Page 152 of Her Ex-Husband's Brother

I lead her toward the booth, slowing when we reach the line. August is still working, but he looks up as we approach. His gaze moves from my face to Harper’s, taking in the tears and the death grip we have on each other.

Concern sharpens his expression.

I shake my head quickly to let him know:Good tears.

He relaxes, though only a little.

“August,” I say, “this is Harper.”

Recognition comes immediately. He remembers me telling him about her.

August removes his gloves and stands.

Harper looks up at him.

Then up a little more.

“Jesus,” she says.

August’s mouth twitches. “I get that a lot.”

She arches an eyebrow. “I bet you do.”

He comes around the table and holds out his hand, but Harper ignores it and hugs him.

August freezes. I have to work hard to keep from laughing.

“Thank you,” Harper says into his chest.

His eyes meet mine over her head.

“For what?” he asks carefully.

“For loving her.”

The humor leaves his face. Then his arms settle around Harper. He gets that she’s family. The found kind that is the best sort.

“Easy job,” he says.

That almost starts me crying again.

Harper finally releases him and points at the woman waiting patiently in his chair. “You’re working. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, I’m interrupting.”

“You made Lennon look happy. You can interrupt whenever you want.”

Harper presses her lips together.

I know that expression. She’s trying not to cry again.

“We’re going to catch up,” I tell him.

He nods. “Take all the time you need.”

Harper and I find an empty stretch of wall near a closed service door. We sit on the floor without caring that we’re grownwomen or that convention attendees keep stepping around our legs.