Page 23 of Bridge to Home

It was too late. Harlow tapped the green button. The scooter spun around in a tight circle.

Lottie let out a yelp. The wayward scooter clipped the corner of the meticulously manicured hedge. Using the boulder as a launchpad, she became airborne, attempting to clear the landscaping. Instead, she landed smack-dab in the center. “Oof.”

David lunged forward and pulled her upright.

Harlow watched in horror as her father plucked a thorny branch from her tangled hair. “I’m sorry. I had no idea the button spun the scooter around in a circle.”

“On a dime, I might add.” Lottie lifted her elbow to inspect a small splotch of blood.

“You’re hurt.” Harlow apologized again.

“It’s my fault. I should have warned you.”

“You tried.” She lifted both hands. “No more button pressing around innocent bystanders.”

While they talked, Mort sneaked behind Harlow’s scooter and disappeared. The flowers started to sway.

Lottie placed her hands on her hips. “Mort Wynn,” she scolded. “We’ve had numerous discussions about how to enter the flower gardens. It’s tiptoe through the tulips. Not tromp over the delicate petals.”

Mort’s tail bounced along the shrub line. The pup reappeared. With ears back and head down, he slunk toward Harlow and her father.

“Good boy.” Lottie praised him. “Mort’s not a bad pup. Just a little rambunctious.”

“I bet he loves living here.” Harlow’s cell phone chimed. It was Eryn, letting her know she was at the cottage. “Eryn is here.”

“Sweet little Eryn Marquette. Your father told me you two have been best friends since grade school.”

“For as long as I can remember.”

Lottie tugged on her gardening gloves. “I must get back to work. I need to whip this place into shape, making sure it’s in tip-top condition in case your father’s p…”

David cut her off. “In case I want to start inviting guests over.”

Lottie’s brows furrowed. “I thought…”

He shook his head, giving the woman a pointed stare. “We’ll chat later.”

“Chat later about what?” Harlow asked.

“It’s nothing to be concerned about. Just a minor project I’ve been working on.”

“Minor project?” Lottie mumbled under her breath.

“It’s none of your concern,” he snapped.

“Fine. Fine.” The woman blew air through thinned lips. “I know when to keep quiet.”

“Then do it.” Wynn’s expression softened. “I have your check at the house. Stop by when you get a chance.”

“Thank you, David.” Lottie brightened. “It was my sincere pleasure to meet you, Harlow. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.”

“I’m sure you will.” Harlow followed her dad and Mort away from the gardens. What project was her father talking about? Obviously, it involved his property. He had cut Lottie off, meaning he didn’t want his daughter to know about it.

Getting the place in tip-top condition. Harlow had no idea what the woman was talking about, but she intended to find out.

Chapter 9

Harlow sat across the table from her father early the next morning, toying with her cream cheese bagel.

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