He looked at his feet and blinked back the blur. “I miss her so much.”
Joni wrapped an arm around his waist. “Honey, Karen was once in a lifetime. We both know that. But guess what? So is Harper. Don’t turn your back on this gift.”
Luke wrapped her in a bear hug and they stood in silence for long minutes before Joni finally patted him on the back. “I’ll let you talk things over with our girl. But don’t wait too long. She’s leaving town Saturday.”
His heart stuttered. Benevolence without Harper?
He nodded and wiped at his face. “Thanks, Joni. For everything.”
She smiled. “You’re a good man, Luke. You’ll make the right choice.”
He hoped so. He watched her get in her car and drive off before kneeling down in the grass.
“Well, you heard your mom. So I’m depending on you to help me. Tell me what to do, Karen.”
The late afternoon sun broke through the heavy clouds. Its light warmed Luke’s face and chest.
He almost missed it. It was only there for a second, but a beam of sunlight fell and held exactly on the phoenix carving on the headstone.
Luke kissed his fingertips and dropped them to the phoenix. “Thank you,” he whispered.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
Harper took a deep breath and knocked on the apartment door. She her gloves off and shoved them in her pocket.
The door opened on a giggle.
Gloria’s already bright eyes lit up. She was wearing Aldo’s Guard sweatshirt and leggings. Her dark hair was a tousled mess. “Harper! What a nice surprise! Come on in.”
“Am I interrupting?”
Gloria laughed and stepped aside waving Harper in. “No, Aldo’s in the kitchen making grilled cheese sandwiches and trying not to burn the place down.”
“Are you sure I’m not interrupting?”
Gloria laughed again. “Ten minutes earlier and you would have been,” she winked.
Instead of laughing, Harper wrapped her friend in a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you, Gloria. I really am.”
Gloria returned the hug. “Me, too. I owe it all to you, you know.”
Harper released her. “Don’t be silly. You got yourself here, in a real home with a sexy man making you grilled cheese. You deserve every bit of it.”
“I’m so happy, Harper. I never imagined life could be like this.” She hugged Aldo’s sweatshirt closer. “Enough gushing. Can I interest you in a half-burnt grilled cheese?”
“Is that my old pal Harpoon out there?” Aldo poked his shirtless torso out of the kitchen.
Harper laughed. “Hey, sport. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“When are we hitting the trails again? Got a new blade that’ll leave you in my dust.”
“Nice. I actually wanted to let you both know that I’m, uh ...” she swallowed hard. “Leaving.”
“Vacation leaving?” Gloria asked, her brow furrowed.
“Happy trails leaving?” Aldo offered.
“Happy trails. Or, just reasonably okay trails, at this point,” Harper said, keeping her tone light.
“It’s not because of Luke and Linc’s fight to the death in the grocery store is it?” Gloria asked.
“I heard they were both banned for life after they destroyed the bread aisle,” Aldo interjected. “Buns and loaves everywhere.”
Harper rolled her eyes. “Well the small town rumors are one thing I won’t miss.”
“Are you giving up on him?” Gloria asked, her brown eyes pools of compassion.
“I have to. For my sake. For his. I can’t change him. And I can’t stay here either.” It’s not safe for any of you if I do, she added silently.
“You have friends here,” Gloria reminded her.
“And I’m so grateful to have you all in my life. But Benevolence is Luke’s home and me staying here is just going to be a painful reminder to both of us of what was.”
“I disagree with you, but as your friend, I will support your decision. As long as you promise to let us come visit you.”
“Of course,” Harper said with a teary smile.
“So where exactly will we be visiting you?” Aldo asked, hands on hips, still clutching a spatula.
“I’m not really sure, yet. I’m leaving Saturday, so obviously I have to have a plan then. I’ll let you know.” She bit her lip. “Listen, when I do tell you where I am, do you promise not let anyone know?”
“Anyone meaning Luke?” Aldo crossed his arms.
Harper shook her head. “No. Just anyone who doesn’t need to know. Like if a stranger asks you ... or something.” She was fumbling this, making a mess.
“Are you in trouble?” Gloria asked, concern showing.