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"I can understand it. Harper is special lady. Just as sweet as her mother," Dad adds, sipping at his diet Coke. "She's been a Godsend for us. Anytime we need anything, she's the first one to step up."
He turns his light blue eyes to mine, studying me under white brows. He stares at me intently, obviously expecting me to say something.
I inhale sharply. "She's okay."
"Yes, you've said that before, Deacon. But Harper has been a tremendous asset to the company. She's an honest woman, son." His look is withering, and I hold my breath, feeling scolded. "To tell the truth, that's a heck of a lot more than I can say for Kathy. That girl made me break out in hives, she was so terrible."
We both chuckle a bit as memories of my disastrous relationship come back. From day one he told me she wasn't the right fit. He wasn't wrong about her, and there were many occasions where he was nothing but polite to cover up how he really felt. He didn't trust her from the get-go, and she always rubbed him the wrong way. But if I'd listened and stayed away from the woman, I wouldn't have Sasha now. And I wouldn't be able to watch as she smiles at Harper from across the room.
There's no going back in life. Sometimes things happen that change you forever.
"Kathy had her downfalls," I reply, almost defensively. "But she was Sasha's mother, and I wouldn't trade Sasha for the world. And as far as Harper is concerned, you like her because she fills a gap. When I was away, she jumped up and took care of everything for you. But it's clear that she would've been there anyway, because she loves you."
"I have to wonder if you are afraid to get close to anybody after what happened with Kathy."
I suck my teeth and fidget with my napkin, drawing the older man's eyes. "It has nothing to do with that, Dad. It's just complicated. There's a little too much friction between us at times. We've known each other for way too long and it may be too late for any of it to mean anything."
I stop suddenly, and Dad cocks his head to the side.
"I wasn't suggesting anything romantic," he chuckles, "but it's interesting where your mind took that."
My face gets hot, and I tug at the neck of my shirt, feeling like I'm on the witness stand. "I just meant to say that she and I have never had chemistry. That's all."
A sly grin pulls at the corners of his mouth. "If you say so, son."
We grow silent as Sasha stands and, sketchbook in hand, strolls over to the glass doors. As she gets closer to the open door, she reaches out and gives it a weak rap in such an adult fashion that it brings a grin to my face.
"Daddy," she coos, peeking in with her little arm gripping the glass, "I'm tired."
"You sound it. It's about time for bed, isn't it? Let's say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa, and then we can head home."
She yawns as if my words were a cue, and she steps out onto the porch to get closer to her grandpa. Dad rests his hand on the top of her head and gives her a soft smile. "Sweet dreams, Sasha. Be good for your Daddy."
"Good night." Sasha backs up, but instead of shuffling away, her eyes meet mine and she asks, "Can I say goodnight to Harper too?"
"Of course, sweetheart," I reply without a second thought. "I'm sure she would love to say goodnight."
With a spring in her step, she marches over to the woman who was once my arch nemesis and interrupts her conversation with my mother. She must’ve come into the room while our attentionwas focused on Sasha. A whispered conversation between Sasha and Harper ensues. Even from my position at the patio door, I can see how her eyes sparkle as she talks to my daughter.
It's incredible how well Harper fits in with my parents, and now my daughter. As if she was made for us, or them anyway. Like a puzzle piece slipping right into place. I sigh heavily, allowing my breath to slide slowly out between my teeth as I watch Sasha and Harper standing there laughing together.
Is she like that with everyone in her life? All of my knowledge of her revolves around her being the ultra-competitive girl who hated that I was just as good as her at everything. But maybe this is a new version of her, one that I've missed out on. I have definitely seen another side to her recently. Maybe I haven't been paying enough attention to who she really is today. Maybe...
No. Stop it, Deacon. That will only complicates things.
They hug goodbye, and Sasha comes scurrying back to the door. I offer my hand, but she wraps her skinny arms around my neck instead. When I pick her up, she lays her head on my shoulder and kicks one leg back and forth.
The entire ride home, she babbles on and on about Miss Harper's drawings. She even wants to stop and get new colored pencils on the way home so they can draw together again. I indulge her, and we make a detour, spending far too long at the store picking out the right ones, but it's worth it. I haven't seen her this excited in a long time.
"Can she come over here next time?" Sasha mumbles into my shirt as I carry her upstairs. "I wanna show her my favorite toys in my closet. And she can see my new princess dress."
"I'm sure she'd love that, honey." I'm trying to placate her, but inside I feel... something. I want her to have a relationship with Harper. If I'm truly honest, she could use a real female rolemodel. But letting her get close to someone who isn't family feels a little strange.
"When?" Sasha yawns.
"I'll talk to her, okay?"
"Okay."
