Page 111 of Capture The Moment

Harper rushed to her aid, followed closely by Finn, who took over door duty and ushered them inside.

“This must be your handsome young prince,” Mrs. Simmons declared loudly enough for everyone in a two-mile radius to hear.

“Finn O’Brien. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Well, aren’t you the sweetest man in addition to being a big hunk!” Mrs. Simmons exclaimed.

“Forgive her,” Kelly said teasingly. “She gets a bit overexcited at times. I’m Kelly Kostas. It’s nice to meet you.”

“And I’m Emma Kostas, the owner of A New Chapter,” Emma said, taking her turn to shake Finn’s hand.

“A fellow store owner. I might have to pick your brain sometime,” Finn said.

“I’d be happy to help. I know how daunting it can be when you’re just starting out.”

Kelly had drifted off and was examining some of the photographs that hung on the wall. “Harper, these are beautiful,” she said enthusiastically.

“Thank you,” Harper said, “but it’s Finn’s work that made them that way.” She’d taken a few photos and had them framed in time for the party, but she’d be adding several more before the store opened.

“She’s too humble,” Finn said, squeezing her around the waist. “She has an incredible eye for what looks good.”

“You can say that again,” Mrs. Simmons piped up, giving him the once-over.

When Emma frowned at her, Mrs. Simmons said, “What? I may be old, but I’m not dead!”

Kelly, Emma, and Mrs. Simmons moved off to the buffet table after that, giving Harper and Finn a moment alone. Taking a quick glance around to make sure the guests were occupied, Finn leaned in for a kiss.

“What was that for?” Harper asked, a bit breathless.

“Just because I love you.”

Despite the boost from her high heels, she went up on her tiptoes, laced her arms around his neck, and kissed him again. “I love you too, my handsome young prince!”

They were standing just like that, eyes aglow, when Blake’s family walked in.

Harper quickly stepped back, stumbling in the process, but Finn kept a hand on her elbow to steady her.

“Mr. and Mrs. Davies. Nina. Thank you so much for coming,” Finn said smoothly.

“Since when are you so formal?” Tim asked, shaking his hand vigorously.

“Sorry, sir. I mean Tim.”

Trish held out her arms to Harper, who immediately stepped into them. Maybe it was out of habit, or maybe it was because she needed the extra reassurance, but she hugged Trish especially tight that day.

After they parted, Trish said, “You look beautiful in that dress.”

Harper felt a tear prick her eye, but the last thing she wanted was to make a scene at Finn’s party, so she willed it away. “Thank you,” she said and then turned to Nina, who was studying her photographs on the wall.

Coming up beside her, Harper gave Nina a brief side hug, and for a brief second, Nina leaned her head against Harper’s shoulder.

“You really are talented,” Nina said quietly. “I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that before.”

That time, Harper couldn’t prevent it, and a few tears escaped and dripped down her cheeks. “You haven’t, but thank you for saying it now,” she replied. And she didn’t know how he knew, but suddenly, Finn appeared on her other side and handed her a tissue before walking away to greet some other guests.

“He’s good to you,” Nina said.

Harper nodded as she dabbed her face with the tissue. And then she heard Mrs. Simmons’s voice carry up from the back of the store.