“Hey,” he said, opening his eyes. “What are you doing here?”
She handed him a mug. “Hiding. Dad’s gone. He and Zafina left for the airport. They seem to have reconciled.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure they’ll be getting married. Yesterday she said she didn’t care if they did, but I think she’s going to want to have a ring on her finger before the baby’s born.”
Austin sat up and shoved the pillows behind his back. “What does that mean for you?”
“It’s weird. And gross. I’m not sure Dad is capable of being in a relationship long-term.”
“That’s about him. I asked about you.”
He was wondering how she would deal with her sister-in-law being her stepmom and her father being her brother-in-law.
She glanced at the ring on her left hand. The sparkling diamond was meant to symbolize her love for Kip and his love for her. They’d promised to get married and have a family. To be with each other until one of them died.
She’d been so sure, she thought. That he was the one, that they could be happy together. When had everything changed?
“Does he know?” Austin asked.
She shook her head. “I didn’t know. At least, I wasn’t sure.” She wiped her cheeks. “How did you know I was going to end things?”
“There were too many secrets. He didn’t tell you about his debt and Tracey. You haven’t told him about the inheritance. Not exactly a great way to start a marriage.”
“You’re right.”
“As usual,” he teased.
She drew in a deep breath. “You’re going to stay here?”
“I hope so. I’ll ask Mason if I can rent a room or something. He’s got the house for a year. He’s thinking of keeping back a couple of acres and building a place. That will take some time. If he won’t let me stay, I’ll rent a room somewhere. I’ll be working a lot and getting in shape, so it kind of doesn’t matter where I’m going to live as long as it’s in state.”
She eyed him. “You’re getting yourself in shape? What do you think you’re in now?”
He grinned. “I’m okay for a civilian.”
“You’re taking the navy thing very seriously.”
“Yeah, I am.”
She sipped her coffee. “What do you think about Mom and Mason?”
“I like him. He’s a good guy. He’s crazy about her and would do anything for her.”
“I like him more than I ever liked Jase. I always felt he was looking down on us.”
Austin nodded. “It’s all about appearances with him. He thought she was beautiful, but he never saw her as a person. Mason’s not like that.”
“Mom will need to inventory the house before Mason sells it. She’ll have to stay.” Harlow ignored the jolt of pain that realization brought. “You’ll be here. I’ll be in Key West. Everything’s different.”
“You’re for sure taking the job?”
“I’m going to call him in a bit and tell him. I can’t work for Dad.” She thought about what her father had said before he’d left. “Maybe in a few years, but not now.”
“Want me to help you find a place to live?”
“You’re sweet, but you’ll be busy here. I’ll manage.”
She’d never rented a place on her own but knew she would figure it out.
She waited until after breakfast to talk to Kip. They went out to the back garden and sat on the grass in the sun.
“This is a great old house,” he said. “Too bad no one can keep it.”
“The historical society will take care of it.”
“I guess.” He looked at her. “I know you have to stay through the reading of the will, but I need to get back to work. I thought I’d get a flight out tomorrow.”
She nodded. “You’ve been generous with your time. I appreciate it. I’m sorry we fought before. And for taking off. I should have talked to you first.”
“It’s okay. You had a lot going on. I know you’re glad you were here with Lillian. You know, at the end.”
She didn’t want to think about losing Lillian. Not right now. The sadness would distract her, and she had to stay focused.
“Kip, I have to tell you something.” Her throat tightened, but she ignored the sensation. “I can’t marry you.”
He flinched. “What? You can’t mean that. You love me. We belong together.”
She slipped off the ring and held it out to him. He drew back.
“No. I won’t take it. Why are you doing this?”
“I’m not ready,” she said, thinking that was the kinder thing to say. “I can’t deal with everything that’s happened. I do love you, but I’m not ready to commit to you and to us. I’m not ready to get married.”
He scrambled to his feet and glared at her. “What does that even mean? You’re going to break off our engagement but still date me? That’s not happening. Why are you acting like this? Is it because of Tracey? I told you that was nothing. Why can’t you let it go?”
She stood. “You were married and didn’t tell me. We’ve been together nearly a year, and you never once mentioned you had an ex-wife. That’s big, Kip. That’s huge.”
“Okay, I was wrong, but you’re not easy to live with either. You’re moody and self-centered. I don’t complain because when you love someone, you’re supposed to love all of them. You’re supposed to love my past.”
“And Tracey?” she snapped. “Am I supposed to love her, too?”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“That makes two of us.”
They glared at each other. Harlow knew the argument was a perfect illustration of how neither of them was in a place to even consider marriage.
“I don’t want to fight,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry. This isn’t going to work. I’ll be home in a few days to get my stuff and move out.”
All his anger disappeared, leaving him looking shell-shocked. “So we’re finished?”
“I’m moving to Key West. I have a job there starting in three weeks.”
His face tightened with rage. “You fucking bitch! You’ve known you were going to dump me for weeks, but you strung me along? You took another job and didn’t say anything? Who the hell do you think you are? You don’t play me.”