Page 18 of Bridge to Home

Harlow wheeled herself into the bathroom, waiting for her friend to close the door behind her.

She eyed the walk-in shower. It would work perfectly for her current condition. All she needed was a portable shower chair.

It took a couple of tries before Harlow was finally able to scoot onto the seat, lifting her free-flowing skirt out of the way. As luck would have it, she had a closet full of midi dresses and had packed every single one.

Taking care of business, she scooted back to her wheelchair, washed her hands, and maneuvered her way out of the bathroom.

Eryn hurried over and helped Harlow to the bed. Using momentum, the women successfully moved her from the chair and onto the mattress. With a tuck and turn, she was soon snuggled under the soft coverlet. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Have you heard from…”

“Robert? He sent me a text this morning, wanting to know where I was. He was at the house.”

“How convenient to show up after you left,” Eryn fumed. “I can’t believe he’s acting this way.”

“You have to know Robert to understand him.” Harlow knew her defense sounded lame. Her husband had no excuse for his actions…and absence.

“On the plus side, you’re probably better off recuperating without him breathing down your neck.” Eryn tilted her head. “You seem to be taking it okay.”

“Actually, I think I’m in shock. I guess in the back of my mind, I thought he would come around. He still might.” Harlow almost mentioned Jillian, Robert’s assistant, but kept quiet.

She was beginning to suspect their relationship was more than employer / employee. Maybe Jillian was Robert’s next protégé, and he was working behind-the-scenes to launch her career. It was possible. Her husband had connections, knew people in the right places, and Jillian was beautiful.

Ditch the poor, injured wife and start again with fresh, young material. Harlow could feel her blood boil.Calm down. You have no proof. Yes, Robert is showing you how shallow and callous he is, but you knew all along he wasn’t caregiver material. Has never been interested in children or starting a family.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.” Eryn squeezed her hand. “I have my cell phone, too. I’m only a call away. Get some rest. I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks. And I owe you big time for flying to California to come get me. I’ll reimburse you for the plane tickets and your time off work.”

Eryn held a finger to her lips. “No way. I didn’t do it for the money. I did it because I love you, and I’ll echo your dad’s sentiment. I’m glad you’re home. I only wish it had been because you wanted to be here instead of feeling like you were backed into a corner and had no other choice.”

Harlow stared at the ceiling long after her friend left. Perhaps the car crash was a blessing indisguise. She had been “this close” to signing on the dotted line and buying another unneeded, unwanted property.

Her heart hurt at the thought of how Robert was treating her, placing the blame on her father, claiming he didn’t want to be around him. There was always the possibility he would have second thoughts, realize how selfish he was acting and show up on Wynn Harbor Inn’s doorstep.

A small, concerning thought crept into her mind. What if he decided to throw in the towel and call it quits?

Harlow immediately dismissed the idea. She and Robert had been through their share of ups and downs, but they were married and had taken their vows seriously—for better or for worse. He would come around, hopefully sooner rather than later. And with that thought in mind, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 7

The hair on the back of Harlow’s neck shot straight up. She stood on the edge of Wynn Harbor Inn’s dock, staring out into the water, calling her mother’s name.Mom! Mom!

Thunk.Harlow froze. The sound. Someone was coming. The bushes rustled. They were getting closer. It wasn’t Gwendolyn. Her mother would’ve answered.

“Harlow!” A man called her name. Was it Robert? It didn’t sound like her husband. A bolt of pure adrenaline coursed through her veins. She pivoted and took off running at breakneck speed.

Fast steps closed in. Whoever was chasing her was gaining ground.

So close, she could almost feel their hot, heavy breath. All they had to do was reach out and grabher. And then what? The cottage…she was almost to the cottage. A few more feet and she would be safe at home.

Sharp nails clawed at her neck. Her pursuer grabbed hold of her shirt and yanked her back, nearly lifting her off her feet. Harlow could feel herself falling…falling to the ground.

A splash of water poured over her hand. Warm, sticky water.

Harlow bolted upright in bed, her heart racing.It was a dream. Only a dream.It was the same one she had during periods of extreme duress. Being pursued by an unknown man and always ending abruptly. As soon as her attacker grabbed hold of her, pulling her back, she started to fall and woke up.

She slowly turned her head, coming nose to snout with a fluffy gray and white dog. Tufts of shaggy fur sprouted out on his chin. He stood staring up at her…or more like staring across from her, considering he was almost eye level. “Did you just lick me?”

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