“I don’t think she’s in the mood.”
“Even if you came along?” Jack asked. “I don’t care how long the painting takes. We need to take care of Harper.”
She was touched by his concern. “I’ll ask her.”
Willa smiled. “Does that mean you’re coming with us? Please say yes.”
In the depths of the moment, with Harper mourning her mother, Frankie couldn’t deny her daughter’s request. What kind of mother would she be to choose work instead of time with her daughter? She nodded. “I’ll come with you. But we have to bring the umbrella. I don’t want to get burned.”
“Willa and I will take care of everything,” Jack promised. He extended his fist to Willa, who bumped her fist against it. “All the beach supplies are still in the storage closet in the rec room, right?”
Frankie nodded. “They are. We might have to take Archie.”
“Even better,” Jack said. “You talk to Harper and Willa and I will get to work making sandwiches.”
“Cool,” Willa said.
Frankie held her hands up. “Hang on, now. I’m not sure Harper will go. Don’t get ahead of yourselves.”
Jack shrugged. “Man, we still need to eat.”
“Right,” Frankie said. “Just don’t go nuts with the food prep yet.”
She went back to the main house. Harper was in the kitchen, getting water. She looked at Frankie but took a long sip before speaking. “Did you tell them?”
“I did. They still want you to come to the beach with them. Well, with us. I’m going, too, now. Jack thinks the negative ions from the ocean air would be good for you. And if you want anything, Willa said she’s willing to run to the store to get whatever you want.”
“Of course he thinks that.” Harper gave a quick smile that didn’t last. “I’m just not in the right head space for the beach. I appreciate the concern, though, and Willa’s offer, but I’m good. Mitch just texted. There’s a red-eye out to Vegas tonight. He’s got a rental car reserved for us and everything. I’m going to nap a little more, then pack. He’s coming to pick me up around six thirty.”
“He works fast.”
“He does.”
“Do you want us to take Archie to the beach? Or are you good with him here?”
“He can stay here.” Harper glanced toward the bedroom. “He’s keeping me company. You’re really going to the beach with them?”
Frankie nodded. “Willa asked and in light of everything, saying yes felt more important than work.”
Harper smiled. “You’re a good mom.”
“Thanks.”
Harper took her water back to her room, closing the door again.
Frankie wished there was something more she could do, but maybe going to the beach with Jack and Willa so that Harper could be alone was good enough.
Being with Mitch might help, too. It was clear he loved Harper, even if they hadn’t reached the stage of theirrelationship where such declarations had been made. He would take care of her and help her through this difficult time.
For that, Frankie was infinitely grateful.
Chapter Forty-Five
“It’s as easy to make two as it is to make one,” Joyce said.
Beryl nodded. “It is. And the chicken could be turned into sandwiches or whatnot after.”
“We’ll do both,” Joyce said. “Might as well. They’re going to be gone a couple days at least. Maybe longer.”
