Page 94 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
Blane looked over at her again."She must be good."
"More than that—she knows how to handle ranchers.That's something they can't teach in vet school."
"Looks like you landed on your feet, then.Will you keep her around?"
Emmett pursed his lips."I've been thinking about it.I know Janey would like to."
"If she can handle ranchers, you could send some of yours her way—give yourself a little more time.For the girls.For Harper."
"Maybe so."
Blane raised his eyebrows."Didn't think you'd agree with me so easily."
"About taking the time, or about Harper?"
"Taking the time.Don't worry, bud; I can see what's happening with Harper."
"You can?"
"Yep.Can you?"
Emmett nodded slowly."Yeah."
"You okay with it?"
"I am.I never thought I'd… It seemed like… I don't know the words.I didn't ever want to replace Emily."
Blane's eyebrows drew together.
"And I couldn't.I still don't want to," he hurried on.
"Damn straight you couldn't.That was never the question.There'll always be an Em-shaped hole in all our lives, but that doesn't mean there's no room for someone else—a Harper-shaped place beside you."
"And you don't… shit, I don't even know what word to choose."
"You don't need to choose one—I know what you mean.I won't say I don't mind; that's not true.I mind that Em's not here anymore—I miss her, too.And I hate that you guys didn't get to live the life you could have.But Em's gone.And you're here."He glanced over to where Harper was now laughing with Cash and Jim."And Harper's here.And I think she can be good for you."
Emmett hated to ask, but he had to."Has Alana said anything?About Harper?About me and Harper?"
"Yeah, we had a good chat on Friday night.She didn't ask me not to tell you, but I figured I wouldn't say anything unless you asked."
"I won't pry, then.I want her to know that she can turn to you."
"She does.She always has.And I won't break her trust, not even for you.Well, maybe I would, if I thought it'd help you both.But that's not the case here.What I'm saying is that you've got nothing to worry about.She likes Harper—liked her before you ever did.And she can see that the two of you could be good for each other.I guess… I guess her concern is about how big that Harper-shaped place at your side might grow to be."
"She can't think that I'd love her and Tanya any less because I love Harper, too."The words were out before he even knew they were coming.Something pulled tight under his ribs — not the ache he'd gotten used to.Something else.
Blane's eyebrows shot up, and Emmett realized that he’d said it out loud.
"She doesn't think that," Blane told him."She'd never think that.She's just not sure what the new shape will be.And that's fair—like I told her, I don't know either, and I don't know how I feel about it.But I want you to have another chance."He met Emmett's gaze."At love.I didn't use that word—didn't think it was an issue yet, anyway."
Emmett stared at him."Neither did I.I didn't mean to say that.I don't know where it came from."
Blane's expression remained cold for a few moments before he finally said, "Sounded to me like it came from the heart."
~ ~ ~
"Look at that—do you think they're okay?"
