Page 4 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
At least, Harper hadn't thought so.But having lived so close to Shelley these last few months — having been part of each other's everyday lives — she now understood that there was an added closeness that came with that.She loved it.And as much as she loved New York, she didn't want to give this up.
She smiled as she re-read a message from Jim Sheridan.
Jim:Looking forward to having you home.It's been quiet around here without you.Banner and his brothers will be here for a cookout Sunday afternoon.Hope you'll join us.
Harper:Of course.I'll be there.
She still hadn't decided whether she should try and put together a bunch of side dishes that would pair well with whatever massive hunks of meat Banner and his brothers would no doubt throw on the grill, or whether she should just admit defeat on that front and focus on baking dessert instead.
She’d brought back gifts for Jim and Banner too, but she’d have to choose her moment to give those – and it wouldn’t be at the cookout.
Next up was the group text with the women — Shelley's friends, the wives and girlfriends of Trip's buddies.Warm contentment settled over her when she acknowledged to herself that they weren't just Shelley's friends anymore; they were her friends, too.
She was looking forward to getting together with them all on Thursday evening.
Ari:Hey ladies, it's time for a night out.Can anyone — or everyone — do Thursday?I was thinking dinner at the Valley Lodge.
Candy:You should probably count me out on Thursday.I'll have to be at the bakery even earlier than usual on Friday morning.You know what my Fridays are like.
Ari:I knew you'd say that, so I already talked to Spider and Rocket.You have next Friday off.
Libby:You can't argue with that, Candy — and even if you wanted to, you wouldn't win an argument with Ari.She's a lawyer.
Retta:I'm free on Thursday.I'd love to go.
Ari:You don't mind, do you, Candy?I didn't think you would.
Candy:I don't mind, no.And since the boys will probably bring Bree in to do most of the baking, I doubt the customers will mind either.She could probably take over from me — she's good.
Shelley:She's good, but she's not that good.
Libby:Shelley's right.Bree can assist you, Candy, but there'd be a revolt in the valley if you said you weren't baking anymore.
Ari:Awesome, Retta.And what about you, Libby?You haven't answered yet.
Libby:I should be good, but I'll let you know.
Shelley:I'll be there.I'll touch base with Harper — but I'm guessing she will, too.She'll be back from New York by then.
Retta:Is she having a good time?
Harper:Having a great time, thanks — but I'm looking forward to being back.If I don't see you before, I'll see you all Thursday night.
Shelley:Do you want us to pick you up and give you a ride home afterward, Libby?
Libby:I'll figure something out.Thanks.
Harper wasn't surprised the conversation had gone quiet after that.She might be a newcomer to the valley, but even she knew the history between Libby and her ex, Mav.The two of them had been together since high school and married pretty much ever since — though the last few years had been on again, off again, and they were now divorced.
It was something of a tradition that whenever the women went out together, the guys hung out at Deacon's place and then came to pick them up afterward.Since Libby was on her own, Trip and Shelley usually tried to take her home as they lived closest to Libby’s place in town — but she often preferred to make her own way.Sometimes she'd get a ride from a friend or a neighbor, which really shouldn't have been an issue.
But it seemed that Mav hadn't quite let go and didn't love the idea of her getting rides home from other men.
It all seemed a little strange to Harper.She didn't know Mav, even though he'd moved back to the valley recently, but she thought the world of Libby — so if there was any taking of sides to be done, Harper knew exactly which side she'd come down on.
Her hand came up to cover her heart when she scrolled to the next text string.
Tanya:When you come home, can I take you to the bakery for coffee one day?I miss you, Harper.
