Page 58 of Perfect Harmony

“Is Harrison still working late a lot?”

Addison paused her weaving. The green andblue bracelet was almost complete, and she poked absently at the small safetypin she’d used to pin the bracelet to the arm of the couch. “Yeah. I’mactually starting to get a little worried about him.”

“What do you mean?” Kira said.

“He works late almost every night andspends all day Saturday at the office. He’s distant, and when I try to talk tohim about how much he’s working, he gets really defensive. He says that he’sworking so much because of how expensive the wedding is.”

She started weaving again, tears shining inher eyes. “I feel really bad, you guys. It’s my fault the wedding is so expensive.I mean, my parents are contributing where they can, but it’s still a lot fallingon our shoulders, and -”

“Addie,” Grace reached out and squeezed hershoulder, “your wedding is not expensive. You have a budget of six grand.That’s not an expensive wedding, especially considering your fiancé is a lawyerand makes a damn good wage.”

“Harrison thinks it is.”

“He’s wrong,” Grace said flatly. “And heshouldn’t be trying to blame you for working so much overtime.”

“He’s not, he just… he’s really busy andstressed out right now. I can’t even remember the last time we had sex,” Addisonsaid. “It’s been well over a month. That’s not normal.”

“It is a stressful time for you right now,”Kira said. “It’s not surprising you’re not into it.”

“It’s not me. It’s him,” Addison said. “He’salways so tired or he just straight up says he’s not in the mood.”

She finished the bracelet and tied the threadsinto a sturdy knot before using small scissors to trim the ends. “I’m going todo a sexy surprise thing for him tomorrow night. He has to work late, he alreadytold me, but I picked up some massage oil and a pretty chemise. I’ll be waitingfor him in his bedroom when he gets home.”

“That sounds awesome,” Kira said.

Addison smiled but Grace could see theworry in her eyes. “I thought so too. What guy will turn down a massage,right? Once he’s relaxed, I’ll…” Addie blushed, “you know.”

“No,” Grace teased gently. “Tell us exactlywhat you’re gonna do to your fiancé tomorrow night, you sexy little tart.”

Kira laughed as Addison turned bright red.“You’re adorable when you get embarrassed about sex.”

“I’m not embarrassed, but… Harrison doesn’tlike the idea that I gossip with you guys about our sex life.”

“Seriously?” Grace rolled her eyes. “Youbarely say anything about sex with Harrison. Just that it’s great and you haveno complaints. That’s not gossiping.”

Addison shrugged. “Still, I need torespect his wishes and -”

“Kira? Honey, I’m back.” The front doorslammed shut, and a smile crossed Kira’s face.

“I’m in the living room.”

“Hey.” Connor walked into the room. Holdinghis cast against his chest, he leaned over and kissed Kira. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too. You weren’t gone as longas I thought you’d be.” She smiled up at him and Grace’s bad mood lifted alittle. Kira was blissfully happy, and she deserved it. After everything she’dbeen through, she deserved to be happy.

“Hey guys, what are you doing here?” Kira said.

Grace’s body tensed, her stomach twistingin on itself when she saw Gideon. He dropped into the armchair, studiouslyavoiding looking at her, as Preacher stepped into the living room. He leaned againstthe wall with his arms folded across his chest. He nodded to Grace before his gazeflickered to Addison.

Grace glanced at Addie. Her face wasflushed, and she pulled at the bracelet that was still pinned to the couch beforegrabbing the small bag at her feet and stuffing the loose thread and scissors intoit.

“The Thirsty Beaver was packed,” Connorsaid. “There was some private work function thing going on and they’d closedoff half the pub for it. I told Gideon and Preacher we should come back hereand have some beers in the quiet of our backyard. I’m sorry, I didn’t realizeyou were having Grace and Addison over though.”

“It’s fine,” Kira said.

“Hey, Grace.” Connor grinned at her. “Addison,how are you?”

“Good, thanks,” she said.

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