Page 72 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"That's right.But he seems to be doing fine."
"He is," Alana agreed.
Tanya smiled."He's a tough cookie."
Harper was relieved that they were so resilient.But then Tanya was right.Emmett was a big, tough guy.
"Anyway," Alana continued."We can take care of him."
Tanya nodded enthusiastically."But we like having you around.And Dad does, too."Her smile dimmed."Do you like being here—with us and with Dad?"
Harper watched Alana carefully as she answered."I do.I love hanging out with you—and your dad."She hesitated, but she had to say it.So far, the two of them hadn't done a great job of concealing the fact that they were trying to push her and Emmett together.
"What's wrong?"Tanya asked.
"Nothing's wrong, sweetie.It's just..."She met Alana's gaze again."I'm the kind of person who likes to have things out in the open, so I'm going to come out and say it.You both know that I like your dad...I'd hate for either of you to feel like I'm...overstepping."
"No way," said Tanya enthusiastically."We love it, don't we, Alana?"
Alana nodded at her sister while still holding Harper's gaze."I know what you mean, but I've been thinking about it a lot.Dad likes you, too."
"He does," said Tanya."I can tell."
"And you’re..."Harper was horrified when Alana's chin started to quiver."Listen, I'm going to go upstairs in a minute, but nothing's wrong.I just...it's hard, you know?"
Harper reached out to touch her arm."I think I do, sweetie.You don't have to say anything."
"I do," said Alana."Dad deserves to be happy.And I think maybe you guys..."She sniffed."I mean, no pressure or anything.You might not, too, but if you don't get the chance to hang out together, you'll never find out, will you?"
Harper shook her head.
Alana sniffed again and stood up a little straighter."Okay, well, that's that then.But..."Anger and fear flashed in her eyes."But you have to be good to him.Don't hurt him."
Harper had to swallow around the lump in her throat."I won't.I give you my word; I'll never do anything to hurt him, not if I can help it."
Tanya was watching their exchange with a puzzled look.She reached out to touch Alana's arm."It's okay, Alana.It's all gonna be okay, you know."
Harper's heart melted a little in her chest as she watched Alana hug Tanya to her and kiss the top of her head."I know, Button.It'll all be okay.I'm just being me for a minute, all right?I'm gonna run upstairs now."
Tanya watched her go with a puzzled smile on her face before turning to Harper."She gets weird sometimes."
Harper smiled."She has every right to.And besides, I think we all get a bit weird sometimes."
She crossed her eyes at Tanya, who laughed and made a goofy face, saying, "Not me, I’m never weird."
It seemed to Harper that Alana was that much older when Emily died.She probably had more memories of her mom and as the older sibling, no doubt felt a responsibility to both her dad and to Tanya.
Harper nodded to herself.It might seem from the outside that Emmett was the one who needed the most help, while Tanya needed some support.But she wondered if Alana, trying to hold everyone together, might need the most support of all.
~ ~ ~
Once Emmett was settled back on the couch and Blane had gone, Tanya came to sit beside him and took his hand.
"Are you hungry, Dad?We can have pepperoni pizza since that's your favorite."
He smiled."Yeah, if everyone else is good with that?"
Harper nodded."I'll go and turn the oven on."
