I broke into a run, hurdled the temporary steps, and came up short right in front of Harper. I drank her in: her grey-blue eyes, her shiny blond hair, and the soft curve of her cheek that fit perfectly in my palm.
I wasn’t sure how … or what …
Harper read my hesitation and grabbed my shoulders and pulled me in for a kiss. Before I knew it, her hands were tangled in my hair as her lips answered all my questions.
As our kiss came to a close, I wrapped his arms around her waist and looked deep into her eyes. “What made you come back?”
“I must love you,” was her simple reply. “I couldn’t get farther than Hamilton.”
“But your dream?” I just couldn’t be the reason she lost something she’d held for so long.
“This is my new dream.” She looked around the unfinished house and then ran her hands up and down my arms. “I want a family with you. My future is here. And this time I’m not reacting to something that happened. I’m choosing this path. Andrew, I choose you.”
“You have me, Harper. Today, tomorrow, and for as long as fireflies dance across the fields.”
Harper started swaying to the music.
I caught on and moved with her. “What’s this?” I quirked an eyebrow.
“Someone once told me that apologies are better when there’s dancing.”
I laughed. She had been out to the farm that morning. I owed Grandpa big time. “You know what else goes good with dancing?” I asked as I spun her around.
“What?”
“Kissing.”
“Well, that was next on my apology agenda.”
“Let’s skip right to that one.” I leaned down and captured her lips.
Something in our kisses had changed. There was a deeper level that spoke of commitment and home and grandchildren and a beautiful life spent building a love to shine brighter than the stars.
“I love you, Harper,” I whispered against her lips.
“I love you.” She replied so easily that I knew I’d never have to doubt. Harper was my everything. No matter what thunderstorms rolled through our lives, we were going to make it.
And I couldn’t wait to get started on forever.
Epilogue
Harper
I looked around at the breathtaking views and breathed in the fresh spring air. Andrew and I had taken an extended weekend vacation to go on my first trail ride to Shimek Forest, about 30 minutes north of Keokuk.
It was beautiful. The grey winter clouds were gone, replaced with a bright blue sky and a brisk feel in the air that reminded me of kissing Andrew after he ate one of his mints.
The trees were budding, and all around me, life seemed to awaken from the slumber of winter. Ginger seemed to enjoy the breath of fresh air too, as she moved easily along the trail. Andrew led the way on Ace and pointed out different types of birds and animal tracks as we rode. He seemed healthier, manlier out here in the rugged landscape. I couldn’t wait for our break so I could kiss him good.
Astrid bounded along in front of us. She loved going out riding, and her herding instincts kept her right by the horses. If she disappeared for a moment in a brush, she would be back quickly. I’d long since given up worrying over her around the animals or on a trail. She hadn’t taken off again since that day at Victory Park, which made me think that everything happened for a reason—even swamp monsters.
At lunchtime we came upon some downed trees, and Andrew pulled up on the reins. “This would be a good place to stop for lunch. We can use the trees like a picnic table.”
I dismounted and gave Ginger a quick a rub on the neck before loosening her cinch and attaching a lead rope. I tied her to a tree but gave her enough rope that she could get to some of the fresh spring grass. Grandpa said it was sweet to the horses, like eating Easter candy.
The simple joy in the moment grabbed hold of me, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how my life had changed. A year ago, I would have had no idea how to even ride a horse, let alone loosen its cinch and tie the correct knot to a tree. I’d pushed myself to the brink to learn and absorb and be the best in my field. Now, I understood the importance of balance, of having times like these to feed my soul and not just my mind. I was happy with the change all the way down to my new pair of riding boots.
I turned to get my lunch out of my saddle bag and almost ran over Andrew. “Ooh,” I said as I flung my arms out to try and catch myself. I startled Ginger, who turned and looked at me indignantly.
Andrew reached out to grab my arm and help keep me from landing in the grass.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” I stood up and brushed my hands down my pant legs. “What are you doing on the grou—” My voice trailed off as I looked down and for the first time really saw what Andrew was doing.
He was on one knee with a small ring box in his hands. My hands flew to my cheeks, which were flushed with heat. My heart pounded in my ears so loudly, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hear what he said.
“I’m trying to be romantic,” Andrew said with his signature smirk, “but apparently I need to practice … especially on my timing.”
Tears of happiness stung my eyes, and I blinked quickly trying to get them to clear. I didn’t want to miss a moment of this sweet man on his knee before me.
He cleared his voice and in a more serious tone asked, “Harper Cahill, will you be my wife? I promise I will love you with all my heart forever.”
“Yes!” I said as I reached down and put my arms around his neck.
He stood up and slipped the simple ring on my finger. We sealed the promise with a tender kiss. “I love you, Harper,” he whispered in my ear. “And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
I grinned up at him. My path to Keokuk and this moment hadn’t been an easy one. I’d faced disappointments, a personal medical diagnosis, and the loss of one dream and the finding of another. I’d grown, and I’d learned to apologize and try to be better. But what I’d gotten the most joy out of was finding a love that had no end.
Everything happened for a reason.
“I love you too.” I leaned into him, breathing in his deep cider sent and the security of a future with the man I’d grown to love more than medicine. I’d never thought it possible, but it was true. I loved him with all of my broken heart, and he loved every piece of me.
Together, we were whole. Together, we were happy.
We hope you enjoyed the love story between Andrew and Harper!
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Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. She writes young adult, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock.
When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or the church; shuttling kids to softball or rodeo, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; cycling; or curled up with a good book.
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About the Author
A Family Practice PA by day, and an Author by night.
Hannah Peterson graduated from PA school in 2010 and has been working in Family Practice ever since. Her favorite part of her job is helping people overcome their various health challenges, and the long term relationships she forms with families as their primary care provider.
Hannah has always loved writing. She had lots of practice with academic writing while she was in school. But has also always enjoyed fictional stories -- escaping to different places and going on adventures with various characters. She liked it so much, she decided to start writing adventures and romances of her own.
When she isn’t working, you can find Hannah creating real life adventures with her husband and four kids. They love all things outdoors, but especially camping, hiking and horseback riding.
Opposites Attract: His Country Doctor (The Journal of Medical Romances Book 1) Page 18
