New Beginnings

At six-thirty sharp, Wyck pulled up to the Carrington house, his palms damp on the steering wheel. He couldn't remember ever being this nervous, even trying to impress Harper as a teen. Tonight felt momentous. He had to rebuild her trust in him. Drawing a deep breath, he walked up and rang the ornate doorbell.

It felt strange standing on the front porch, waiting at the door. He'd never done it before. From the first time he'd come to the Carrington's, he'd entered through the kitchen doors in the back like the family. Standing in front of these heavy oak doors with their detailed scrollwork made a lump form in Wyck's gut. Picking up Harper here highlighted how much had changed.

Just as Wyck was reaching to ring the bell again, the door opened to reveal Harper. She was breathtaking in a simple emerald sweater and jeans, her blonde waves flowing over her shoulders. She gave him a tense smile.

"You look beautiful," he said sincerely.

"Thanks." A pretty blush colored her cheeks when she