Page 37 of Your Heart & Mine

When the door snicked quietly closed behind her mother, Harper blew out a deep breath. Maybe Wyck deserved a chance to explain himself. But could she bear to trust him again with her already battered heart?

Over the next few weeks, Harper threw herself into the Legacy building projects, avoiding the turmoil of her personal life, and avoiding the Community Center project where she knew Wyck spent most of his time. She had taken her mother's words to heart but hadn't been able to force herself to confront Wyck.

She ran between the old clinic was about to open, and the storefront apartments making sure everything progressed smoothly.

Carrington Ridge was so small, she couldn't avoid seeing him, though, even if it was from a distance. She had to admit that Wyck's vision had given the town new hope. His actions seemed at war with the man who she believed had lied and manipulated her. Part of her ached to understand him, but her courage failed whenever she considered reaching out.

Cam stayed steadfastly by her side, trying his best to lift her spirits with silly jokes and loving support. He never pushed Harper to contact Wyck, but she often sensed the advice underlying his listening ear. He and her mother had gone all in for Team Wyck before their blow out.

One evening as she finalized plans for the clinic's open house, Mitzi entered the study with a cup of chamomile tea.

"You're working yourself to the bone, sugar," she chided gently. "Why don't you take a break?"

Harper rubbed her tired eyes. "I just want everything finished. The open house for the clinic is in two days. Dr. Reynolds got here yesterday and has rented the Delp house on the hill. I really like her and want everyone to give her a warm welcome."

"I'm sure they will. With all the work you and your sisters have put into it, I'm sure it will be a lovely event," Mitzi said. "But I'm worried about you. You seem so burdened since that night." She hesitated. "Have you spoken to Wyck?"

Harper flinched involuntarily at his name. "No. I'm not ready."

Mitzi smoothed Harper's hair back from her face. "I understand, sweetheart. But sooner or later, you need to face him, and your feelings. Remember forgiveness takes courage, and closure only comes from confronting difficult truths."

Leaning into her mother's comforting touch, Harper felt the dam holding back her emotions crack. "I'm terrified," she admitted tearfully. "What if you're wrong, and he doesn't deserve forgiveness?"

"That's a risk you'll have to take," Mitzi said gently. "But only you can decide if what you stand to gain outweighs what you might lose."

With a soft kiss to Harper's forehead, she left her alone with her turbulent thoughts. Harper gazed out at the night sky, pondering her mother's words. She had to talk to Wyck, as painful as it would be. For both their sakes, they needed closure on the past to move forward.

Steeling herself, Harper grabbed her phone. Before she could lose her nerve, she typed a brief message to Wyck.

Harper: Can we talk tomorrow?

Bubbles showed up immediately in response.

Wyck: Of course. I'll come to you whenever you want. I'm so sorry, Harper. For everything.

Taking a deep breath, she replied.

Harper: 1:30 in Apt. A?

Wyck: I'll be there.

Harper dropped the phone to the small, antique table next to her chair, her hand trembling. A storm raged inside her - anger, hurt, and sorrow colliding with flickers of love and hope she couldn't seem to extinguish, no matter how Wyck had wounded her.

She wanted to believe they could heal the rift between them, but fear and doubt plagued her. Even if he offered reasonable explanations for his dishonesty, could she ever fully trust him again? Or would she constantly question his motivations, unable to relinquish her resentment?

Harper pressed her palms against her eyes until bursts of color exploded behind her lids. Why did it have to be so complicated and painful? She wished she could forget Wyck completely, cauterize the wound and move on. But the ghost of what they once meant to each other still haunted her.

Tomorrow they would talk, but Harper harbored no illusions. While honesty might provide closure, it could crack open barely healed scars as well. Any chance of reconciliation would require courage. Courage she didn't honestly know if she could muster.

While real hope remained elusive, submerged under the stormy sea of her doubts and regrets. Maybe someday it would surface, but all she could do was take the first fragile step and listen.

Chapter thirty

Regrets

Harperpacedthesidewalk,arms crossed against the chill. At precisely one-thirty, Wyck's SUV rumbled to a stop at the curb. He exited slowly, shoving his hands in his pockets, radiating discomfort.

Halting in front of his bumper, he looked to her with uncertainty. "Hi."

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