Page 151 of Jack

“Sorry, bro,” Stein said. “This is why I don’t have social media.”

“You don’t have social media because you’re a stick-in-the-mud,” said Austen. She’d finished cleaning and now came over and slid onto the counter, next to Harper.

“Speaking of Declan Stone, didn’t I see you talking to him tonight, Austen?” Doyle asked.

“Not really. We wound up in the buffet line together, and he asked me what I did and seemed a little interested, although he might have been being polite. I mean, when I say I’m a marine biologist, I get a lot of rolled eyes. It’s like when people say they’re a rocket scientist. It sounds a little like I’m a nine-year-old girl wanting to play with dolphins.”

“But youdoplay with dolphins,” said Harper.

“Actually,sharks,” Doyle said.

Austen grinned.

But Jack was watching Stein, who’d pulled his phone—no, two phones—from his pocket. He put one down and looked at the other, frowning as he pushed the power button. “I think this is Declan Stone’s phone.”

Jack walked over, looked at the screen. “Is that a dog?”

“Declan’s dog—died last year. He has a picture of him on his wall downstairs by his pool table.” Stein set the phone on the stainless-steel island. “What am I doing with Declan Stone’s phone?”

Jack held up his hands. “This mystery is on you. I’m done.” He stepped up to the door. Indeed, outside, the moon had sprinkled magic onto the snow on the lake, the stars a thousand diamonds, turning the night priceless. “Anyone want a game of broomball?”

Stein glanced at him, smiled. “Really?”

“We turn on the lights, clear a rink . . .”

“I’m game,” said Conrad.

“Me too.” Doyle answered.

Stein shrugged. “I’ll deal with the phone tomorrow.” He turned. “You’re going down, Big Jack.”

Jack laughed. “You think so.”

“I’m in,” Austen said, sliding off the counter. “But only if Harper plays.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” Harper held Jack’s eyes as she joined Austen. “But I’ll need to borrow some clothes.”

“I have a stash at the carriage house,” Austen said. “I got you. I’ll meet you at Doyle’s.” She headed out the door, the boys behind her.

“Grab shovels on your way to the rink,” Jack said as they left. He caught Harper’s hand, however, and pulled her back into the kitchen.

She looked up at him, her blue eyes big, so much in them. And he couldn’t stop himself.

“I love you, Harper. I just didn’t want to admit it. And maybe I wasn’t ready for it either, but I am now.” He nodded, took a breath. “So if it means making promises, I’m in.”

“Breaking all your rules.”

“So many rules.” He nodded. “I’m crazy about you, Harper.”

She smiled, put her hands on his chest, then wound them around his neck. “I know.”

Aw.He lowered his head to kiss her, but she lifted her chin away. “Ask me.”

He stilled. Ask her—what?

“Stop panicking. Ask me to stay, silly man.”

Oh. Raw. Terrifying.But maybe that’s how he discovered the truth—by putting his heart out there. “Please . . . stay.”

---