The words came out in a roar. Harlow instinctively took a step back, not sure what Kip was going to do. He raised his hand, as if to hit her, then froze.
Horror joined pain. “Don’t,” she whispered. “Don’t make this the last thing that happens between us.”
Slowly he lowered his arm. After snatching the ring from her hand, he stalked back to the house. Harlow collapsed onto the grass, pulled her legs to her chest and rested her forehead on her knees. There weren’t any tears, not even when she started to shake.
thirty-one
ROBYN RAN HER hands across the burled walnut desk. A small Waterford crystal vase held fresh flowers, and an assortment of pens filled a mug Harlow had made the year after she’d beaten cancer. At some point, Robyn would have to start going through the desk, but not today. Dealing with Lillian’s death was hard enough without having to touch her things, knowing she was gone.
“I wish...” she murmured, then paused, not sure what she would wish for. More time with her aunt, of course, but that was her being selfish, although a case could be made that wishes were inherently selfish.
“I miss you.”
An obvious statement, but one that needed to be said. She missed Lillian’s laugh, her caring, her wise advice. Right now Robyn needed to talk to someone she trusted who would help her figure out what to do next, or rather how.
All her plans had shattered, along with her heart, when Lillian passed away. Now she had only one very short year to get in experts, start sorting, decide on a location for her antique store, and learn how to run a business. She’d lost the gift of time. Even more upsetting, she had to do it all without Lillian.
But the larger complication was somewhere in the house, a strong, steady presence who made her happier than she had ever been while also making her more unsure. What about Mason?
She liked him. She enjoyed his company and having him in her bed. He was a good man, an honorable former soldier who believed in duty and service. There was no bad there—at least on his part. But...
But what if she lost herself in him the way she’d lost herself in Cord? What if their relationship was nothing but circumstances, and when they returned to the real world, it all faded away? What if he started expecting things of her—changes, really—that she couldn’t do or didn’t want to make happen? Suddenly there seemed far more risk than reward, and that scared her.
Her phone buzzed. She glanced down and saw a single word.
Marco.
She texted back a quick, In Lillian’s office, then tucked her phone into her pocket. Harlow probably wanted to talk about the reading of the will. While Lillian had been clear about her plans, tomorrow it would be official.
She heard quick footsteps in the hall, then Harlow hurried into the room. She looked pale and shaken. Robyn instinctively moved toward her.
“What happened?”
Harlow’s voice trembled. “I broke up with Kip, and I thought he was going to hit me. He didn’t, but I was scared, and it makes me think I never knew him at all. How could I have made such a huge mistake?”
Robyn guided her to the sofa and sat beside her. Anger burned, but she ignored it. Getting pissed wouldn’t help her daughter.
“Start at the beginning.”
Harlow explained how she’d woken up that morning and realized she couldn’t marry Kip and that when she’d told him, he hadn’t taken it well.
“He was so angry,” she whispered, her body shaking. “He looked like he wanted to hit me.”
“Where is he now?” Robyn asked, rubbing her daughter’s back.
“I don’t know. Somewhere in the house, I guess.”
“He needs to leave.”
Harlow nodded. “He does. I’m not sure I can tell him, though. Will you come with me?”
“Of course, but what about letting Mason tell him? He spent two years as a drill sergeant. I’m pretty sure he can handle Kip.”
Harlow nodded. “If you think he wouldn’t mind. I don’t want to see Kip again. I was so wrong.”
Tears trickled down her face. Robyn ached for her and was furious with Kip. Emotion on emotion, she thought, wondering how they would all get through this. She’d felt that Harlow and Kip were moving too fast and that they should wait on getting married, but she hadn’t wanted it to end like this.
“You believed what he told you,” she said. “You trusted him, and he betrayed you.”
“I keep wondering how much else he’s hiding,” she admitted. “Now I’m doubly glad I’m moving to Key West. I don’t have to worry about running into him.”
Robyn texted Mason, asking him to come to Lillian’s office.
Less than a minute later, he was striding toward them, his expression quizzical.
“What’s up?”
Robyn looked at Harlow, who stood and squared her shoulders.
“Kip and I broke up. He wasn’t happy that I wanted to end the engagement, and he kind of lost it when I told him I was moving to Key West.” She swallowed. “He raised his hand and I thought he was going to hit me.”
Nothing about Mason changed. Not his body language or his expression. Robyn marveled at his self-control.
“He was going to go home tomorrow,” Harlow continued. “But I want him to leave now. I’m scared of him, and I don’t want him in the house.” She twisted her hands together. “I know I should be the one to tell him, but I can’t.” She looked at the ground, then back at Mason. “Mom suggested that maybe you—”
Mason nodded. “Of course. Give me thirty minutes. I won’t leave him alone until he drives away. Do you want me to beat him up first? I can do a little damage or a lot. Up to you.” One shoulder rose and lowered. “It’s not much of a challenge. Kip won’t know how to fight back.”
Harlow looked at her, then back at Mason. Robyn had a feeling she appeared as stunned as her daughter. Not just at the offer, but at the matter-of-fact way he made it and his assessment the situation.
“Getting him out of the house is enough for now,” Harlow murmured. “But thank you.”
Mason’s gaze sharpened. “Did he hit you, Harlow?”
“No. I’m not lying.”
“Victims often don’t want to get—”
“I’m not a victim,” Harlow said, interrupting him. “Not ever.”
Mason smiled. “No, you’re not.”
He left. Harlow returned to the sofa and leaned against Robyn.