Now that we have settled into the dinner, the conversation is flowing nicely, and I can relax a little. Topics have ranged from, of course, the wedding, to work, to travels, and then Felisha offered my parents to stay at her villa in St. Tropez if they ever want a few nights away. Which of course my mum nearly jumped out of the chair to hug her she was that excited. Flynn and I have sent them on a few holidays that we paid for, but my dad is not a huge traveler, plus he is still working. We wanted him to retire early, but he wouldn’t have it. He has passed retirement age, but I think he likes his job, and the truth be known, he is probably worried about being with mum twenty-four seven.

Harper and I make our way to the kitchen to prepare dessert where she looks down at her pie.

“It looks shit.” Her confidence from earlier today has diminished.

“Stop being so hard on yourself. It looks great, and I can’t wait to taste it.” I put my hand on hers on the counter. She doesn’t pull away, and I think she appreciates the reassurance.

“Where is the mousse?” she asks as I stand beside her, slicing up the lemon meringue pie.

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? That’s not for dinner. That’s my dessert for later tonight. The one I intend to eat off your body,” I reply in a low voice only she will hear.

The hitch in her breath is enough for me to know that I have taken her mind off her pumpkin pie. Not giving her time to worry any more about it, I pick up both pies and carry them to the table.

“Harper made a special pumpkin pie that is her mother’s recipe. A true American specialty. Who would like a piece to try?” I pick up the pie server, and before Harper can say a word, Felisha jumps in.

“Oh my God, I love your mum’s pumpkin pie. I used to love going to your house every year for Thanksgiving. They had all these foods we don’t really do in England, plus Lori is an amazing cook too. You are in for a real treat.” She holds up her plate for me to put a piece on it for her.

I can see Harper sitting nervously, waiting as my mum takes her first bite.

“Harper, sweetheart, this is divine. I can’t believe I have waited this long in my life to taste this sort of pie. You must give me the recipe, or is it a family secret? All the good recipes usually are.” My mum gives a chef’s kiss gesture to Harper, and I can see her light up on the inside.