He scratches his chin. "I'm not sure you're going to be so excited when you find out who owns it."
"Why? Is it Weston's long-lost brother or a well filled with spiders? If not, it'll be fine."
"It's Ridge's house." He blurts out and I'm speechless. "I know it's not the best of choices for you but he's trying to help, and I hope you'll consider it before you refuse something meant truly as a gift."
"Will he be there?" I hold my breath, half of me wanting him to be the other, not wanting him to see me looking like this. A broken soul and looking like a punching bag.
The door swings wide again and my parents walk through with Scout close behind. Landon gets shuffled back as my parents flank my sides, and Scout looks over my chart.
"Ridge Willis?" Mom gapes. "How nice of him to offer this to Harper. I should drop in on his parents and thank them for raising such a wonderful young man."
"Mom!" I admonish her. "The days of playing match maker are over, besides, he wasn't good enough for you when we were younger."
"Shhh, I'm trying to be polite." She shushes me. "Besides, they're wonderful people. This is so sweet of him and he's changed so much. If we had only known..."
Landon side eyes me, snickering. "I guess this means you're taking it."
"I suppose so before Mom confirms it with the world." I roll my eyes.
"You know, his father has been bragging all over the place about him, I suppose congratulations are in order too." She smiles.
Landon turns to her, smiling sweetly. "Mom, it's best if we keep this amongst ourselves. We need to keep her safe until Weston's taken into custody and this is our best choice."
"His place is close enough to get to her and keep her hidden from plain sight. At least until we can get him into court." Dad interjects.
"I'll take it." I smile, realizing after everyone is watching my reaction. "I mean, if everyone agrees it's a good idea."
"Wait, you are meaning his house not at the garage?" Mom counters.
Dad's head bounces from me to Mom and back when I frown. "Ridge is doing well for himself, but he chooses to live over the garage like he has for years."
"He goes to the house but only once in a while, you know that. He still has work to do on the house, but it's more than livable and Weston would never suspect you of being there. We could walk through the backyards to get to her." Landon crosses his arms, as if he might need to defend himself or Ridge.
"My opinion, it's a brilliant idea." Landon stares at Dad, both speaking volumes without saying a word. "We'll need to sneak her in and out when she has appointments but I’m positive it'll work."
Mom smiles. "I'll need to run by and pick a few things up for her."
"We'll need a plan on how to get her there without being seen." Scout gazes around the room.
Landon chews his lip and finally releases it. "Emerson will come pick her up and drop her off. We're going to go about our day as if nothing is going on. If Weston's already searching for her, he'll never suspect a thing."
"Ridge is so thoughtful." Mom walks over, pulling him into a hug. "I'm thankful my children have friends like him."
The mere mention of Ridge stirs every emotion I can describe. I have to put a stop to it, now. If Weston ever finds me and Ridge is anywhere around, it won't be good for anyone.
As if my heart can take another blow, I put it away and for good this time. "It is truly kind of him. Thank Ridge for me, please."
"Not a problem." Landon nods. "I'm going to get things moving and let him know. He wants to work on a few things on his end before you get there."
My family works like a hive; phones buzzing, plans being made, people talking over me and around me. It's as if I'm not even in the room. Things are moving so fast, I'm not sure what to tackle first.
"You doin' alright?" Scout sits down on the bed beside me. "You look a little wary."
"I'm shocked I truly never realized what this would take. It was a given it would have to be kept under wraps, but this is asking too much from everyone." I run my fingers over my lips to keep from biting them.
Her mouth falls to the side as she studies me. "We're your family, this isn't a burden to us. We not only want you to be safe, but we need for you to be."
"I know, and I do appreciate it." I swallow hard. "But getting so many people involved might not be such a good idea."
"You mean Ridge, right?" Her forehead creases. "But I thought he as the kind of man that wouldn’t offer if he didn't want to do it."
I slide down in the bed, laying my head over on her shoulder. "I get it, I know him better than anyone, even himself. I'm not sold on the fact this is such a great idea."
"Did something happen to make you change your mind or are you overthinking it?" She whispers.
"I guess I'm afraid." I release a heavy sigh. "I don't think it'll ever leave me."
She wraps her arm around me, holding me tight. "Love always finds a way and for the record... it always wins."
"I'm not looking for love or Ridge Willis." I shake my head. "I have enough trouble with the one I have without trying to find another one."
"How about you focus on healing and allowing your family and friends to help? That's all anyone is offering." She runs her hand through my hair, relaxing me.
"I bet he's still hot." We giggle. "Our lives could've been so different."
"He's hotter than a tin roof on an August day in the south, girl." Scout tucks me into her side, holding me safe as only a best friend can. "And Harper... they still can be."
I race to the garage; I need to tell Mackenzie everything. I have to run upstairs and get the apartment in order too. As soon as I'm done there, I'll have to hurry like hell to get to the house.
In my hopes to dodge the heavier traffic, I take a side road hoping to make better time. The weekends are always busy here, but the weather's warming up, so it's picking up daily.
Sometimes, living on the border of two states makes things interesting at times. The fact our shops are spread out over both and three counties is even crazier, but it's great for business. Now, commuting is another story.
"C'mon!" I hit the steering wheel, honking at the guy who just cut me off. I take a deep breath, releasing the tension in my coiled and tightened nerves.
I whip into the back lot, opening the door before I can shove it into park. I hit the back door in a jog to find Mack staring at me as it shuts behind me.
"I take it, things went well." Her smile is the best I've ever laid eyes on, I love her like I do Emerson.
I lean in, kissing her cheek. "Can we talk?"
"I'm waddling behind you." She turns to follow me, but I latch her arm with mine instead. "Oh, you're in a good mood."
"What makes you say that?" I furrow my brow.
She side eyes me. "Because you're touching me and not complaining about it."
"Ha, ha, ha." I toss my head back dramatically. "You do realize you're not as funny as much as you are snarky."