Harry got ready for bed, nearly asleep on her feet. She’d been in surgery for hours at University with some difficult cases. It had taken some convincing by the medical school to get her to accept a teaching position, but she’d come to enjoy it as she rose through the academic ranks. She’d had to cut back on her private practice, but so far, the only big sacrifice she’d made was her time.
Tonight, she saw the drawback to the hours she put in. She’d missed dinner with everyone, and she needed to get some sleep so she could repeat her day tomorrow. That left no time for Desi, so there’d have to be some changes going forward. She didn’t want to get Desi back only to spend all her time at the hospital.
“Hey,” Desi said, watching her pace.
The disconcerting feeling of restlessness had been building during the two weeks since they’d found out Byron had been let out on bond, but really that was only a small part of it. She was confident she could deal with Byron, but holding back from Desi was getting harder. She wanted what she’d had, but she also wanted to go slow to make sure Desi felt comfortable with their pace.
“Come here,” Desi said when she didn’t respond quickly enough. “Everything okay? You’re a little hyper tonight.”
“Just a long day. When I have to concentrate for so long it wires me up.” She sat facing Desi and took her hand. “You need anything?”
“No, but I wish this cast was off already.” Desi took her hand and smiled.
She was happy to see Desi somewhat relaxed and slowly coming out of the shell she’d built for herself. The pressure of what they were facing meant Desi wouldn’t ever let her guard down completely, but she was a different woman from the one she’d met in the emergency room, and she was happy she’d had something to do with the transformation. The more time they spent together, the freer Desi seemed, and that made her want more. The only tension between them came from waiting on what Byron’s next move was going to be. She couldn’t convince Desi not to worry about that, since she was fearful for Desi and Rachel but tried not to show it.
“It won’t be long.” She placed her hand on Desi’s cast and tapped her fingers against it. “You’ll be joining me in the park for runs before you know it.”
“Harry, I’ve never run in my life, and I’m not starting now,” Desi said, laughing. “If I could kneel, though, I could give you a massage.”
“I remember those with great fondness.” She wiggled her eyebrows, getting Desi to blush.
“Stop it, you.” Desi lowered her head, but it seemed from sudden bashfulness rather than submissiveness.
“Did Rachel make it home for dinner?” she asked, giving Desi a break. She knew Tony and Kenneth had invited her to give them haircuts to help with the boredom of being home all the time.
“She got home right after Mona helped me with a bath, and they changed the sheets for us while I was up. I’m going to get lazy after all this forced lying around.”
“You’ll never be lazy, but I’m glad they’re getting to spend time with you and taking such good care of you.” She leaned in and kissed her, enjoying the emerging passion that built fast and hot. “You sure smell good,” she said kissing Desi’s neck.
“Tony brought me a bottle of perfume when he came over today. He’s so nice.” Desi ran her fingers through Harry’s hair and kissed her again. “I’ve missed you for years, but I missed him and Kenneth too.”
“He quit painting when you weren’t around anymore, but he got some of that back with all the decorating.”
“All those art classes we took together were fun, and I’m glad he was able to forgive me.” Desi went willingly when she held her. “So much stuff got messed up, huh?”
“It’s hard to forget, but try to put that behind you.” She held Desi and rubbed her back. “What I’m asking is impossible, I know that, but pain recedes when we give it the time to heal. We have all the time we need to make that happen.”
“When you say stuff like that, I totally believe you.”
“Good, and I think we need a break. How about a weekend trip with just the three of us? We could go somewhere relaxing, like a resort on the beach.”
“I’d love that, but I’m not sure how much fun I’ll have if I can’t get wet.” Desi blushed harder after saying that.
“Sitting and listening to the waves is all I want. We can stop and visit my parents, then hit the lounge chairs in the sand and have a good time.”
“That sounds nice,” Desi said in a way that sounded like she was forcing her to spend the weekend having a root canal.
“What?” Harry leaned back and tried to look Desi in the eye.
“I remember your mother, and I’m sure she won’t be thrilled that we’re here.” Desi plucked at Harry’s T-shirt and seemed to lose all her good humor. “I’m sure she won’t be quick to forget what I did.”
“My mother is a unique person, I’m not denying that, but she does want to see her children happy. You make me happy, and that’s all that’s going to matter.” Harry kissed Desi’s hand and pulled her forward again. “The only thing to remember is she and my father loved you, and they’ll fall in love with you again. I wouldn’t suggest going if I didn’t believe that.”
“You might be slightly exaggerating, but if you think it’ll be okay, I’d love to go with you. Rachel will start packing the minute you mention it.” Desi ran her hands through her hair again and kissed her cheek. “Is there some reason your hair is still this wet?”
“She was just following orders,” Rachel said, coming in with her bag. “I’m cutting her hair. I’ll have a whole new set of clients when everyone sees how fantastic she looks.”
“Her hair is perfect now,” Desi said as Rachel pointed to the chair she’d set up.
“Sorry, but in my professional opinion, it could be better.” Rachel shook out her cape and crooked her finger at Harry.
“Don’t cut too much off,” Desi said. “Unless that’s what you want, Harry.” She looked down and bit her lip.
“Desi, do you want your surgeon’s hair falling in her eyes while she’s doing a spine transplant?”
“Your knowledge of new and innovative medical procedures is astounding, and Desi has last say,” Harry said as she sat in the chair.
For the next hour she sat and smiled as Desi, Mona, and Rachel argued about every strand of hair that came off. She came close to having to separate Mona and Rachel when Rachel suggested Harry color away the gray at her temples, but that argument died when Desi said she liked the added color. Life wouldn’t be boring in the future, she thought, as Rachel pulled out the hair dryer.
“You look good,” Desi said when Harry joined her on the bed, and they got in their familiar sleeping positions.
“I hope you think so.” She kissed the top of Desi’s head and closed her eyes.
“Serena called again. Byron’s attorney found a way to push everything back again. Something about unsigned paperwork or something.”
Harry sighed and held Desi tighter. It was the second time this had happened, and waiting for the final bell was irritating. “We’ll get there, and eventually he’ll run out of places to hide.”
* * *
“There you go, Desi. This will be much more comfortable.” Harry’s nurse finished wrapping the new smaller cast and smiled up at her. “You’ll be much more mobile in this one if you promise to use your crutches.”
It had been over two months since that last catastrophic night with Byron, and Harry’s care had gotten her back on her feet like she’d promised. The latest X-rays were great, according to her good-looking doctor, and she was happy to be able to get up and around again. “Thank you, Beth, and hopefully in a couple more weeks, I’ll be free.”
“We’ll be happy to see Dr. Basantes relax a bit once that happens.”
“Speaking of, is she around?” She’d gotten a ride from Tony, but Harry was bringing her home.
“She’s working on patient files in her office. We locked her in there to keep her from hovering. The doc is making everyone nuts when it comes to you, so thanks for healing so quickly.”
“She’s good at hovering, but I don’t mind. How about handing over my crutches, and I’ll go surprise her.”
“She’ll be thrilled,” Beth said, making sure the crutches were at the right height. “The girls and I wanted to say how happy we are you’re here.”
“I’m happy to be here too. It always means I’m a little closer to wearing both shoes.”
“That’s true, but we meant how much happier and mellower Dr. Basantes seems since you’ve been around.” Beth put up her hands and laughed. “Not that she wasn’t great before, but she was a tad intense.”
Desi felt her face heat at the compliment, but that was nice to hear from someone who knew Harry well. “Thank you for saying that. It’s nice to be here, and I’m glad she’s happy about that too.”
“You make a cute couple, and she’ll be thrilled to see you on your feet, so let’s go surprise her. If we take too much time, she’ll work herself into a frenzy with too much coffee and worry.”
She stood and held Beth’s hand to get her balance. For some reason, the thought of Byron’s foot coming toward her leg dominated her thoughts, and she had to close her eyes and take a breath to dispel the dark place her mind had gone to. Everything had been so good, and it was hard to not think of it all being snatched away. She was finally back on her feet, but one wrong move and she’d be knocked down again, only for good next time.
“You okay? Do you need to sit again?” Beth’s voice made her shake her head and open her eyes.
“Sorry, maybe I need to eat something.” She tried to shake it off, but that sense of dread wasn’t going without a fight. It was like an omen in her gut warning her not to let her guard down because someone was close and meant her harm.
She’d wanted Byron out of her life for years, and now that he finally was, she worried constantly about where he was. After his release he’d disappeared, but she knew him too well. Everywhere she went with either Harry or Mona she was on the lookout for him. She’d never seen him or Mike again, but that didn’t mean they’d forgotten about her.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Beth asked, not leaving her side. “You’re a little pale.”
“If you give me a minute, I promise I’ll be fine,” she said, placing the crutches under her arms while she leaned against the exam table.
The only good news she’d gotten lately was from Jerry Castle, the attorney Harry had hired, who said the divorce was going smoothly, and they hadn’t gotten a counterclaim from Byron. Jerry had filed her paperwork with no request for spousal support. He thought she deserved it, but Harry had backed her up on that. It was better to have him out of her life completely.
After a long talk one night, Harry explained that while she wasn’t super rich, she was comfortable enough to support both her and Rachel forever. The last thing she wanted was to be a long-term burden, but Harry had been persuasive. What had finally convinced her was that by accepting Harry’s help, she not only severed her ties to Byron but also gutted his argument that she’d lied to the police about the assaults to sweeten her divorce settlement.
Harry had taken those burdens off her soul, and all she wanted now was to be on equal footing with Harry, as her partner. She wanted to take care of Harry’s needs and make her happy about sharing a life and home together.
The next step to that was rekindling the intimacy they’d once shared, but her injury and marital status had put the brakes on that. Harry was the noblest and most patient person she knew. She didn’t push, and she’d allowed Desi to get there in her own time. Finally, she felt like she was just about there.
Now with the lighter cast and legally separated, she could maybe do something about moving them forward. “Okay, I’m ready,” Desi said to Beth, balancing herself to start moving. They made their way to Harry’s office, and she tapped on the slightly open door with her crutch. “Hey, are you up for some company?”
Harry’s smile was immediate and infectious, and it made her forget all her gloomy thoughts. “You look good and happy.” Harry waved her in but kept her seat when Desi motioned for her to stay put. “It’s good to see you walking around, but promise me you’ll be careful.”
“You worry too much.”
“That’s my job, but if you’re good I’ll take you out to dinner.” Harry leaned back, making the leather of her chair creak.
“That’s my job too, but you tell me not to worry all the time. And it’s great to be back on my feet. I plan on taking advantage of that, but I promise I’ll be careful.” She stuck her tongue out at Harry, liking that she could make her laugh.
“So how about it? Would you have dinner with me?” Harry stood and smiled.
“Would that be like a date?” The last time she’d been on one was with Harry, and she was looking forward to the process again, even if she was over thirty.
“It’s definitely a date, and I’d be honored if you said yes,” Harry said, bowing with her hand out.
“Would you sit for a second?” She rested her crutches on the side of the desk and sat in Harry’s lap when she did as she asked. Harry hadn’t woken her up when she’d left that morning and she’d missed her. “Thank you for my freedom in more ways than this spiffy cast, and thank you for being so sweet.” She kissed Harry, trying to pour everything she felt for her into it. “Tony will be thrilled if I can go shopping with him for the changes we’re making to the house too.”
“I’m sure he will, but let’s not talk about him right this second,” Harry said, kissing her again.
“I missed you today. I hate when you leave before I wake up.”
“I missed you too, but there’s no reason for both of us to suffer. Right now, I’m ready to have you all to myself. Any requests on where we go?”
“You pick,” she said as she ran her finger down Harry’s neck, making her shiver.
Harry’s cell rang, and Desi reached for it and handed it over. When Harry saw the readout, she put it on speaker. “Hey, Jerry. Have you called to tell us you found some obscure law that grants Desi a divorce today?”
“I wish,” Jerry said, sounding as upbeat as he always did. “Do you know where Desi is, by chance?”
“She’s sitting here with me,” Harry said, winking at her.
“Good, and hey, Desi.”
“Hi, is something wrong?”
“I wanted you to know I tried Byron’s attorney today, and he still isn’t taking my calls. You should know that the judge ruled on the paperwork we filed and has agreed to designate the day you were rushed to the hospital as the date of separation. That makes the end of this less than two months away.”
“That’s great,” Harry said. “Right, honey?”
“Yes,” she said, but she didn’t trust Byron not to do something before then. “Are you sure Byron can’t stop this?”
“Byron keeps insisting through counsel that you two are working it out. I explained to the court that’s not at all the case, so everything is on track. Are you worried about anything specific?”
“Byron can convince himself of anything, and if he finds out about Harry, I’m afraid he’ll try something to hurt her.” She put her head on Harry’s shoulder and sighed. “I know him better than anyone, and he’s not going to disappear without a fight. He handles things by balling up his fists and lashing out. I don’t want Harry exposed to that.”
“We’re prepared for everything, Desi, so believe what I’m saying. The next time you see Byron or anyone in his family will be either at his criminal trial or for your divorce proceedings.”
“I want to believe, but it’s hard,” she said, taking Harry’s hand.
“Think of it this way—if we’re patient and do everything correctly, there’s no way you’re not getting what you want. I know Serena is doing the same thing on her end, so breathe, and know this will all end sooner than you think.”
“We’ll be careful until he’s put away. Being stuck inside hasn’t been fun, but it makes me feel better,” Harry said.
“Thanks for the update, Jerry,” Desi said.
“I’ll keep you in the loop, but call me if anything changes.”
“I’m sorry about all this,” Desi said, not lifting her head. Who needed this kind of drama in their life?
“I’m not,” Harry said, kissing her forehead. “What happened was horrible, but the one thing we can celebrate is it brought you back to me. This time I’m not giving up without a fight.”
“That’s the last thing I want, but promise you’ll be careful too.” She gladly accepted Harry’s kiss and tried to get them back to the flirting they’d been doing. “Are you ready, or do you have more patients?”
“There’s one more, but this guy wants to meet you. Are you a Saints fan?” Harry helped her to her feet and they walked slowly to the exam room at the end of the hall.
“I think it’s a requirement if you live in New Orleans.”
Harry let her go in first, and the biggest guy she’d ever seen was sitting in the exam room with a huge smile on his face. “Hey, Doc, is this your girl?”
“She is, and if you make it through the exam without crying, she’ll hand you a lollipop.” Harry explained he’d broken his ankle in a freak fall, but he was almost healed. “And I wanted her to see that eventually the cast does come off.” Harry knelt to examine the ankle.
They joked back and forth until the guy put his shoe back on and shook Desi’s hand before Harry’s, and then he left whistling.
Desi waited for Harry to take the lab coat off and followed her to the elevator. “Are you sure I don’t need to change?” She’d worn a comfortable long skirt that made it easy to dress without worrying about the cast.
“You look beautiful as always, so let’s go get some Chinese food and call it a night. I want to go out, but I’d really like to be alone with you as soon as I can manage it.”
“I like the way you think.”
They talked about nothing important until they reached Five Happiness restaurant, and she remembered coming here with Harry’s family. The attractive hostess hugged Harry and kissed her cheek as soon as they entered, and it made her laugh and arch her eyebrow. Any jealousy she felt vanished when Harry introduced the hostess and her husband as the owners.
Harry ordered some appetizers when they got a table, and she told Desi to order the rest. They were quiet until the food came out, and Harry put an eggroll on her plate. She was glad to be here, but the conversation with Jerry hadn’t completely left her mind.
“Harry?”
“Did I skip something you wanted?”
“No, I just wanted to ask you a question.”
“Ask away, I’m an open file.”
“When do you…” She was having a problem finishing her question, since she wasn’t sure she wanted the answer. “Do you want Rachel and me to move out?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I know you didn’t ask for us to get dumped on you like we did, and now that I’m more mobile, it’ll be easier for me to get a job and find a place. Just because we’re trying again doesn’t mean we have to live together yet.” She stopped when Harry put her fork down and put her hand up. She’d opened the door to this conversation, and it would kill her if Harry pushed her right through it now that she’d given her the opportunity. But it was only fair to ask.
“You aren’t moving, and neither is Rachel. I take that back—Rachel is free to go if she wants to be on her own, but you’re not going anywhere unless you want that too.” Harry pointed at her. “You’re right, we don’t have to live together yet, but in my mind, it’s your home as much as it is mine, and if you want a job because you’re bored or there’s something you really want to do, then wait a few months and go for it. Just don’t feel like you have to because of me.”
“You can’t support me forever. That’s not fair, and I can’t expect you to do that for both me and my sister.”
“That’s easy. You didn’t ask me, I offered. There aren’t any strings you’re not seeing, and I want you with me. From experience I know Rachel is part of the deal. She’s been with you from day one, and I wouldn’t want that to change. I just want her to stick with us until all this is over, and then she can make her own choices.” Harry stopped and put her eggroll down. “Wait. Do you not want to live with me? Am I pushing you too fast?”
“You know I do, but it shouldn’t always fall on you to take care of us. You’ve been doing it for years, and it’s time for me to contribute something.” She spoke faster when she saw Harry combing her hair back like she was worried about something big.
“I think if you stay and we make a life together, that is you contributing. There’s no way anyone can have a relationship alone.” Harry reached for her hand, and she was quick to give it. “Besides, you and Rachel do plenty to take care of me, so it was never one-sided.”
“We don’t do that much, and you know it.”
“First off, if I have to pay for another haircut in my life, I’m going to be a little peeved, and you did a good job of looking out for me before. That’s not going to change, is it?” Harry asked and she shook her head. “Good, partnerships are built on more than money, and that’s not what we’re about. You can live on your own if you want to, of course, but I don’t see any reason to go backward.”
“I don’t want to leave. I want to take care of you. All I want is you, and for you to be proud of me.” She gazed at Harry and wondered what her life would’ve been if she’d never found this amazing person.
“I’m already proud of you. All I want is for you to be happy and find the things in life that’ll keep you that way. Along the way we’ll have each other to lean on. That’s what I want, but don’t be shy if I left anything out.”
“You forgot the chicken in garlic sauce.”
“No, I didn’t. You were so busy worrying over nothing that you didn’t hear me.” Harry kissed her hand and laughed. “Life’s been tough enough without you, so please stay. You know Mona will find a way to blame me if you don’t.”
“I didn’t want you to think I was taking advantage.” She smiled when Harry pressed her hand to her cheek. “Did you really mean it, that I could get a job?”
“That’s up to you. If you want one, then go out and get one.”
“I don’t have any experience doing anything,” she said, leaning back when the waiter put some dishes on their table. “Byron wouldn’t let me go to school once we got married, saying it was a waste, so all I have is a high school diploma. I doubt that’ll get me very far.”
“Is school something you’re interested in? It’s not too late to pursue a degree.” Harry sat back as Desi filled two plates and handed her one. “If college isn’t what you want, maybe work with Rachel, and see if that’s something you’d enjoy.”
“I’m not sure. No one except you has ever asked me what I want.”
“The most important thing is it should make you happy. You also don’t have to decide this second what that is. You can take all the time you want to think about it.”
The more they talked, the more her doubt melted away, and her thoughts bounced from one subject to another as they ate. Life was so much easier when you had someone who believed in you, someone who enjoyed talking about whatever came to mind. They packed the leftover food, and Desi was happy she could sit up front with Harry, thanks to the smaller cast. She held Harry’s hand on the way home and didn’t look away from Harry’s profile.
“It’s a shame you got rid of that old two-seater,” she said.
“We had some good times in that thing, but the back seat in this one will be more comfortable if we ever go parking.” Harry smiled at her, making her laugh.
“That might be fun if you’re game.”
“That’s like asking me if I’m up for chocolate ice cream.” Harry turned into the driveway and followed her to the stairs. “Let me give you a hand.” She carried Desi up and set her on the bed.
Desi and Tony had redecorated the master bedroom. The formerly blue-gray walls were now light cream, the comforter was now silky, and the sheets had gotten an upgrade. Tony had found an antique dresser for Desi’s things, and Mona had rearranged the closet for them.
Harry had taken all the changes well and had encouraged her and Rachel to do whatever they needed to feel more at home. The house was comfortable, but she wanted to do whatever she could to make it a home for all of them. She’d always thought of Harry as family, and now she was getting to live out her dream with the woman she loved.
“I’m going down for your crutches,” Harry said, taking her shoes off and untucking her shirt. “Do you want anything while I’m downstairs?”
“Want to open a bottle of wine?” she asked in a low voice. Tonight, she wanted to show some of the newfound courage Harry had nurtured in her. “We could relax and talk before bed.”
“That would be nice. Anything else?” Harry asked, gazing at her in a way she hadn’t in a long time.
“That’s all.” Harry started walking, and she had one more request before she was too far away. “Could you close the door for me?”
“No problem,” Harry said, cocking her head to one side as if that was a strange request, but she did it anyway.
“If that’s your answer for everything tonight, we’ll have a wonderful night.” Once she was alone, Desi limped to the dresser and took out the nightgown she hoped would show Harry she was ready for that next step. “Now if only I can convince myself.”
* * *
Harry shook her head as she descended the stairs, perplexed at Desi’s sudden need for privacy. Not that she begrudged her the opportunity to be alone, but this was the first time she’d asked for her to close the door. She’d take her time going back up, and she’d ask Desi if she needed to be alone.
She found Rachel in the kitchen leaning against the counter eating a sandwich in large bites. “Are you hungry or in a hurry to get somewhere?”
“I’m hungry, tired, and pissed.”
“That doesn’t sound like a good combination. Rough day?” She took a bottle of white out of the wine cooler and reached for two glasses.
“It was more of a bitchy day than rough. You ever have one where everyone complained about everything? If I have to look at another strand of hair before tomorrow, someone’s getting their head shaved.” Rachel took another bite out of the sandwich like she was taking her frustrations out on it.
“I promise I’m perfectly happy with my hair and there’s no one upstairs expecting you to mess with theirs.” She searched the drawers for the opener after kissing Rachel on the top of the head.
“What are you doing down here besides planning to get drunk?” Rachel bumped her hip with hers as she worked on the cork.
“Your sister asked for wine and conversation, so I’m getting one part of that list.” The cork gave way so she picked up the glasses and bent so Rachel could kiss her good night. “We’re going to bed, so unless you fall and break your leg in the shower, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Wait up.” Rachel grabbed the back of her shirt. “Do you mind some advice?”
“Sure. Is there something wrong?”
“No, I just want to talk to you before you go back up there.” Rachel lowered her head and took a deep breath.
“Hey.” She put everything down and put her arms around Rachel. “Talk to me.”
“I want you to be—” Rachel stopped, blushed, and didn’t display any of her usual sarcastic bravado.
“What?” Harry pulled her closer to see if not having to look at her would make it better.
Rachel exhaled, and Harry felt it against her chest. “Don’t think I’m accusing you of anything, or that I believe you’ll do anything wrong. That’s not it, but you need to know some things before you scare my sister off.”
“I’d never—”
“Harry, I know that. Like I said, it’s just advice, so promise you won’t be mad.”
“Okay, go ahead.”
“I know you guys had an intimate relationship that started your senior year.” Rachel rested her head on her chest as she spoke. “That’s the last time she had that kind of bond. Since then, she’s had a hard time with intimacy, so be gentle, and go slow if she’s willing to try.”
“You know I will.”
“I know that too.” Rachel finally looked at her. “With Byron, let’s just say I tried to stop what he was doing. Actually, I thought of killing him more than once. When I interfered, though, it only made it worse for her.”
Harry held Rachel tighter when she started to cry, and she tried hard not to join her. “I’m not going to push her into anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“That’s not what I mean at all, so don’t take this the wrong way. That’s the last thing I want. I see how happy she is with you, and I’m thrilled her confidence in herself is slowly coming back. All that’s because of you, but please don’t do anything that’ll send her running back into her shell.”
“I haven’t said it to her, but you know how long I’ve loved your sister,” she said, wiping Rachel’s face with her fingers. “Those feelings never died, which means I’ll go at her pace. And when she does decide she’s ready, then I’ll show her how much I love her.”
“I believe in you, Harry. You’re the only person the two of us have ever known who’s true to her word.”
“You love your sister, and I’m glad you’ve been there for her your whole life.”
“I don’t think I’ve done a very good job of protecting her. First Clyde, then Byron, and I did nothing. All I did was stick around to make sure he didn’t kill her. I know she’s told you about Byron, but if she hasn’t told you about Clyde, then give her time. Desi’s the sweetest person I know. She’s got a big heart, but aside from you, there haven’t been many happy times.” Rachel sniffled but seemed to feel better after unburdening herself.
“If Clyde were still alive, I’d find him and kick the shit out of him. She never said anything back then, but I knew there had to be something off.”
“He snapped after that night and was quick with his fists. Desi got the brunt of it, but I wasn’t immune. That miserable bastard died alone and in pain, and that was still too good for him. I try never to waste my time on hate, but I still hate Clyde and everything he did to us.”
“It’s good to get all that out, but concentrate on the future when it gets to be too much. I promise—it’s brighter.”
“Thanks, and could you…” Rachel stopped as if she didn’t have the right to ask any more.
“This talk is just between us, sweetie. Don’t worry about that.” Harry patted her on the back. “And whenever you need to talk about anything, I’m available.”
“I love you, Harry, and more importantly, so does she. Good night and good luck.” Rachel laughed as if she’d gotten her good humor back.
“It’s wine and conversation. Not much to it that I’d need luck for.” She picked up the wine and glasses and started out the door.
“If you say so.” Rachel laughed again as if she knew something Harry didn’t.
Wine and conversation would be perfect, even if she missed the feel of Desi’s body under her hands. Holding her every night was bliss, but she couldn’t deny the way her body was on fire every morning, either.