Page 35 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"Okay, I'll call you tomorrow and we'll figure it out."
He brought the truck to a stop in front of the cottage and turned to face her.Her eyes seemed to shine in the moonlight as she smiled at him."I'm going to get out now and I'll talk to you tomorrow."
He raised his eyebrows.He thought they could sit and talk for at least a few minutes.
She shook her head rapidly."Of course I want to stay and talk to you, but once I start we'll be here all night.For now, I'll just say...thanks Emmett and if you change your mind, don't worry, just say so."She reached for the door handle."I mean, I hope you won't, but..."
He started to get out but she turned back."I know you're a gentleman about opening the door and all that, but I'm just going to go.I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay.And Harper," he added, once she'd climbed out.
"Yes?"
"I’m not going to change my mind."
Chapter Eight
As soon as Harper got into her truck on Saturday afternoon, she told her phone to call Shelley.
"Hey, Harpsichord, is everything all right?I didn't expect to hear from you today."
"Everything's great, I'm just on my way to collect Tanya now, and then we're heading up to town."
"And Emmett's working this morning but he's going to meet you there, is that right?"
"Don't say his name out loud; is Trip around?I've told you I don't want you to say anything to him."
"It's okay, relax; he's gone down to the barn to have a word with Brody about something, and don't worry I haven't said anything to him, and I won't, although I'm not sure I understand why."
Harper blew out a sigh."It might not matter, I'm probably being silly, but in my mind, it just seems that Emmett's kind of private, even with his friends.If he wants them to know that...I mean, I was going to say that we're seeing each other but we're not really, we're just going to Alana's rehearsal and we're both going to be there at the same time—that's all; it's not a date or anything."
"Slow down," said Shelley, "it's okay, I get it."
"I don't know why I'm nervous," said Harper, "it's ridiculous.But you know what I mean—if I were being all cagey about it, I wouldn't want one of his friends to tellyoubeforeIhad the chance."
"No, I can see that," Shelley laughed, "but in your case it's hardly likely, is it?We tell each other everything."
"Yeah, thanks Shelley."
"There's no need to thank me, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.What's the plan—are you guys just going to go to the rehearsal together and then go your separate ways afterward?"
"I have no clue; we didn't get that far.I told you that we came up with the idea when he dropped me off on Thursday night—it seemed like the safest, most neutral place to spend some time together.Then, when he called me yesterday, I don't know if he was busy or nervous, but it was a very brief call."She blew out a sigh."He might even be regretting it by now; it might be awkward.I just don't know, Shelley Bells."
"It'll be fine, just enjoy yourself.You were looking forward to going to see Alana's rehearsal anyway, from what you said on Thursday night.Now you get the chance to hang out with Emmett while you're there.It doesn't have to be anything more than that, but by the sound of it, it can be.If you guys want to go there."
"Yeah, I think that's what's making me nervous.I don't know if he really wants to."
"But what about you?"
"I do.It's probably crazy.I haven't dated in forever.So why do I have to go and pick a guy who not only has two teenage daughters, but is also a widower?"
"I think that's the thing," said Shelley."We don't really pick, do we?It just happens."
"I guess, and it might not happen at all.I might be getting ahead of myself."
"Maybe so, but I don't think so.You'll be fine; just enjoy yourself, okay?"
"Thanks, I will.I'll report back either tonight or tomorrow.What are you guys doing this weekend?"
