Page 51 of Bridge to Home

Chapter 20

Harlow tossed and turned all night, struggling to find a comfortable position, replaying her confrontation with Robert. A tiny part of her regretted signing the addendum. The larger part held out a sliver of hope she would be healed enough to make the movie.

As far as her husband was concerned, Harlow was no dummy. She could see the writing on the wall. Something had to give because the couple’s marriage was headed in the wrong direction.

If she were honest with herself, Harlow had seen the signs of their marriage crumbling. His frequent trips without her. Less time spent doing things together as a couple.

His surprise visit and trying to take her against her will was the icing on the cake. Perhaps marriagecounseling would help…would help the couple learn to communicate and grow close. Making a mental note to bring it up during their next conversation, Harlow finally fell asleep.

She woke to bright sunlight pouring in through a gap in her bedroom curtains. Harlow sensed she was being watched. She turned to find Mort seated next to the bed in his usual spot. “Good morning, Mort.” Harlow scratched his ears. “Thanks for not barking and scaring me half to death.”

She flung the covers back, successfully scooting into her wheelchair and even breezing through her morning bathroom break. Harlow washed her hands, studying her pale complexion in the mirror.

At least her bruises were starting to fade. She splashed cold water on her face and pinched her cheeks. “Much better.” Harlow was ready to face the day and whatever it would throw her way.

Wheeling into the kitchen, she found it was empty. Half a pot of hot coffee sat on the counter.

She filled a to-go container and carried it out onto the front porch. Her father sat in the rocker, newspaper in hand and a half-eaten chocolate-covered donut on the plate next to him.

“Morning Harlow.”

“Good morning, Dad. Where’s Aunt Birdie?”

“I haven’t seen her yet.” He set the paper in his lap, giving his daughter his full attention. “You have raccoon eyes.”

“I didn’t sleep well.”

“I imagine not,” he said. “Hopefully you don’t regret signing the addendum.”

“After giving it thought, something tells me I’ll need the money. Speaking of money, I’m ordering groceries this week and paying for them.”

Her father started to protest. Harlow stopped him. “I insist. It’s only fair. In fact, I should pay you for caring for me.”

“Nonsense.”

“Then, let me help with utilities, something.”

“I’m not flat broke,” David said. “Your mother and I made several wise investments. If I’m careful, I can live out the rest of my life on what I have.”

“But you don’t have enough to make repairs and pay the fines.”

“Nope.” David made a move to get up. “Let me fix you breakfast.”

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

“You need to eat.”

“I will…later.”

Mort, who had wandered off, scrambled back up the steps. He plopped down in front of David and stared at them.

“He’s giving us the look.” Harlow laughed.

“He wants to go for a morning walk.” Her father let out a low groan. “We already went for one. This will be round two.”

“I’ll take him,” Harlow offered.

“I thought you were running around with Eryn this morning.”

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