Retta, who used to work in a high school, coaching the cheer team, gave her a knowing smile as she said, "It's true, but high school politics are often far worse than office politics."
Harper chuckled but still didn't comment.
She was surprised when Emmett came to join her and the women, while the guys all joked around about something or other.Libby came to give him a hug.
"I'm so glad I was here for this."
"Me too.Thank you," he said.
"You don't need to thank me, Emmett, you know that.I'm not only here for your sake."
She glanced at Harper, who got the impression that she knew what they both wanted to say but wouldn't in front of her, so she decided it best to say it for them.She smiled at Libby before turning to Emmett."I wish Emily could be here.She'd be so proud of her."
A hush fell over the women, but then Emmett took hold of her hand, and they seemed to collectively exhale."She would," he said with a smile."She would have loved this."
At that moment, a woman who looked to Harper like she'd be more at home in New York than here in Paradise Valley came bustling toward them.She extended her hand toward Emmett, who shook it, looking wary.
"We haven't been introduced before now," the woman said."I'm Vivian Sinclair."
Emmett shook her hand."Nice to meet you," he said politely.
But it seemed that wasn't enough for Vivian.
"Yes, I'm Kennedy's mom — the lead.I believe you're Alana's father.Your daughter did quite well, didn't she?Of course, my Kennedy attended the arts academy back in Connecticut."
Emmett nodded and said diplomatically, "I hope she enjoyed her first performance here.This must be very different from what she's used to."
"Oh, definitely.It's much smaller scale, but at least some of the cast — like your daughter — were able to perform adequate supporting roles for her."
Harper was doing her best to keep her mouth shut, but she was on the verge of losing that battle.
Suddenly Vivian's gaze dropped to Emmett's hand, still joined with Harper's.
"Oh, I knew the local veterinarian was Alana's father.Forgive me, I didn't realize her motherwas here as well.I didn’t think…"
The quiet that fell over their group of friends seemed sharper this time.
Vivian gave her a tight smile as she said, "It's good of the fathers to come along, but we both know it's a girl's mom who makes her what she is."
Emmett's grip on her hand tightened.She didn't know what that meant; all she knew was that she needed to shut this woman up.
Harper's smile stayed warm."As much as I love her, I'd never claim to be Alana's mother.Her mother was Emily— and anyone who knew Emily could see her on that stage tonight."She paused."And you're right that Alana is a credit to her mom.As for me, I'm honored to play a supporting role.The real ones carry more weight than people realize."
Vivian's smile faltered."Oh, I see.Forgive me, I had assumed."
"It's not a problem.You'll find the valley has a way of catching newcomers up."
Vivien turned around sharply and walked away.The other women were smiling at her, and Emmett gave her hand a squeeze.
"Thank you."
"Oh, hell no, you don't need to thank me.I only spoke the truth, and it was my pleasure to say it.I know her sort."
Ari grinned at her."And you handled her well."
"You did," said Libby."I don't know if you intended it that way — well, no, I should say, I know damn well you intended it for her sake.But I don't know if you realize you stated out loud for the rest of us that you consider yourself part of the valley now."
Harper couldn't keep the smile off her face."You know what?I believe I do."
