“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. 

“Thanks.  It’s a pleasure to meet you.  I’m a big fan,” Finn said. 

And then McKayla brushed off Liam’s hand, which was still attempting to hold her back, and stepped forward. 

“Hello.  I’m Harper’s sister, McKayla, and I’ve seen every movie you’re ever been in.”

Nate was obviously used to the attention, and as he shook her outstretched hand, he said, “It’s very nice to meet you, McKayla.  Your sister’s the best.”

McKayla’s smile drooped a little, but she quickly recovered and kept shaking Nate’s hand until it became embarrassing. 

Clearing his throat, Finn said, “I’d like you both to meet my brothers, Connor and Liam.  The three of us are business partners.”

And then Julia spoke up from where she’d been standing near Connor.  “Can I get you two something to drink?”

“Sure,” Nikki said, and then they followed Julia to the buffet table that had been set up at the back of the store.

Shortly after the Collins’s arrival, Finn’s and Harper’s parents showed up.  Harper hugged her parents tightly and then shook hands with the O’Briens.  Harper and Finn had decided to confide in their parents about their relationship prior to the party, and now she was glad they had.  Both sets of parents had handled the news as she’d hoped and had given them their full support. 

“I’ve always liked Finn,” her mother, Christine, had said.

“Seems like a good man,” said her father, Bruce. 

And then her mother had asked if Blake’s family knew.  After Harper had relayed the entire story, her mother had hugged her tight and said, “I know how difficult these past two years have been, and I’m thrilled that you’ve found love again.”

According to Finn, his parents had also expressed their happiness, but his mother had taken it one step further. 

“Finally!  Now maybe one of my boys will hurry up and give me some grandchildren!”

When Finn had told Harper about his mom’s reaction, she’d frozen for a moment. 

“It’s no big deal, Harper.  She’s been saying the same thing for years,” Finn had said, trying to reassure her. 

But since then, Harper had had time to let the idea sink in, and now it was taking root inside of her.  So far, she and Finn hadn’t discussed marriage or children, and she suspected it was because he didn’t want to spook her.  But with every day, every hour, every minute that she spent with him, it was becoming easier and easier to imagine.  She hadn’t told him yet, but she would—someday soon.

Harper and Finn stood side by side near the front door and continued to greet their friends and family as they filtered in.  And then she saw a familiar head peeking up above the crowd, and a big smile broke out on her face.  Will.

Julia had insisted on inviting him and Megan, but Harper hadn’t been convinced that they would come.  She’d assumed that ever since she and Will had parted ways, he wouldn’t be as interested in what was going on in her life.  She’d thought wrong.

Hugging her tight, Will said, “I’m so happy for you.  And Finn,” he added with a wink. 

Looking over Will’s shoulder, she saw Finn eyeing them, but she knew he wasn’t jealous anymore.  Or at least, that’s what he’d claimed.

“Where’s your fiancée?” Harper asked.

“She had a family event to go to today, but she sends her best wishes,” Will said. 

“Wow!  I can’t believe you ditched your fiancée to be here with us,” Harper teased. 

“I didn’t get out of it that easily.  I’ll be joining her after I leave here, but I just wanted to make sure and stop by.  I was serious when I invited you and Finn to our wedding, you know.”

Harper smiled.  “And we were serious when we said we’d love to be there.”

“Great.  And I hope it goes both ways.  I’ll expect an invite when you two get married.”

She was just about to protest when Finn came up behind her and placed his hands possessively on her hips.  “That can be arranged,” Finn said. 

Good thing he was holding onto her; otherwise, she might have fainted.  Did he really mean it, or had he just said that for Will’s benefit?  Knowing that this wasn’t the time nor the place to get into it, she gave Finn a brief smile as Will drifted away. 

And then in walked Kelly, Emma, and Mrs. Simmons, who was leaning on her cane as Kelly held open the door for her. 

Harper rushed to her aid, followed closely by Finn, who took over door duty and ushered them inside. 

“This must be your handsome young prince,” Mrs. Simmons declared loudly enough for everyone in a two-mile radius to hear.

“Finn O’Brien.  It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Well, aren’t you the sweetest man in addition to being a big hunk!” Mrs. Simmons exclaimed.

“Forgive her,” Kelly said teasingly.  “She gets a bit overexcited at times.  I’m Kelly Kostas.  It’s nice to meet you.”

“And I’m Emma Kostas, the owner of A New Chapter,” Emma said, taking her turn to shake Finn’s hand. 

“A fellow store owner.  I might have to pick your brain sometime,” Finn said. 

“I’d be happy to help.  I know how daunting it can be when you’re just starting out.”

Kelly had drifted off and was examining some of the photographs that hung on the wall.  “Harper, these are beautiful,” she said enthusiastically. 

“Thank you,” Harper said, “but it’s Finn’s work that made them that way.”  She’d taken a few photos and had them framed in time for the party, but she’d be adding several more before the store opened. 

“She’s too humble,” Finn said, squeezing her around the waist.  “She has an incredible eye for what looks good.”

“You can say that again,” Mrs. Simmons piped up, giving him the once-over. 

When Emma frowned at her, Mrs. Simmons said, “What?  I may be old, but I’m not dead!”

Kelly, Emma, and Mrs. Simmons moved off to the buffet table after that, giving Harper and Finn a moment alone.  Taking a quick glance around to make sure the guests were occupied, Finn leaned in for a kiss. 

“What was that for?” Harper asked, a bit breathless. 

“Just because I love you.”

Despite the boost from her high heels, she went up on her tiptoes, laced her arms around his neck, and kissed him again.  “I love you too, my handsome young prince!”

They were standing just like that, eyes aglow, when Blake’s family walked in.

Harper quickly stepped back, stumbling in the process, but Finn kept a hand on her elbow to steady her. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Davies.  Nina.  Thank you so much for coming,” Finn said smoothly.

“Since when are you so formal?” Tim asked, shaking his hand vigorously. 

“Sorry, sir.  I mean Tim.”

Trish held out her arms to Harper, who immediately stepped into them.  Maybe it was out of habit, or maybe it was because she needed the extra reassurance, but she hugged Trish especially tight that day. 

After they parted, Trish said, “You look beautiful in that dress.”

Harper felt a tear prick her eye, but the last thing she wanted was to make a scene at Finn’s party, so she willed it away.  “Thank you,” she said and then turned to Nina, who was studying her photographs on the wall.

Coming up beside her, Harper gave Nina a brief side hug, and for a brief second, Nina leaned her head against Harper’s shoulder. 

“You really are talented,” Nina said quietly.  “I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that before.”

That time, Harper couldn’t prevent it, and a few tears escaped and dripped down her cheeks.  “You haven’t, but thank you for saying it now,” she replied.  And she didn’t know how he knew, but suddenly, Finn appeared on her other side and handed her a tissue before walking away to greet some other guests. 

“He’s good to you,” Nina said.

Harper nodded as she dabbed her face with the tissue.  And then she heard Mrs. Simmons’s voice carry up from the back of the store.

“Why, Nate Collins!  As I live and breathe!”

Harper laughed and said, “Excuse me, Nina, but I better go back there and rescue Nate.”

“Wait a minute,” she said, placing a hand on Harper’s arm.  “Did she just say Nate Collins?  As in the movie actor?”

Harper nodded.

“Well then, I better go with you!” Nina said and smiled bigger than Harper had ever witnessed before.

Nate and Nikki left shortly after Mrs. Simmons’s outburst, but Nikki assured Harper that she wasn’t the reason.  Nate had a speaking engagement to get to, and Harper thanked them both for coming before they hurried out the door. 

After the buffet table had just about been emptied, the other guests began to leave too.  The six of them, Harper, Finn, Connor, Julia, Liam, and McKayla, lined up at the door to say goodbye and thank their guests for coming.

“I would say that was a big success,” Finn said after the last guest had left. 

“I say we go out and celebrate,” Connor suggested. 

“First, we need to help Harper and Finn clean up,” Julia said.

“I think we can handle that on our own, don’t you?” Finn said, giving Harper a wink.

Understanding that he wanted to be alone with her, she replied, “Yeah.  You guys go ahead, and we’ll take care of the clean-up.”

“Liam, McKayla, you in?” Connor asked.

Liam looked at McKayla hopefully and waited for her response. 

“Um…well…ok,” McKayla finally said.

“Great!” Liam said, looking relieved. 

As they were leaving, Liam placed his hand on the small of McKayla’s back to guide her out the door, but she reached around and slapped it away. 

Harper waited for the door to close before she burst into laughter. 

“What’s so funny?” Finn asked, having missed the feisty exchange. 

“Just my sister and your brother.  I’m thinking they’re going to be fun to watch.”

“I’d rather watch you,” Finn said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. 

“Mmmm,” she said, leaning her head back against his chest. 

Finn dipped his head into the crook of her neck and nibbled.  “It was a fun party, but I couldn’t wait for everyone to leave,” he said, his breath making her shiver.

And then he stepped away from her to lock the door and turn out the lights.  Taking her hand, he led her around the partition to the back of the store, where they wouldn’t be seen. 

The second they were out of sight, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her—deeply, passionately, and without restraint.  She was wearing a swingy black dress with her sexy black teddy underneath, and her nipples pebbled as they rubbed against his chest. 

“I love you in a dress,” Finn whispered against her lips. 

“I love you in everything and in nothing at all,” she replied, raising her eyebrows suggestively. 

“Right here and right now?” he asked, challenging her with his eyes. 

“Why not?  We have to christen the store sometime.”

Finn chuckled and pulled her in so close that she could feel how aroused he was. 

“Might not be very comfortable,” he said, glancing around at the plastic folding chairs. 

“Doesn’t matter.  You’re all I need,” she replied and ran her hands lovingly over his broad shoulders.

“God, I love you,” he growled, his hands dropping from her waist and finding the hem of her dress. 

“Show me,” she said, her voice coming out on a gasp. 

Sliding his warm, somewhat rough hands up the back of her thighs, he cupped her mostly bare bottom and squeezed. 

He groaned again as he realized what she was wearing underneath the dress—or more accurately, what she wasn’t wearing! 

Harper just smiled and tugged up on his polo shirt to untuck it from his pants. 

He let go of her backside just long enough to pull his shirt and t-shirt over his head in one swift movement, and then he was back. 

“Lift your arms,” he said gruffly.

She immediately complied, her center clenching in anticipation. 

Finn quickly but carefully removed her dress and draped it over a nearby chair.  And then he stilled and let his gaze roam up and down her body, his own eyes darkening at the sight of her nipples poking through the see-through material of the teddy. 

“You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen,” he said, his voice ragged and needy. 

And then, because she didn’t want to wait any longer, she tucked her fingers into the straps of her teddy and pulled it down, revealing her nakedness to his admiring eyes. 

Harper had expected him to follow suit and remove his pants, but instead, he dropped to his knees in front of her.  As his breath blew across her sensitive skin, she gripped his shoulders tightly and spread her legs apart to give him greater access.

The man was a marvel with his tongue and fingers—knowing just what to do to bring her the maximum amount of pleasure in the minimum amount of time.  There would be more time later when they were in bed together, but for now, the need to touch each other was so great that this would do. 

Writhing against his touch, she tipped her head back and succumbed to the pleasure, her body tightening and clenching around him.  After an explosive climax, he gave her a gentle kiss and then stood back up to meet her gaze. 

Her legs felt shaky, and she looped her arms around his neck for support.  “I’d like to return the favor,” she said.

Grinning at her, Finn said, “Maybe later.  But right now, I have a different idea.”

She watched as he pulled out a condom from his pants pocket, quickly discarded said pants, and rolled it on before sitting down on one of the hard-plastic chairs.  Patting his lap, he looked up at her through hooded eyelids and said, “Sit with me.”

Not only was he extremely hot and sexy, but he was a problem solver too!  She was certain that he didn’t want her kneeling on the hard linoleum floor, so he’d improvised, and she was more than happy to comply.  Smiling seductively, she straddled him, and they both watched as she wrapped a hand around his erection and guided him home. 

Later, she’d recount the memory as the best chair sex she’d ever had!  Holding on to the back of the chair, she’d used it for leverage, lifting and lowering herself over him until he’d been bucking beneath her.  She’d loved watching him come undone, loved the feel of his strong hands gripping her hips, his bare chest rubbing against her nipples, her name escaping his swollen lips.

And afterwards, he’d cradled her in his arms and told her how much he loved her, wanted her, needed her.  And she’d wished that she could capture the moment, store it in a jar, and bring it out whenever she wanted to relive it.  She wished that she could have done that with all the important moments of her life, but she knew that was impossible. 

Time marched on and memories faded, but she knew the one thing that would always endure, and that was love.  The most important thing of all.