Harlequin Special Edition: August 2022 Box Set 2 of 2 by Kathy Douglass
Author:Kathy Douglass
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00
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Harris held his breath, hoping the unexpected question didnât cause Elise to retreat into that wall of privacy she usually kept between herself and everyone else around her. After the initial awkwardness of his parentsâ surprise visitâhis ankle was still throbbing due to his unfortunate dismount from the ladder when sheâd suddenly let go of itâsheâd seemed so relaxed and even talkative as sheâd led the tour of the house.
However, heâd already learned that discussing furniture placement and discussing her family were two completely different things. Just when Harris thought he was going to have to change the subject, Elise finally sighed.
âI used to go to the auto auctions with my father and one time we saw a yellow Scout 800. Dad told me that he had one just like it in his offsite warehouse that he was holding on to for a friend.â
Harris didnât often see his dad shed a tear, but there was definitely a dampness in Simon Vegaâs eyes. The older man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. âWhen the boys were little and Cindy went back to school to get her teaching certification, we didnât want to take out a loan. John insisted on paying me top dollar to buy the car and promised that I could drive it whenever I wanted. But we were always so busy with work and Cindyâs rehearsals and the kidsâ sports. Then I opened my own shop and I guess we just lost track of time. I should have tried harder to stay in touch with him.â
âItâs better that you remember how he was before the Alzheimerâs finally took hold of him. At least thatâs what I try and tell myself.â Eliseâs lips quivered slightly, but she still managed a smile at Simon. Harris couldnât imagine how painful it would be to slowly lose his own father to a disease like that. She was so strong to be able to talk about her experience. âMost people donât know this, but my dad was pretty deep in debt by the time he went into the assisted living facility. My aunt had to sell most of the cars to help pay off his creditorsâand even that wasnât enough to cover all the costs of his care. The only car I put up a fight to keep was the minivan heâd bought my mom when theyâd first got married. Regina knew that she couldnât get much money for it, so it stayed behind when the auction guys came.â
Harris couldnât stop himself from putting his hand on Eliseâs shoulder, trying to offer her some comfort, or at least remind her that while her family was gone, she wasnât totally alone. Her muscles immediately eased under his palm and he took it as a reassuring sign that she relaxed rather than shied away from him.
âThat doesnât make sense.â Harrisâs drama-loving mom was the first to voice the same concern he himself had politely avoided. âSimon, didnât you tell me that John Mackenzie was one of the most astute businessmen youâd ever met?â
His dad nodded.
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