Page 41 of Your Heart & Mine

Elizabeth's lips tightened but she nodded. "Fine, but you just say the word, Harp, and he's out of here."

"Everything is fine, Lizzy. Better than fine."

Across the room, Wyck glanced up and met Harper's eyes. In them she read hope, regret and a gentle promise. She was still unsure about what the future held but she managed a tiny smile in return. For today, it was enough.

Chapter thirty-two

Spring

Inthemountains,springworked diligently to nudge winter aside. Each passing day, the sun gained strength, its rays growing warmer. Wyck wiped sweat from his brow as he hoisted another board into place on the new daycare center framework. Though he and Harper remained on uncertain terms, he found himself drawn back week after week to help on this project. The physical labor gave him a sense of purpose, and seeing the building take shape felt like helping rebuild his damaged soul.

As he worked, Wyck replayed his last conversation with Harper in his mind. Her hesitation at his dinner invitation a couple of weeks ago had stung, but he understood she still had trouble trusting him after what he'd done. He knew he had to be patient, focusing his energy on demonstrating through actions, not just words, that he was committed to making amends. It was a tough pill to swallow, however. He was not a patient man and his need for Harper seemed to grow rather than diminish with every passing day.

Wyck was securing a crossbeam when he spotted Harper walking up with his project manager. He stilled, pulse quickening. She looked effortlessly beautiful with her hair pulled up in a high ponytail and large, black sunglasses shielding her eyes. Her slim jeans were already dusted with the ever-present sawdust that permeated the very air of the construction site at this stage. Her face tipped up toward him briefly before Harper glanced away.

Wyck made his way down from the rafters and chatted for a few moments with Brad while Harper looked on. Soon, Brad moved on and Wyck took the chance to speak with the object of his obsession. "I didn't know you were stopping by today. It's good to see you."

Harper gave a small smile and pushed her glasses to the top of her head, revealing the sparkling hazel eyes Wyck loved so much. "You, too. I've been watching the progress thanks to all your crew's hard work." She gestured at the framework.

"It's been rewarding." Wyck rubbed the back of his neck, searching for the right words. "I meant it when I said I want to make a positive impact here again. However I can."

Harper studied him, emotions flickering across her face. "I'm glad you still feel that way." She hesitated then added, "I've been thinking...maybe we could do that dinner you mentioned."

Hope leapt in Wyck's chest, but he fought to keep his voice neutral when he answered. "I'd like that. Just let me know when you're ready."

Harper's smile widened a fraction. "Soon. I'll call you." She turned to go, the late day sun illuminating the golden highlights in her hair. .

Wyck watched her walk away, lightness rising in him. He hoped this was another beginning that he had almost despaired of ever being given again. Step by step, he would prove himself and win Harper back. Picking up his hammer, he got back to work, silently grateful fate might be giving them another chance.

As Harper strolled down Main Street, heart lifted by the sights and sounds of revitalization. All around her, fresh coats of paint brightened once-dreary storefronts. Flower boxes brimmed with cheerful spring blossoms, and locals lingered chatting, rather than hurrying by with heads down. She breathed the warm spring air into her lungs feeling more hope than she'd had in a long time.

Pausing on a bench beneath a blooming dogwood tree in front of the old courthouse, Harper allowed herself a small smile. Harper noted fresh fortunes sprouting everywhere - green buds on the trees, golden daffodils lining walkways, bright pink azalea blossoms nodding cheerfully. She breathed deeply, clean mountain air filling her lungs. Spring's hopeful energy was infectious.

Bringing lasting change to Carrington Ridge remained an uphill battle, but days like today made the struggles worthwhile. She felt her father's legacy of greed and self-aggrandizement slowly being wiped away. The very air now seemed to whisper that anything broken could be healed again, given enough love.

A pair of laughing children racing by shook Harper from her reverie. Glancing at her watch, she headed toward the long driveway that led up the hill to the house she grew up in. Her sisters and mother would be meeting there soon to resume plans for converting it into an inn. The idea filled Harper with surprising eagerness. Transforming the old home could help lay some lingering family ghosts to rest.

Approaching the sprawling Victorian, Harper scanned the freshly-painted exterior. Wyck had his team freshen the paint without asking her, but looking at it now, she couldn't find it in her heart to be mad at him about it. There was still much to do, but already she could envision the stunning inn it would become. A place that families and couples could make joyful memories, not be haunted by hurtful ones.

Through the wide kitchen windows, Harper could see her sisters and Cam already seated around the old, scarred wooden table, smiles on their faces. Mitzi was taking something out of the oven and as she cracked open the door, Harper could smell the delicious scent of lemon bars. Her favorite.

"There she is!" Cam's trademark smirk widening into a true smile. "We thought we were going to have to send the calvary out to find you, love."

Harper's lips quirked up on one side. "I'm only a couple of minutes late. I don't think the calvary will be necessary."

She ruffled his perfectly coiffed hair as she passed him and took her seat at the table. Her giggles erupted as she saw Cam's look of horror and watched him try to return the strands into their places.

"Mama's been baking. She wants us all as fat as ticks on a hound!" Brenna grinned.

Elizabeth grimaced. "Brenna, that's gross."

Harper thought Cam actually blanched at her baby sister's description and she bit her lip trying not to smile. She was pretty sure he'd never even seen a tick.

Not letting her sister ruin her good mood, Brenna rolled her eyes and continued, "Since when are you so sensitive, Lizzy?"

"Girls, let's not start bickering. We've got lots of decisions to make today. Conner needs the final plans by next week." Mitzi placed a plate piled high with yellow squares on the table before taking her chair.

Cam grabbed a lemon bar practically before the plate hit the wood of the table. "Oh, Conner is the yummy contractor, right? I want to be on that committee."

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