“So ready.”
He jumped out and opened my door. “And here’s a kiss for luck. You won’t need it, but it will please the crowd.”
After a short toe-curling kiss, I scanned the smiling faces and waved. “How old is your baby sister?” Our age difference hadn’t seemed like a big deal, but looking at his family, I suddenly felt very young.
“A little older than you, but it doesn’t matter. Not to them. Not to me.”
I appreciated his hand on my back as we made our way up the sidewalk.
Mrs. Harper was the first one down the steps. “You have no idea how excited we are to meet you.” With her arms around me, she moved me side to side. It was somewhere between a dance move and a hug. “And you are just gorgeous. Let me introduce you to everyone. I’m Melanie, but everyone calls me Mel. Unless you prefer Mom.” She turned and faced her family. “This is my husband Evan. And my daughters Erin, Emmy, and Elisa. Diego is in the kitchen making brownies for later. And the other guys will be here in a bit with the little ones. They ran them over to the park to get some wiggles out.”
Names swirled in my head. This family really liked the letter e. “I’m Cami. And I’m so happy to be here. Harper has told me so much about y’all.”
Mel hugged her son. “Ethan sure surprised us. When he called and said there was someone he wanted us to meet, I thought maybe he’d gotten a dog. This is so much better.”
Elisa, or maybe it was Emmy, pushed open the door. “Let’s go inside. No point standing around out here.”
Harper’s hand tightened around mine as we walked inside.
I hoped this was the first of many times that I’d get to visit this house. Two steps inside, and I already felt at home.
Chapter 22
After a family dinner that was like a scene out of a Hallmark movie, we all settled in the living room with our brownie sundaes. And these were by far the best brownies I’d ever tasted. Before we left, I was asking for recipes.
I snuggled up on one end of the couch with Harper next to me. His parents were cuddled on a loveseat. The other couples were seated together in different parts of the room, some on chairs, others on the floor. And in the middle of the room, the kiddos sat on a blanket enjoying dessert.
As people talked and laughed and shared stories, I worked on putting names with faces. I wanted to remember everything about tonight. I wasn’t used to big family gatherings. Who knew that I’d love this so much?
Figuring out which e-name went with which sister was easier now that they had husbands beside them, and conveniently they’d married alphabetically. Erin, the oldest, had married Anthony. Elisa married Ben. And the baby of the family, Emmy, was still in the newlywed phase with Diego.
The gap in the middle wasn’t lost on me. It was as if I’d been scripted into this story long before I’d shimmied into that leopard suit.
As soon as I finished my ice cream, Harper jumped up. “I’ll take that into the kitchen for you. Need anything else?”
“I’m good.” I smiled up at him. “Really good.”
He beamed. “Be right back.”
“Honey, just put those in the dishwasher. I’ll start it before I go to bed,” Mel said.
“Will do.”
When Harper returned, he sat on the floor in front of the couch. The family’s chocolate lab lay down next to him, and within seconds, his nieces and nephew crawled into his lap.
I watched them play as the family continued sharing stories and asking me questions. And it didn’t feel awkward. It wasn’t an interrogation so much as genuine interest.
Resting a hand on Harper’s shoulder, I leaned forward almost giddy about telling his family the leopard costume story. “I’m not sure if he’s told you how we met.”
He reached back and grabbed my hand.
Emmy shook her head. “He hasn’t, and it wasn’t for lack of asking.”
“He kept quiet because of me. Most people would call it embarrassing, but whatever. It’s quite a tale.”
Harper laughed out loud, startling his little niece. Humor-wise, he and I were well-matched.
I cleared my throat, getting ready to entertain. “On the side, I sometimes pose as a model. Mostly for authors who want pictures for book covers.”
Mel patted Evan’s leg. “Not a surprise. She’s gorgeous. Just like I told ya.”
“Well, for one photo shoot, I didn’t remember to bring a change of clothes with me. So after we finished, there I was in downtown San Antonio in a skin-tight leopard costume walking the streets as the sun went down.”
Gasps and chuckles sounded throughout the room.
“It didn’t seem like a big deal until I realized someone was following me.”
Emmy pointed at her brother. “Seriously, Ethan? You probably scared her to death.”
“I wasn’t following her.” He looked up at me. “Mostly because I hadn’t seen her yet.”
“I don’t even know the name of the guy who was chasing after me. But anyway, to get to where I was parked, I had to walk through an alley. That alley was all that separated me from the safety of my car. In high-heeled boots, running was risky. I did it anyway. Then just like a scene out of a movie, this guy walks into view at the other end of the alley.” I kissed the top of Harper’s head. “So I threw my arms around him and told him I was being followed.”
“The poor guy trying to return her dropped tail seemed very confused.” Harper grinned. “And so was I when Cami ran off without the tail.”
Enthralled by the story, Mel leaned forward. “How did you find her?”
“We have mutual friends. I showed up to a pool party a few days after she dropped her tail, and there she was, sitting on the edge of the pool.”
“I didn’t run away that time. In fact, I threw my arms around him again. He’s rather huggable.”
“That might be the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.” Erin stood. “Cami, I think it’s only fair that we tell you stories about my brother.”
He groaned.
“But first, I need to get my kiddos in bed. Don’t start without me.” She carried her kids down the hall.
Elisa followed.
Harper shifted back to the couch. “I’m tired. You ready for bed?”
“Not a chance, buddy. This is the good stuff.” I tucked closer to him as he put an arm around me.
“Just promise that you’ll still like me when the stories are over.”
I kept my voice low so that only he could hear my answer. “Change that like to love, and I promise.”
He planted a quick kiss on the side of my head. “Deal.”
When Erin and Elisa walked back into the room, Emmy waved her hand. “I’ll go first. This is a good story. It’s only right that we start with something that makes him look good.”
The family laughed as if they all knew what was coming.
“There was this pizza place that I’d go to with friends or on dates. And it wasn’t unusual for Ethan and his friend to show up there on nights that I had a date. He’s such a big brother. Anyway, he wouldn’t say anything to me or even come to the table, but he’d show up just to see how my date was behaving.”
“I trained him well.” Evan grinned. It was clear the man was proud of his son.
“Well, this one night, I was on a first date and we were having pizza before going to the movies. I managed to spill a drink all down the front of my t-shirt—a white one. Embarrassed, I ran to the restroom. A minute later, Ethan knocks before walking into the ladies’ room. My brother pulled off his shirt and said that we should trade. He looked completely ridiculous in a t-shirt that was too small for him. It was hilarious. And he stretched out that shirt, but he saved my date.” She pointed at Elisa. “Your turn.”
Elisa flashed a mischievous grin. “Ethan thinks he’s funny.”
I laughed. “This one isn’t going to make you look as good, is it?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Remember your promise.”
“Since we have t
he pool out back, my friends would come over a lot during the summer and spend the night. It wasn’t unusual to have several swimsuits hanging in the bathroom,” Elisa said.
“It was a mess.” He didn’t seem to mind being in the hot seat and having his family tell stories about him.
Elisa rolled her eyes. “One morning, we got up, and there were no swimsuits in the bathroom. He’d wet them and shoved them in the freezer. It took us forever to thaw them with the blow dryer.”
“They should’ve just tossed them in the pool.” Harper grinned like a little boy.
As the stories continued, I snuggled closer. My sweetheart was a guy who loved pranks, always tried to make people laugh, and would literally give someone the shirt off his back.
As the stories were winding down, Anthony spoke up for the first time. “I have one. Emmy said he was such a big brother, and that’s true. Even as a little brother, he tried to be the big brother. Erin and I started dating when we were in middle school. And we had a few spats over the years.”
“Only two.” Erin kissed his cheek.
“Once when Erin and I were having a disagreement, I pulled up in front, and she jumped out of the car, sobbing. I didn’t even make it halfway up the walk before Ethan was in my face. Well, he would’ve been in my face had he been taller. I think you were eight, maybe nine. And he hauled off and slugged me, yelling at me the whole time for making his sister cry. Erin came to my rescue, so I sort of won big that day.” He rubbed his cheek. “But it hurt.”
“Sorry about that.” Harper rubbed the back of his neck.
I covered a yawn as I laughed. It was way past my normal bedtime. “That story makes so much sense.”
He looked down at me with an apologetic smile. “There is a possibility I might’ve hit him.”
I knew exactly who he meant. “I know.”
Mel clapped. “Enough stories. We need to let our guest get some sleep.” She jumped up. “Follow me.”
Harper picked up our bags, which hadn’t moved since we’d dropped them just inside the door.
“Y’all are in here.” She pushed open a door.
Harper stopped. “What about putting her in Emmy’s room?”
“Elisa is in there. And Erin is in her room. Emmy is the only one not staying here tonight. She and Diego are headed home. They are still in the honeymoon phase . . . if you know what I mean.”
“Mom, pretty sure we know exactly what you mean. Goodnight.”
She walked out then opened the door again. “Oh, and Shap is in here with you tonight.”
Harper looked from the chocolate lab back to his mom. “Seriously?”
“Sleep tight.” Laughing, she closed the door.
“Just then, your mom called him Shap, but I thought his name was Chap. Like Cheerio, old chap. He’s cute. He reminds me of Bones.”
“Spelled like Chap, said like Shap.” Harper stared at the dog. “Before I tell you what his name is short for, I have to tell you about Champ.” Harper moved my bag to the bed. “Change first. Bathroom is across the hall if you need it. I’ll make myself scarce for a few minutes.”
“I’ll change in the bathroom. You don’t have to leave.” I picked up my bag. “I’ll hurry because I want to hear the story.”
I changed quickly, glad that I’d packed something decent.
When I walked back into the room, he was in lounge pants and a t-shirt. He started the story as soon as I closed the door. “So, right after Erin started dating Anthony, Dad brought home a dog. We called him Champ. He was a black lab, and Dad trained that dog. But sadly, Champ got out one day, and a car hit him. We were all devastated. Only a few days later, Dad brought home another dog, Chap. And Dad trained this dog just like he’d trained Champ. Chap is short for Chaperone. Let me demonstrate.” Harper sat down next to me on the bed.
Chap sat down in front of Harper and stared.
Then Harper clasped my hand.
Chap barked, only once and quietly.
“That’s only the beginning. If I turn off the lamp, he’ll bark until I turn it back on.”
“That’s hysterical.”
“It wasn’t for my sisters. And there’s more.” Harper draped an arm around me and kissed me.
Chap barked twice.
“Thanks to Chap, my dad always knew what was going on in the living room. You can see why I never subjected anyone else to this. And I really didn’t plan on having to deal with it this weekend. Lay down, I’ll show you his other trick.”
I stretched out on the bed. “Okay?”
Chap jumped up and lay down beside me. And when Harper moved closer to me, Chap gave a low growl.
“He stands guard and is trained to call for help when needed.” Harper lay down on top of me, which was not at all unpleasant.
I slipped my arms around him. “I don’t see a problem.”
Chap stopped growling and was quiet only a second, his gaze fixed on Harper.
When Harper’s lips met mine, Chap went nuts.
Laughing, I covered my ears. “How do you make him stop?”
Harper gave me another quick kiss before stepping away. “An arm’s length distance is usually enough to calm him down.”
Laughter echoed in the hall. If it weren’t so funny, I would’ve been embarrassed. The whole house knew what was happening in the bedroom.
Harper lowered his voice. “But I came prepared. See, one night I spotted Elisa and Ben on the porch swing in the back. They were kissing away, and Chap hadn’t made a sound. It wasn’t because they’d locked him inside. Ben had brought chew treats with him. To this day, I don’t think my dad has any idea. Anyway, I brought some with me.” He dug a treat out of his bag and tossed it on the floor.
Tail wagging, Chap settled down and started chewing.
Harper stretched out next to me. “Dog or no dog, I’ll be a gentleman, but I don’t want to listen to him bark.”
I snuggled up next to him and laughed when Chap climbed onto the foot of the bed with that treat in his mouth. “I’m not sure he completely trusts you.”
“Are you glad you came?”
“Harper, I love your family. Today has been wonderful. And I feel like I know you better.”
Staring at the ceiling, he ran his fingers through my hair. “They love you too. I knew they would.” He dropped a kiss onto the top of my head. “I love you, Cami.”
I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “I love you too. So much.”
He kissed me again, and Chap was too busy chewing on his treat to care.
When I woke up, the dog was snoring away, stretched out between Harper and me.
“Morning. How about a cup of coffee on the porch swing?” Harper reached over the dog and stroked my cheek.
“Sounds perfect.”
“I’ll meet you out there. Come on, Chap.”
The dog stretched, then followed Harper out of the room.
Before changing out of my pajamas, I texted Tessa and Delaney. Weekend is going great. He still loves me.
Delaney responded first. Duh. As if anything would change that. She followed her text with a wink.
Tessa replied a second later. So happy for you.
After slipping on jeans and a shirt, I walked into the kitchen and stopped when I noticed Harper outside talking to his dad. I couldn’t read lips, so I had no idea what they were saying, but the I’m-proud-of-you-son pat on the back was unmistakable.
I wanted that conversation to be about me. And maybe it was.
The whole scene made me happy. And it made me hurt.
After this weekend, I wanted my parents to meet Harper even more than before, but nothing about my family was like his.
Chapter 23
Joji sat down on the milking stool. “Tell me about the weekend. I want to hear everything. All. Of. It.” She pointed at me. “Then we’re going to talk more about your knack for social media. I’ve been stalking the pages you’re running. If that’s even what it’s called.”
“Managing, an
d I can’t wait to talk about that. But first, the good stuff. I know why Harper is so funny and warm. His family is like that. I had such a good time. And I thought a lot about what you told me about love.”
“And? I know there are parts you’re leaving out.”
I snapped a picture of the goats eating away while the machine did its thing. “You already know that Harper loves me. Still the best birthday present ever. His family made me feel right at home. He said they loved me.” I danced in a circle. “So, that was something.”
She hugged me. “Of course they love you. He’s a lucky guy. What else?”
“They have a dog that looks so much like Bones.” I told her all about Chap and how he was trained.
When she finally stopped laughing, the machine was finished with the milking.
“Let’s get these ladies back in their pen, then I’ll make you breakfast. We can talk about the website and social media. Haley said their bookings went way up when you started posting for them.”
“I guess. It’s fun for me.” I latched the gate after escorting the nannies back to where they belonged. “When I look around here, I see all these little things that make me fall in love with the place. I mean, who wouldn’t smile at a photo of a llama?”
“It’s fun having them here, isn’t it? They are my second favorite birthday gift.” Joji waved to the temperamental pack animals.
“Imagine how people would react to pictures of Boingo in a tree.” As we walked to the house, I continued pointing out sights that would endear people to the farm and her cheese. “That’s my two cents.”
“What do I need to do to set up one of these accounts?”
“It’s easy. I can show you.”
“And you’ll manage it for me?” Joji tied on an apron and started slicing bread.
“Absolutely.” I enjoyed working on the farm, but I loved all the stuff I did on social media and seeing how it helped the studio and Tessa. “And we definitely need pictures of your cheese toast.”
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