by Ellie Hall
“I don’t know.” Owen froze.
“Harper said she misses you and this will be a nice way to help her transition to the changes. Plus, would really help me out.”
He squinted as though not convinced.
“If you agree to it, I’ll forget what she said about me being—” She wouldn’t forget. Not in a lifetime. But she had better try.
He held up his hand, apparently hoping to avoid further embarrassment. “On one condition.”
Brynn practically hopped on her toes with excitement at the possibility of finally having help in the classroom.
“As I mentioned, I work night shifts. I need someone to look after Harper from about dinner time until... Well, I usually get home around seven a.m., just in time to get her off to school.”
“Who’s doing that now?”
“I hired someone, but it’s temporary. I need someone I can trust. Someone Harper likes.”
“Like a baby sitter?”
“A nanny, whatever you want to call it. I also like the idea that she’d get to spend some time in the old house. The house I grew up in. And I’d pay you.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “I’d be happy to. No need to pay me.” He had no idea how her heart swelled at that moment at the notion of spending more time with his sweet daughter. Or that her stomach was doing cartwheels at seeing more of him.
They hashed out the details for the next few moments. From behind the truck window, Harper wore a giant grin as though she’d heard the whole exchange. And it seemed as if her dad was trying to fight against one of his own. Brynn sure was.
Even if it weren’t for Harper and her desire to spend time with kids—she’d never be a mother herself— she never could resist a man in uniform...or out of uniform as the case was with him dressed in blue jeans and a dark gray V-neck sweater. The sight of him, the feeling inside, all of it enveloped her like a warm hug.
Chapter 4
Owen
Owen was not the kind of man to get flustered. To have feelings. He prided himself on keeping a stiff upper lip. Letting things roll off him. He was a Hawkins for goodness sake so why was he jittery? How come he felt like whooping as he left the parking lot in his giant truck like a teenager with a brand-new license who just asked the girl to prom and she’d said yes.
Maybe because he hadn’t done those things when he was younger. Perhaps because Brynn somehow made him feel young.
“Daddy, you’re smiling,” Harper said.
He glanced in the rearview mirror. He wiped it off his face. “I’m happy to see you.”
“Yeah, but you never smile.”
“That’s not true.”
“Daddy, you taught me never to ever lie,” Harper said.
She had that right. He probably ought to talk to her about the concept of omission. Like she didn’t need to blurt out how he corrected Harper when she kept calling her teacher Mrs. Powell or that she was the kind of person that could make someone feel happy and whole. In fact, he had no idea where those words had come from. He’d just blurted them out earlier that morning. It was probably fatigue after he came off his shift.
It wasn’t like that at all. Okay, maybe a little. Earlier that morning, half asleep on his feet, he helped Harper get ready for school. He sensed she was feeling a little bit nervous so he assured her she’d be in good hands. He wasn’t sure where it came from—maybe the scene in the kitchen of the farmhouse the night before? There was something wholesome about Brynn, something true. Also, anyone who could bake like that was a bit magical like Harper’s unicorns.
Stopped at a traffic light, thinking about things that he never thought about, he realized, for the first time in a long time, he’d felt a sense of being at home. He’d loved Nadine, but after she had the baby, she’d changed. She was restless, unable to remain at home. Then she left. A year later, she filed for divorce. He’d known when they’d married that she was a bit of a free spirit and had a flair for spontaneity. She was the one who’d asked him to get married. They had a whirlwind romance and it somehow filled the emptiness after everything that happened with his family. Nadine wasn’t the cookies and milk kind of mom or person—more like let’s have a hot sauce eating contest in a helicopter. The pregnancy was a surprise, but a welcome one. At least for Owen.
He’d left Hawk Ridge Hollow because he was looking for an escape. He’d certainly never felt at home in Chicago—living there had a leave your stuff in your suitcase vibe. It was always temporary. In fact, he still had boxes that he’d packed up after leaving Hawk Ridge Hollow, had brought to Chicago, had never unpacked, and then had carted back to Hawk Ridge Hollow. Maybe deep-down Nadine always knew that he’d return there.
“Daddy, the light.” Harper’s voice floated back to him.
A car behind the truck honked. He pressed the accelerator, drawing his attention back into focus. He felt the need to make sure the driver behind him knew that he wasn’t on his cell phone. As a police officer, he’d dinged plenty of people for stopping at traffic lights, scrolling on their phone, and missing the light change. It frustrated him and infuriated him because it was dangerous.
But he was distracted because his mind kept landing on the word home, filling him with warmth and the cinnamon sugar feeling of comfort and the smooth image of Brynn’s face. He blinked his eyes, focusing on his surroundings, the place he’d wanted so badly to escape. The place that had drawn him back.
“Are we going home?” Harper asked when they passed the turn for the resort.
There was that word again. Was Hawk Ridge Hollow already a place Harper called home? “Later,” he answered. “I want to show you around so you can see some of the places I’d visit when I was growing up. When I was little like you.”
“Daddy, you were never little.”
He chuckled. “You’re right. At least according to your great-grandfather. Nope. Never little. The Hawkins boys were rough cut from the mountainside, made of rock and grit. Strength and smarts.”
“Does that mean that I’m part giant too?” The kid had quite the imagination.
He laughed again. “I think you’re all unicorn.”
“Oh, good. I didn’t want to be made of dirt.”
“How about we get this unicorn a little treat?” he asked, pulling into a parking spot in front of Mom and Lollipops candy shop that had been there for as long as he could remember—it had always been his and his brother’s first stop when they had pocket change. He helped Harper out of the truck.
“I have a lot of Halloween candy at home.”
Home? She said it again, but the resort hardly felt like home. Did it? Again, it was temporary.
“Oh, that’s right. How about we take a stroll and see where our feet lead us.”
“You mean we’ll go on a whimsy?” she asked, eyes brightening.
It was something special the two of them shared. Something he assumed Nadine would have done. Just open the front door, step outside, and see where you ended up. She was like that. even though she had her problems, Owen wanted to give their daughter the good stuff she’d left him with.
Taking her hand, they walked along the sidewalk beside the cobbled streets of the town his family had practically built. His great-grandfather had staked claim to the land and mountains. Over time, they’d built the resort into a billion-dollar industry that extended well beyond the border of Hawk Ridge Hollow. Hawkins Enterprises had properties all over the world. Growing up, he had a sense of belonging to the place, but maybe a rebellious part of him didn’t want to accept that. He wanted to forge his own way. His father’s death fully pushed him out of the town’s embrace. Yet, now, he felt a strong pull back there
His father intended for his boys to take over the family business someday, but had insisted they each learn a trade or have a career of their own first. It was well known that his last will and testament stated that in order for his sons to receive their inheritance and shares in the resort, mountain, and various holdings— making each of the Hawkin
s men wealthy beyond imagination—, they had to marry.
But right then, with his daughter’s hand in his, he wondered about his own legacy. What was he going to leave Harper?
It was the day after Halloween and several of the shopkeepers were already putting out Christmas décor. Hawk Ridge Hollow was magical at that time of the year, glistening and glittering with lights and cheer. Maybe it was his home after all.
Harper paused in front of a window that had glass baubles hanging from thin fishing wire. It almost looked like they were floating.
The sun hovered just above the mountain ridge, casting a final, golden light over the day. The baubles glowed.
From down the street, the scent of baking bread wafted on a light breeze. An older woman with a puff of salt and pepper hair approached, led by several small dogs, all wearing sweaters and collars studded with rhinestones.
Harper practically bounced up and down. “Can I ask her if I can pet them?”
Owen nodded. To anyone paying attention, they’d think Harper had met each of her favorite Disney princesses in real life the way she was fussing over each dog. With Owen’s job and Harper in childcare before she’d started kindergarten, it didn’t seem feasible to get a dog nor had they ever lived in a house or rental that had allowed dogs. Certainly, that wouldn’t be possible at the resort. But like everything else in his life, it was temporary. A stopover until he found just the right place to live.
“I see you’ve met Ariel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty,” said a familiar voice.
Owen turned. Brynn was crouched beside Harper petting the three dogs and naming each one. Sure enough, one was a reddish Yorkie, the next was a white Pomeranian, and the third was a little black pug.
Brynn straightened and addressed the dog owner. “How are you doing Mrs. Barnett?”
“Peachy,” the older woman replied.
“How’s your project coming along?”
“Slowly but surely. I can’t thank you enough for your advice. That wallpaper was ready to do me in, but I got it down. Next up, a fresh coat of paint.
“Always happy to help.”
“And Officer Hawkins? Long-time no see,” Brynn said, turning to him.
Mrs. Barnett gasped. “Long time no see is right. I remember when you were—” She hovered her hand about waist high.
“No, my dad was never that small,” Harper said. “He comes from the mountains.”
The older woman laughed. “I suppose you’re right. I used to look after him and his brothers. Those stinkers. Never had kids of my own and glad I just stuck to dogs.”
Something flickered across Brynn’s face, but then she pasted on a smile when Harper added, “No, Daddy’s part giant. He comes from rock and grit—”
He had to stop her. He was an officer of the law and didn’t want them to think he was some goofball. “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Barnett.”
She tilted her head. “Are you this adorable little dear’s father?”
“Sure am. Brynn, you didn’t mention that you were married. Have you decorated her room yet?”
Brynn opened her mouth to reply, but Mrs. Barnett kept talking. “Oh, I have loads of ideas. You know where to come. Do you like princesses?” she asked Harper.
She nodded. “But I love unicorns.”
Mrs. Barnett beamed. “I can see it now. A magical princess paradise.” She swept her free hand in front of her as though painting an image of a little girl’s dream room.
“I’m sure Owen would be interested in your interior design services if he hasn’t already decorated Harper’s room, but I’m not her—”
Just then, Harper flung her arms around Brynn’s legs and she stopped talking. The little girl squished her closed.
Owen stepped in, motioning between Brynn and himself. “No, we’re not—”
Mrs. Barnett was quick to understand. “Oh, my apologies. Well, someday you will make a wonderful mother, Brynn. As for you Owen, I’m glad to see you turned out just fine. I was a bit worried about you Hawkins boys. Rascals, every one of them.” Mrs. Barnett’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “But loveable ones. I remember those days...” She gazed into the distance as though in reverie.
“I was just telling Harper about growing up here,” Owen said.
“It’s a special place. Glad to have you back. I best be on before these princesses’ tootsies get cold,” she singsonged, clicking her tongue to urge the dogs to walk.
“Can I see your dogs again soon?” Harper asked.
“Of course. I have the home décor shop just down there. I’ll show you some of my ideas for a unicorn-themed room.”
Harper clapped her hands together and then said goodbye to the dogs.
Owen and Brynn stood there for an awkward moment.
“Sorry about that,” he said. “I haven’t seen her since I was, like, ten. She didn’t know that we’re not—” Once more, he felt flustered, tongue-tied.
In Chicago, he’d negotiated critical situations, navigated and enforced the law, had written countless reports and attended trials. Sure, he was a man of few words, but he never had trouble finding the right ones. Except now.
“Of course. No, I understand. It’s—” She started and then stopped as though she too were struggling with what to say.
Harper’s hand slid into his as Mrs. Barnett paraded down the sidewalk, led by her pooches. Meanwhile, Harper pulled him forward as though also leading him. In her other hand, she gripped Brynn’s.
“You were telling me about when you lived here?” Harper said, picking up where they left off. “Did the giants ever come down from the hills and raid the town?”
He chuckled. “Oh, once or twice, but then they realized what a nice place this is and decided to leave the people in peace.”
“What about the unicorns and fairies?”
“I suppose if we stay here a while, we’ll find out.”
Brynn smiled at him, amused, perhaps enchanted as they strolled down the street with Owen pointing out places that brought up memories, pranks, and good deeds he and his brothers had performed.
They reached the Beanery. The front window was steamed up, but he remembered the table on the other side all too well. It was where he’d had his first kiss.
Brynn rubbed her hands together. “I’m chilly. I think I’d like to grab something warm to drink. Anyone else? My treat.”
“Ooh. Do they have cocoa?” Harper asked.
“We’ll have to check. I think the name Beanery refers to coffee beans, but did you know that chocolate comes from a bean too?” Brynn asked Harper.
Harper’s eyes lit up as they stepped inside. “Does that mean they’re healthy? Daddy says beans are good for you, but they can make you toot.”
Owen cringed.
Brynn giggled. “If you ask me, chocolate is one of the main food groups.”
His heart beat a bit harder. But maybe it was the sound of the espresso machine whipping up cream, the music, or the memories floating back.
Brynn ordered tea for herself. Owen got coffee since he had to work later and hot chocolate for Harper. He insisted on paying.
The woman who called their order looked vaguely familiar. “Owen, Owen Hawkins?” she asked when he went to pick up the mugs.
He nodded.
“Marci Wallace.” She splayed her hand across her chest. “After being named most likely to fall asleep in class in our yearbook, I own the coffee shop now. Funny, huh? What brings you back here?”
It took him a moment to place her on the spectrum of people in Hawk Ridge. Marci? The girl he’d kissed in the window. Yeah. Real funny.
Brynn grabbed her tea. “Hi, I’m Brynn. It’s my first time stopping in. I’ll have to come back for one of your muffins. I hear they’re the best.”
“Come early. They sell out quickly.” Marci craned her head toward the table by the window. “Do you remember junior year, Owen?” she pointed to the table where Harper sat, waiting. It had been the only available table.
&nb
sp; Harper waved. “Is my cocoa ready, Daddy?”
“Oh.” Marci swallowed thickly. “I’m sorry—” She cut herself off as though realizing her comment wasn’t all that appropriate. “You don’t want the whipped cream to melt,” she said, gesturing he take it. “Nice meeting you, Mrs. Hawkins.”
Brynn shook her head. “No, um. We’re not—”
The tips of his ears heated and threatened to spread like wildfire. What had gotten into him?
Harper wiggled between them, her head popping up just above the counter. “I was waiting a hundred years for this thing,” she said, eyeing the cocoa, overflowing with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
“I think you’ll find that it’ll have been worth it. Plus, it’s your grandma’s recipe.” Marci smiled.
Owen froze.
Harper frowned for a moment. Then distracted by the delicious treat on the counter, she reached for it.
“I’ll carry that, sweetie,” Brynn said as the cream and cocoa sloshed over the sides in Harper’s grip.
When they sat at the table, Harper said, “Daddy, your cheeks are rosy.”
“It’s from the cold,” he said, taking a sip of the coffee.
“Will you tell me a story?” Harper asked.
“What kind?”
“About my grandma. I always just thought it was you and me.” She looked at Brynn who eyed Owen. “We have a really small family.”
Brynn nodded. “I know what that’s like.”
Maybe so, but for all Owen had taught Harper about honesty, he hadn’t told his daughter the whole truth. But neither was he being entirely honest with himself. Part of him didn’t want to correct Marci or Mrs. Barnett. He wanted a family. He wanted love. But it was too big a risk. It was safer, easier to keep things simple. To live a life with just Harper and him. But that notion made him feel like he’d drank his coffee too fast, leaving him nauseous and jittery.
“How about we have Ms. Powell advise us in what kind of vehicle we should drive.”
“I like the truck, Daddy.”
“Nothing wrong with the truck. It’s just that poor Harper here needs a ladder to get in,” Brynn said, bringing her tea to her lips.
