Page 29 of Click of Fate

“That’s not even in the same category of requests, Lill.”

Lilly shrugs like we’re the unreasonable ones. “You said I couldn’t have ice cream, and I listened. So now I want a puppy. That’s fair.”

Shaking her head, Harper replies. “That is… not how compromise works.”

As if she just had the best idea, Lilly’s face is bright and eyes wide. “It could be a family puppy! I could help take care of it. And you guys won’t be lonely when I’m at school!”

She beams at us, clearly thinking she’s nailed it. And, honestly, I have to respect the hustle.

I shoot Harper a look. “This is your fault. She negotiates like you.”

“I’m proud and terrified,” Harper says.

Lilly skips off toward the bathroom, already humming a victory tune.

I mutter under my breath “We are absolutely getting a dog, aren’t we?”

Harper just groans. “Yep.”

When Harper returns after getting Lilly on the bus, I’m snuggled into the couch with my favorite morning show on. I’ve got about an hour before I need to head over to HEA, so I’m having somemetime.

Harper normally leaves for work a few minutes after she sees Lilly off for the day, so I’m surprised when I hear her clear her throat as she walks around the couch and sits next to me.

“So, Mom wants us to visit next week. Some kind of festival she thinks Lilly will enjoy.”

I raise a brow. “Oh, joy.”

Harper shrugs. “She asked if we would all come, but I told her you had an assignment.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking a sip of coffee. I love Mom, but I try to limit visits to holidays, birthdays… and when guilt wins.

Harper offers a small smile. “Lilly really wants to go, and I figured you could use a quiet weekend. I know the shift from globe-trotting nomad to live-in babysitter with a roommate hasn’t exactly been a soft landing.”

“Oh, stop.” I reach over and squeeze her hand. “I love living with you two. Honestly, the only real adjustment has been the five a.m. wake-up calls, but I’ll admit, the sleep destroyer is adorable.”

I hold her gaze to make sure she hears me. The last thing I want is for her to feel like an obligation. She’s not.

She’s a priority. One of the few that truly matter.

“Do you want to take some of my CBD gummies with you?” I joke.

Happer chuckles. “Goodness, yes. I was toying with only staying one night to hope Mom doesn’t spiral. But I know Lilly wants as much time with Mom as she can get.”

I just nod. “You’re not wrong.”

We both know how exhausting Mom can be. She’s not depressed anymore—thank goodness for antidepressants—but she’s still fixates on our father’s love life. Like some alternative version of life that could have saved their marriage. One thing we’ve noticed? The more time we spend with her, the more she fixates.

Harper stands, walks to the small entry way hooks, and grabs her bag and purse. “What’s on your to do list today?” she asks.

“I’ve got a meeting with Cassie today. Wish me luck,” I tell her.

“Oh, you’ll need it for sure.” Harper laughs. She’s knows how much Cassie wants me taking wedding photos. And she also knows how much I hate the idea.

By the time I walk through the HEA elevator doors, I can already smell the trap.

The scent of freshly brewed espresso hits me first. I head through the open space, and as I walk by the break room, there’s no one there using the coffee maker. That alone would be enough to raise suspicion, but when I round the corner and peek into Cassie’s office, it’s basically a full-on sugar-laced ambush.

A spread of pastries and sweets from Sweet Wave is artfully arranged on her small conference table, like she’s hosting a brunch for royalty—not buttering me up for something I’m about to regret.

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