Page 37 of Bridge to Home

“Mort likes to cruise around, although it seems like a lot of work for the two of us.”

“What about fishing?” Harlow asked. “I noticed your bass boat tied up near the dock. It looks like it hasn’t been out in a while.”

“Nope. Like I said, it seems like more work than it’s worth.” David’s eyes lit. “Unless you have a hankering to go fishing. I’d be more than happy to get her back out in the water.”

The look on her father’s face was so excited…so full of hope, Harlow didn’t have the heart to tell him no. “I would love to go fishing. I’ll need to find something to do now that I’m not allowed to go out in public.”

“Promise me you aren’t going to listen to his malarkey. You’re a grown woman. You can go anywhere you want.”

“If I don’t mind subjecting myself and anyone who is with me to relentless harassment. I feel terrible about what happened earlier.”

David waved dismissively. “Eryn and I both figured it could…eventually would happen. We’re in this for the long haul, Harlow. We love you and want nothing more than to see you completely healed, dancing around the living room, chasing after Mort.”

“Chasing after Mort?” Harlow grinned. “He moves at a snail’s pace.”

“It’s true. Unless it involves treats.” David patted the pup’s back. “He’s been a good dog. I think Godbrought him to my doorstep, knowing I needed a companion.”

“Because Mom was gone and your daughter all but abandoned you,” Harlow said softly. “I’m sorry I made the rash decision to leave. Looking back, I should’ve stayed here to help figure out what happened.”

Her father tightened his grip on the rudder, steering the sailboat along the shoreline. “It was a tough…a rough time we all went through. I know I’ve said it before and we’ve tiptoed around the subject since you got here, but I want you to know I did not set the fire that took your mother’s life. I’ll be the first to admit we were going through a bumpy patch, but I loved Ginger with all my heart.”

“The fire chief…the investigators…ruled it arson. Who would have done such a thing?”

“I wish I knew. Believe me, I’ve spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out who was behind it. Was it a disgruntled employee? Another innowner? Someone who had an axe to grind? I wish I knew.”

“Maybe it’s something we should pursue. I’ll have some free time. I wouldn’t mind doing a little poking around.”

“But not until you’re back on your feet.” David changed the subject, showing Harlow the points of interest. Although she knew many of them by heart, it was like seeing them for the first time, and her heart sang. She had missed home…missed it more than she ever could have imagined.

Once again, she couldn’t help but think the automobile accident was God’s way of resetting her life. It seemed as if the more successful, the richer, the more popular she became, the more miserable Harlow was. She’d reached the pinnacle of her career…a career filled with long stretches of emptiness.

It had been nearly a year since Harlow had broached the subject of having children. Her husband was dead set against it. She could seeclearly now Robert was all about Robert. A baby, children, would ruin what he believed was their perfect life.

Harlow had let it drop, thinking the timing was off and they could discuss it later. She was still young and had plenty of time.

“Over there. Do you see Arch Rock?”

She craned her neck, eager to glimpse the island’s treasured landmark. Seconds later, it came into view. Harlow shaded her eyes, marveling at the towering formation and feeling emotional all over again.

The boat ride was a trip down memory lane. A wonderful, glorious journey rediscovering who she had been…and reminding her who she was. An islander. A Michigander. “I can’t wait to hike to it again.”

“Soon, Harlow.” Her father tapped the side of his forehead. “Something tells me you’re going to be running circles around me before you know it, buton a more realistic timeline, not the one Robert is trying to impose.”

“I’m going to do my best.” Harlow stared at Arch Rock until it was no longer visible. Yes, she would walk again. Her thumb would heal. Her bruises would fade, and then what? Would she return to the rat race or step back and take stock of where she was and where she wanted to go?

Changes would have to take place. Her career. Her marriage. She was no longer content with the direction her life had taken.

One thing was crystal clear. Harlow would eventually find herself standing at a crossroads.

Chapter 15

Harlow waded into the icy Lake Huron water, gazing out at the Mackinac Bridge off in the distance. It was a picture-perfect day, with bright blue skies and an occasional puffy white cloud off in the distance. She knelt on the ground and dipped her hand in the water. Instead of chilly, it felt warm and sticky.

A small sigh escaped her lips. Harlow flipped over, groggily realizing she wasn’t standing at the water’s edge, but was still in bed. And she wasn’t alone. Mort sat mere inches away, intently watching her.

“What time is it? I bet you would say it’s time to get up.” Propping on one elbow, she glanced at the clock beside her bed. Nine forty-five.

Harlow couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept in. Her days started with an hour-long workout in the home gym. Breakfast, typically a spoonful of granola, a cup of Greek yogurt or a boiled egg was followed by online or in-person interviews, appointments, rehearsals, meetings. Robert kept her schedule tight and on time.

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