Page 14 of Bridge to Home

Because it hurt too much. Something deep inside her had died with her mother. Call it cowardly, but it was easier to leave than to pick through the ashes. Finally, the cards, letters and calls stopped coming. Harlow knew her father loved her. And she loved him. But she couldn’t forgive or forget.

And yet, David had flown to the other side of the country, offering his help…extending an olive branch. The proud man stood before her with a hopeful look on his face.

A twinge of guilt over how she’d treated him crept in. Would she have done the same if he had needed her? Harlow wasn’t sure. It depended on the circumstances.

If he was lying in a hospital bed, unable to care for himself, she hoped she would be compassionateenough to rush to his side. She stared at her hands, still clutching the crisp bed linen. Harlow looked up and met his gaze. Her father had aged since the last time she’d seen him. Deep creases crisscrossed his forehead. His steps were slower. His shoulders drooped.

She briefly wondered how long it had been since he’d last laughed or enjoyed a night out. Something told her it had been a very long time.

Harlow closed her eyes, thinking about the fanfare the other day at the film studio. How crowded and claustrophobic she felt. The paparazzi and press calling her name, pushing in against her, snapping picture after picture.

The star had done what she almost always did when the pressure became too much. She’d mentally gone home to Mackinac Island. Had smelled those fragrant lilacs in bloom. Meandered along Wynn Harbor Inn’s walkways. Stood on the shoreline gazing at the “Mighty Mac.”

She could almost hear the clippety-clop of the horses’ hooves, gracefully making their way around the island, carrying visitors and islanders alike.

She could smell the fresh air of Lake Huron. Almost see the yachts docked in the historic harbor. People had come from near and far to stay at Wynn Harbor Inn. Rich Chicagoans seeking a sanctuary…a quiet space…a retreat from the hustle and bustle.

A small sigh escaped her lips. The offer was there. All Harlow had to do was accept it and she could finally go home.

“I think I’ll take you up on your offer after all. I’m ready to go home.”

Chapter 5

Harlow peered out the plane’s window as it circled Mackinac Island. Her heart skipped a beat when she glimpsed Wynn Harbor Inn, or what was left of it.

The plane circled, and the inn disappeared behind the trees. She cast a furtive glance at her father, seated in front of her and Eryn.

The last couple of days had been a whirlwind. Harlow’s release from the hospital. Returning to the Malibu mansion to pack her bags. Meeting with the housekeeper to let her know she would be gone for an extended period.

Although it wasn’t unusual. Robert and Harlow traveled often, never staying at one of their properties for more than a few weeks. Her husbandkept them on a tight schedule, jetting from one place to the next.

Upon questioning the woman, she discovered Robert had only been by once to pick up some clothes. The woman insisted she had no idea where he was staying.

Harlow had heard from Robert daily, always insisting he wished she would remain in California with him. He’d also mentioned the film studio was threatening to cancel her contract and replace her with another A-list actress.

They made small talk, with her casually mentioning the fact he had done an excellent job of avoiding another confrontation with Harlow’s father. When pressed, Robert claimed he was upset at how he’d been treated.

To Harlow, he was making excuses about his brief visits, never staying long and always showing up at the hospital when Eryn and her father weren’t around. But Robert was Robert. It was all about him. Always had been. Always would be.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Eryn said.

“I was thinking about Robert.”

“Who barely visited you at the hospital since your dad and I showed up.”

“He said he would have come by more but he didn’t want to run into Dad again. He isn’t used to being called out for his behavior.” Harlow picked at a piece of lint. “To be honest, I’m kind of shocked, but then kind of not.”

“Do you think he’ll come around?”

She thought about it. “I hope so. He’s not one of those warm and fuzzy kinds of people.”

“You could’ve fooled me,” Eryn said sarcastically.

“You have to know Robert to understand him.”

“No thanks. I’ll pass.”

The conversation ended when the plane began making its descent. Soon, they were on the ground, taxiing toward the terminal. Being a small islandcommunity, most planes were private jets, which meant air traffic was minimal.

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