Shelley slipped her arm through Harper's as the two of them walked the driveway from the cottage toward the barn."I'm glad we finally get to do this," said Shelley."I feel like we've barely seen each other for the last few weeks."
"I know, sorry."
"No, I wasn't complaining.And besides, it's not just you.I've been busy too."Shelley smiled."I know you're back here at the cottage now.But I have to tell you, it seemed to me and to everyone else that you and Emmett were a real couple at the play on Friday night.And the girls as well.The four of you were like a family."
Harper smiled."It was good, wasn't it?"
"It really was.And you said that you only came back here to make it easier on the girls?"
"That's right.Although we're now talking about me moving back in with them in a couple of weeks.It was Alana who wasn't sure.And to be honest, I don't blame her.But moving forward, we'll see how it goes."
They walked in silence for a little while.Harper just enjoyed being with her friend again.
"Will you make me a promise?"Shelley asked after a while.
"That depends."Harper gave her a sassy smile."What are you after?"
Shelley slapped her arm."You know damn well I'm not after anything other than trying to look out for you."
"So, what is it that you want me to promise?"
"That we'll do a better job of keeping up with each other?I know life gets busy, and I'm sure it’ll be even busier once you're back at Emmett's place.But we need to catch up at least once a week.I'd love to think that we could have lunch or go for a walk like this, but even if we can't manage that, promise me we'll make time for a phone call."
Harper squeezed her arm."I promise you that I'll make lunch with you a priority in my schedule every week.How about that?We might be busy, but I don't want to let this slide.I only moved out here because you’re here."
Shelley chuckled."And I'll be forever grateful, but I'm also glad that in coming here you've found so much more."She held Harper's gaze for a moment."I'm cautious; I don't want to say too much, don't want to upset you, but…"
"Just go ahead and say it."
"Seems to me that you've finally got your family, Harps."
Harper squeezed her eyes tight shut."I hope I'm not tempting fate by saying it, but it seems that way to me too.I love that man, Shelley.And I love the girls.Not just because they're his daughters, but because they're both great little people.Very different from each other.But both just wonderful people in their own way."
"And you're a wonderful person too," said Shelley."Don't you ever forget it."
"How could I, with you around?"
"Don't brush me off," said Shelley."But I won't let you forget it."
"I know, and I appreciate it."
"And what about work?I bet Marcus couldn't believe that you turned him down when he offered you all that money."
"I think it blew his mind.He didn't understand it.But that's okay."
"What will you do?"asked Shelley.
"Stick with the plan I had originally.I'll freelance if the right projects come along.And…" She let out a breath."I've been thinking about it, and I'm going to put my apartment on the market."
Shelley grinned."That's awesome.Wait.I know you said with what you make on the apartment you'd be able to buy a ranch out here.You're not planning to do that, are you?"
Harper laughed out loud."No.No plans to become a rancher.But having that nest egg from the apartment will make me feel better about moving in with Emmett and the girls.He's been talking about maybe working fewer hours now that Hallie's here.I don't know how he's fixed financially, but I want to be able to do my part."
"Sounds like things are all moving in the right direction for you guys."
Harper gave her a wry smile."It sounds that way, doesn't it?But I'll be happier when things start actually moving along.I'm not saying that I'm in a hurry."
"I know," said Shelley."More like you won't fully believe it until you're living it."
