Breaking Clear (Full Hearts Series Book 3) Read online

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  The very earth itself seemed to approve of Megan and Luc’s nuptials, offering perfect blue skies without even the tiniest wisp of white. Summer seemed to have returned for them, adding a welcome warmth to the air. The birds sang their love songs as the bride, the groom and their two children made their way to the arbour where the officiant, Mr. Grady, a short, bald man in his sixties, was waiting with a smile.

  Luc, dressed in a simple, light grey suit, a crisp white dress shirt and steel-blue tie, held little Amelie, who was adorable in bare feet and a beautiful white dress with tiny blue flowers. She chewed on her fist happily as the ceremony got underway. Elliott, looking sharp in grey plaid dress shorts and a short-sleeved button-up shirt, had a grin plastered from ear to ear as though it was permanently in place. He walked between Luc and Megan, his hands tucked neatly into theirs. Megan was a vision in a simple V-neck goddess dress in ivory silk. A belt beaded with pearls sat just above her waist, letting the skirt flow out to hide her tummy while tastefully accenting the large breasts she would have for a few more months. Her blond hair was up in pincurls, with a few pieces left down to frame her beautiful face.

  Harper had placed herself a few steps behind and to the side of the justice of the peace so that she could capture the moment. She had spent hours with Megan in the days prior to the wedding learning the intricacies of Megan’s camera equipment. Megan had assured her that she would be fine, but Harper had been obsessive about making sure she wouldn’t miss a single shot. Now, as the event began, Harper felt herself breaking out in a cold sweat and wished she had gone with the black dress with the tiny floral pattern instead of the metallic lace–embellished sheath dress she had on. How had she let herself get talked into taking photos of a photographer’s wedding? Horrible idea. Her hands shook a little as she zoomed in on Elliott’s face, a seven-year-old in pure bliss, just as he reached up and gave his little sister’s foot a kiss. Got it! she thought, shifting her position to catch Luc’s expression as he glanced at Megan, his eyes full of that adoration he always felt for her.

  When Megan and Harper had arrived earlier, Luc had been rushing around, trying to ready the yard. Excitedly overseeing every detail, he had surprised Megan by purchasing a wrought-iron arbour and hiring a florist to decorate it with roses and hydrangeas in lavenders, purples and blues. Large urns overflowing with arrangements matching those on the arbour trailed from the end of the driveway to the entrance of the house. In the backyard, they continued from the house to the shaded grassy area that had now become the focal point of the intimate gathering.

  Evan stood off to the side at the front, holding up a video camera that Harper had thrust at him before the ceremony began. Planting both feet firmly, he steadied the camera as he slowly zoomed in and out to focus on the faces of the happy family.

  Mr. Grady welcomed the group to the beautiful ceremony, making a few kind remarks and teasing the couple on their order of events before asking Luc to recite his vows. Luc handed Amelie to Helen, his soon-to-be mother-in-law, before turning to Megan and taking both of her hands in his.

  “Megan, it’s no secret that I didn’t believe in love until you came along. You changed my mind about everything with your smile, your laugh and your beautiful heart, and I will forever be grateful to you for that. You have shown me what true love can do, and you’ve given me a family with two beautiful children and a home filled with laughter. You’ve shown me what life is all about and how rich it truly can be, even if I were to lose every dollar. And I have you to thank for all of it. So thank you, mon ange, for giving my life meaning.” He paused to wipe a tear from her cheek before continuing.

  “I, Luc, take you, Megan, to be my wife. I promise to love you, respect you, remain faithful to you and honour you for the rest of my life. I will be here to take care of you in the face of whatever comes. I will support your dreams and be the voice of encouragement when you need a little push. For now and always, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer for the rest of our lives. You are stuck with me.”

  Megan dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, glancing up at the sky for a moment in hopes of regaining her composure. “Well, how do I follow that?” she asked, getting a light laugh from their guests.

  Smiling at him, she gave his hand a squeeze. “Luc, before you came along, I was content with my life, just Elliott and me. I had stopped believing in fairy tales years ago, but you swooped in and showed me what romance really was, and then you showed me love. I was scared to try again, to let you in, but you just kept proving to me that you were real, that this was real and that it could be easy and it could be forever. And now, my life is full. Elliott and I have you, and we all have Amelie, and there is so much more love and fun in our home. And I will always be grateful that you came along and that you stayed and that you’re mine.” It was Megan’s turn to wipe a tear, this time from Luc’s cheek.

  “I, Megan, take you, Luc, to be my husband. I promise to love, honour and respect you, and to be faithful to you for the rest of my life. I will be here to take care of you in the face of whatever comes. I will support your dreams and be the voice of encouragement when you need a little push. For now and always, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer for the rest of our lives. Whether you like or not, you are stuck with me.”

  As Mr. Grady led them through the exchange of rings, there was not a dry eye to be found in the yard. “And now, Luc would like to make a pledge to Elliott.”

  Luc crouched down so he would be at eye level with his stepson. “Elliott, from the moment I first met you in the hospital waiting room, and you quickly pointed out my funny accent and the fact that I was overdressed, I knew I was going to like you a lot. You are wise beyond your years, you are so full of love and acceptance of others, you are full of life and wonder, and I have been honoured to watch you grow this past year. Thank you for accepting me into your life with open arms. Elliott, I may not have seen your first steps, but I promise to watch over you for all the rest of the steps of your life, big and small. Life is full of opportunity, and nothing has been more important than the opportunity to help raise you and your little sister. I love you, Elliott, and nothing will ever change that.”

  Elliott wrapped his arms around Luc’s neck, hugging him with everything he had in his little sixty-pound frame. Tears filled Luc’s eyes as he kissed the little boy on the head. Megan was weeping uncontrollably now, seeing her son and her new husband share such a tender moment. Harper snapped away, her vision blurry from her own tears as she watched the beautiful scene unfold through the camera lens. Taking a second to glance over at Evan, her face fell a little when she noticed he was frowning. She made a mental note to ask him about that later. Or not. Maybe it was better not to know.

  The party dined under the stars as evening fell, chatting and laughing together at four round tables set up poolside. Candles floated in the blue water, fairy lights sparkled around the pergola above, glasses were raised in happy, heartfelt toasts and cake was cut and savoured. A quartet of musicians strummed guitars, providing a romantic musical backdrop with a hint of Spanish flair to the warm night. As Harper let the scene unfold around her, she found herself wondering if maybe this was something she wanted after all. She watched as Luc led Megan over to a clearing near the band and pulled her in for their first dance. The love they shared had beaten the odds and had created a beautiful family in the most impossible of circumstances.

  Her eyes fell on Evan, who was standing at the bar talking with Megan’s brother. He laughed at something Mark said, which made him look all the more handsome. He had a warmth that drew others to him. Sighing to herself, she felt her heart swell. How could anyone be so perfect?

  As she watched him, an uneasy feeling came over her. The closer she got to him, the deeper she fell. And the deeper she fell, the more terrifying this all became. Suddenly she realized that somehow her heart had started counting on a future with him. She was in love with him in a way she’d never been with any
one before. For the first time in her life, she wanted forever with someone. With him. But there wasn’t going to be a happy ending for them and she knew it. The only person she could rely on was herself. Anyone else might leave at any time. Including him. She would have to fight for ownership of her heart again and get it the hell back from him. Downing another glass of champagne, she told herself she was feeling this way only because of the wedding. Maybe just for tonight, she could let herself be in love. Tomorrow she’d come to her senses.

  Twenty-Four

  Driving home under the bright moon, Harper leaned sleepily against the seat as she absent-mindedly rubbed the back of Evan’s neck with her fingers. “You’re looking pretty fine in that suit, Mr. Donovan. It’s the kind of look that makes a woman want to do very naughty things.”

  “That’s why I wore it.”

  “It’s a smart man who knows the power of a well-cut suit,” she remarked. “What a wonderful day. It feels like all is right with the world.” Harper sighed happily. “I get all choked up even thinking about it. They’re just so perfect together, and it’s so amazing to see how much Luc and Elliott love each other too. Everything has just fallen into place so beautifully for them.”

  “Yes. It was very nice to see. I hope I managed to get it all on video. That was a lot of pressure for a contractor, you know.”

  “I know. I’m sorry about that. I realized at the last minute that we hadn’t thought of getting a videographer and I figured that catching the moment, even if it wasn’t on a pro video, would be better than missing it. I’m sure what you did will turn out just fine.”

  Harper paused for a moment, thinking back to that expression on his face, and decided to plunge into the deep waters of his mind. She’d been treading in the safety of the shallow end long enough to work up the courage. “So, Evan, was that why you had such an uncomfortable look on your face during the ceremony?”

  “What?” he asked, in a way that seemed like he was trying to stall.

  “It was hard to miss that scowl.” Harper’s heart quickened a little as she removed her hand from his neck, placing it on her lap awkwardly.

  Evan stared straight ahead without answering for a moment. “To be honest, I was worried for them. I was thinking, they better damn well mean all of those nice words because if they don’t, two little people who are relying on them for everything are going to be destroyed.”

  Harper nodded. “I wondered if it was something along those lines. I don’t think you need to worry, though. I’ve known them both for years, and I can honestly say I don’t know two people more suited to each other. It’s going to last.”

  “Don’t be fooled. It’s all sunshine and roses at the beginning, especially when you’ve got so much cash you don’t know how to spend it. But I’d hate to see what would happen if they suddenly found themselves with nothing. The smiles would fade pretty quickly. I know from experience.”

  Waiting a beat without getting a response, he continued. “I’m sorry, but that’s just how I feel. I know they’re both great people and I’m not trying to upset you or anything. Just being honest.”

  “Hmm, right. So it’s got nothing to do with Meg and Luc. It’s just marriage in general that you disapprove of,” she stated evenly.

  “I’m sure that won’t come as a huge shock to you, Harper.”

  “Not really. You told me you didn’t intend to ever get married again after our first night together.” She shrugged. “I can see why you might feel that way after how your marriage ended.”

  “Exactly. Once was enough,” he replied. “I hope you’re not going to let that bother you.”

  Harper kept her eyes on the passing houses, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. “Why would it? It’s not like I’ve been picking out china patterns or something.”

  “I know. But I think it’s probably important to lay our expectations out on the table just in case.”

  “Okay. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Message received loud and clear. No commitment for you.” Harper’s voice exuded a sarcasm that hid the hurt gripping her. Why was this bothering her so much, anyway? She’d never wanted to fall in love or make a life with someone.

  “Not no commitment. No wedding. I’m not about to make promises no one on earth can really keep.”

  Harper glared at him, wishing she had stayed in the shallow end. “Marriage has worked out for billions of people throughout history. Literally billions. I know it didn’t work out for you, but that doesn’t mean you can say it would never work for anyone ever in the future of all mankind. That’s a little ridiculous, don’t you think?”

  “That’s not what I’m saying. I’m not saying that marriages can’t work out. I’m saying that the promises made at a wedding are bullshit. There is no way to know with one-hundred-per-cent accuracy if a marriage is going to succeed or fail. How the hell can someone who is twenty-five—or forty-five, for that matter—know what they are going to want when they are eighty-five? They can’t. That’s the answer. There is no possible way to know. And you should never make a promise you can’t keep.”

  “That’s where the whole trust thing comes in. When two people get married, they’re trusting each other with their very hearts, they’re committing to keep working on it no matter what. They’re promising that they are going to be there for each other for all of it. The good, the bad and the morning breath. Is that really such a bad thing?”

  “Yes. It always ends badly. Your best-case scenario is that you get really old together and then one of you dies and the other one lives out the rest of their days broken-hearted. That’s the best you can hope for. More often than not, though, someone gets bored, someone cheats, someone doesn’t treat the other one with enough respect, someone leaves and both people are left broken-hearted. Either way you get crushed. It’s a dumb thing to do.”

  “So, we’re not really talking about wedding vows then, are we? We’re back to talking about commitment in general. And apparently, you’re not a fan of that either.”

  “Commitment is fine. But there’s no need to be all public or permanent about it. It should be a quiet agreement between two people who understand that they can’t really know what’s coming in life, but they can agree to be together exclusively.”

  “How is that any better, you meathead?” she asked, raising her voice. “If you commit to someone and things go along smoothly until you someday grow old together, one of you will be heartbroken when the other one dies. It’s the same friggin’ thing, whether you’ve made a pinky swear like a couple of nine-year-olds or you’ve stood in front of a thousand people making vows.”

  “Meathead? That’s a little harsh. Sounds like you’re getting defensive, which makes me wonder if somewhere deep down inside, you do want the ring and the dress and the cake.”

  “I’m not . . . No! We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you and your messed-up version of relationships. It’s got nothing to do with me.”

  “Messed-up? The way I see it, I’m the only one with a clear view of the whole topic! The problem is everybody else out there who is naive enough to believe that any of that shit is real. They’re the ones with the blinders on.”

  “Oh, I had no idea I was in the presence of the all-knowing Evan Donovan, Smartest Man Alive. You should have said something sooner.” Harper was spewing venom now. “Imagine my embarrassment, not knowing I was supposed to be bowing when I entered and left your presence this whole time.”

  “Alright. Relax,” he spat out “You asked the question. Don’t blame me if you don’t like the answer.”

  “It’s a little more than that!” she exclaimed.

  Evan pulled up in front of his house, parking the truck in the driveway. “Yeah, I know it is. You’re pissed because deep down you want the ‘I do’s,’ and now you’re realizing that I really don’t.”

  “Really? Is that why I’m mad?! Thank you for telling me! But of course you would know, since you do know everything!” Harper climbed out,
slamming the door behind her before realizing she had left her clutch on the seat. She opened the door and snatched it up, getting a second chance to take out her frustration on his truck.

  Evan got out, giving her an exasperated look. “Take it easy on the truck. It’s not the one you’re mad at.”

  Harper snapped open her purse to get the keys to her dad’s house. “Believe me, I know exactly who I’m mad at. That would be the Dalai Lame-ass standing in front of me.” Finding the keys, she held them up triumphantly before heading down his driveway.

  “What are you doing? You’re leaving because we’re having a disagreement?” He watched as she stormed away and then rounded back on him.

  “Yes, I am going home. I don’t want to be around someone so high on himself that he thinks every woman he sleeps with must want to marry him!” she scoffed. “What would ever make you think I would even want to get married to you? We’re just having a little fun here, Donovan. That’s it. This means nothing!”

  Evan’s head snapped back. “It means nothing?” he asked quietly. “That’s a little cold. I know we aren’t in anything long term, Harper, but it still means something to me.”

  He stared at her for a moment before turning toward his house.

  * * *

  An hour later, Evan sat at his desk, failing miserably in his attempt to concentrate on some paperwork. He heard a small knock at the front door, followed by Boots announcing the guest with a happy bark. Getting up, he made his way over to answer the door. There stood Harper on the steps, now dressed in jeans and a white tank top, her hair dripping wet. She shifted uncomfortably, hooking her thumb into the belt loop of her jeans and biting her lip. Something about seeing her like this tugged at his heart. She wasn’t the picture of sophistication she had been at the wedding. She seemed vulnerable now in a way that made it impossible for him to stay angry.