“What?” I sit up and take the envelope from her. I pull the paper from inside and read the first few lines. “Holy shit, you got in!”
She nods, the biggest smile on her lips. “Do you know what that means?”
“I get to commit, and we get to go to school together.”
“Yup!” Tears of happiness pour from her eyes. I pull her into a hug, burying my face in her neck and squeezing her tightly.
“I’m so proud of you,” I mumble into her skin.
All the worry, all the late nights of wondering if we’re going to make it—it’s all washed away, and I finally take a breath. Harper and I get to go to the same college and leap into this next chapter of our life together.
Griffin finally chimes in. “Congrats, Harper! That’s so great. Syracuse is a great school.”
“I’m so happy for you two.” Claire claps her hands.
Harper turns on my lap and, keeping an arm wrapped around my shoulders, faces the rest of the room, her smile unwavering. “Thank you. I couldn’t believe it. After Penn State rejected me, I really thought there was no chance I’d be able to go to school with Rogan, but now . . . it’s possible.”
“It’s not just possible, Harp. It’s happening.” I kiss her cheek. “We need to celebrate. What’s your dad doing tonight? Does he want to come down to the house and have dinner with my family?”
“I’m sure he would love that. Let me give him a call.”
“I’ll let my parents know too. Maybe we can get some pizza to celebrate. I know Dad will want to bring some cookies home from the Landing.”
“My dad can pick up the pizza on the way here.”
With one more kiss, we part ways to make phone calls. It’s time to celebrate. I’ve been waiting for this night for so long.
Distant laughter filters through the air; lights from my house above reflect off the calm waters of the bay as I lie on a blanket below the deck of my childhood home with my girl’s back against my chest, her soft hair tickling my chin.
My parents are entertaining Mr. Sanders, celebrating the news. I signed my letter of intent for Syracuse University, meaning my next four years are set in stone. I don’t think I could have asked for a more perfect night.
After dessert, Harper and I sneaked out, letting our parents know we were going to be out by the rocks, taking in the cool night air and clear sky. After the excitement of the night, we knew they weren’t going to let us be alone alone outside of my parents’ property. It’s why they keep sending Brig to check on us, just to make sure we didn’t head off somewhere.
“Can I ask you a question?” Harper asks after a beat of silence.
“Always.”
“I want you to be honest and not just tell me what you think I want to hear.”
I sigh internally. Whenever Harper starts a sentence out like that, I know the question isn’t going to be good. It’s like she’s setting me up for failure.
“I’m always honest with you, no matter what.”
“Okay.” She snuggles closer into my chest, leaning her head against my shoulder. “I just want to make sure you’re happy with your school decision. You based your choice off me, but you’re the one who’s going to have to try to mesh with a team. Are you really happy about it?”
“Of course I’m happy. I wouldn’t have kept them on the list of schools if I didn’t like them.”
“I just want to make sure you’re completely comfortable with your decision. Syracuse wasn’t your first choice.”
“How many times do I have to go over this? I liked all the schools, and my decision was based off you because I love you and want you near me. And we’re not just high school sweethearts, Harper. We’re also best friends—have been since sixth grade, and a friendship like that lasts a lifetime. I want you by my side for this new chapter in our life.”
She chuckles, the sound soothing the nerves coiling in my stomach. “You had the worst haircut.”
“Okay.” I tickle her. “This coming from the girl whose bangs were like Tootsie Rolls.”
“It was the style.” She laughs, shifting in my grasp. “Stop it, I have to pee.”
“Then go to the bathroom.”
She shakes her head. “I don’t want to, not right now, not with you wrapped around me.”
“Fair enough.” I sigh and rest my chin on her head.
“After you retire from going pro—yeah, I jumped ahead that far—and we decide to settle down, think we’ll really come back to Port Snow?”
I love how she’s talking about the future; it gives me that extra boost of confidence in our relationship. Going to college as high school sweethearts is going to be hard—I’m not naive—but knowing we’re in the same frame of mind grants me some peace.
“Yes, I do. This is where our families are, where our roots are.”
“Where would you want to live?” she asks, her head lolling to the side as she looks up at me.
I press a quick kiss against her cheek. “Snow Vale Manor.”
She scoffs. “Be serious. You know that place will never go up for sale.”
“I am serious. I’ll figure out how to own it one day. It’s where I have some of my best memories; I don’t want anyone else to get their hands on it.” I squeeze her tight, letting her know I mean business. “What about you?”
“Well, the manor is way too big . . . but it is dreamy.” She sighs. “The Harbor Walk House would be so much fun if we were just starting out, but it’s no place for a family.”
“I love that little house and the story behind it. That crotchety old fisherman inspires me to be crusty and defiant when I’m old.”
“Please leave the crusty out of it,” Harper teases. “But yes, I love that house. And then there’s Peach and Tree Terrace, the little condos that look like gingerbread houses. Not for family, though.”
“We could still own one, though; it could be our getaway when the kids get too annoying.”
“Oh, smart.” She chuckles. “And if we can own the Inn by the Sea, that would be amazing. Assuming we’re rich, we can buy the whole place from the stingy owners and let anyone who wants to get ice cream from Beaches and Cream walk through the gates. You can’t advertise the best banana split in the Northeast and then not let locals in. That’s just rude.”
“We’ll let them in, don’t worry. But what about houses? Where do you want to live?”
She gives it some serious thought. “There’s this cottage in the woods,” she says quietly. “My dad always wanted to buy it for my mom. It’s off Enchanted Elms. I saw it once, and it was so magical. It’s not big, but just big enough. Quaint and cute. I could see us living there. It would be the perfect place to hold posh, grown-up parties.”
“Posh parties, huh?”
“Yeah, super sophisticated.”
I chuckle and kiss the top of her head again, resolving to take a trip down to Enchanted Elms. “Then consider it done.”
“You’re so confident.”
“Because I’m confident in us. We have dreams, Harper, and together, we’re going to make them come true.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ROGAN
When did she live in New Hampshire?
She touched a whale? What the hell.
Did she really catch that fish? No way.
Holy fuck, that is the worst work outfit I think I’ve ever seen someone wear. Knee-high stockings, really?
Huh, she saw the Statue of Liberty. Of course she would get a foam hat. That’s so Harper.
She must really enjoy sailing.
Is that—
“Hey, Rogue.”
My phone flies up in the air as I startle and nearly jump out of my pants, spilling my coffee out of the little to-go cup and all over my hand.
“Fuck,” I mutter, gathering some napkins to clean up the mess.
Griffin sits down in a brown leather chair next to me and picks up my phone, taking in the screen before I can snatch it away from him.
From over the
screen, he knowingly raises his brow in my direction. “Spying on Harper’s Instagram? When did you start stalking your ex-girlfriend?”
I swipe my phone from him, blacking out the screen and putting it in my suit pocket. “I’m not stalking, just, you know . . . catching up.”
“Catching up? Don’t you think that would be better in person?”
“One would think,” I mutter before sipping my coffee.
Catching up with Harper in person would be a disaster, especially after I humiliated her in front of the entire town.
I could have handled it better, but my emotions got the best of me before I could stop myself. I let the town have it, but I just ended up hurting Harper. Which is what I always seem to do, even when I’m trying to help.
And even though I told everyone to stay out of our business, insisted there wouldn’t be any grand reunion, I’m still so goddamned curious about the seven years we spent apart. And I’m practically burning with the need to know the real reason she’s back in Port Snow.
Changing the subject, Griffin asks, “Did you hear? Lovemark chose Port Snow.”
Who hasn’t heard the news? I’ve been sitting in Snow Roast for the last half hour, killing some time until my next meeting, and within that half hour I heard at least five different sets of people talk about it. It’s the biggest news this town has had in a while.
“Brig called me an hour ago to tell me.” And then there’s that.
Griffin rolls his eyes. “He’s going to be a nightmare to deal with.”
“Yeah, he is. Will you have anything to do with the movie?”
“Just helping out with permits and all that crap—nothing too special. I already have so much on my plate; I couldn’t really take on anything more. When Mayor Conway introduced me to the production team and I saw their laundry list of things to do, I started handing out jobs.”
“Does Brig think he can get a spot in the movie just because you know the director?”
Griffin takes a sip of his coffee and drums his fingers on his chair’s armrest. “I think that’s what he’s assuming. I mean, I already asked, and Carl, the producer, said yes, but I’m going to hold on to that crumb of knowledge for now. I really want to dangle it over his head for a while.”
“Very smart. Torture him until he can’t take it anymore.”
He smiles at me from over his cup. “What kind of big brother would I be if I didn’t?”
“Not a very good one, that’s for damn sure.” I glance at my watch; I still have some time before I have to leave. “So, how’s it going with Ren? Any plans—”
“Hey, Harper! Over here,” Griffin calls out, his eyes cast over my shoulder toward the coffeehouse entrance.
“What the fuck are you doing?” I growl, my senses all spiked up at once.
He shrugs as if he really doesn’t care that things are about to get extremely uncomfortable. “I want to talk to her about something. Just because you’re an idiot doesn’t mean I can’t talk to her.”
“Hey, Griffin.” Harper’s voice washes over me like a cool spring rain, dousing me and exciting me all at the same time.
“Mind taking a seat for a second?”
“Sure.” She sits down directly across from me and sets down her freshly poured and steaming coffee, giving me the perfect view of her long legs in a pair of leggings and winter boots. A soft navy-blue sweater pulls at her shoulders and breasts, and a white pom-pom hat covers the top of her head, contrasting starkly against her hair. So goddamn beautiful. She sends a tight, insincere smile in my direction and turns back to Griffin.
Yeah, I deserved that.
“I wanted to congratulate you on the new job. You must be excited.”
New job? What job, and why the hell hasn’t Griffin told me? And why wasn’t it on her Instagram?
“Thank you. I’m really excited.” Harper lights up once she blocks me out of the conversation and focuses on Griffin. “I still can’t believe they want me to work with them.”
“I do. I may have nudged them to work with someone local.”
Them? Who’s them?
Glancing back and forth, I try to understand their conversation without looking overly interested.
“Seriously, I think that nudge kept their ears open for someone like me. Is it weird to say thank you?”
“Not necessary. Always a big brother.” He winks, and Harper flings herself into Griffin’s arms, giving him one of her famous all-encompassing hugs that could make even the strongest of men turn into a puddle at her feet.
The lucky son of a bitch.
I have a very strong urge to pop my brother in the eye socket right about now.
Harper pulls away, finally. “You have no idea what your little nudge did for me. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about something in a long time.”
Not being able to take it anymore, I say, “What . . . uh . . . what kind of job did you land?”
Both Griffin and Harper ignore me.
“Eve is helping me get time off too.”
Griffin shifts in his seat, a knowing smirk tilting up the corner of his lips. “You were made for this job.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so.”
“What job?” I ask again, this time leaning forward. Don’t they know it’s rude to exclude me from their conversation?
“What does it matter to you?” Harper snaps. Her voice is soft, but the venom is sharp in her words.
Whoa, okay. I think she’s still mad about the whole bar scene. I don’t blame her, but then again, I thought maybe, just maybe, she would have cooled down a little.
“I mean . . .” I grip the back of my neck, truly in self-destructive mode. “It’s fucking rude to interrupt my brother and me just to have a vague conversation, as if you’re stringing me along, forcing me to ask questions, or acting like I don’t even exist at all.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh hell,” Griffin mutters and leans back in his chair, his hand swiping over his eyes.
I never said I was an effective communicator. I think it shows.
“It’s rude.” I shrug, sticking to my guns, because if anything, I at least still have my pride. “Since I’m sitting right here, it’s only polite to include me.”
“Dude, stop . . . ,” Griffin says from the side of his mouth.
And I know he’s right, but for some reason, I can’t figure out how to turn off my mouth.
“I know you’re pissed at me, but you can still be fucking civilized instead of acting like a child and ignoring me.”
“Digging your own grave,” Griffin hisses.
Yeah, I know.
I fucking know. It’s pretty obvious from the way Harper’s trying to smite me with her fiery eyes.
“Are you finished?” she asks.
I nod, arms crossed over my chest.
She leans forward, clearly not wanting to make a scene. “In case your pea-brain-size head forgot, Griffin was the one who called me over—”
“Name calling? Really, Harper?”
Eyes wide now, she just about hops out of her chair—and fuck if I don’t like pushing her buttons.
“Name calling? I didn’t call you anything. I just insulted the size of your brain, and you would understand that if you weren’t hit so many times in the head on the football field.” Ooh, that one stings a little. “Now, like I was saying, Griffin called me over here to congratulate me. I by no means had any intention of making my way over to your little Knightly pow-wow because I have no desire to be within a ten-foot radius of you and your smug, know-it-all, pompous attitude.” She takes a breath, eyes scorching me to my core. “And because you can’t possibly handle not knowing what I might possibly be doing in your town, which you basically peed all over when you dropped out of college and left me to find somewhere else to settle, I got a job with Lovemark. I’m scouting out locations for the movie they’ll be filming here. But don’t worry, it doesn’t involve you. At all. I’ll be staying out of you
r hair and leaving you alone. Believe me, the last thing I want is to run into you more than I already have.”
Griffin snorts and buries his face in his coffee cup.
Abruptly, she stands and looks down at Griffin. “Thank you for being so supportive and thinking of me. I really appreciate it. More than you know.” With that, she starts to walk past me but stops before my chair. She takes a sip of her coffee, almost casually, but her white knuckles betray her anger. “You know, Rogan, you used to be a gentleman. Just because you think the universe is against you doesn’t mean you have to be a dick to me. I wasn’t the one who fucked up everything, despite how much you want to blame me.” She leans forward and flicks my hair with her finger. “Also, you were much hotter with shorter hair.”
And with that, she turns on her heel and walks out the door, leaving me to nurse my bruised ego while Griffin laughs at my side.
Concerned, I run my hand through the wavy locks that fall at my ear. “Do you think I was hotter with shorter hair?”
Head tilted back, Griffin barks out a laugh. “Oh hell, dude, can you bring her back here for round two? I think I want to record it for the family.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ROGAN
Senior Year, High School
“Are you all packed?”
I look around my partially empty room, hands stuffed in my pockets. This moment is so surreal. I’ve been working my ass off for the last three years, putting in the hours on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom as well, securing ten full-ride offers from schools of my choice. And now that I’m packed and ready to drive down to Syracuse, New York, tomorrow, it still feels crazy.
I did it.
Fuck. I push my hand through my hair. I did it.
“I think so.”
Griffin grips my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “I’m going to miss you, bro.” He smirks. “Especially since I’m going to have to deal with Brig and Reid without you.”
“Yeah, but it’s good for them to have you around. Someone has to be Brig’s shoulder to cry on when a girl inevitably breaks his heart. And Reid . . .” I shake my head. “Someone is going to need to drive him out of his room before he chafes his dick off.”
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