Page 28 of A Home for Harmony

“Is that a word?” she asked. “Do people become smitten? I think you’ve got an old soul.”

“It’s a word,” Erica said. “Don’t be cute. Even though we know how cute you really are.”

Harmony took a bow. “Thank you. Micah thinks I am too, though I can tell he’s not very keen on what I do for a living.”

“Then that is a flag,” Erica said.

“Hear me out,” she said, putting her hand up. “We talked about it. His problem stems from having a sixteen-year-old daughter easily swayed by what she sees.”

“And you explained to him that what you put out there isn’t all about show, but being real?” Erica asked.

“Yes,” she said. “I told him I’m not out to exploit anyone. I fell into this career and am trying to turn it into something more sustainable. I used big words too. You’d be proud of how mature I sounded.”

Erica was laughing. “You’re very mature and responsible and always have been. It’s too bad that many people look at you and don’t give you the benefit of the doubt.”

“That’s right,” she said, nodding her head. “But Micah did. He listened. Then I told him he was bacon.”

“Nooooooo,” Erica said. “You told him about that?”

“I even used the word aged in front of it,” she said, giggling. “He thought it was funny. He said I was smoking, then we kissed and I told him I smelled something burning.”

“That’s hilarious,” Erica said. “You’re dancing again.”

“I can’t help it,” she said. “I know it was one spontaneous date, but I was so happy when I got home. I’ve never felt this way about one date.”

Erica hugged her again. “I’m so happy for you. Is he divorced? You have said little about any of that.”

Harmony filled her sister in. “He is and I don’t have a problem with it,” she said. “He sounds like a grouch but a good Dad. He doesn’t smile or laugh much, but he did when I was there. I kind of think of him as you the past few years. I mean, I’ve lived with Oscar long enough, so I can handle it.”

Erica gave her a little shove after she kissed her sister on the cheek.

“I’m Oscar no more,” Erica said.

“That’s right, because you found Tucker.”

“Maybe you found your own Tucker too.”

“I hope so,” she said. “But I won’t get ahead of myself either.”

“Take it slow,” Erica said. “Let it happen organically.”

“I will,” she said. “We exchanged numbers, but I know he works a lot and he co-parents his daughter, who only lives a few houses down and shows up unexpected all the time.”

“Which could put a wrinkle in a lot of things,” Erica said.

“It could, but he could come here. It’s not like you’re around much.”

“I can get out of your way any time you want me to,” Erica said.

“Thanks for that,” she said. “Now we can start with the food prep before everyone gets here.”

Her sister moved to the fridge to pull out all the ingredients for their brunch and Harmony picked her phone up to check on any messages.

She really wanted to text Micah Merry Christmas, but figured that would push it too soon. Maybe later.

She opened her TikTok account where she’d posted the video and glanced at the comments.

One caught her eye. She recognized the username and calmed her racing heart when she read:Merry Christmas to you. Reaching out and hoping it makes your day as much as your message made mine.