Page 71 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"There's no need to thank me.I'm glad I was there."She turned to Emmett."And I wish you'd stop telling people that I did anything.You were the one who launched yourself at him and disarmed him."
"And you were the one who distracted him to give me the opportunity."
"So, how about you say it was a team effort?"asked Alana.She got up and came to Harper, surprising her when she greeted her with a hug.
"Hey, how are you doing?"Harper asked, as she wrapped her arms around Alana briefly before the girl stepped back.
She looked younger and more vulnerable than Harper had seen her before when she said, "Thank you.I’m okay.I'm glad you're here."
Harper nodded, not sure where to look.She didn't know how Emmett or Blane would react to that.
Blane got to his feet and checked his watch."Do you need anything before I leave?"he asked Emmett."I should get going."
Harper held her breath.She didn't want him to leave on her account, but at the same time, being here was easier when he wasn't around.
Emmett surprised her when he struggled to sit up.Both girls rushed forward.
"Wait, Dad, I can help," said Tanya.
"What do you need?"Alana asked.
He gave them a reassuring smile."If you want to do something for me, the two of you can go and choose which pizza we're having later, while Uncle Blane gives me a hand to get down the hallway."
Alana stepped back, but Tanya gave him a puzzled look for a few moments before realization dawned on her face."Oh," she exclaimed, "you need to go to the bathroom, right?"
Emmett chuckled."That's right, Button."He gave Harper a wry smile."And now that we all know that, I'll be on my way."
He held his left arm up to Blane, who stepped forward to help him to his feet.
She followed the girls into the kitchen, where Tanya showed Alana the casserole Harper had brought.
Alana turned to her looking concerned."Uncle Blane already brought pizza.But we...I can..."
Harper smiled."It's not a problem.I only brought the casserole in case you needed something quick and easy.It can go in the freezer for another time.And I know that you both like the top crispy, but it just needs to be uncovered for the last ten minutes when it's reheated."
"Awesome," said Tanya."Tater tot casserole is one of my faves.But what kind of pizza do you like?"
Harper chuckled."I don't think I ever met a pizza I didn't like.I'm good with anything.And are you girls okay if I stick around for dinner?"
She was surprised by the serious look in Alana's eyes when she turned to face her."Not just for dinner.We have something to ask you."
Tanya nodded eagerly.
"What's that?"Harper asked.
"Would you be able to...would you want to..."She was surprised to see Alana so unsure of herself—that wasn't normally her way.
"We want you to stay," Tanya blurted out.
"Yeah."Alana shot her sister an irritated glance."That's what I was going to say.If you can, would you stay with us?"
Harper raised her eyebrows.
"You can stay in Dad's room, since he has to stay on the couch," said Tanya."Did you sleep in my room last night?My pillow smells like you."
Harper smiled at that."I did; I hoped you wouldn't mind.Someone needed to be here with your dad to check on him every couple of hours after the knock to his head."
"For concussion, right?"said Alana.
