I wriggle closer on the bank. My head tips onto his shoulder, and gratitude and love swirl through my insides. “Okay. Thank you for telling me, Harry.”
There’s a pause, then a loud huff. “You knew too.”
Like him, I suspected.
“Guess neither of us is good at keeping secrets from the other.” And I swear, that knowledge soothes some of the pain still radiating through my chest. My own family was a whole load of nothin’, but with Harry, I get a do-over. I’ve got someone who sees me and loves me no matter what.
Even when I, you know. Screw his uncle.
“I guess this way we can have family Thanksgivings,” Harry says, tearing up a clump of grass and tossing the blades over the water. “I’m never calling you my aunt, though. Don’t go getting ideas.”
My mouth twists, and I try to keep the worst pain from my voice, my gaze fixed on the churning water. “Ha. Um, no. Everett doesn’t want me, and he made that crystal clear last night. But maybe I can visit you at college or something?”
“‘Course you can.” A strong arm wraps around my shoulders, and I nearly miss it when Harry mutters, “That asshole.”
I’m inclined to agree.
“You want me to move your stuff over to my barn? I could set up the sofa bed.”
It’s a sweet offer, but I shake my head and toss my own pebble. It bounces off a wet rock. “No, thanks. I need to get out of here, Harry. I’ve already stayed way too long.”