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I eased a little, but not by much. She was a hard nut to crack. I could tell by the random response that she was trying to cover for her rudeness. After all, her name had nothing to do with her family, but I wasn’t about to say anything. I wasn’t sure what part, if any, of this was an act. Though, I suppose after just meeting someone, it was hard to tell sometimes. Deciding it was safer to give her the benefit of the doubt, I smiled.
“I definitely understand. I’m sure me being here is complicated for you. It’s a big change for all of us, but I want you to know how grateful I am that you opened your home to me. I understand being protective. You have a lot to protect.”
Acknowledging what might be her worries and concerns seemed to go a long way. Her posture softened, and she gave a curt nod. “I appreciate you saying so. Hopefully all of this will pass soon, and things will return to as normal as possible.”
My father seemed to be pleased with her statement, but I couldn’t help but notice the double meaning. On the surface, one might think she meant we could all relax and actually live without fear. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling she meant something else entirely.
That she hoped all this would be over soon so I could get my ass out of here, and she could go back to living as normal. As normal as possible while now knowing I exist and didn’t die eighteen years ago.
I smiled and nodded, trying to remind myself I’d had a very emotional day, and it was entirely possible I was being judgmental.
“Yes, indeed,” Rick said before he gestured over to Harper. “And this beautiful young woman is your sister, Harper. The two of you will be seniors together at Crestview Academy.” His voice was so chipper when he said that, but my brain was too busy over-processing things.
“Seniors? She’s a senior, too?” I asked as I looked at her. “How are we both the same age?”
Harper’s eyes narrowed, and when she spoke, her voice was almost icy. “They started dating a year after I was born. He adopted me after they were married two years later.”
Rick smiled. “Yes. She’s a month younger than you. Her birthday was actually a week ago.”
“Oh,” I said. “I apologize.” I felt like I was being so rude, but it just shocked me is all.
When Detective Abbott showed me that photo in the hospital, I was able to identify who Harper was just by looking at her. I knew she was my sister because she looked like me. All her features were her own and nothing like mine, but somehow, when I looked at her entire face as a whole, she looked like me. It was strange. She looked like Rick, too. Turns out, she wasn’t biologically related to either of us.
Though, I suppose I’d heard a lot of stories where people resembled one another when they live together for long periods of time. Not to mention I waslookingfor a resemblance. Looked for it and found it. My mind was a mess.
Now was not the time to act like a suspicious bitch. They were out of their element, too. They had no idea I existed, even though I know Rick hoped I was still alive, and here we were meeting for the first time, and I was blowing it by being a rude ass.
“It’s really nice to meet you, Harper,” I said honestly. Blood or not, I had a sister, and I was excited to get to know her. “Truth be told, I always wanted a sister. I thought my parents couldn’t have any more kids after me and it bummed me out, but it turns out they couldn’t have kidsat all. And… I have no idea why I just said that.”
My eyes widened a bit as embarrassment flashed through me, turning my cheeks red.
Rick laughed. “Honey, it’s been alongday for you. Very long. You’ve had a lot happen, and I’m surprised you’re still standing, let alone as polite and well put together as you are. Give yourself some grace. I know we do. Let’s get you settled, hmm?”
He smiled, and it was warm. When he walked over toward me, he once again placed his hand behind me as though he’d touch my back, but he kept an appropriate amount of distance.
We walked forward between the two staircases, and I realized there was a large archway under each one. “Off to the left is the kitchen, dining room, and a half bath. You’re more than welcome to anything in there.” He pointed to the right. “We’ll be heading in this direction. This is where your room will be. It’s temporary since the kitchen is down here. I wanted you to have full access to everything, but I didn’t want you going up and down the stairs yet.”
I was relieved he said that. I assumed all the bedrooms were upstairs, and I was not looking forward to going up and down those every day.
We walked through the right archway, and it opened into a large family room. There were several doors throughout, and I wondered what each one went to.
Seeming to read my mind, Rick spoke again. “This first door here is a walk-in closet. The second door here leads to what will be your room temporarily. It’s usually an office, but I had it converted. There’s a hospital bed in there—but don’t worry. It’s a nice one. You won’t even notice. I tested it out myself to make sure it was comfortable.” He smiled and winked. “There’s all the medical equipment in there we could possibly need thanks to a friend of mine.”
I wondered if that was Sebastian Wolfe that he was talking about. When I Googled him, I learned Sebastian owned a pharmaceutical company that also produced medical equipment as well. It wouldn’t be hard for him to get a hold of whatever he needed, whether to buy or borrow it.
“According to your doctors, you have a week left of restriction. You’re more than welcome to get up and travel to the kitchen for snacks. However, if you wantfoodand not something quick, like a sandwich, please let someone know. I don’t want you standing around long enough to cook anything. Okay? Let me know, and I’ll make it.”
That sounded oddly domestic. I assumed he’d have a chef make it or something.
“Won’t you be busy?” I asked. “I’d imagine your line of work keeps you extremely busy.”
He nodded. “It does, but I took some much-needed personal time.Youare far more important. I want to make sure you’re healthy.”
Tears welled in my eyes, but they didn’t spill.
“I’m a dad, and as such, my instincts are telling me to pull you close and hug you because you’re about to cry. However, I’m trying to respect your space. I’m your biological dad, but I know you don’t see me that way yet. I’m just a strange man you’ve never met. I hope that passes with time. This can be your home if you want it to be. And if not, when the danger passes, you’re free to do as you wish. I just want you to be comfortable. That being said, if you ever feel the urge, just know that your biological father is a hugger.”
I laughed, and when I did, my tears spilled. He wiped them away, and just like the touch to his wife’s shoulder, it was immediate and gentle. He was right, I didn’t know him. Not even a little. He could be a terrible man—a wolf in sheep’s clothing—or he could be everything he seemed to be. Truth was, I didn’t know, and I probably wouldn’t for a while.
