Page 2 of Capture The Moment

Harper shook off her thoughts of Blake and of Finn and immersed herself in the film, which was both sad and uplifting at the same time. She could relate to every emotion that the characters expressed, including loneliness, despair, and hopefulness, especially at this time of year. Plus, she loved the charming setting of Cotswolds, England, where Jude Law and Cameron Diaz eventually fell in love.

The credits were rolling, and she was sniffling and wiping the tears off her cheeks, when her phone buzzed with a text from Finn.

You still up?

Glancing at the clock, she wondered why he’d be texting her at eleven thirty at night. The party should be in full swing by now, with everyone anticipating the stroke of midnight when they might get lucky or at least get a kiss.

Yes. How’s the party?

Kind of lame. Thought I’d stop by on my way home.

Really? Now? She glanced down at her fleece pajamas and then typed her response. I’m probably going to bed soon.

What?! Before the ball drops?

She could just imagine the expression on Finn’s face, and it made her smile.

Not everyone’s a partier like you! She waited for his response, and after several minutes went by, she wondered if she’d offended him. Finn had been the partier among Blake’s core group of friends, but not as much in recent years. He owned a landscaping company with his two brothers, and that seemed to occupy most of his time now. Well, that and taking care of her. Feeling guilty, she started to type another message.

Just teasing. You’re welcome to stop by… But then her doorbell rang, and she bobbled the phone in her hands. Daisy, who had been curled up in a ball next to her, leaped off the couch, and immediately started yipping.

“Coming,” she called as she quickly donned her robe and hurried to open the door.

“Did you look through the peephole first?” Finn asked in lieu of saying hello.

Rolling her eyes, she motioned him inside. “I knew it was you.”

“How?”

“Because you were just texting me about coming over.”

“You still should have looked through the peephole.”

“Yes, Dad!”

He followed her into the living room, picked up the remote, and selected the channel that aired the ball dropping in New York City. Then he plunked down on the couch, with Daisy between them, and made himself at home.

“So, why did you leave the party early? No hot babes?” she teased.

“Nah,” he said. “Same old group of people getting drunk, laughing too loud, and flirting with each other.”

She laughed. “I thought that was your scene.”

“Not anymore,” he admitted. “So, which movie did you watch?”

He looked thoughtful as she described the movie, and then he said, “You should get out there again too.”

She shook her head. “You sound like my sister, and Julia.”

“Two smart women.”

“I’m not ready yet.”

“It’s been over a year, Harper.”

“Don’t you think I know that? I’ve been aware of every single day that’s gone by without…”

“Blake. I know.”