Page 45 of Redeeming Harmony

“Fine.” She snagged a fry from Nathan’s plate and popped it into her mouth. “Jesse can’t make it. Someone at the station called in sick, and he took their shift.”

“Shit. Maybe we should just reschedule,” Nathan said.

“I can let Jesse know what the game plan is tomorrow,” Emma said. “Honestly, this is more of a…”

Lucas grinned and said, “Confirmation that Lucas understands the importance of next weekend and doesn’t fuck it up as the newest team member?”

“Something like that,” Emma said.

Martha returned to their table, still without his soda, Nathan noted, and smiled at Emma, her gaze arrowed in on Emma’s birthmark. “Hey. What can I get you, Emma?”

“I’ll have the Nan burger with a side of fries and a water, please,” Emma said without glancing at the menu.

“Sure.” Martha continued to stare at the birthmark until even Nathan felt uncomfortable.

“Hey, Martha? I’m still waiting on my soda,” he said as Emma stared woodenly ahead.

Martha finally looked away from Emma to scowl at Nathan. “I’m working on it.”

She marched away, and Emma said, “Still being given a hard time about the whole King death, huh?”

Nathan nodded. “Yeah.”

“It’ll blow over,” Emma said. “They just need some new gossip to latch onto.”

“Maybe you and I could give them something to gossip about, beautiful,” Lucas said with another grin.

Emma stared coolly at him. “You can call me Emma, or you can call me Ms. Richardson. Those are your only two options. That’s it. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Lucas said cheerfully before eating a bite of his chicken pot pie.

Nathan had to hand it to Lucas. For a guy who didn’t experience rejection very often, he took it well.

“So,” Emma said, “the New Cassel team is fond of -”

“Sorry,” Nathan said when his phone rang. He dug it out of his pocket and glanced at the unknown number before answering the call. “Nathan Henshaw. How can I help you?”

“Nathan, it’s Harper.”

“Oh, hey. How are you?” he said.

“I need your help. Savina and Dad are at a concert in New Cassel tonight, and Savina’s foster dog Izzie is in labour. She’s given birth to three puppies, but it’s been almost two hours since the last one. She’s straining a lot, and I’m worried something is wrong. I’ve already got her and the puppies in the car, and I’m headed to the clinic. Can you meet me there?”

“Yes,” he said. “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks.”

He stuffed his phone back in his pocket. “I have to go. I’m on call tonight, and there’s an emergency.”

Emma stood, and Nathan slid out of the booth, scanning the diner for Martha. “Shit, I need my bill.”

“Go,” Lucas said. “I have it covered.”

“Thanks, man. I owe you one.” Nathan hurried out of the diner.

* * *

Nathan was standingoutside the clinic when Harper pulled into the parking lot. Relieved, she stared at the panting, whining dog in the backseat. “It’s okay, Izzie. Nathan’s going to help you.”

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