Page 100 of Relentless

She considered how she was most likely an afterthought that morning. They would hand her a plate of whatever was left over, and she would find a corner of the house to eat alone.

Harper gathered the nerve to lift her eyes, glancing around at the family bustling around the dining room table in preparation for the hearty breakfast. Crew was in the kitchen, piling toast on a plate as the bread popped out of the toaster. Bethany set a heaping bowl of scrambled eggs in the middle of the oak table. Maeve pulled the last of the sizzling bacon off the skillet, placing the slices on a platter.

“Most important part,” Dallas quipped, picking a slice of bacon up with two fingers. “Ow! It’s hot!” he exclaimed. Shoving the bacon into his mouth, he blew out a puff of steam.

“Well, what did you think it was going to be?” Maeve scolded, lifting an eyebrow.

Dallas grinned as he leaned over and kissed her with his greasy lips. “Love you, darlin.”

Oakleigh came around the corner with the percolator full of fresh, hot coffee. “I’m starving. Let’s eat,” she said, noticeably pausing as her eyes connected with her mother. Without a word, she stepped past Harper and set the coffee on the table.

Maeve squeezed Dallas’ shoulder as she passed him by. He took her hand and pressed his lips to it, looking at her as though she were the center of the universe. Harper couldn’t help but feel the sting of resentment, considering how no man had ever looked at her that way. Now that she was heading for a brutal divorce, she knew it was a healthy dynamic she might never have the chance to experience.

She hung back while the family took their places around the large dining room table. When they all settled in, she took in a quick breath of surprise.

There was one empty place left, set just for her.

She hadn’t been an afterthought at all.

Making her way over, she slid into the seat beside Maeve.

They bowed their heads to bless the food, and Maeve discreetly placed two white aspirin pills onto her plate. Harper couldn’t help but feel grateful for the kind gesture. She noticedthat Maeve also slipped a piece of bacon to Dozer who was waiting eagerly under the table for a treat.

Dallas saidamen,and they began passing around the steaming hot platters of bacon, pancakes, and eggs. Harper took the bitter-tasting little pills, and washed them down with a glass of orange juice.

Running her fingers through her hair, Harper caught even more bits of straw jutting out from her blonde locks. She couldn’t imagine how terrible she looked or worse, how she smelled. Over the sound of flatware against the ceramic plates and the flurry of small talk, no one mentioned her at all.

Biting down on a piece of crispy bacon, she felt the greasy, salty food begin to settle her stomach.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Crew reach over and give Oakleigh’s hand a comforting squeeze. Unsurprisingly, Oakleigh had yet to offer her even a sideways glance. Harper had always thought there would be some gratification in being the one who finally pressed their fractured relationship to the point of shattering. In the absence of the fierce tension, glares, and petty comments, Harper felt the unexpected hollow feeling of loss.

Her daughter’s silence spoke volumes.

Oakleigh was fierce until she had been hurt past the point of caring.

They were alike in that way.

“I’m going to bring Sawyer a plate,” Bethany said cheerfully. “He says he’s coming to service today, even if it kills him.”

Maeve shook her head. “If he thinks he’s leading worship —”

“I’ll let you two battle that one out,” Bethany smiled as she pushed her chair back, balancing Sawyer’s plate loaded with breakfast items.

“We’re going to church later this morning, Harper,” Dallas chimed in. The tone of his voice was warm and kind. “You’re welcome to come.”

The only place Harper wanted to be was in the sanctity of her quiet bedroom, tucked into her cozy bed. She certainly didn’t want to be seen in public. Clearing her throat, she moistened her dry, cracked lips before she spoke.

“I don’t think so,” Harper replied, her voice sounding raspy in her ears. “It’s not for me.” Even she could admit the response was odd for someone who had woven her entire identity in ministry.

None of it felt quite right anymore.

When breakfast came to an end, Harper found it much easier to accomplish the daunting task of climbing the stairs. She reached her bedroom and swung her door open. It clanged against the empty silver flask lying haphazardly on the hardwood floor. The room was littered with Maeve’s letters, torn up and irreverently strewn about. She swept the mess aside with her bare feet, making a path to her bed. She desperately needed a shower, yet the drive to lay down won out in the battle of essentials.

Sinking into the lumpy bed, it now felt gloriously soft on her sore body. She felt her muscles release as she settled in and clutched her pillow tightly to her chest. The aspirin was finally kicking in, and the pounding on her temples lessened to a low hum. She felt her eyelids grow heavy and, thankfully, drift closed.

She wasn’t sure how long she had been asleep, but it certainly wasn’t long enough before she was awakened by a soft knock on the door.

“Who is it?” she grumbled, running her fingers across her brow. Her headache was gone, but the sharp feelings of guilt remained. She wasn’t sure if it was her hangover or the shame of her embarrassment, but Harper’s stomach hurt.

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