Cait felt a swell of emotion surge up her throat. She tried to swallow it down, but tears pricked her eyes regardless. “I really wish you wouldn’t say things like that.”
“Why?” Harper’s thumb caught a tear as it slid down Cait’s cheek.
“Because I’m feeling things I’ve never felt before. And as much as I want to feel them, as much as I want to be with you like this, I’m terrified, Harper.”
Harper cocked her head, concern etched on her face. “Terrified of what?”
“Not making you happy. You realising that life with me is probably the most boring thing you could ever possibly commit to. I could go on, but I won’t.”
“Cait Taylor, you are not boring. Your life isn’t boring. You make me ridiculously happy.”
“I just hope you still think that of me a year down the line.”
Harper lifted to her knees, wrapping her arms around Cait’s waist. “Oh, I’m going to think so much more of you by then. We will probably be fighting over who loads the dishwasher correctly this time next year.”
“I…don’t have a dishwasher.”
“I do.”
Cait sighed, pulling Harper against her. This was truly the life she wanted, just her and Harper, happy and wrapped up as life fleshed itself out around them. “You do. But you won’t let me do the dishes.”
“Babe, I’ll have to give you something to do around the house. But don’t worry, it won’t be anything too strenuous. You’ll be coming home from working here all day. I’ll even rub your feet for you.”
“Coming home?” Cait quirked an eyebrow.
“You don’t think I’m going to spend my life in that big old house alone, do you? Besides, it was your dream home. It makes sense to one day be a permanent fixture. If this all goes to plan anyway…”
Those words rocked Cait to the core. Could Harper truly see them living together? Was that a real possibility? Had Cait’s life pieced itself together for good?
“I mean, I don’t expect you to even consider it right now, I know you have this place to run. But down the line, I think it could be something beautiful, don’t you?”
Cait should disagree, shouldn’t she? Isn’t that what society would say? That she was moving too quickly. That it would surely crash and burn if they went headfirst into this.
Society could believe what they liked; this was Cait’s life. “I…do.”
“And you’d only be five minutes away if you had to be on-call. It’s doable, right?”
From the moment Cait met Harper, from the second she knew something was budding between them, she’d promised herself she would make it work. The B&B was her livelihood, yes, but didn’t she deserve something more than late-night calls from guests? She absolutely did. So, down the line, Cait would do what was best for her. For a happiness she was beginning to imagine she couldn’t live without. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she moved out of the flat, but it would be the end of her world if Cait couldn’t hold onto Harper because of work. “It’s doable. Without a doubt.”
“Then I think it’s time I invited my family and friends here for a drink. Just a small get-together.”
“O…kay.”
Harper settled back on the couch, tugging Cait between her legs. “I want everyone to know who you are. I want you to be a part of my family.”
“They won’t think you’re moving too soon with all of this?”
“I don’t really care what they think. Half of them didn’t like my previous relationship, anyway.”
“Because it was with a woman?” Cait asked, worried for the answer.
“Because it was with Callie. My family loves me for who I am. They always have.”
Cait relaxed. The thought of having to move, dress, and get to work soon didn’t please her whatsoever. “Then I would love to help you get them together. It’ll be a lovely evening.”
Harper sighed, wrapping her arms around Cait. “You’re so beautiful.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Cait rested against Harper’s kitchen counter, smiling as her girlfriend caught up with family she hadn’t seen in a while. She adored seeing Harper smiling, knowing she had played a part in making her feel that way. But what Cait loved more than anything was knowing that she would climb into bed tonight next to Harper, both of them blissful and content.
For the first time in her life, Cait felt as though she was a part of something other than just the B&B. She wouldn’t change anything that had happened previous to all of this, but she did wish she’d met Harper sooner. Even just a couple of years earlier than they had. As she stood here, aged 41, Cait got the impression that she’d missed out on too much. The early morning shifts, the night calls, none of it mattered if she didn’t have someone by her side. But it had never worked out…and that was just the way it fell sometimes.
Kath crossed the room, a glass of prosecco in her hand. “Harper says you made the food this evening.”
“Well, we made it together.” Cait straightened herself; she wouldn’t slouch while she was talking to Harper’s mother. It was rude.
“It’s lovely. All of this,” Kath said, her eyes wandering around the room. “I’m so happy Harper’s settled here. I worried about her, all parents would, but after the break-up, I worried more than I knew I should have.”
Cait nodded. “She knows what she wants. You should be very proud of her.”
“I am. No doubt about it.” As Kath sipped her prosecco, Autumn came swanning through the front door. Harper and Cait didn’t know if she would make it, something about work and overtime that Autumn couldn’t get out of, but Cait was happy to see her. “Oh, look. It’s my second daughter. Must go and say hello.”
Autumn walked towards Cait and Kath, but Cait was surprised when Autumn threw her arms around her, bypassing Harper’s mum completely. “Thanks for making my best friend so happy.”
“I, uh…you’re welcome.” Cait frowned.
“No, seriously.” Autumn held Cait at arm’s length, a smile beaming from ear-to-ear. “When I was here last time, I thought she’d blown it with you. You know, all that Callie stuff. But look at you both now. God, you look so gorgeous together.”
Cait could only smile, lowering her eyes. She didn’t take compliments very well, they always made her feel uneasy, but she had to agree with Autumn a tiny bit. Harper did look gorgeous at Cait’s side.
“Kath, it’s lovely to see you. What do you think of our Cait here?” Autumn cocked her head, grinning. “Isn’t she fab?”
“Perfect, is what she is.”
Cait’s skin flushed. “Okay, I’m just going to go mingle.”
As she weaved through the bodies congregating between the kitchen and the living room, she felt a hand grip her own and pull her to the side of the room. “I’m missing you.”
“I’m right here. I was just letting you mingle while I minded my own business.”
“Come and mingle with me,” Harper offered her best puppy dog eyes.
Cait turned her watch towards her. “My mum should be here in the next few minutes. You go and chat, and I’ll find you once she’s arrived.”
“Can’t wait.” Harper leaned in, pressing her lips against Cait’s. “Really…can’t wait.”
“You know what I can’t wait for?” Cait’s lips hovered around Harper’s ear. “Summer with you. Autumn with you. Winter with you. Just…everything.”
Harper’s eyes welled with tears. “You’ve been thinking about that stuff? I thought it was just me.”
“Of course I have. And it’s good to know that you have, too.”
“It’s all I ever seem to think about, Cait. Everything I want to do with you. Plans we’re yet to make. Memories that I cannot wait to look back on over the years.”
Cait wanted to drag Harper away from her get-together, but she really shouldn’t. In an ideal world, they would be making their way up the stairs, tangled up in one another. But that would come later. For the time being, Cait simply smiled, kissed Harpe
r, and let go of her girlfriend’s hand.
“Go and be with your family and friends. I’m not going anywhere.” Harper reluctantly inched away from Cait, sticking out her bottom lip for dramatic effect. Cait laughed, shooing Harper away as the doorbell rang out. “I’ll get it.”
As she reached for the door, Harper suddenly appeared behind Cait. “Let’s do this together. I want your mum to know I mean business when it comes to her daughter.”
Cait turned, capturing Harper’s lips. This, tonight, meant everything to her. It may be Harper’s evening, welcoming her family and friends to her new home, but Cait hadn’t once felt out of place. Every person who had so far walked through the door had been welcoming. Cait pulled back, steadying herself with one hand on Harper’s chest. “You mean the world to me. Don’t ever forget that.”
“Open the door, pretty lady. I don’t like to keep potential mother-in-laws waiting.” Harper winked, taking Cait’s hand. “And you mean the world to me, too.”
The doorbell rang out again. This time, Cait should really answer it.
When she did, her mother stared back at her with a gentle smile. “Caitlin, I’m so sorry I’m late.”
“You’re not late.” She pulled her mum into a hug, squeezing her tight. “I’m just glad you could make it.”
“You think I’d miss this evening? Not in a million years.”
“Mum, this is Harper.” Cait stood to the side, their fingers still laced together. “Harper, this is my mum, Carol.”
“Lovely to meet you, Mrs Taylor.” Cait noted the brilliant smile Harper wore. Some may say it was fake, perhaps overly enthusiastic, but Cait knew it was real. Harper didn’t have a fake bone in her body. “Come in. I’ll get you something to drink.”
“Call me Carol, love. We’re all friends here.” Cait’s mum followed Harper through to the living room, introductions taking place as she did.
Cait stopped for a moment, watching the perfect life unfolding before her eyes, and sighed. As the door closed gently behind her, she side-stepped one of Harper’s guests and followed her girlfriend and mum through to the kitchen. Tonight was going to be faultless.
If only Jude could be here tonight to meet Harper’s family and friends. They’d lived in one another’s pockets for a long time, but Cait had always felt protective towards her brother. Though they’d had some slight disagreements as the year began, she missed him being here this evening. Even Harper had made a comment about wishing he could be here when they were preparing the food this afternoon. But there was going to be all the time in the world to have Jude here for get-togethers. Cait would absolutely make sure of that. Because she had no intentions of being anywhere else.
“Uncle Jerry said he loves his room at the B&B.” Harper sidled up beside Cait, instinctively wrapping one arm around Cait’s waist. “They’ve decided to book again for early summer.”
“Lovely,” Cait said, pulling herself away from the conversation she was having with Kath and two friends of Harper’s from back home. “Tell him he can have a discount.”
“No. He’s a bit of a dick and I’m not overly fond of him, so he can pay full price.”
“I can’t charge your family full price when they stay with me, Harper.” Cait turned away from the group, frowning. “Can you imagine what they’d say about me during Christmas dinner?”
“They wouldn’t say a damn thing about you. I’d make sure of it.”
Cait lifted one hand, pressing her palm against Harper’s cheek as her thumb feathered across her skin. “You’re adorable, do you know that?”
“Adorable? Really?” Harper wrinkled her nose, disappointed that adorable was the first thing to come to Cait when she described Harper. “I would have preferred sexy or something similar.”
“Oh, you are. Very sexy. But right now isn’t the time to discuss just how much…”
Harper narrowed her eyes. “Not even a teeny bit?”
Cait took Harper by the hand, guiding her to the corner of the kitchen. “Are you trying to make me blush in front of your entire family?”
“Oh, this isn’t even half of them.” Harper snorted. “I don’t like the rest.”
“Either way, I know what you’re doing…”
Harper shrugged, stepping closer to Cait. “Just trying to keep my woman on her toes.”
Cait had that shy look in her eyes—the one Harper loved—but it didn’t quite have the same effect as it once had. The reason being that Harper knew exactly what Cait was like in the bedroom. Blushing really was useless.
“Don’t give me that ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ look. I know what you’re capable of, remember.”
“Can’t you just…take the recycling out or something?”
“Depends. Are you coming with me?”
Cait shook her head; she clearly knew exactly what Harper was doing. “I’m sorry, I can’t. I was in the middle of a very important conversation with your mother about caravans.”
“You mean you’re turning me down so you can talk about tin surrounded by sheep?”
Cait barked a laugh. “Funny. She described it exactly the same way.”
Harper blew out a deep breath. “Fine. I’ll remember that later.”
“I’m sure you won’t.” Cait winked, turning back to her conversation.
Harper grabbed the empty wine and prosecco bottles from the counter, taking them to the front door. Teasing Cait was supposed to be fun, but this wasn’t. She only wanted a quick peck out of view of the family, maybe a little fumble upstairs while nobody was around. But no, she found herself opening the door to dispose of the recycling. How exhilarating.
Harper lifted the lid on the recycling bin, a chill running through her body. The temperature was beginning to pick up, but it was still a cold evening. Colder than Harper would have liked, anyway. She pushed the recycling down, closing the lid only to be met with a body in front of her.
“Jesus fucking Christ!” She gripped her chest, rooted to her spot. “Callie?” Harper squinted, making out Callie’s features as fear spread through her. She’d never been snuck up on before. Honestly, Harper was surprised she hadn’t reacted by stepping forward and punching Callie without thinking.
“Hey,” Callie said quietly. “I know I wasn’t invited, but I wanted to drop by anyway.”
“Um, why?” Harper hadn’t spoken to Callie since the last time she was here. Her arrival didn’t make any sense. Then again, Callie didn’t usually make sense with her decisions. Harper calmed her breathing, taking a second to realise that there wasn’t a mass murderer standing in her front garden. “I mean…you have a bag with you.”
“Yeah. I figured it would be okay to spend the night. Maybe we could talk. You could show me what you’ve done with this place.” Callie looked up at the house, a small smile on her lips. “It’s still as amazing as I remember.”
Harper shook herself from her dismay, a laugh erupting from her throat. “You want to stay the night? Here? With me?”
“Yeah. I can take the spare room if you don’t want to share. But I really would like to be here tonight.”
“How did you even know about tonight?”
“I still have Jasmine and your uncle Pete on social media.”
Harper bit back a scoff. “You still have my family on your profiles? That’s weird.”
“I got on with them. Just because we weren’t together didn’t mean I couldn’t speak to them. To check in and say hi.”
Harper pinched the bridge of her nose, baffled that this was happening. “Callie, are you okay? I mean…do you feel okay?”
“I feel better now that I’m here.” Callie took a step forward, her smile widening. “And I know I have a lot of making up to do, but we were so good together. You know it makes sense to try again.”
“N-no.” Harper frowned. “You can’t just show up here expecting us to try again. It doesn’t work like that. I’m happy here, Callie. I’m happy here without you.”
Callie quirked an eyebrow. “You�
��re happy alone?”
“I’m not alone. I have everything and everyone I need here. And those people don’t concern you. They never will.”
Callie dropped her bag to the ground, reaching inside and pulling out what looked like an expensive bottle of champagne. “I got this for you. A housewarming gift. I thought we could share it.”
“Are you not listening to me? You need to turn around, get in your car, and leave.”
“Harper, I still love you. And I’m going to do everything I can to prove that to you,” Callie paused, then blurted “Life is awful without you. I can’t even do my job properly anymore. I just…I want you back, Harper. Even if you resent me for years to come, I still want you back.”
“No.”
Callie sighed. “Please give me another chance. One more, it’s all I’m asking for.”
“You don’t deserve a thing from me. And I’m not sure you ever did. I’m happy, Callie. Here, with the life I have, I’m truly happy. You showing up months down the line doesn’t make any difference to me whatsoever. You’re out of your mind to even think that I’d consider taking you back.”
“Be happy with me.” Callie reached out her hand, but Harper pulled away. “Because we can be. We can so be that again.”
“You know, I did sit here wondering if I could ever take you back. We’ve been through a lot together. I knew we’d been in a good place at one time, and I knew we’d had some great times over the years. But then I realised I wasn’t really content. I thought I was, I thought that you gave me everything I needed—”
“I did. And I can again.”
“But you didn’t. You talked at me. Our life revolved around you. Unless it was something that got your attention, you didn’t care.” Harper hadn’t realised she needed to say this to Callie, but as each word spilled from her mouth, she felt lighter. “How often did we sit down together and discuss our day?”
“All the time.”
“No. We talked about your day. Not mine. Just yours.”
Breaking Routine Page 22