"Well, I was hoping that you'd be disappointed that I'm not Harper."
He let out a short laugh."I'm not even going to answer that, because either way I'll land myself in trouble, won't I?"
"Aww, Mitty.I'm not trying to make you admit anything.I know you're glad to see me.But I'm hoping that things between you and Harper..."She let her words trail off and raised her eyebrows.
He lifted his left shoulder in as much of a shrug as he could manage."I'm hoping that they will too, but...the circumstances aren't exactly ideal, are they?"
"I guess not, but I don't think they're too terrible, either.I mean, you being in the state you're in has meant that she can come and stay with you guys.How are things going—with her, with the girls?Do they mind her being here?"
"No.They like it.At least on the surface they do.Tanya loves it, I have no doubt about that.But Alana..."
"It's harder for her.She's a bit older."
"Yeah.But she was the one who suggested that we ask Harper to stay."
"That's good then, isn't it?"
"It is.I want it to be great.But it was Harper who pointed out to me...that just because Alana said she wants her here, doesn't mean she's totally okay with it."
"I knew there was a reason I liked her."Libby looked down at the basket she was carrying."And I know you like her — that's all I'm going to say about that — so here's my contribution."
Emmett raised his eyebrows.
"Since the girls are with Blane and Cash tonight, and I know Harper's coming back over to hang out with you, I thought it was about time the two of you ate a meal together that one of you didn't have to cook."
"Thanks, Lib."
She shrugged."I haven't been able to do as much as I'd like for you and the girls these last few years."
"You do plenty," he interrupted.
She held her hand up."All I'm saying is that I wish I could have done more.But you know how things have been for me."
"I do.That's why I don't want you giving yourself a hard time.You've had a lot going on, Lib."He hurried on when he noticed the way her lips pressed together."And I know better than to say anything about Mav.But even setting all of that aside, with the riding program, and the vets, and therapy work you do, that's a lot for anyone.But you've still made time for us.You still pick the girls up when you can, you manage the schedule of everyone else.You've always been there for us.I know it, and the girls do, too."
Libby made a face."I still wish I'd been able to do more.And now...now I see a possibility between you and Harper."She held her hand up again."And I'm not going to say anything more about that, either."She held the basket up higher."But this.This is my contribution.There's a casserole in there, there's wine, there's fresh bread from the bakery.And there's dessert.Should I put it in the kitchen?"
Emmett didn't know what to say.He was relieved when she smiled and turned away."What am I asking for?I know better than that.So — take two: Emmett, I'm putting this in the kitchen."
He chuckled."Thanks, Lib."
She came back into the living room a few minutes later."I'd better be on my way.I need to get back up to town."
"Do you have plans for your Friday night?"Emmett asked before he thought about it.
She scowled at him.
"Come on, Lib.You know damn well I'm not checking up on you on Mav's behalf.It was an innocent question."
She huffed out a laugh."Yeah, sorry.I think I'm too defensive about that whole thing lately."
"You mean since he moved back here?"
She nodded slowly."And even before that."
"I'm not going to ask," said Emmett."I'll just tell you that I still hope."
She met his gaze."I'll admit it to you.But not the others.I do, too."
