Page 41 of Bridge to Home

Harlow repeated the wheelie move.

“You’ll become a pro just in time to retire it,” Kennedy quipped.

“I hope so. I’ll never take walking for granted again.”

Working together, David, Eryn and Kennedy unloaded the therapist’s equipment and carried it inside. Meanwhile, Harlow swapped out her clothes for loose fitting stretchy pants and a tank top before returning to the living room.

David offered Eryn and Kennedy drinks and then discreetly slipped out of the house, taking Mort, who was curious about their visitor and had begun following Kennedy around, with him.

The first half of the visit consisted of the physical therapist testing Harlow’s capabilities, thrilled to discover she was already somewhat mobile. “You’re young, which means you’ll heal quickly. Havingsaid that, it won’t happen overnight and you’ll need plenty of rest.”

During the second half, they got down to business, with Kennedy gently massaging Harlow’s leg muscles. Despite it not being strenuous, by the time the session ended, her body ached from her hips to the tips of her toes. She popped a pain reliever to take the edge off.

“Let’s see if the gentle massage helped.”

Harlow winced, struggling to a standing position. “I think I was born with too many muscle groups.”

“The issue is they haven’t been worked in a while.” Kennedy took a step back. “I’m giving you notice right now. We’re going to have a love / hate relationship. You’ll love to hate me. Let’s do this.”

“You’re one tough cookie,” Harlow groaned. “Are you sure you weren’t a drill sergeant before becoming a physical therapist?”

“No, and in case you haven’t already figured it out, you’ll feel worse before you feel better.”

“I don’t doubt it.” She gritted her teeth and took baby steps forward. Harlow finished the brief walk and collapsed in the wheelchair.

“That’s a wrap. If you follow my instructions and take it easy, I’m confident you’ll be strong enough to sign up for Mackinac Island’s 5k race next spring.”

“I might do that.” Harlow accompanied the woman to the door. “What about your equipment?”

Kennedy placed her hands on her hips. “If you don’t mind, I would rather leave it with you. If not, I’ll have to keep hauling stuff over on the ferry, load it on the wagons and cart it here.”

“Not at all. Thanks again for agreeing to make house calls.”

“You’re paying for it.”

“And it’s worth every penny.”

“I’ll see you the day after tomorrow?” Kennedy asked. “Unless you’re ready to fire me already.”

“No way.” Harlow gave her a thumbs up. “Same time. Same place, or sooner if you have a cancellation.”

Eryn left not long after Kennedy. Harlow turned to head back inside when she noticed her father’s mail sitting on the table next to the rocking chair. Thinking he’d forgotten it, she set it on her lap and wheeled her way back inside.

Harlow started to place the stack on top of the counter when a return address caught her eye:Easton Holdings Company, Toronto, Ontario.She’d heard the name before.

Anyone who lived or grew up in the Great Lakes Region had heard of Easton Holdings Company. The cream-colored envelope was addressed to David Wynn, Wynn Harbor Inn. She flipped it over and discovered it wasn’t sealed.

Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, Harlow removed the single piece of paper and unfolded it. She scanned the contents, her heart plummeting when she realized what it was.

Chapter 17

Thump. Bump.

Harlow hurriedly folded the paper and shoved it back inside the envelope. She dropped it on top of the stack only seconds before her father and Mort appeared.

“Where’s Kennedy?”

“She left.”

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