Page 110 of Even After This
He doesn’t acknowledge her words. Instead, he stares into the blazing fire.
Harlan’s mother cups her hands and yells across the room, “Hank.” She turns to me. “Hank’s a little hard of hearing.”
Head to toe, he looks like he walked out of an old Western, complete with hat and pearl-snap chambray shirt. Peering around Mama Lee, I search for his holster. He may be older in years, but I wouldn’t want to cross him in a dark corral.
“This is Meredith.” Mrs. Holcombe’s declaration is loud enough for the neighboring ranch to hear. “She’s from Texas.”
Hank’s mouth hitches in a half smile. “What about the sexes?”
A short burst of laughter comes from Scott and Clark.
“I forgot to mention,” Harlan’s mom says out of the side of her mouth, “his misinterpretations aren’t always socially appropriate.”
Trying to mask my shocked face, I wave at Hank.
He nods in return.
“Morning, sweetheart.” Harlan’s husky voice comes from behind me, and he pulls me back to lean against his chest. “How are you?”
I squeeze his forearms, thankful for the distraction from my introduction to Hank. “You didn’t mention that I wouldn’t be able to function today. I have taken soreness to a new level.”
“I bet that stop sign feels the same way.” He kisses my cheek.
“I don’t think you’re allowed to say mean things to me on Christmas Eve.” I crank my head back and flash a fake glare at him.
“Just call him the Harlan Shake, Meredith.” Scott snickers. “He hates it.”
I spin in Harlan’s embrace to face him, pursing my lips to contain a giggle.
Harlan rolls his eyes. “Some people think my dancing is out of control like the Harlem Shake.”
Turning to his mom, I bug out my eyes. “Exactly. I mean, how he can be so good at something like skiing but is a lethal weapon during a waltz?”
Her lips twitch. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I refer to him as Twinkle Toes.”
I offer an understanding nod. “You enable him to boost his low self-esteem. I get it.”
“Hello?” Harlan throws his hands in the air. “I’m standing right here.”
Mama Lee pats her son on the shoulder. “Go grab some Advil for your girl. She’ll need her muscles to recover before the New Year’s Eve square dance.”
“Thrown under the bus by my own mother.” He leads me down a short hallway to a half bath. As he pulls me into the tight room, he shuts the door behind us and scans my face. “How are you this morning? Really.”
My eyes mist, belying my happy facade. “I’m okay.”
“We can go back to the guesthouse and hang out if that’s whatyou need. Everyone knows what today means for you, and they want you to feel comfortable.” After grasping my hands, he rubs my wrists with his thumbs. “How can I help?”
I release a shaky breath. “Will you just stay by my side?”
“Done,” he says with an affirmative dip of his chin.
I snake my hands around his waist and burrow my head into his chest. “You okay without Alex here?”
“No. But she’ll be here in time for the square dance, and that’ll be fun.” Harlan releases a frustrated sigh. “The daily parenting grind isn’t Olivia’s specialty. She’s a better parent at big celebrations because it gives her tasks and she likes showing off. I trade holidays because it’s best for my daughter. But I do miss Alex.”
I sidestep, giving him room to crouch down and open the cabinet under the sink. “How did Alex sound this morning when you called?”
“Good. The whole family FaceTimed. William even played her favorite song on his guitar.” He grabs a plastic shoebox, stands, and sets it on the vanity. While rummaging through the container, he inspects each label. “I’m disappointed you didn’t get to talk to Alex, but I think it was best not to provoke an episode from Olivia. I hate it, but until my lawyer figures out her game plan, I need to be careful.”
