Page 31 of Your Heart & Mine

Harper greeted him at the back door with a dazzling smile and a lingering kiss that settled his nerves somewhat. As he followed her into the expansive kitchen, savory aromas enveloped him.

Mitzi looked up from stirring a pot on the stove and gave him a polite smile though her eyes remained guarded. "Hello Wyck. So glad you could join us."

"Thank you for having me, Mrs. Carrington," Wyck said respectfully as Harper squeezed his hand in encouragement.

She gave him a pained expression. "Please, Hon, when have you ever called me Mrs. Carrington? That makes me feel old as the hills," she replied, softening a bit.

Wyck shrugged and gave her a wry grin. "Sorry, Miss Mitzi."

Mitzi smiled and opened the oven door. "Dinner's just about ready. Have a seat."

Cam emerged from the pantry with a large wooden bowl and tongs, a Santa Claus apron covering his designer sweater. "There you are! I'm on salad duty tonight." He raised his eyebrows at Harper. "Shall I grab the good wine from the cellar to celebrate our guest?"

"That's an excellent idea," Harper agreed with a smile. As Cam headed downstairs, she turned to Wyck. "See? You're among friends."

Wyck shoved his hands in his pockets and tried to smile. He knew how important this dinner was to Harper, but he had a sneaking sense she was going to be disappointed in some way. He hated the feeling and tried to tamp it down. He would do his part to make it go as smoothly as possible.

At the table, Brenna seemed to fall back into the easy relationship they'd had years ago. She immediately peppered Wyck with enthusiastic questions about the community center's progress. Though she was a woman grown now, she still had the bubbly personality she'd had as a girl and the familiarity started to make him relax. She soon had him opening up and chuckling while he told stories of some of the mishaps on the construction site.

Across from them, Elizabeth wore a polite smile that didn't reach her cool blue eyes. Though not overtly rude, her tense posture and curt responses made her skepticism clear. Wyck shot frequent glances her way hoping to bring her into the conversation, but was met with silence that grew heavier the longer it went on.

As if sensing the chill from her sister, Brenna upped her bubbly charm offensive, not allowing Elizabeth's tepid welcome of Wyck ruin the dinner. Easy conversation flowed between Wyck and everyone but Elizabeth as they enjoyed their pot roast and vegetables. The excellent wine didn't hurt and by the end of the meal, even Elizabeth's icy countenance seemed to thaw slightly.

"We're so grateful for all the hard work you've poured into revitalizing this community," Mitzi said warmly to Wyck as she poured coffee into a porcelain cup so small and delicate Wyck was half afraid to pick it up with his big, rough hands. Turning to Harper, she added "And you, Sugar. I'm so proud of what you girls have been able to accomplish. Y'all are the talk of the town, and it makes my heart happy to have all my girls back here together again."

Harper beamed as her mother's eyes glimmered with unshed tears. Her eyes found Wyck's and an unspoken look passed between them. Despite lingering reservations from some, this felt like a turning point, a real family dinner. Under the table, Wyck gave Harper's hand an affectionate squeeze.

There was still much to resolve about their past, but tonight their future was unfolding right here around this table. Together, they would move forward, rebuilding more than just the town.

After dinner, Wyck joined Harper on the front porch swing of her family home. The old wood creaked and groaned under their weight as he put his arm around her. Though the night air held the promise of impending snow, he gathered her close to his side as they rocked together.

Lulled by the gentle swaying motion and the solid warmth of Wyck's body next to hers, Harper snuggled into his side. "You've really won over the family, you know," she said. "Even Cam told me today how impressed he is with everything you're doing for the town."

Though pleased, Wyck tensed almost imperceptibly at the mention of who he'd thought a rival just a short while ago. Old doubts still plagued him at times. "Well, that's...good to hear," he offered cautiously. "Elizabeth didn't seem too happy to see me."

He felt her shrug under his shoulder. "You know Elizabeth. It will take a while, but she'll come around." She tipped her head to meet his gaze with a smile tugging at her lips. "She didn't throw a knife at you. I'd take that as a win."

Wyck couldn't help the tip up of his own mouth. "You're right. No flying cutlery. Score one for me."

"They can all tell how dedicated you are to helping rebuild things around here. How much you really care." She nestled even closer and added softly, "Almost as much as I care."

Wyck released a breath at her quiet confession. Relief washed over him as he tilted her chin up to meet her eyes. "I want to spend my life making things right if you'll let me, Angel."

Gazing back at him, Harper smiled tremulously, a lone tear escaping down her pale cheeks. He prayed it was a happy one.

Bending his head, he kissed her with aching tenderness, hoping against hope that he could truly become the sort of man Harper Carrington deserved.

Chapter twenty-six

Niggling Secrets

Thenextafternoon,Harperand her sisters toured downtown renovations. At the clinic, hammering could be heard inside.

"It will be done in a few weeks," Elizabeth said excitedly. "Just cosmetic updates mostly."

Inside, a worker painting trim greeted them. "Go on and look around if you want."

While her sisters admired paint colors, Harper thanked the man. "Having a clinic again is going to mean so much."

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