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“Speaking of forgiveness,” I say, feeling the familiar tightness in my chest return as I think about my time in New York. But after speaking with Latham last night, I knew it was time to come clean with my family. I owe it to them. “I have something to share.”
I take a seat across from the island, while Mom and Marissa stop what they’re doing and join me. The seriousness on their faces lets me know they understand I’m about to share something big. And I do. I tell them everything about my time in the Big Apple, including the trip back to New York last year. They both cry, of course, being the softhearted women they are. When I finish my piece, I’m engulfed in a tight hug.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell us,” Marissa sniffles.
“I was scared.”
Mom turns me and places her hands on her face. “I’m not happy you didn’t tell us, but I understand why. And I’m proud of you for your part in having that horrible man thrown in jail.” She pulls me in tight once more. “You are an incredible woman, Harper, and I’m proud to call you my daughter.”
I don’t speak, just revel in her familiar embrace. Marissa wraps her arms around us too, cocooning me in love and support. The door opens and Rhenn walks in. “Uhh, is everything okay?” he asks hesitantly.
I swipe at the tears that have managed to fall and give him a reassuring smile. “Yes, everything is okay.”
He walks over to where I sit and searches my face. “Do I need to kill someone? I know the best ways to hide a body.” The look on his face tells me he’s deadly serious, even though I think everyone else takes it as a joke. I can read between the lines, though, and I know he’s referring to Latham.
“No, not at all. In fact, he’s going to be here in just a little bit.”
Rhenn continues to watch and eventually must believe me. “Good. I like him.”
“Me too!” Marissa chimes in with a smile, returning to her cookie-making post.
“Me three,” I whisper, feeling the warmth spread up my neck. I can’t believe I just admitted that.
“I’d hate to have to kill him,” Rhenn states and comes over to whisper in my ear. “But I would.”
I give my sister’s boyfriend a reassuring smile. I have no doubt Rhenn would do some serious damage to Latham or anyone who hurt me. He’s an incredible friend and a huge support system for my sister. In just a few short months, he has quickly cemented his place in our family.
The next hour is spent getting the food ready for the cookout. Just after eleven, my brothers arrive, with my nephew in tow, as well as the extended family. There’s so many of them and the house and yard quickly fill with noise. The few guests who are here are invited outside and mingle with the family. It’s a beautiful, perfect last day of July.
And then Latham arrives, and my heart kicks into overdrive.
There’s always been something about him. Sure, no one has the ability to crawl under my skin the way he does, but if I’m being honest with myself, it’s more than that. Always has been. He’s impossibly frustrating, yet is sweet and endearing in all the right ways. He’s hard and gruff, but at the same time, tender and sweet. He lets me know he does care with his words and actions.
And I care too.
A lot.
More than I’ve ever cared about anyone in the past. That’s evident in the way I spilled my guts last night about New York, and was comforted in the way he held me so tight, I didn’t know where I ended and he began. It made me realize it was possible to find someone who has your best interests at heart and puts you first. Really, I don’t need to be first: I need to be loved. I want to be treated as an equal, as a partner, and I didn’t realize how badly I craved it until last night.
Until Latham.
My smile is wide as he comes around the corner, immediately intercepted by my brother, Jensen. They start talking right away, smiles on both of their faces, and I can’t help but realize how seamlessly he fits into the picture. Into my family. They all love him. Even Samuel, who’s standing over by the grill with Nick, shooting big brother daggers at my afternoon date. He does it because he loves me and wants nothing but the best. He glances my way, and I offer him a warm grin, letting him know I’ve found it.
I’m okay.
Samuel throws me a wink and turns back to our cousin’s husband. A few others are pulled into the conversation, which I’m sure is completely stimulating – probably about the importance of life insurance or preplanning your funeral, if I know Samuel.
I can feel his approach before I see him. Not only can I sense his presence, but I can smell his cologne. It’s outdoorsy and musky in the sexiest way. “Miss me?” he whispers. He’s directly behind me, but doesn’t touch me. Yet, his words have me shivering nonetheless.
“Nope,” I tease, glancing over my shoulder with a smirk.
“Good. I didn’t miss you either,” he tells me, though his eyes don’t lie. The way they sparkle lets me know his words aren’t true.
I turn around and his hand instantly wraps around my hip. “Ready to meet the family?” I ask, all breathy-like. Why am I all breathy?
“In a minute,” he replies. Just when I go to ask what the holdup is, he pulls me into his body and plasters his lips on mine. It’s a chaste kiss, one that’s totally appropriate when surrounded by family, but it causes my breathing to hitch and my mind to spiral anyway. I don’t know what it is about his kisses, but they’ve always done something to me. Even back in school. After prom.
He pulls back slightly, his eyes dark with desire. “Okay, now I’m ready.”
