Page 67 of Capture The Moment

Harper rolled her eyes, realizing that this was the trouble with having siblings who were so close. When it came to each other’s personal lives, there was probably nothing that escaped the attention of the O’Brien brothers.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, trying to keep the lilt out of her voice.

“You’re the worst liar ever. You know that, right?”

Harper laughed. “Ok, fine. I might have had something to do with his good mood, but that’s all I’m saying.”

“Just answer me one question.”

“What is it?”

“Was he good?”

“Julia!”

“What? I was just wondering if it runs in the family?”

She sighed. “I suppose it does.”

“Yay! I’m so happy for you!”

“Well, thanks, I guess. But it’s really no big deal.”

“What? You’re kidding, right?” It’s a huge deal!”

“How so?”

“Because it’s Finn.”

And just his name gave her a twinge.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around this, Jules, so just slow down. It’s not the same for us as it is for you and Connor.”

“What do you mean?”

“You two are starting with a clean slate. There’s no baggage between you.”

“Everyone has baggage, Harper. And you don’t have to see yours as an obstacle. It’s been almost two years.”

As if she needed the reminder. “I know that. It’s just that it’s still new, and I have no idea where we’ll end up.”

“Nobody does, but that’s life. I’m just glad that you decided to start living again.”

Harper would have like to label Julia as being overdramatic, but she was right. She hadn’t felt this alive in a long time.

“So, when are you seeing him again?”

“Tonight.”

They talked for a few more minutes, and after they hung up, Harper forced herself to get some work done. She managed to send a few emails, including one to Nikki Collins with her adorable son’s birthday photos. She’d taken a few shots of Nikki, Nate, and Max together, but this time, when she’d looked at their family, it hadn’t made her sad. Had one night with Finn really been powerful enough to turn her life around? But she was afraid to put too much stock in it knowing that life can change on a dime. So, for now, she would try not to overthink things and just enjoy the journey, wherever it might lead.

She was still feeling positive when the doorbell rang at five thirty that evening. Anticipating that Finn might be early, she’d been ready since five, and now she smoothed her hands over her long, golden-blonde hair and hurried to answer the door.

But when she flung it open, standing on her porch was the last person she’d expected to see—Blake’s mom.

Unable to contain her surprise, Harper said, “Hi, Trish. What are you doing here?”

When she’d been married, Blake’s parents had rarely stopped by unannounced, which was why she was so surprised now.