"So what, you're offering to play relationship counselor?"
"I wouldn't call it that, but if you need any insight into dealing with Emmett, I'll do what I can to help."
She pursed her lips."To help him, or to help me?"
He shook his head at her."From the way this thing's going, it looks to me like they both amount to the same thing now."
"Sorry, thanks, Blane.I really will try to have a little faith."
"It's okay.I'll just keep repeating myself until I get through to you."
She stood in the doorway, watching him return to his truck.He was opening the door before she remembered."Hey, Blane."
"Yeah?"
"What about the tickets?For Friday night?"
She had to laugh when he grinned and said, "Oh, yeah.I just need the one.Slot me in anywhere.I'll drive myself and I’ll give you the money when I see you."
She shook her head with a smile.
"What?"he asked."It's called a pretext.I know you know what one of those is."
Chapter Twenty-Four
Emmett paused in the hallway to look himself over in the mirror.He only realized what he was doing when Tanya came to stand beside him and grinned at their reflection.
"You look good, Dad — handsome.I'm sure Harper will notice."
He was about to protest that that wasn't why he'd made an effort.But as he met his daughter's gaze in the mirror, he thought better of it.Why should he deny it?
Tanya looked down at herself."Do you think I look okay?"
"I do.You look great.You're beautiful, Button."
"Aw, thanks.You're such a good dad, you know."
"I do my best."
"You are the best, Papa Bear."
His breath caught, hearing the name, and she gave him a rueful smile."I messed up when I called Harper Mama Bear, didn't I?"
He hugged her to his side."No, you didn't mess up.In fact, it probably did us all a favor.It brought things out in the open."
"Yeah, but Harper moved out because of it."
"She didn't move out because you called her Mama Bear."
"No, I know.But it sounded like I was calling her Mom.And that upset Alana.And..."Her words trailed off and she shrugged.
"I've told you — and Alana has — you don't need to feel bad about it."
"The only thing I feel bad about is that Harper isn't here anymore."
"She'll be here very soon," said Emmett.He didn't want to voice how much he was missing Harper already."And you did see her last night."
Tanya grinned."I know, right?That was awesome.And I love that Alana was the one who called her."
