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“Why didn’t you say something?”

Vic looked away. “Would you have wanted to hear your husband was taking advantage of you, chasing everything in a skirt while you were busting your butt?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Harlow placed a light hand on her forehead. “I was already beginning to push back. Remember the apartment in London Robert was gung-ho to buy?”

“Yeah. Don’t tell me you signed the paperwork.”

“I didn’t. The London deal was another reason we argued the day of the accident. He was pressuring me to pull the trigger and get the ball rolling. I’m glad I didn’t.”

Harlow’s father appeared, offering to order pizza, something quick and easy for dinner.

“Pizza sounds great. Thanks, Dad.”

“Why don’t you show Vic around while we wait? Mort can tag along and be your tour guide.”

Vic fluffed Mort’s ears. “I bet he knows every square inch of the place.” The pup had taken to the newcomer almost immediately. The feeling was mutual.

“And then some.” All Harlow had to do was ask Mort if he wanted to take a walk. For the most part, the pup plodded along at a slow, steady pace, but not today. He dashed to the end of the sidewalk, coming to an abrupt halt when he reached the gate.

“Hang on, buddy.”

Vic stood off to the side, watching while David tracked down Harlow’s scooter and helped her climb on. “It’s tough to see you like this. How long before you’re able to walk again?”

“My plan is to swap this out for a walker or maybe a cane after my next round of physical therapy,” Harlow said. “I signed an extension and need to be in Vancouver in a few weeks.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“You and me both. All I can do is try.” Harlow hit the gas and sped toward Mort. He scrambled out of the way, giving her the “crazy driver” look.

Vic laughed. “Mort thinks you’re a dangerous driver.”

Exiting through the gate, Harlow turned left, taking the road toward the front of the property. They passed by the cottages on their way to the lodge.

Harlow stopped, describing to Vic what the once-grand Wynn Harbor Inn had looked like. “Dad is partnering with investors, to fix the place up. If I had money, I would help.”

“Robert can’t keep the money. It belongs to both of you.”

“I have no idea what’s going through his mind. I’ll know more about what my next step needs to be as soon as I hear from the attorney.”

They continued through the gardens, circling around and reaching the path leading to the harbor. Harlow and Vic paused, waiting for bikers to pedal past before crossing to the other side.

“Your dad has a sailboat.”

“Winnie. We took her out earlier today. If you stick around, we’ll take you for a spin.” Harlow shifted. “Has the agency placed you with someone else?”

“They sent me an offer. I haven’t accepted it yet. I wanted to talk to you first.”

“Do you want to keep working for me?” Harlow asked in a soft voice.

“Of course. We’re a team.”

“But as of right this minute, the business account is kind of in limbo.”

Their eyes met.

“Money isn’t everything, Harlow. Yeah, I need a paycheck and you’ve always been more than generous, but I felt like it went beyond an employee / employer relationship.”

“You’ve been with me through some tough times, kept me from being kidnapped. Protected me. You’re like my guardian angel.” Harlow swallowed hard, struggling to keep her emotions in check. “To be honest, I need you now more than ever.”