Page 47 of Bridge to Home

“No news is good news,” her father said.

“Not with him.” An uneasy feeling settled over Harlow as she slid her phone back in her pocket. Something was up as far as her husband was concerned. She could feel it in her bones.

*****

Back home, she spent the rest of the afternoon resting in between practicing the gentle exercises Kennedy had taught her. The sooner she could heal and walk, the sooner she could get on with her life, whatever path or future it might be.

During a break, she pulled up the addendum and went over it line by line. It was straightforward, extending the date she was required to show up.

Dinner was a light affair. More like breakfast—scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, and juice. Harlow was never much of a breakfast person unless it was a boiled egg or grapefruit and granola.

After clearing the kitchen, she and her father meandered out onto the porch while Mortwandered off to explore. Eryn showed up, and the three of them chatted. Once again, she couldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful Mackinac Island was. No planes flying overhead. No emergency vehicle sirens wailing. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Eryn finally left, promising to check in with them the following day, her day off, to make plans.

The evening sun set, and Harlow stifled a yawn. “I think I’m going to turn in early since I’m pretty sure Eryn will try dragging me into town again tomorrow.”

“It’s good for you to get out and explore instead of being cooped up in the house.” David made a move to grab her wheelchair. He abruptly stopped in his tracks.

A familiar figure stepped through the gate. Harlow’s eyes grew round as saucers when she realized who it was.

Chapter 19

Harlow held her breath, watching as her husband casually strolled along the sidewalk. “Robert. What are you doing here?”

“You won’t reply to my texts or answer my calls. I figured if I showed up on your doorstep, you couldn’t ignore me.”

“Because you’re pushing too hard to get me to sign the addendum.”

“I thought you would be happy. It took a lot of negotiating on my end to get you extra time.” Robert’s eyes narrowed. “I had hoped you would be a little more grateful.”

“I’m still not able to be on my feet.”

“Not at all?”

“Not without being in a lot of pain,” Harlow snapped.

“But every day you’re healing,” he insisted.

“I already told you—the doctor told you, it could be months, not weeks, before I’ve fully recovered.”

“Look, the studio is willing to work around your injuries. All you have to do is sign off and focus on getting better.”

“What happens if I sign and then realize I can’t fulfill my end of the contract?” she asked. “Then what?”

“You’ll do it. I know you, Harlow. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

“That’s the kindest, most thoughtful thing you’ve said to me since I woke up in the hospital,” she said sarcastically.

“I’ll let you have a moment alone.” David called Mort and the two of them went inside.

Harlow waited until he was gone. She stared at her husband, noting the defiant look on his face. She could feel tears well up in her eyes. He wasn’t there to check on her, to be by her side. It was all about the contract, the money.

Maybe she should sign. Sign and then, if she couldn’t keep her end of the deal, Robert would finally realize he had asked for too much. Yes, Harlow could push her body, but she also knew there were limitations.

And, if she agreed, he would leave her alone, at least for a few weeks. “I’ll sign.”

Robert beamed. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I knew you would come around. I have the addendum right here.”

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