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“Do we really have to go?” Mason whined.
Harper pulled on his arm. “Yes! The party is to celebrate you keeping Layla! You can’t keep the guest of honor at home!”
Mason jerked her back and Harper squeaked until her mouth was occupied by other endeavors. “Mason,” she mumbled against his lips. She laughed when he pressed harder, refusing to give up. Harper shoved against his chest. Geez, the man really was Sasquatch. “Mason,” she scolded. “We have to go.”
“Layla’s in her car seat,” he murmured, kissing along her neck. He nuzzled just under her ear. “She can’t get hurt or in trouble. I’m not wasting this opportunity.”
Harper smiled and tilted her head, allowing him better access. “You’re going to hurt Aspen’s feelings. She baked all day for us.”
“I have no doubt her cakes will get eaten.”
“And what about the guys? Ethan and Jay and Gavin will all be wondering where you are.”
Mason growled low and pulled her in tight. “Are you kidding? Every guy there is going to know exactly where I am and none of them will blame me for it.”
“Mason,” Harper tried again, though she was losing her desire to go. Life had been terribly busy the past month as they resettled into a routine. It was why the celebration for the custody battle was just now happening. It was the first weekend they’d had an opening in their schedule where everyone could make it.
Harper watched Layla during the day and worked around the little girl’s schedule. It still meant less time for Harper to paint, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as it would have been had she been working elsewhere. Plus, despite the hectic schedule, Harper had never been happier. She and Layla were only getting closer and each night, she would drive back to Mason’s where they had dinner together and then Harper and Mason got some alone time after Layla went to bed. Harper was becoming more and more sleep deprived as she found herself struggling to go home. The more time she had with Mason, the harder it was to leave.
When Mason had a day with less work, he took Layla early and Harper got more work done. All in all, the shift had been fabulous and had allowed everyone to do what they loved with only a little sacrifice. Layla even had a small canvas set up in the corner of Harper’s studio and sometimes they worked together, though Harper didn’t usually get much done during that time. She was usually too busy trying to keep Layla from painting everything besides her own canvas.
The memories, however, were priceless to Harper and she wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Layla squealed, breaking up the tender moment, and Mason finally pulled back. “Sorry,” he said, his voice low and hoarse.
It sent a wonderful shiver down Harper’s spine. She smiled at him. “Looks like that plan of yours to live life to the fullest is working.”
Mason chuckled and kissed her forehead. “I’m a work in progress, but we’ll keep at it.” He straightened and when he let go of her, cold settled against Harper’s body. “Let’s go. I want some of that cake.”
Harper rolled her eyes. “Funny how that wasn’t much of a temptation only a few minutes ago.” She sat down in the passenger seat and pulled down the mirror, trying to fix her hair and lipstick.
“A few minutes ago I had something else to satiate my appetite,” Mason said with a smug grin.
Harper gasped. “Oh my goodness.” She smacked the side of his arm. “You’re naughty.”
“And you’re an angel,” he replied.
Harper never admitted it out loud, but she loved how he called her that.
“Who knew that an angel and a devil could get along so well?” he continued.
Harper laughed and settled back in her seat. How in the world did she ever think that being a famous artist would be better than this? She still wanted to be a full-time painter, but there was no way it could compare to the peace and joy she found with Mason and Layla. They filled her in a way nothing else ever could. Though her work was wonderful, it simply didn’t fill her soul.
Maeve had been right. There really wasn’t a way to have it all. Sometimes she had to give in the parenting department and sometimes she had to give in the career department. Keeping all the balls in the air all the time was impossible. Learning the balance of priority was becoming one of her biggest goals and Harper was positive that they would get it all figured out. After all, she was certainly hoping to have plenty of time to practice at it.
They arrived at the bakery and climbed out of the car. “Hey, baby girl,” Harper cooed as she unbuckled Layla and pulled her out of the car. “You ready to party?”
Layla wiggled to get down and Harper set her down, firmly grasping her hand. Mason took Layla’s other hand and together they walked inside.
“Hey!” Aspen shouted. “They’re here!”
The bakery was filled with all their friends, which meant it was practically shoulder to shoulder, and Harper couldn’t help but feel grateful for all their support. They might not have been able to help much with the custody battle, but each and every person in the room was loyal to a fault and they had welcomed Layla in with open arms, giving Mason, and now Harper, a much needed boost as they took on the responsibility of a young child.
Well...Harper reminded herself to be honest. She was dating a man who had that responsibility, but it wasn’t officially Harper’s...yet. She couldn’t deny that she dreamed about it though. Someday, she absolutely hoped to be Layla’s mother, but that was a wish for another night.
The important part was that this group was family. Most of them came from different backgrounds, and only a few were actually blood related, but these people supported each other through everything. They’d helped Aspen and Austin when their relationship had blown up social media. And they’d rallied around Mason and Harper in their new roles in life. Something their own families, other than Crew, had failed to do themselves.
Everyone from Gavin, Jayden and Riley, to others that Harper hadn’t seen in a while. Eden, who worked at her grandmother’s souvenir shop, waved from the corner. Brielle, a dog groomer who was fairly new to town, was smiling widely. Quinn, who had her own antique shop and even Michael, Aspen’s cousin who taught at the elementary school, was there. The whole crew, large as they were, had turned out for the occasion and Harper’s chest warmed at the support.
Maeve squealed and rushed over, grabbing Harper in a hug. “I’m so happy for you three.”
Harper hugged her back. She might be closer to Aspen, but Maeve was like the little sister Harper never had. “Thank you,” she whispered. “We couldn’t have done all this without everyone’s support.”
Maeve pulled back. “You two are just the cutest couple.” She rolled her eyes. “A little too cute, actually. My mom has been going nuts waiting for you to get here. In fact, she’s been lecturing that I’m gonna end up an old maid if I don’t get moving.”
“Your mom’s here?” Aspen asked with a gasp. “They’re home?”
Maeve nodded. “In fact...” She turned and pointed to the corner. “They wanted to come say congrats.” She dropped her voice. “But Dad won’t be able to handle it very long, so they won’t stay all evening.”
Harper smiled, then rushed over where Mrs. Harrison stood to greet her with a fierce hug. Tears pricked Harper’s eyes. This is what a mother was supposed to be like. And if she ever got the chance to be one with Layla, Harper knew exactly what woman she was using for inspiration.
*****
MASON FOLLOWED HARPER’S swift run across the room and relaxed when Mrs. Harrison caught her. He hadn’t known they were back. He bent and scooped up Layla. “Excuse me a minute,” he said to Estelle, Riley and a few others who were gathered around.
Estelle laughed. “You’ll lose Layla if you go over there.”
Mason shrugged. “There are worse things.”
Mr. Harrison saw him coming and stood up, but Mason frowned when he noticed how pale the man was. Mr. Harrison had always been larger than life. A strong, confident man who built chocolate sculptures that made people weep. He looked thin and slightly sickly. When they shook hands, Mr. Harrison’s grip was weak and shaky. “Mr. Harrison,” Mason said, pushing aside his worries. He’d ask Aspen about it later. “Good to see you.”
“You as well, Mason,” Mr. Harrison said with a wide smile. His eyes went to Layla. “I can see you’ve been busy.”
Mason chuckled and bounced Layla, who was back to sucking her two fingers. She stared, wide-eyed, at the Italian man in front of her. “You could say that. But I’m happy to say that Layla is here to stay. Everything’s official now.”
Mr. Harrison nodded and clapped Mason on the shoulder. “Congratulations. I’m sorry about your sister, but what a beautiful way for you to honor her memory.”
Mason nodded, though his smile dimmed. He still wished things had been different with Aimee, but Mr. Harrison was right. This was the best thing he could do now.
“Oh my goodness, let me see that baby,” Mrs. Harrison cried, stepping past Harper. She put her hands to her cheeks. “Mason...she’s a living doll.”
Mason leaned his head down. “Layla, this is Mama Harrison. Would you like to go see her?”
Layla looked up at him and Mason tilted his head toward the waiting woman.
“Maybe she’ll warm up as the night goes on,” Mrs. Harrison said in a disappointed tone. She held out her hands and wiggled her fingers. “Would you come see me, Layla?”
Layla bounced and leaned forward.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Mason said and leaned over so Mrs. Harrison could take her.
“Such a sweetheart,” Mrs. Harrison cooed. She fingered Layla’s curls. “Her hair reminds me of my own girls.” She smiled at Harper and Mason. “I think we need dessert. Excuse us!”
She bustled away and Mr. Harrison laughed before sitting back down. He sighed, giving further credence to Mason’s thoughts that the man wasn’t well. “That child won’t sleep tonight,” Mr. Harrison teased. “Calling her Mama Harrison gave Emery grandma rights. You’ve lost Layla for the night.”
“She’ll need a grandma,” Harper said, leaning into Mason’s side.
His arm automatically went around her. “She will,” he agreed, though the words pained him. His parents had rights to see Layla, but Mason was doing what he could to keep some boundaries in place. For the foreseeable future, they would have to travel to him, and he had no intention of leaving them alone with her. If his mother ever decided to ease up, maybe the rules could change, but until then...
“Emery would never turn down the job,” Mr. Harrison said.
“And she’ll have a grandpa to boot,” Jayden said, coming up on Mason’s other side. He grinned. “Howya doin, Uncle Tony?”
Mr. Harrison scowled. “When are you going to settle down, Jayden? Some woman needs to pull that grin off your face.” A twitch of his lips let everyone know he was teasing and Jayden laughed.
“Pull it off? I’m pretty sure if it was the right woman, she’d put a smile on my face.”
Mason chuckled and Harper covered her laugh with her hand. “I can testify to that,” he said.
Mr. Harrison smiled. “Glad to see you’re doing well, Jay. I haven’t been to see your parents yet. Everything okay?”
Jayden nodded. “Yep. The inn just keeps plugging along. You know the drill.”
Mr. Harrison nodded. “I do. I’ve spent quite a bit of time working there myself.” He relaxed. “It’s nice to have the next generation taking it over, just like the bakery.”
“Aspen has done so well with it,” Harper assured Mr. Harrison. “You’d be so proud of her.”
“I am,” Mr. Harrison assured her. He pointed sideways. “Except for that. It’s a monstrosity.”
Mason laughed. The couch that was dubbed “The A’s Place” really was horrible. But it was part of Aspen and Austin’s story, so no one complained too much.
Harper smiled. “People come in just to take pictures on that sofa.”
Mr. Harrison nodded. “I think I’m too old to understand.”
“Are you too old for dessert?” Maeve asked, walking into the group with a plate in her hands.
Mr. Harrison reached for it, but his hands shook slightly. Clenching them into fists, he smiled sadly. “Maybe later, Maeve. Thank you.”
She sat down next to him. “Nonsense. Mom’s showing off Layla like she’s the only baby in the world. Someone might as well take care of you.” She began to cut the cake and Mason took that as his cue to move.
“Good to see you, Mr. Harrison.”
The middle aged man smiled, though it wasn’t as bright as before. “You too, Mason. Come by the house sometime. I have a feeling I haven't heard the whole story about Layla, and I’d be interested.”
Mason nodded and took Harper’s hand. “We will. Thanks.” He guided her away. “Somehow I don’t think he’ll eat if we’re all watching.”
“I know,” Harper said under her breath. “It’s been hard on him.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“He has Parkinson’s.”
Mason stopped. “What?”
Harper nodded. “Yeah. It’s why he quit sculpting. His hands shook too much.” She glanced around, then leaned in. “That's why they were in Italy. He was seeing family before he reaches the point where he can’t travel.”
Harper pulled Mason back into motion. His heart ached for the Harrison family. Why did bad things have to happen to good people?
“Come on,” Harper encouraged. “It’s a party tonight. Leave them be.”
Mason nodded. “You’re right. Tonight’s a celebration.” Instead of aching, his heart began to beat a little faster. Tonight was a celebration and he had something he was hoping would be worth celebrating even more than just keeping Layla. Tonight he was hoping to build a complete family, not a partial one.