Besides, she didn’t want to hear Axel’s complaints if she were to delay. He and his mother seemed to be tag-teaming her, calling constantly to double-check that she was heading to Denver as soon as possible.

But in the end, Harper decided not to make Piper and Everly miss the party. One more day over Christmas break was no big deal. She got the Range Rover packed up so that they wouldn’t have a lot to do when they left in the morning and spent her final day with Karoline and Terrance and the twins.

After the girls were asleep, Terrance suggested that she and Karoline drive over to the Blue Suede Shoe for a final send-off—just the two of them since it would be a while before they’d see each other again—and Harper agreed to go. She said that she’d only go in if she didn’t see Tobias’s truck in the parking lot, but she was secretly hoping he’d be there. The way things had gone that day at his house still felt terrible. She wanted the chance to say goodbye and hopefully feel a bit better about the whole thing.

When they arrived, they couldn’t find any evidence that Tobias was there. Harper was slightly disappointed, but she figured a drink would still be nice.

It was so crowded that Karoline had to park in the back alley. “Have you decided what you’re going to do for work when you get to Colorado?” she asked as they walked in.

“I’m thinking I’ll give piano lessons.”

“Something you can do from home. That’s a good idea.”

“Yeah. I can start slow and build up as I feel stronger. I’ll look around, too, of course, to see if there’s anything better. Before I start all of that, though, I’m going to get a puppy.”

“Puppies are a lot of work, Harper. Are you sure you want to take that on right now?”

“Yes. Axel is allergic to pet hair, so it wasn’t an option for us before. But we could all use something cuddly and warm and lovable after what we’ve been through.”

Karoline shot her a smile. “That means you’re really done with Axel—if you’re getting a pet and he’s allergic.”

“I’m really done with him,” she acknowledged.

When they walked in, Harper couldn’t help looking over into the corner, where Tobias had been playing darts when she’d been at the bar last. There were several small groups there and around the pool tables, but Tobias wasn’t among them.

Harper hated how sad she felt. She had to let him go. But she couldn’t stop herself from wanting him.

“Harper?” Karoline said.

Harper blinked and focused. Her sister had ordered; it was her turn. “I’ll have a Sam Adams.”