded. “That and I was curious to see what she’d think about Archie.”
“In case you get a dog?”
“You got it.”
Why did he have to be so handsome? And this new Mitch, the one who smiled and laughed and held babies? That wasn’t helping. “Good timing. Archie’s been at Lucas’s all day, so he’s pretty worn out from playing with Scout.”
“I totally forgot. You went to meet your biological dad today, didn’t you? How did that go?”
“It went pretty well, actually.”
“Excellent,” Mitch said. “Well enough to see him again?”
“Yeah, for sure. He’s a good man. Sincere. Warm. Well-meaning. The kind of guy you’d want as a friend. I like him a lot.”
“That’s good. I’m glad today went that way for you and your family.”
“Thanks.” She gently tugged the leash to get Archie’s attention. “Come here, baby dog. Come meet your newest neighbor, little baby Ruthie.”
Mitch turned Ruthie around, using his body to stabilize her as he crouched down “Look at the doggy, Ruthie. What do you think, huh?”
Ever curious, Archie came to investigate this strange, hairless creature. Harper kept a close eye on him, only because she thought he might lick Ruthie, and Ruthie might not like that too much.
Ruthie reached for Archie, wiggling her little fingers. Archie, who was up for pets from anyone, went closer. Ruthie managed to grab one of his ears. Archie licked her on the chin and she laughed and attempted to grab more of him.
“Careful, sweetheart,” Mitch said, holding her back “Easy with the doggy. Be gentle with him.”
“Don’t worry, Archie wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“I’m more worried about Ruthie hurting him. She doesn’t have the best coordination yet.”
Archie licked Ruthie again, this time on the cheek, making her squeal with amusement.
Harper smiled. “I think she’s doing all right. Might need to wash her face after this.”
“It’s good for her. Builds antibodies.” After a few more seconds, he straightened up, ending Ruthie’s ability to make contact with Archie. Didn’t stop her from trying, though.
“She seems to like dogs. This one anyway.”
Mitch nodded. “Time to get her one of her own then.”
“I’ll email you some info tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. I take it you’re all coming over for the big Sunday roast?”
