Page 104 of Capture The Moment

Chapter 23

“This place looks fantastic!” Finn said, standing in the middle of his new shop and turning in a slow circle.

Harper, Julia, and McKayla stood by and beamed at each other, since they were the ones responsible for transforming the empty shop into a party venue.

“We did good, didn’t we?” Harper said.

“You did excellent,” Finn replied, coming up alongside her and slipping his arm around her waist.

“You two gonna be like that when the guests arrive?” Connor asked, wrinkling up his nose.

“Like what?” Finn said.

“All googly-eyed and touchy-feely.”

“I think it’s sweet,” Julia said, narrowing her eyes at Connor.

The tension between Connor and Julia was palpable, and Harper was concerned for her best friend. Julia was convinced that he was hiding something major, but she couldn’t get him to tell her what it was. And tomorrow, he was taking a flight out to Denver on some mysterious mission that he hadn’t told anybody about.

“Maybe he just needs to get away for a few days,” Finn had said when Harper had talked to him about it. “He used to do that all the time when he was younger. Just take off for a few days for some unknown reason.”

“Promise me you’ll never do that,” Harper had said.

Finn had kissed her and said, “Not a chance! You’re stuck with me.”

And with every day that passed, Harper realized that there was no place else she’d rather be.

They were standing near the front windows of the store to keep an eye out for guests when McKayla suddenly shouted, “Is that them? Is he here?”

“What are you so excited for?” Liam asked.

Turning away from the window and placing her hands on her hips, she said, “It’s not every day that you get to meet a celebrity.” And then, smoothing down the front of her dress, she turned to Harper and said, “Do I look ok?”

Scowling at her sister, Harper said, “He’s a happily married man, Kay, so don’t get any ideas. And yes, you look fine.”

Harper had also been observing the interactions between her sister and Liam throughout the morning while they’d been setting up for the party. The poor man followed her around like a puppy, but McKayla wouldn’t give him the time of day. Ever since Liam had ratted her out for dancing at a bachelor party that he’d attended, McKayla could barely look at him—which was going to be a major problem once they started working together.

Harper had voiced her concerns about them to Finn, and true to character, he’d said, “Don’t worry about them, Harper. They’re both adults, and they’ll learn how to get along.”

“How can you be so sure?” she’d asked.

“Because I know my brother. He’s smitten right now, but he’ll get over it once he realizes McKayla’s not interested.”

McKayla had certainly given everyone that impression, but Harper suspected there was an attraction there that McKayla didn’t want to admit to.

“There he is, there he is!” McKayla said, practically jumping up and down.

Liam put a hand on her arm to stop her and hissed, “Get a grip.”

Harper had invited Nikki and Nate Collins to the party, but she’d been doubtful that Nate would be able to come. A sought-after actor and motivational speaker, his schedule was usually full, but there he was, stepping out of their black SUV and then going around to the passenger side to help Nikki down.

The two of them made a striking couple, and Harper could easily envision them walking down a red carpet together. Nikki, however, preferred a quieter lifestyle. She’d been born and raised in Clarkston, and while she visited Los Angeles with her husband on occasion, she wasn’t as comfortable there. Here was an example of a couple who’d overcome some major obstacles to be together, just like Harper had mentioned at the last book club meeting.

Glancing at her watch, Harper wondered if Nate and Nikki had purposely arrived early so as not to create a stir. And then, glancing at her star-struck sister, Harper realized it had probably been a good idea.

Harper and Finn greeted Nikki and Nate at the door, and Harper introduced the two men, who were meeting for the first time.

“Congratulations on your new store,” Nate said graciously as he shook Finn’s hand and smiled warmly. It was a million-dollar smile but one that Harper knew was genuine.