She was about to smack him with one of the throw pillows on the bed when his words sank in. She suddenly saw herself as he must see her. Whiny, juvenile and unreasonable. Not exactly the characteristics any guy wanted in a bride-to-be.
She felt trapped by her own words and behavior. There was no way out of the situation without admitting she was wrong, and she didn’t want to do that. The only escape was to escalate the fight and make him the bad guy. A stretch, but she could do it. She could—
“Don’t,” Kip said softly. “Please don’t.”
She stared at him. “What?”
“Whatever you were going to do. Let’s just talk about what’s really wrong.”
Shame washed through her. She looked away. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“We both know that’s not true. Let’s talk about your dad.”
Tears returned. She folded her arms across her chest and hunched her shoulders. “He was so casual about the cheating. He said he liked to keep his options open. As if that’s something to be proud of—like he’s some kind of player. I didn’t know he was like that.” She looked at him. “He’s my dad. He’s supposed to be better than that.”
“I’m sorry he told you he cheated.”
She shook her head. “You’re not sorry he did it?”
“Yes, but I’m more concerned about you. Now you know something you can’t ever unknow. It changes how you look at him. You’re hurt and you feel let down, plus you have anger you don’t know where to put.”
She dropped her arms to her sides and rushed around the bed. Kip drew her close.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. “I’m sorry I’m such a bitch. You’re right. I feel awful and confused. I’m so mad at my dad.”
“And you’re taking it out on your mom.”
She groaned. “I am. I don’t know why I do that.”
“Because she’s safe. She’s always going to love you.”
Was it as simple as that? Did she believe her mother would be there for her, no matter what?
“This sucks,” she said with a sigh, then stepped back. “Do you cheat?”
Kip’s gaze locked with hers. “No. I never have, with anyone. I don’t do that.”
She thought about pushing back but believed him. “I don’t, either. I don’t get it. Just break up. Why be such a dick?” She wiped her face. “I’m a wreck.”
“Are you hungry?”
“I am now.”
“Then let’s get something to eat.” He smiled. “We can talk about wedding venues. Don’t we have an appointment at the club next week?”
She nodded. “I guess it’s more than a backup plan now.”
A thought that made her sad, but Kip’s points had been valid. If her mom couldn’t afford the house, there was nothing to be done.
“I wish it was different,” she said as they walked out of the bedroom. “I really did want to get married in her backyard.”
“I know you did, but the wedding is just one day. Our marriage is forever.”
“I know.”
“I was talking to my mom a couple of days ago and mentioned the appointment at the club.”
Harlow glanced at him. “What did she say?”
“She’s excited and wondered if she could come along to our first appointment.” He grimaced. “I know it’s not ideal, but she wants to be a part of things.”
His mother wanted to join them? But it was their wedding, not hers. It wasn’t like she was paying for it.
But Harlow knew her behavior that night had been pretty bad, so she forced herself to smile and say, “Sure. She can come along. I’ll ask my mom to join us, too. They can get to know each other better, and maybe they’ll have some great suggestions.”
He paused by the front door and smiled at her. “I know you don’t believe that, but thank you for saying it.”
She grinned. “And agreeing to let you bring your mom.”
“That, too.”
* * *
Robyn switched from the 405 freeway to the 101. Normally she would have flown to LAX and then taken a commuter plane directly to Santa Barbara. But she’d booked her flight at the last minute with miles, which had limited her options. Rather than pay for flying the last leg, she’d opted to drive. Yes, it would take longer, but she was fine with that. She would be through the San Fernando Valley well before late-afternoon traffic.
She’d needed less than a day to get ready to leave. After clearing her trip with Mindy and arranging for her house-sitting service to collect the mail and check on things, she’d let Austin know she would be out of town, reserved her flight and packed. She’d thought about telling Harlow, but had decided against it. If, or when, her daughter got in touch with her, she would let her know. Until then, she was going to enjoy a few drama-free days.
She glanced at the temperature gauge and saw it was a balmy seventy-eight degrees. After rolling down the windows, she breathed in the humidity-free air and laughed. Southern California might have some issues, but humidity wasn’t one of them. Even better, the bugs were small and reasonable—unlike Florida, where they were practically big enough to drive and join a gang.
With each mile, she felt herself relaxing. She loved spending time with Lillian. They would hang out and talk. She could explore the house—always a favorite pastime. When her head cleared, she could think about her future.
She passed through Carpentaria, then Summerland, before entering the outskirts of Santa Barbara. As she got closer to her exit, she felt almost giddy with anticipation. Everything about being here was right.
Ten minutes later, she pulled into the familiar driveway and drove back to the garage. After climbing out of her car, she took a moment to stand there, breathing in the hint of salt in the air.
The back door opened, and Salvia hurried toward her, arms outstretched.
“Miss Robyn, you’re here! I’m so glad to see you. When Miss Lillian told me you were coming, I was happy, happy.”
Robyn hugged the other woman. “Me, too,” she said with a laugh. “How are you?”
“Always good. Miss Lillian is well.” Her smile widened. “Never cranky, that one, always a kind word.”
Robyn left her bags and walked inside with Salvia. The kitchen was exactly as she remembered, updated, but still appropriate for the house, and filled with cats.