Page 11 of Second Chance at Mountain Creek Ranch
“This is the man who fired me. Or rather the owner of the company that fired me and is accusing me of stealing from them.”
Landon’s eyes go wide as saucers, but he seems to have enough sense to stay quiet. Mr. Harkness presses his lips together in a thin line and looks guilty.
“It’s been brought to my attention by your attorney that we were mistaken in the actions that we took ending your employment with us. He handed over copies of the paperwork you provided him, not only proving your innocence but providing enough information for us to find the real perpetrator.”
“Who?” Harper and I both ask in unison.
“Edmund Brown.” Garrison smiles at Harper.
“My boss. He did this?”
"Apparently, he's been skimming off the top for years, and you were the first person to catch him," Mr. Harkness explains. "Unluckily for you, he is the one you reported the discrepancies to. When he realized he was about to be caught, he doctored some of the paperwork to point the finger at you. What he didn't realize was that you already made copies of your own."
Harper stares at the two men.
"It's a lot to take in," Mr. Harkness continues. "But, I'd like you to know that we wish to reinstate you with the company, with back pay, and a bonus for saving the company millions in future losses."
I didn't think the bad news train could keep coming today, but I guess it hadn't obliterated me enough yet. Harper turns to look at me. I try to smile, but I know that she can read me like a book. There is no hiding what I'm feeling from her. She cups my face in her hands and presses a soft kiss against mine. It's her goodbye. My heart shatters in my chest.
She turns back to Mr. Harkness.
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m not going back.”
“What?” Landon and Garrison ask in unison this time.
“I’ve valued my time working for your company, but I’ve found my new place here.” She reaches back and takes my hand in hers.
I can’t believe what she’s just said.
Mr. Harkness nods his understanding. He reaches into his suit pocket and pulls out an envelope.
“Your back pay and bonus.” He hands it over to her.
I don't hear what happens next. It's like the world melts away around us, and all I can see is Harper. She doesn't open the envelope but tries to hand it to me.
“For the down payment.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I can’t let you do that.”
“First off, you aren’tlettingme do anything. I'm investing in my future, and my future is you. And second," she says with a chuckle. "You can take some of the money you put towards the down payment and get me a ring."
“Are you asking or telling me?” I laugh.
“Does it matter?”
“Nope.” I scoop her up in my arms and spin her around.
It’s never a dull ride with Harper. Even through the ups and downs, I want it all, if it means I get to have her by my side for the ride.
Epilogue
HARPER
“Can you say Bluebell?” I ask baby Henry as I stand him near the flower bed.
He reaches his chubby little fingers out to touch the blue flowers. While I love the hard work I've put into rebuilding this garden for Mrs. Greenway, I don't lose it when Henry plucks the flower’s head off the stem. He holds it up to me proudly like a gift.
"Thank you, honey, but we don't pull on the flowers. Okay?"
