by Kennedy Fox
Harper’s laughter fills the air just as I hear a groan from behind us.
“Uh-oh,” I say, seeing the irritation written all over my dad’s face.
“Didn’t you tell him what I said?” he asks as he passes me. The next thing I know, there’s a full-blown water balloon fight between them all—one that Uncle Jackson starts. It ends with Grandma threatening to kick all their asses if they don’t stop acting like children.
“Evan Tyler, you’re supposed to be the responsible one,” Grandma scolds as she picks up the balloon scraps.
“You mean the old, boring one,” Jackson taunts, shoving my dad’s chest.
“Ahh yeah.” Alex sighs with a wicked smile. “It’s a good day to be the youngest sibling.”
John snorts, shaking his head as he helps Grandma with the trash. “Says the first one to become a grandpa. You’re the old man ’round here.”
At that comment, Alex chases after him, but John speeds up, weaving around the food and nearly knocking over the dessert table. The fact that they’re in their fifties and can still run without getting a cramp shows how hard and long they’ve worked on the ranch.
“No one better ruin my pies,” Maize chimes in as we watch our fathers act like idiots. Though this is nothing we haven’t seen before. It’d be a rare event without their antics
“John Joseph Bishop, you stop it!” Grandma shakes her head as Grandpa joins the party, barely fazed by what he’s stumbled into.
“Alexander Scott, get back here and clean up this mess,” Grandma demands.
You know it’s serious when she’s whipped out all four of their middle names.
As if they’re teenagers getting busted, they gather around to do what Grandma demanded.
After everyone has settled down and we eat, Harper and I grab an extra blanket. We then make our way over to our favorite spot with a cup of punch. Since we were kids, we’ve spent this day together, and it wouldn’t be the same without her.
I put the blanket on the ground, and we lie down. Harper removes her hat and brushes against me as she moves closer. Extending my arm, I create space for her to come closer. “Havin’ fun?”
“Yep, as always.” She beams, snuggling into me. Harper smells sweet like gardenias, and I know it’s one of her soap scents.
She rests her palm on my stomach, and I try not to let her touch affect me though it’s nearly impossible. I try to steady my breathing so I don’t give myself away. One would think after all these years, I’d have gotten over the way I feel about Harper, but it’s only gotten more intense. Or at least better at hiding it.
“Fireworks should start soon,” I tell her to calm my racing heart.
She looks up at me, smiling. “Can’t wait.”
I brush my fingertips against the softness of her shoulder, and I’m certain I see goose bumps form down her arm.
Is it possible we’re both in denial?
She’s never let on that she feels the same. It’s one reason I haven’t said anything and will continue to keep it tucked away. The last thing I want is to find out my feelings are one-sided and lose her for good.
Right now, I try to imagine how we’d look to an outsider and what someone who didn’t know us would see. I’m holding her tight like she’s mine. It’s no damn wonder Elle always gives us shit.
Soon, I hear the countdown from the crowd and know the show will begin at any minute. I place my hand over hers as her cheek rests on my chest, allowing me to be her personal pillow. Loud booms are heard first, followed by bright red fireworks. The sky lights up with different colors, and I’m proud of the effort my family puts into making this happen every year.
The display has gotten so crazy—especially since my uncles are determined to outdo themselves each year—that it’s always the talk of the town for the rest of the summer.
Harper is in awe of each one, and I watch her enjoyment instead of the finale. The glittering lights reflect in her eyes as a soft smile touches her lips—the same lips I’d love to kiss right now.
After the show is over, people hoot and holler. Harper sits up to join in, then turns to me. For a second, I think I see something behind her eyes.
My heart rate quickens, and I wonder if this is the moment I’ll make a move. She comes closer, and I hear Hadleigh saying her name.
Harper stops and turns toward her. “Hey!”
“Wasn’t that show amazin’?” Hadleigh asks, glancing back and forth between us. Her little sister Ivy is standing a few feet away from them, playing on her phone. She’s fifteen and looks almost identical to Hadleigh, except her curly hair is a reddish-brown.
“It really was,” Harper says, then stands.
“I gotta take Ivy to our parents’ house, then we’re goin’ down to the saloon if y'all wanna come.” Hadleigh grins and turns toward Kane. “I have someone’s ass to kick at darts.”
“You’re gonna eat your words, woman.” He shakes his head.
“Doubt it,” she fires back.
“I gotta be up early in the mornin’. Probably shouldn’t,” I say.
“Wish I could, but I still have a lot to do tonight. Lots of packaging.” Harper frowns.
“Totally understand,” Hadleigh says. “If you need some help, I’m off the next two days.”
“Yes, definitely. I’ll text you!” Harper happily tells her.
Hadleigh waves, and the three of them walk away. Kane tickles her side, making her giggle. If you didn’t know them, you’d think they were a couple too. It’s obvious Kane’s been in love with Hadleigh since middle school, though he’s kept her in the friend zone. I’ve even wondered what the hell he’s waiting for.
Then I realize I’m no different.
“If you wanted to go, I would…” I say to Harper once we’re alone.
“No, it’s okay. I really do have a lot of shit to catch up on. I’m gonna try to get at least twenty more orders done so I can drop them off at the post office tomorrow,” she explains, and I notice the way she inhales a sharp breath. It’s one of her overwhelmed and stressed tells.
She’s gotten so many orders it’s becoming hard for her to keep up with them. I hate seeing her work herself to the bone, but I also know how passionate she is about this, so I’ll keep supporting her and offering to help whenever I can.
“You’ll get it all done. You always do,” I say, squeezing her shoulder. “I can come over tonight and give you a hand if you want.”
“Nah. I’ve already got the labels printed and everything. But thanks, Ethan. Appreciate the offer,” she genuinely says.
“Well, better get you back then.” We make our way through the crowd and tell everyone goodbye. Maize pulls me in for a hug and so does Kenzie. It’s literally a line of us all hugging and trying to leave. It takes at least twenty minutes to escape. My cousins act like I don’t see them every day or several times per week.
I start the four-wheeler, and Harper climbs on behind me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. I love how she clings to me and how that feeling never gets old.
Once we’re at her house, I turn off the engine and walk her to the door.
She pulls me in for a hug, and I hold her in my arms for a moment before placing a kiss on her forehead.
“Night, Harper,” I say as I pull away.
She blinks up at me. “Night.”
In my fantasies, this is where she asks me to come inside and join her.
“Text me when you get home.”
I take that as my cue to walk away before I do something stupid. “I will. Good luck with all that stuff ya gotta do.”
Harper watches me crank the engine, and I wave before driving away.
Maybe one day, I won’t be so chickenshit when it comes to admitting my feelings.
Just maybe.
Chapter Four
HARPER
“All that soap over there is curing. My goal today is to prep enough for at least five hundred bars. The summer scents have been a huge hit!” I tell Hadleigh
as she carefully pours the liquid mixture into the loaf soap molds.
She laughs. “Let’s make a thousand. People will buy them.”
“I wish I had more hours in a day and room for that. At that rate, I’d be able to keep up with Shayla. Honestly, I should be on her payroll, considering how many of my ideas she’s stolen. I have to be really careful what I announce and share before it’s available because she immediately lists the same item on her site.”
Hadleigh rolls her eyes. “I really hate her. The fact she stole your strawberry limeade recipe pisses me off.”
I sigh, inhaling sharply. “I know. I almost ordered one to compare to mine but then decided not to give her a penny of my money. She’s already taken enough.” I groan, then hear Hadleigh’s phone buzzing on the small kitchen counter, and she asks me to check it for her. Every flat surface is filled with supplies and has been for the past three hours. I’m coming to terms that I might need more space sooner rather than later.
“Who is it?” she asks, using the back of her hand to brush curly strands of strawberry blond hair from her face as her phone continues going off.
“Kane,” I say, then noticing how she sucks in a breath that’s more ragged than usual. He’s sent at least eight texts within a minute.
I lift a brow. “I think I need some context for that reaction.”
“You know how it is having a close guy friend and how conflicting it can feel.” That’s all she offers, but I don’t push for more. Hadleigh’s been friends with Ethan’s twin cousins Knox and Kane since we were kids. Though neither of us has really admitted anything deeper than that when it comes to our besties, I understand how confusing it can be.
Before I can add anything else to the conversation, the alarm on my phone goes off, and I see my Instagram scheduled photo is about to post. I shared a story earlier saying I’d be revealing a new scent today, and my notifications have been going crazy ever since. Between shipping questions, photo tags, and comments, it’s been overwhelming to keep up with it all.
As soon as I open the app, I’m blasted with comments and messages.
Seaside Air! I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS ONE ALREADY.
When can we order?
TAKE MY MONEY ALREADY!
One after another comes in, and Hadleigh watches me.
“They’re excited, aren’t they?” She grins as she moves the mold to the storing shelf, then starts on another.
“Yes! Seems like they are.” I laugh, giddy with happiness because I worked really hard on perfecting the teal color and scent for the soaps and lotions. It smells like a summer day at the beach.
“When are you dropping the popsicle scent?” she asks.
“In an hour. Then the shop will open for orders at five. They’re already freaking out about this one. Can’t wait for the others to be announced later!” I say eagerly, checking the time. “Still so much to do.”
“I have the soap pouring down if you want to start on packaging since you already finished the lotions,” Hadleigh says, glancing over at all the shipping supplies and a stack of at least five hundred labels.
I suck in a deep breath, knowing I need to get started on this as soon as possible. Last month’s items need to ship before I package the summer restock that just launched. “I really need a clone.”
Hadleigh cackles. “By the way Knox and Kane hassle each other, not sure you’d want another version of you to annoy you the way the twins do to each other.”
“Okay, you’re right. Maybe having a robot that I can teach would be better. I’m so grateful for my customers, but it always takes so much time to make and ship out.” I grab the order sheets and get started, not wanting to waste any more time. I’m pretty organized, so it’s only a matter of creating a mini assembly line and making it happen.
After an hour of nonstop work, I get a text from Ethan.
Ethan: Working hard or hardly working?
I send him a picture of the twenty boxes I’ve already done.
“Want some food from the B&B?” I ask Hadleigh.
“The answer to that question is always yes. I don’t even care what’s on the menu.”
“Ain’t that the truth. I’ll let Ethan know,” I say.
About thirty minutes later, the front door swings open, and Ethan walks in.
“Special delivery!” He grins, then sets the to-go boxes down on a stool.
“Thank you! Harper’s been working me to death,” Hadleigh says dramatically. “No breaks. No snacks. No wine!”
“But hey, the company is great, and the conversation is even better.” I hand her a fork, and she snorts.
“I have a couple of hours to burn before I need to be back at the barn. Thought I’d help a bit,” Ethan offers as I take a big bite of mashed potatoes and gravy.
“Mmm, country fried chicken is my favorite,” Hadleigh mumbles around a mouthful.
“Mine too,” I agree as I devour my food. Honestly, I didn’t realize how hungry I actually was until Ethan mentioned something. There are days I’d probably forget to eat without his reminder.
While we eat, Ethan chats about the goats. “Cupcake got out again. This time, she brought Muffin and Donut with her.”
“Again? Geez. How’s she gettin’ out?” I ask, knowing this goat has been the bane of his existence.
“I ordered a couple of game cameras, so once I install them, I’ll know.”
“Can I just say how adorable it is that you named each of the goats after pastries,” Hadleigh says.
“Adorable? Have you ever had a goat use you as a trampoline before?” Ethan cocks a brow.
Hadleigh laughs and nearly chokes. “The imagery of that is hilarious.”
“Yeah? You should’ve seen the hoof-shaped bruises.” Ethan shakes his head, but he’s grinning. He loves those goats more than he’s willing to admit. They’re cute and have personalities of their own, plus their milk has helped skyrocket both of our businesses. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity Ethan gave me.
After we’re done eating, Hadleigh goes back to her station, and Ethan helps me package. I place items in boxes, and he adds a signed thank-you card, then tapes the box before sticking the label on them.
Soon, Hadleigh finishes pouring the soaps, and we’re working like bumblebees. Every once in a while, I’ll bump into Ethan or trip over Hadleigh’s feet.
“You need a warehouse,” Ethan blurts out after I’ve run into him for the twentieth time.
“I know, I know. Unfortunately, there’s just no time to think about that when I have a ton of orders to catch up on and more coming every day.”
“Have you thought about closing the shop while you catch up on packaging?” Hadleigh genuinely asks. “Might be able to give yourself a breather.”
“I can’t. Not when Shayla is already running circles around me.” I shake my head profusely, though I wish I could, even if just for a week.
Ethan’s hand squeezes my shoulder. “But you can’t burn yourself out either, Harp. Gotta think about yourself too and make sure you’re eating and getting plenty of sleep.”
“Yes, Dad,” I mock because he’s always reminding me to take a break. While I’m not into the hustle culture, sometimes I have to work eighteen-hour days. I’m drowning, but all I can do is keep moving forward.
After twenty more boxes are stacked against the wall, Ethan checks his watch. “I gotta get going to help with the evening milking. Want me to run these by the post office for you?”
“Are you sure? That’s completely out of your way,” I say, knowing he’d have a thirty-minute round trip.
“The correct answer is, yes, Ethan, that would be amazing. You’re my hero,” he mocks in a high-pitch tone.
I repeat his words back to him, then add, “That sounded nothing like me, by the way.”
He snickers. “Close enough. Wanna help me carry it all to the truck?”
“Sure,” I say.
“I’ll keep packaging,” Hadleigh says.
I gra
b a couple of large totes and put as many boxes as I can inside them. Some only have one or two items inside while others have over twenty, so they’re all different sizes. Ethan picks up the overflowing tote, and I grab the other.
I follow him outside and can smell the slight hint of his cologne as I stand behind him. He turns around, and his eyes meet mine before he grabs the bag from my hand and places it in the back.
“You’re sure this isn’t too much trouble?” I don’t want him to be late for his ranch duties.
He smirks. “You gotta learn how to let people help you. I don’t mind at all.”
“Okay. Okay,” I concede. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a hug.
“I worry about you working too much. I mean, I know you’re building an empire and all, but still, Harp. You need to take a break once in a while.”
Before pulling away, he places a soft kiss on my forehead, and it warms my heart. It’s comforting how much he cares, and the feeling is more than mutual.
We finish loading everything, and Ethan speaks up before climbing into his truck. “After my shift, I’ll swing by and help you if you’re still at it.”
I chuckle. “Did you see that stack of orders? At this rate, I’m not going to bed until next week.”
“Perfect. I’ll text you on my way over. Probably bring you dinner too.”
“Two meals in a day? You’re gonna spoil me, Ethan Bishop.”
“Too late for that.” He winks before waving goodbye
Hadleigh has a huge grin on her face when I walk back inside.
“What?” I ask, confused.
“Nothing. Nothing at all,” she sing-songs, handing me a full glass of wine. “Thought we could use a drink to get through the rest of the afternoon.”
“Uh-huh, sure!” I playfully roll my eyes, graciously grabbing it and taking a large sip.
“Well, I was just thinking how cute the two of you would be together, especially with the way he adores you.”
I avoid her gaze as I readjust my ponytail, already knowing what’s coming next. It’s a talk we’ve had a few times before, and at this point, I’m used to all the Bishops making jokes about Ethan and me.