Page 12 of Lonely in Misty Mountain

I squeezed her hand and offered an encouraging nod.

“It’s my aunt.” Harper said, her eyes wide. “She hasn’t called me in a long time. I don’t know what she could possibly want.”

“Maybe she has good news. Or just wants to check in on you.”

“Yeah, maybe…”

“I’m here for you no matter what you decide to do.”

We sat in silence for a few minutes, the phone no longer buzzing, when it starts again. With a deep breath, Harper answered the phone.

“Hi Auntie.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“When did this happen?”

“Are you just now finding out?”

“But I thought…I thought they proved…”

“Okay.” Harper’s voice broke and she choked on a sob. My heart fractured at the sight of her in pain. “Thanks for letting me know. Yeah, miss you, too. Love you too, Auntie. Bye.”

Harper ended the call, her cell phone falling from her hand and landing on the floor of my truck. Her cries came then, the sobs breaking free as they took over her body.

I lifted the middle console and slid her over to me, wrapping her in a giant bear hug. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Let it out.”

Harper cried until no tears were left, only hiccups and sniffles. I kept her safe in my arms, not once letting go.

When she sat up straight, she shook her head before looking over at me. “I’m sorry. I spoiled our date.”

“No, you didn’t. Any time I get to spend with you is time I’ll forever be grateful for.”

“Even when I’m a blubbering mess?”

“Yes, even then. C’mon, let’s get you home.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Harper

“I don’t wantto be alone tonight.” I stumbled over the words, afraid to admit them, afraid to lean on him though I so desperately wanted to. “Is it okay if we go back to your place?”

Kaiden didn’t hesitate, his hand still holding mine, our fingers weaved together. “Of course.”

“Thank you. I just need to stop by my place real quick and feed Mr. Waffles, grab a change of clothes and my toothbrush, ya know.” She smiled, but her bright light was dimmed, and I made a vow with myself right then and there that I would do anything to bring it back to full brightness.

“Is Mr. Waffles good with dogs? I’m sure Junie wouldn’t mind if we brought him over.”

“I honestly don’t know. I’ve never brought him around one and I got him when I was a kitten. I think with our recent move here, it’s better if he stays here where he’s comfortable. Thank you for the offer though.”

“It’s always there if you need it.”

After stopping by place where I grabbed a few things, fed and loved on Mr. Waffles, and scooped his litter box, I was back inside Kaiden’s truck, the smell of sweet desserts still heavy in the air.

I leaned over and kissed him, long and soft, a thank you to his understanding. And as he drove us to his cabin, I blurted out what happened on the phone call, needing the information off my chest. “That was my aunt who called.”

“Oh?” Kaiden said.

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