For years she’d pictured herself getting married on the huge patio by the pool. She’d imagined the twinkle lights, the way the chairs would be set up. In her mind, the weather would be perfect, the guests beautifully dressed. Until the last year, the groom had been a vague standin, but now it was Kip. This was supposed to be her moment, and her mother was ruining it.
She threw herself on the sofa, where she cried until there weren’t any tears. Even though she had to pee, she didn’t get up. Why bother? Nothing would ever be good again.
“I hate her,” she said aloud.
That decided, she walked to the bathroom and took care of business, then washed her face before curling up on the bed. She was still there, feeling sorry for herself, when Kip walked in two hours later.
“Harlow?”
“In here.”
She clicked on the nightstand light and sat up. The second she saw him, the tears returned.
“What happened?” He rushed to the bed and sat next to her. “Are you hurt?”
She buried her head in his shoulder. “I had a fight with my mom. She’s a terrible person, and I hate her.”
He held her close, his body warm and protective. “You don’t hate her.”
“I do. I mean it this time. I’m never going to forgive her.” She sniffed and looked at him. “She says we can’t get married in the backyard, and it’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
More tears fell, and her throat got tight.
“Since I was a little girl. But she doesn’t care about that. She’s ruining the wedding.”
Kip brushed away her tears. “You know I love you, and I’ll do anything to support you, but I don’t believe your mom told you we can’t get married in her backyard.”
“She did. She’s selling the house. She won’t even try to keep it.”
Kip’s concern faded. “It’s a lot of house, Harlow. It has to be expensive to maintain, plus the mortgage.”
She slid away from him. “You’re taking her side?”
“I’m pointing out that her wanting to sell isn’t unreasonable.”
She glared at him. “We’re talking about our wedding.”
“Yes, and your mom, who loves you and has always taken care of you.”
“Not this time.”
“What did she say specifically? Did she give a reason for selling now?”
Harlow thought about their fight. “She said she’d have to refinance—because of the divorce. She can live in it until six months after Austin’s eighteenth birthday, and then she either has to sell it or buy out Dad. I told her to do that. What’s the big deal?”
“What did she say?”
Harlow looked away, the first flicker of guilt igniting in her chest. “That she couldn’t afford it. That the bank wouldn’t give her a loan.”
Kip looked at her without speaking, as if waiting for the words to sink in.
“She’s lying,” Harlow said, scrambling to her feet. “She has plenty of money from my dad. He’s buying her out of the business. She gets a check every month.”
“Which probably covers the mortgage and a few expenses. The house has a water view, Harlow. It’s worth what? Two million? Four? Where is she supposed to come up with that kind of money? She doesn’t have a good-paying job. There was only a small lump sum at the divorce. Do you really believe she’s lying about her financial situation?”
His tone was so reasonable. Harlow didn’t like it.
“Why do you keep taking her side?”
“Because I don’t think you’re really that mad at your mom. I think you’re furious with your dad for going out with my sister and cheating and not being your hero. But for some reason you can’t fight with him, so you fight with your mom instead.” He faced her across the bed. “This is hard to say, but I know you value the truth, so here goes. Sometimes you act like you’re fifteen. It’s not your best quality.”
Fury and embarrassment flooded her. He was wrong about all of it. She wasn’t fighting with her mom because of her father. That was ridiculous. But also not the worst thing he’d said.
“You’re telling me I’m immature?”
His gaze was steady. “Sometimes. Mostly about your mom. Why are you making such a big deal about her selling the house? What you’re asking is unreasonable.”
“It’s not!” she shrieked. “I’ve been planning this since—”
“You were a little girl,” he said, interrupting her. “Yes, I know. We all know. Your mom can’t afford the house. There’s no other conversation to be had. Talking about this endlessly, having to admit she couldn’t qualify for a loan, must embarrass and upset her.”
She was about to smack him with one of the throw pillows on the bed when his words sank in. She suddenly saw herself as he must see her. Whiny, juvenile and unreasonable. Not exactly the characteristics any guy wanted in a bride-to-be.
She felt trapped by her own words and behavior. There was no way out of the situation without admitting she was wrong, and she didn’t want to do that. The only escape was to escalate the fight and make him the bad guy. A stretch, but she could do it. She could—
“Don’t,” Kip said softly. “Please don’t.”
She stared at him. “What?”
“Whatever you were going to do. Let’s just talk about what’s really wrong.”
Shame washed through her. She looked away. “Nothing’s wrong.”
“We both know that’s not true. Let’s talk about your dad.”
Tears returned. She folded her arms across her chest and hunched her shoulders. “He was so casual about the cheating. He said he liked to keep his options open. As if that’s something to be proud of—like he’s some kind of player. I didn’t know he was like that.” She looked at him. “He’s my dad. He’s supposed to be better than that.”
“I’m sorry he told you he cheated.”
She shook her head. “You’re not sorry he did it?”
“Yes, but I’m more concerned about you. Now you know something you can’t ever unknow. It changes how you look at him. You’re hurt and you feel let down, plus you have anger you don’t know where to put.”
She dropped her arms to her sides and rushed around the bed. Kip drew her close.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. “I’m sorry I’m such a bitch. You’re right. I feel awful and confused. I’m so mad at my dad.”
“And you’re taking it out on your mom.”
She groaned. “I am. I don’t know why I do that.”
“Because she’s safe. She’s always going to love you.”
Was it as simple as that? Did she believe her mother would be there for her, no matter what?
“This sucks,” she said with a sigh, then stepped back. “Do you cheat?”
Kip’s gaze locked with hers. “No. I never have, with anyone. I don’t do that.”
She thought about pushing back but believed him. “I don’t, either. I don’t get it. Just break up. Why be such a dick?” She wiped her face. “I’m a wreck.”