Page 13 of Redeeming Harmony

“I think,” Addison slung her arm around Harper’s shoulders and rested her head on top of hers, “that you’ve had some terrible last few months, and you feel a little adrift and unsure of where your life is headed.”

“Just because I failed at my dream and had to come back home flat broke with my tail between my legs doesn’t mean I’m unsure of my future,” Harper said.

“One, you didn’t fail. Maybe you didn’t achieve what you wanted in New York, but that doesn’t make you a failure, Harper,” Addie said. “You are an amazing and gifted artist, and eventually, the right person will see your art, and that’ll be it for you. That will be your moment. Just promise that you’ll remember me when you’re rich and famous and doing cocaine off of men’s butt cheeks. Also… I will straight up murder you if you even think about trying cocaine.”

Harper laughed. “I won’t try cocaine. I haven’t even smoked any weed for weeks now.”

“Really? I’m so proud of you. Good job, honey,” Addie said.

“Only because I can’t afford it,” Harper said.

Addison laughed before giving Harper a solemn look. “Seriously though, you’re hyper focusing on something you feel you can control - saving your dad. But the thing is, I’m not entirely sure he needs saving. From what you told me about your conversation with Hal, your dad wants to retire, or at the very least cut back on his clinic hours.”

“I just can’t believe it, though,” Harper said. “It’s happened so suddenly, you know? One minute he’s perfectly happy, the next, he’s selling the clinic. What will he do if he isn’t working at the clinic?”

“I think you need to ask him. Sit down with him and have an honest conversation,” Addison said.

“I will,” Harper said. “He’s having dinner with Solomon Whitaker tonight, but I’ll talk to him when he gets home.”

“Good. Are you still up for dinner with Gracie and Kira?” Addison asked. “I can cancel if you’re not. We can have a girls' night here, just you and me.”

“Preacher might ruin the girl’s only vibe,” Harper said with a grin.

Addison had started dating the tattoo artist while Harper was in New York. Preacher had moved in with Addie a few weeks ago. Even though the two of them seemed completely different, Harper had never seen Addison look so happy.

“He’s tattooing until seven, and then he’s having dinner with Gideon and Connor,” Addie said. “Do you want me to text Kira and Grace and cancel?”

“No, I’m anxious to see them. I’ve missed all of you so much,” Harper said.

“We’ve missed you too,” Addison said. “I know how selfish this sounds, but I’m happy you’re home, Harper. I was worried about you all alone in New York.”

Harper smiled at Addie. “There’s a big part of me that’s glad to be home too. I just wish things didn’t feel so… different.”

“You’ve been gone over a year,” Addie said. “It’s bound to feel a little strange to be back home again. It’ll start to feel normal again, I promise.”

“You’re right,” Harper said, but the knot in her stomach didn’t seem to agree with her.

* * *

“Your descriptionof Harper Brandt doesn’t sound like the woman I know.” Wyatt took a bite of his burger.

Nathan paused with his burger in front of his mouth. “You know her?”

“Of course, I know her. I grew up here, and so did she,” Wyatt said. “Plus, she worked at the vet clinic with her dad before moving to New York, so she came to the ranch with him quite a few times. She was always friendly. Funny as hell too.”

“She’s a self-absorbed little brat who’s pissed because she’s not getting her way,” Nathan said.

“Gorgeous too and a great ass,” Wyatt said.

“I hadn’t noticed,” Nathan said.

“Bullshit,” Wyatt said. “We were roommates for four years. I know what a perfect ass like Harper’s does to you. I’m surprised you could even fight with her.”

“Trust me, she made it very easy to fight with her,” Nathan said. “Warren is supposed to sign the documents tomorrow. What if Harper goes crying to him about our fight and convinces him not to sell the clinic to me?”

“She won’t,” Wyatt said. “If there’s one thing I remember about Harper it’s that she’s more than capable of fighting her own battles. She won’t drag her father into this.”

“He’s already a part of this,” Nathan said. “She thinks I’m forcing him to sell the clinic. That I’m using some kind of Jedi mind trick to get him to retire. It’s ridiculous, and I have no idea why the fuck she’s trying to destroy my life.”

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