Page 85 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
Emmett couldn't help the smile that spread across his face."I'm glad to hear it, Lib."
She let out a sigh."Don't be.I wish I could make myself stop hoping."
"Where there's hope, there's life."He squeezed his eyes shut as soon as he'd said it.
Libby came to him and leaned down to press a kiss to the top of his head."I still miss her too, you know.But what you just said?You're right.You are still alive.And therefore, there's still hope for you too."
He cleared his throat."Thanks, Lib."
"Yeah, anyway.I'd better be on my way."
"Thanks again."
"Told you, you don't need to thank me.It's my pleasure."
~ ~ ~
When she got back to the house, Harper let herself inside quietly, in case Emmett was sleeping.She was a little mad at Deacon and Ace right now.She'd been hanging out at the bakery this afternoon, and it was good to catch up with everyone.But more than that, she'd wanted to give Emmett a little time without her constantly in his space.She knew Blane wouldn't leave him alone without making sure he was all right after their day out working.At the bakery, Ace and Deacon had given her the impression that Blane would probably want to hang out with him for a while longer, so she should stick around for the usual Friday afternoon gathering and catch up with everyone.She'd been enjoying herself until Brooke — who was also there — received a call from Blane and reported that he was already up in town, hanging out with the girls and Cash.
As she stepped into the hallway, she wondered if perhaps she should have stayed a little longer anyway.But as soon as she'd known he was here alone, she'd wanted to come.
"Hey, Harper, is that you?"
She hurried into the living room wearing a smile."It's me.Sorry — I would have come back sooner.I was hanging out at the bakery."
His smile faded."You didn't need to come rushing back.You could have stayed and enjoyed yourself."
She met his gaze."I did enjoy myself, but I'd rather be here."
When he didn't reply, her heart sank."But if you're fine, I can head out again.You can call me when you need anything.It's not..."
"Harper."
"Yes."
"I'm not saying I don't want you here."
"No?"
"No.Harper, I made you a promise that I'd tell you if you were around too much."
"You did, thanks.Sorry, I guess I'm just..."
"Don't apologize.Just believe me.How about that?In fact, if you want to know the truth, I've been looking forward to this evening."
She smiled."You have?Me too.I was thinking I could make us dinner and..."
He chuckled."Too late."
"What do you mean?"Her smile faded."Don't you dare tell me that you've been in the kitchen."
"I haven't, I promise.I couldn't.But Libby stopped by.She brought us a basket.There's a casserole, bread, wine, and dessert — everything we need, apparently."
"Oh, that was kind of her."
He nodded."Wasn't it?So, what do you say?I know it's not ideal, but...if you'd like...we could kind of make tonight a date.Our first real one, if you want."
"What do I say?"she asked with a grin."I say yes, please.I like the sound of that."
