Page 147 of True North

Brad simply hands him an envelope.

Untangling himself from me, he opens it without a word. I glance at the paper, to Brad, and then back to Harry as his mouth gapes, his breathing shortening as he runs a hand through his hair.

My stomach plummets.

But then, a smile grows over Harry’s face.

“What? What is it?” I ask.

Harry hands me the paper. I skim it and then make myself read it from top to bottom.

Holy heavens above.

She did it.

Rosie, you will never cease to amaze me.

The paper is an account of bonds come due, for the sum of almost two hundred thousand dollars. The recipient in the case of her death, Harrison John Rawlins.

“This will tide us over for years,” I breathe.

“Sure would...” His voice is far-off.

“Apparently, your mother had money invested on her behalf when she turned eighteen. Decades later, this is the outcome. It takes a few weeks for the paper trail to catch up. Otherwise, the funds are yours to do whatever you see fit.” Brad gives a nod and smiles before turning to leave. A second later, he spins back. “Sorry for the intrusion. And... Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I say softly.

He waves us off as he walks back through the house.

When the shock wears off, I turn to find Harry staring at me.

“What?”

He chuckles, hands resting on my face. “Nothing, Mrs. Rawlins.”

“I like the sound of that.” I drag his mouth down to my lips.

Harry wastes no time. His hunger for me never changes. I don’t care that every person in our yard is watching. Cheers from the small crowd echo through the old trees guarding our home, and I smile against Harry’s lips.

He leans back. “You’re happy, darlin’.”

“Of course I am. I’m home.”

“’Bout damn time, woman.”

I sigh a happy sound. “Now, Harry, you can walk me over that threshold.”

So, he does. Sweeping my dress and skirts up, he strides around the side of the house until the front porch is at the toe of his boots. I slide my arms around his neck.

“Well, go on then.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

We walk over, and his mouth drops to mine the second we pass the imaginary line. The one I ran from once upon a time. All those years ago.

There life goes, giving me what I need. It just so happens, this time it’s also what I want.

ChapterThirty-Seven

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