She finished with the dishwasher, then stood in the center of the room, not sure what to do with herself. Another inventor was sending her an invention to review, but it wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow. Belle’s dress for the wedding was finished, and she’d transplanted all the Christmas cactus. She still had to tie ribbons on them, but wasn’t ready to start that project. She supposed she could work on the slideshow that would be playing during the reception, but wasn’t sure she could sit still for that long. She felt restless and unsettled, and she knew the reason: Harrison.

She’d been unable to stop thinking about what had happened to him and how he’d reacted. She had questions, of course, but wasn’t sure she should ask them. Even more troubling, she hadn’t heard from Toby since the incident. She’d texted a few hours later to ask if Harrison was feeling better. Toby’s brief He’s fine hadn’t seemed very friendly. She didn’t think he was blaming her for what had happened, so she wasn’t sure why he’d been so terse.

The doorbell rang, causing both dogs to come to their feet. Burt went running toward the front of the house, barking all the way. Belle stretched before following. Reggie crossed her fingers, hoping that Toby had decided to stop by to explain things, but when she opened the front door, there was a different man on the porch.

“Jake!” She stared at him. “You’re a surprise.”

“A good one or a bad one?”

“A good one.”

She waved him inside, then stepped aside so Burt and Belle could greet him. Her Great Dane had always liked Jake—not with any kind of Harrison enthusiasm—and she wanted her head scratched before she was willing to get out of the way.

“I hope this is an okay time,” he said, looking at her. “I thought we could catch up.”

Weird, but sure, she thought, taking his coat. “I just finished up a report for work, so I’m available.” She led him into the family room. “Can I get you coffee or something?”

“No, thanks.”

They sat on opposite ends of the sectional, facing each other. Having him here was unexpected, but not as uncomfortable as she would have thought. Jake looked good. Lean and fit, with curly dark hair and hazel eyes that changed color depending on what shirt he had on. Today they were green, reflecting the sweater he wore.

“How’s your mom doing?” she asked.

One shoulder rose and lowered. “She has good days and bad days. This is her first Christmas without him, so it’s going to be hard on her.”

“And on you,” Reggie added. “You and your dad were always tight.”

“Mostly.” His mouth straightened. “I can’t believe he’s not here anymore. It was so sudden.”