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2024-08-27 20:00:17Related chapters
Your Heart & Mine Secrets
The next afternoon, Harper and her sisters toured downtown renovations. At the clinic, hammering could be heard inside."It will be done in a few weeks," Elizabeth said excitedly. "Just cosmetic updates mostly."Inside, a worker painting trim greeted them. "Go on and look around if you want."While her sisters admired paint colors, Harper thanked the man. "Having a clinic again is going to mean so much."He nodded. "Happy to help. Tell Mr. Ward we're working hard on his new 'secret' project as well." He smiled, holding a finger in front of his lips. Harper's brow furrowed but before she could question who Mr. Ward was, Brenna tugged on her sleeve practically bouncing on her toes. "Harp. Miss Lilah is here. She wants us to come look at the new windows and sign that just got installed at her shop."Her puzzlement pushed aside, she followed her sister away from the clinic and across the street. Miss Lilah's shop windows sparkled and the turquoise of the new sign and trim popped against
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Amazing
Harper knocked briskly on the cabin door, rubbing her hands together against the biting chill. Wyck opened it swiftly, breaking into a wide smile at the sight of her."Sorry to drop by unannounced," she said, rushing gratefully into the warmth."You're always welcome here," he assured her, helping remove her coat before drawing her close for a lingering kiss.The clearing of a throat had Harper twisting her head, pulling herself from Wyck's lips, flushed and breathless. A dark-haired man stood awkwardly nearby, files tucked under his arm."Uh, hi there." Harper gave a little uncomfortable wave."Harper, this is my business partner Davis." Wyck gave his friend a pointed look. "He was just leaving. Weren't you, Davis?"Davis shuffled the files and shot out a hand. "Nice to finally meet you, Harper. Wyck's told me a lot about you."Shaking the proffered hand, Harper shot a glance at Wyck. "He has, huh?""You'd better get in touch with that guy about the thing before he goes home, Davis."
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Betrayal
Sometime later, Harper awoke, Wyck's heart thumping slowly under her ear. She lay there for several long moments, listening to the beat, lost in her memories of all the times she had woken up in this same position, feeling completely relaxed, sated, and loved. Though she hated to move, her throat was as dry as a desert and she desperately wanted a drink. Slipping ever so carefully from Wyck's arms, she stood and searched for something to wrap around herself to counter the chill in the air. By the moonlight slanting through the large windows of the bedroom, she spied Wyck's shirt, and slipped it over her head. She pulled the fabric of the collar to her nose and sniffed enjoying the pure masculine scent of him that still lingered there. Smiling to herself, she padded to the kitchen on legs that were still a bit shaky, and found a bottle of water in the fridge. Cracking it open, she glanced idly at the paperwork strewn across the table as she sipped.Her eyes caught on the words "Ward
Last Updated : 2024-08-27Your Heart & Mine Courage
The morning after her disastrous night with Wyck, Harper could barely drag herself from bed. Her head pounded from crying and her heart felt like a lead weight in her chest. All she wanted was to pull the covers over her head and hide from the world.A knock interrupted her despair. Before she could respond, Elizabeth barged in, Brenna on her heels. One look at Harper's ravaged face had Elizabeth swearing under her breath."That bastard Wyck did this, didn't he?" she seethed, sitting next to Harper on the bed. "I knew he couldn't be trusted!"Harper's chin wobbled pathetically as a fresh round of tears threatened."Oh, Harper," Brenna cried, rushing to hug her. "We thought maybe you two had worked things out. What happened?"Haltingly, Harper relayed the previous night's events - how after making love, she'd discovered paperwork proving Wyck owned Ward Development."He lied about everything," Harper finished dully. "He wanted revenge on Daddy and used me to get it.""That snake!" Eliz
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Your Heart & Mine Regrets
Harper paced the sidewalk, arms crossed against the chill. At precisely one-thirty, Wyck's SUV rumbled to a stop at the curb. He exited slowly, shoving his hands in his pockets, radiating discomfort.Halting in front of his bumper, he looked to her with uncertainty. "Hi."Harper straightened her spine bracing herself for what was to come. "Let's talk upstairs." She unlocked the door and led the way up the steep steps, the wood now burnished and clean. Wyck fell into step behind her.Leading the way into one of the empty apartments, Wyck looked around as the silent tension continued to ratchet up. Finally, Harper spoke. "Explain. All of it."Taking a deep breath, Wyck began. "After your father found out we lost the baby, he gave me a choice - leave town immediately and never contact you again, or he'd fire my mom and dad and blackball them. They'd have lost everything." His hand riffled through his hair. "I told myself you'd be okay. You'd be better off without me anyway." He swallowe
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Your Heart & Mine Hope
After Wyck drove off, Harper walked the two blocks to the small office she had rented for the foundation. She met Elizabeth with a smile and hoped her sister wouldn't feel the need to give her the third degree about her meeting with Wyck. She'd been unable to sneak out earlier without telling her where she was going.The jingle of the bell above the door announced the arrival of their contractor and saved her from an interrogation by her sister. In strode a tall man in a leather jacket and well-worn jeans. His full mouth didn't tip up in a smile when he saw the sisters. Harper saw his jaw tighten. She wondered if he knew them from somewhere and wasn't happy about it. "Conner McCrary," he introduced himself brusquely, his voice deep and authoritative.Harper stepped forward with a friendly smile, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Conner. I'm Harper and this is my sister, Elizabeth."Conner shook their hands with a grip like a vise. Harper tried not to wince. "So, you're the conta
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Your Heart & Mine Spring
In the mountains, spring worked diligently to nudge winter aside. Each passing day, the sun gained strength, its rays growing warmer. Wyck wiped sweat from his brow as he hoisted another board into place on the new daycare center framework. Though he and Harper remained on uncertain terms, he found himself drawn back week after week to help on this project. The physical labor gave him a sense of purpose, and seeing the building take shape felt like helping rebuild his damaged soul.As he worked, Wyck replayed his last conversation with Harper in his mind. Her hesitation at his dinner invitation a couple of weeks ago had stung, but he understood she still had trouble trusting him after what he'd done. He knew he had to be patient, focusing his energy on demonstrating through actions, not just words, that he was committed to making amends. It was a tough pill to swallow, however. He was not a patient man and his need for Harper seemed to grow rather than diminish with every passing day.
Last Updated : 2024-08-28Your Heart & Mine One Step Forward...
The Carrington Sisters and their mother spent the afternoon and into the evening detailing the work they wanted to do to turn the old family home into not only a Bed & Breakfast but a destination wedding location. "I think a muted color palette - grays, blues, greens - will give each room a peaceful, welcoming feel," suggested Brenna. She'd taken on the job of the decor as well as event planning with aplomb. Harper was just a bit ashamed at herself for not believing her baby sister was mature enough to step into a leadership role when they first started. Breanna had proved her wrong again and again.Harper smiled, picturing the vision coming to life. She met her mother's eyes as she confirmed her buy in of the plans yet again. "Now, Mama, are you sure the carriage house is going to be big enough for you? Elizabeth can use the attic space instead of the third floor for the honeymoon suite if you want to stay in the house after all."Mitzi waved a dismissive hand at her oldest daughter
Last Updated : 2024-08-28
Latest chapter
Your Heart & Mine Elizabeth's Story - Transforming Memories
While sunlight played on the dust motes swirling like miniature dancers all around the room, Elizabeth Carrington stood amidst the chaos of the deconstruction, her clipboard clutched to her chest like a shield. She knew the changes would transform her family home to a Bed & Breakfast and be another step to rebuilding the town that carried her family name, but there were days when the necessary destruction pained her. The excavation of memories, both joyous and sorrowful, buried beneath layers of plaster could be overwhelming. When she'd returned to Carrington Ridge to bury her father, she'd never planned to stay. She'd expected to do her duty and return to her life as an architect and project manager for the large company she worked for. Creating condos and businesses wasn't anything close to her dreams of restoring old buildings and making them come alive again, but it was a lucrative living and she'd built a solid reputation for herself. But when her sister, Harper, had latched on t
Your Heart & Mine A Dream Realized
Harper peeked nervously out of the window watching as the last of the guest were seated under the large white tent. Outdoor heaters had been placed all around the space to keep everyone warm. She knew it was folly to plan an outdoor wedding in December, but she and Wyck didn't want to waste one more day being apart, and Harper wanted her wedding to take place at her new home, overlooking the valley she loved.The day had dawned cold and clear, the sun doing its winter best to shine for their big day. She swallowed a little nervously as she took in all the people. Most of the town must have shown up. "Ready for the red carpet, Love?" A warm voice asked behind her. Harper turned with a smile for her best friend. Cam had been a stalwart presence over the last year. He hadn't had any plans to move to a tiny mountain town when he brought her to Carrington Ridge to attend her father's funeral, but he'd taken all the changes in stride, falling in love with the town and people. And everyone
Your Heart & Mine Surprises
Though he still had dark periods and searing migraine pain, Harper learned when to hold him and when to give him space. Bit by bit, signs of her old Wyck re-emerged - his ready laugh, the teasing gleam in his eye, arms wrapping her close while they watched movies at night.One afternoon as the warmth of summer gave into the crispness of fall in the mountains, Harper arrived to find Wyck typing determinedly on his computer despite the tremors wracking his hands. His grin flashed when she appeared in the doorway."Are you up for a little drive?" Enthusiasm and mischief danced in his eyes. "What are you up to, Wyck Alan Crockett?" She'd never been able to think of him as a Ward. He'd always be a Crockett to her.Harper tried to sneak around behind him to see what he'd been working on, but he quickly shut the laptop before she could see.Wyck twisted to look up at her, more alive and eager than she'd seen him since the accident. "No peeking. It's a surprise." His eyes held a hint of his
Your Heart & Mine Awakenings
Over the next hours, Wyck's parents and Harper shared stories from their childhood and their lives since leaving Carrington Ridge. Though he called often, Wyck had rarely ventured back to the town he'd grown up in. He'd even moved Marjorie and Hank to a new home overlooking the New River several years ago. Hearing these missing pieces, Harper felt even closer to the complex man she loved.Late that night after Wyck's parents reluctantly went to the hotel to rest, Harper dozed off still holding his hand. Around dawn, she gradually awoke to the feeling of fingers lightly brushing her hair. Disoriented, her eyes flew open.Wyck was watching her, his grey eyes finally open but still dulled with pain and medication. Harper jolted upright. "Wyck! You...you're awake!" He gave a faint, lopsided smile around the oxygen mask that had lived on his face since they had taken him off the ventilator. His fingers continued weakly combing through the length of her hair.Tears of awe and relief flooded
Your Heart & Mine Vigil
Harper startled as the waiting room door swung open. A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and tortoiseshell glasses strode toward them, green scrubs wrinkled from hours in surgery. Harper's heart lodged in her throat as she shot to her feet. Was this the doctor? Did he bring news of Wyck?The man offered a tired smile. "Family of Wyck Ward?" At their anxious nods, he extended his hand. "I'm Dr. Nash. I operated on Mr. Ward."Harper clutched Brenna's hand tightly, bracing for his next words. Cam placed a comforting hand on her shoulder while the doctor gathered his thoughts.Finally Dr. Nash began solemnly. "Mr. Ward sustained very serious injuries in the accident. Major trauma to his abdomen required immediate surgery when he arrived. We had to remove his spleen and repair a severely lacerated liver."Harper swayed. Cam's grip tightened, anchoring her upright. She blinked back tears, gesturing for the doctor to continue."He also had several broken ribs, one of which punctured his lun
Your Heart & Mine Accident
Cam followed right on the trooper's bumper flying down I-81 toward Roanoke. The flashing red and blue strobe lights hypnotized Harper. She was numb. And cold. So cold. All she could think of was the words Cam had spoken 'There's been an accident'. She couldn't really process anything after that. An accident. A single tear tracked down her cheek."He's going to be fine, Love. You've got to believe that." Cam gripped her hand as if he could ground her in reality by his touch alone. "He's young and strong."Harper didn't respond. Her hand lay limp in his grasp. She stared straight ahead."Harp? We're almost there. You just hang on, okay?" Brenna said from the back seat. Her voice wavered just a bit, but she wasn't crying any longer. "Elizabeth is bringing Mama. We'll all be here for you."Cam met Brenna's eyes for a moment in the rear-view mirror, silently worrying about what would happen to Harper if Wyck didn't make it. She would never forget the Trooper's calm, matter of fact voice as
Your Heart & Mine Openings & Closings
Harper rested her forehead against Wyck's after kissing him again. She sighed heavily. "I hate you're going to miss the Artisan Market opening."Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Wyck drew back and met her sad hazel eyes. "I know, Angel. Believe me, I'd much rather be here." He pressed another fervent kiss to her lips. "But Davis says the board is demanding an in-person meeting in Richmond to review expansion plans."Wyck's jaw tightened with frustration as he explained the urgent summons that would pull him away for several days. The board of directors of his development company had been pushing aggressive ideas to take Ward Development national. But since starting the Carrington Ridge project, Wyck was committed to thoughtful growth focused on improving communities, not just chasing profits."Davis thinks they may try forcing a vote while I'm gone, so I can't risk brushing this off," he told her. "I know timing couldn't be worse with the market launch. I tried to delay but th
Your Heart & Mine Luckiest Man Alive?
"Oh my!" Harper's hands flew to cover her mouth in surprise as she walked out onto the deck and took in the scene.A round table covered in a thick, white tablecloth sat there where only lounge chairs had been before. A beautiful centerpiece of hydrangeas and baby's breath sat in the middle and the table was set with silver and crystal. A strange man in a black shirt and pants pulled out a chair for her, "Ma'am?""What is all this?" she asked as she took the seat offered to her."This is just the beginning of all the things I want to give you." Wyck appeared behind her looking insanely handsome. His white linen pants were loose and his matching shirt was partially unbuttoned and had the sleeves rolled up to showcase his muscular, tan forearms. A little shudder of delight ran through her. When had forearms become sexy?Wyck took a seat and nodded at the man who had pulled out Harper's chair. He silently disappeared back into the house. "How did you get all this done without me knowing?
Your Heart & Mine Deep Blue Sea
"Ready for our adventure?" Wyck leaned across the console of the Range Rover to steal a kiss, his smile boyish. "More than ready." Harper laughed happily, beyond ready for their romantic getaway. "I still can't believe you won't tell me where we're going."Wyck shot her a rakish smile and waggled his eyebrows. "You'll see soon enough. Just sit back and enjoy the ride."Rolling her eyes at him, she squeezed his hand and did as he recommended. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been on a true vacation. Building her real estate career had required lots of nights and weekends and continuing education classes in between. Since returning to Carrington Ridge and unexpectedly launching Legacy, her days had never been busier. Yet the work here fed her soul in a way her old career never had. Building McMansions and upscale townhomes in Raleigh catering to transplanted techies had been profitable, sure. But if Harper was honest, it had also been soul-sucking.The hum of the tires on the
