They made their way to the kitchen, where several boxes were stacked on the counter. Harper opened the first one, revealing neatly packed dishes.
"I'll start with the plates and bowls if you want to tackle the glasses," she suggested, already pulling items out of the box.
Nathan agreed, and they fell into a comfortable rhythm, unpacking and arranging items in the cabinets. As they worked, Harper couldn't help but notice how natural it felt to have Nathan there, helping her settle into her new home.
"So," Nathan said as he carefully placed a set of wine glasses on a high shelf, "how does it feel to have your own place again?"
Harper paused, considering the question. "It feels... liberating," she replied, a smile playing on her lips. "And a little sad to leave the inn, and Angus and Renee, if I'm being honest. But mostly, it feels right."
Nathan nodded understandingly. "It's a big step. But you've got this, Harper. And you've got all of us to support you."
"Speaking of which—" she grinned as the doorbell rang.
She headed to the door. Opening it, she was greeted by the smiling faces of Jacinth and Katerina, with Talya bouncing excitedly behind them.
"Surprise!" Katerina exclaimed, holding up a colorful gift bag. "We thought we'd come early to help set up."
Harper's face lit up as she ushered them inside. "You guys are amazing! Come on in."
As they entered, Harper's brow raised. "Talya, I thought you'd be in school today."
The young caracal shifter grinned. "It's teacher education day, so I'm off school. I couldn't wait to see your new place!"
Harper grinned back at the teenager. "Well, I'm glad you could make it."
Never one to stay still for long, Talya glanced around the apartment. "This place is so cool, Harper! Can I see your room?"
Harper laughed. "Of course. It's down the hall, first door on the left. Just be careful not to trip over any boxes!"
"So, what can I do?" Jacinth asked, her hands on her hips as she looked around.
"We've got the kitchen dishes unpacked, but there's still tons left to do," Harper said, gesturing at the stacks and stacks of boxes.
Katerina rolled up her sleeves. "Point us in the right direction, and we'll get started. Where do you want us?"
Talya bounded back into the living room, her eyes wide with excitement from exploring the apartment. She skidded to a halt in front of a cluster of large, flat boxes, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Harper," she called out, her voice laced with curiosity, "why do you have three big-screen televisions?"
Harper turned to look at the boxes Talya was pointing at. She burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Oh, those aren't televisions. At least… one of them is. The other two are my harps."
Talya's eyes widened even further, her jaw dropping slightly. "Harps? Like, real harps?" She looked from Harper to the boxesand back again, clearly impressed. "Wow, I didn't know you had a harp!"
Harper smiled, walking over to stand beside Talya. She patted one of the boxes gently. "Well, they're not full-sized concert harps. I have a lap harp and a lyre harp. They're smaller, more portable versions."
"That's so cool!" Talya exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. She gently placed her hand on the box, as if she could feel the instrument inside through the cardboard and packing material. "I've never seen a real harp up close before. And you can play them?"
Harper nodded, a fond smile crossing her face. "I can. I've been playing since I was a little girl, actually. It's one of my favorite things to do when I need to relax or just want to enjoy some music."
Talya's eyes lit up with excitement. "Could you play something for us when you unpack them? Please?"
Harper chuckled at the teenager's enthusiasm. "Of course, I'd be happy to. Once we get everything settled and unpacked, I'll give you all a little concert."
A gentle knock at the door interrupted their conversation about the harps. Harper opened it to find Becca standing there with a bright smile, her stormy blue-gray eyes twinkling.
"I hope I'm not too late to help," Becca said, stepping inside and giving Harper a quick hug.
"Perfect timing," Harper replied. "We're just getting started."
