Page 86 of No Ordinary Hate

“Just answer the phone, Evie.” I push the door open and walk outside.

Taking a deep breath, I let the cool air fill my lungs. I’m on the verge of relaxing a little when Evie comes running out. “Digger! It’s Harper’s friend on the line!”

Freezing in place, I ask, “And?”

“She says she needs to talk to you. It’s urgent.”

I hurry back inside, worry replacing any peace I’d started to feel. Please don’t let anything be wrong with Harper or the kids. Grabbing the receiver off the front desk, I say, “Digger here.”

“Digger, it’s Prisha, did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Is everything okay?” I demand, my heart in my throat.

“Harper and the kids are fine, but I need you to settle a bet.”

A bet?“What?”

“Well, I’ve been saying you’d gladly spend your life with Harper, if only she would tell you that she’s in love with you and wants to make a life with you. Butshe’ssure that if you really cared about her, you would have contacted her by now—you know, especially after she declared her feelings for you on national television.” Prisha takes a break before asking, “So, who’s right? Me or her?”

Every muscle in my body comes to life like I’m about to shoot out of the runner’s block and sprint to California. A huge grin overtakes my face. “I … well … are you sure? Is she sure?”

“She’ssosure, Digger. She hasn’t been eating or sleeping because she’s so tied in knots that you haven’t contacted her. She just sold her house. I figured I’d better call you and tell you because she’s about to make a huge mistake.”

My heart is pounding so hard, I can barely hear her over the rush of blood in my ears. “What kind of mistake?”

“She’s talking about house hunting in Illinois, where her parents live, but honestly, they drive her nuts. Also, you’re not in Illinois so …”

Jamming one hand in the front pocket of my jeans, I say, “She shouldn’t go live there. Not if her parents drive her nuts.”

“Are you saying you think she should go to Gamble?”

Swallowing hard, I say, “I’d like nothing more.”

“Good stuff. Book yourself on the next flight here, then text me the details. I’ll come pick you up and take you to her place so you can tell her the good news yourself.”

“Okay,” I say, shock vibrating through me at what I’m agreeing to. “I’ll be there.”

“Oh, and … maybe wear something nice for a change,” Prisha adds. “She seems to like that Brawny paper towel guy thing you’ve got going on, but … you know … a little effort will go a long way.”

“Good tip, thanks.”

When I look up, I see Evie and Jack both staring at me, wide-eyed.

“Can you two hold down the fort for a few days?”

“I’ll need a raise,” Evie says jokingly.

“How about I don’t fire you for calling me Inaction Man?”

She tilts her head from side to side as though considering it. “Sounds fair.”

“You … uh … got plans there, son?” Grandpa asks.

Grinning, I tell him, “Thought I’d go to LA. Soak up some sun, maybe see if I can get myself a wife and some kids while I’m there.”

Chapter39

Harper