Page 67 of Hearts Don't Lie
He should have known. He’d figured out the significance of Stowe’s name—their time in Stowe, Vermont, during high school, when they had first expressed their love for one another. Like Stowe’s name, Eliot was of special meaning. T. S. Eliot was one of her favorite poets, one of the numerous poets whose works they had read to one another and discussed at length on dates. Many of his fans and teammates would probably be amused to know what a nerd Hardin actually was under the cloak of his exceptional prowess and skill.
Doc, Cori, and Mike knew about Mac’s life since she arrived in Piñon Ridge. Hardin still had some catching up to do.
Cori was the first to speak after Mac and Hardin finished their story. “Wow. Should we continue calling you Kenna?”
“Yes please.”
“But Hardin calls you Mac.”
“Consider it one of my terms of endearment, Cori.” Hardin gently rubbed Mac’s shoulder.
A furrow was evident between Mike’s brows. “Hardin, you shared your intentions when we went fishing. Kenna, what do you want?”
“I want what Hardin wants. To be together. To raise Stowe and any other children we are blessed with as a family.” Her gaze and soft smile touched each of them. “We’ve got some things to work through, Hardin more than me. He’s working on that now.”
“How can we support you?” Issa asked, her hazel eyes looking from Mac to Hardin.
“Please keep what we’ve told you in confidence. We haven’t had the opportunity to talk with Stowe. Be patient with us. With Hardin. Especially with Stowe,” Mac said, her eyes roving over the people she loved as family.
Hardin made some additional requests. “Give us grace and space. Understand that we may mess up. That the situation may get stressful at times. We don’t know how this is going to go, other than we want to be together as a family. Just know we appreciate your support.”
Cori’s eyes grew huge and full of tears. She wailed. “Oh God. Kenna are you moving?”
“No,” Mac said, pulling her into a hug.
“I’m moving,” Hardin said in a quiet voice that commanded their attention and had them looking at him. “Here.”
“Wow.” Cori stared at him. “When?”
“Immediately.”
Her expression changed to disbelief. “You’re quitting?”
“Retiring.”
Issa and Doc were quiet, considering.
“I know you have to get to work, Cori. Mike.” Hardin stood and then held Mac’s chair as she rose.
“I’ll be in later, Cori.”
“It’s your day off.”
“Yeah, but we’re swamped. I need to be there. I’ll come in for a few hours until things ease up.”
“I’m available to help as well.” Hardin slid his arm around Mac’s shoulders and grinned from her to Cori. “Kind of a win-win.”
Mac elbowed him in the ribs playfully.
“Thanks, Hardin. I appreciate it.Weappreciate it.”
Doc, Issa, Mike and Cori got to their feet to leave as well.
“Kenna?”
Mac glanced at Issa. “Yes?”
“With all that’s transpired, it seems a good idea to let you know Carol’s arriving this afternoon. Of course, it’s up to you if you want to keep her arrival a surprise for Stowe.”
Mac clapped her hands together and chortled happily. “I think I will. He’s going to be so excited! I can’t wait to see her! For how long?” She shook her head. “I mean, for how long is she staying?”
“A month. I’m hoping we can talk her into longer. We won’t say anything to the children. Doc’s going to go retrieve her from Denver after lunch. We thought we’d have a family dinner at our place tomorrow night.”
Mac’s face was lit up. “I’ll bring some of my brownies. And some ice cream. Or maybe the kids could make some?”
“If it’s not too much trouble, dear. Making ice cream would keep the kids busy, and it’s so good when it’s fresh.” Issa gazed warmly at Hardin. “We’d love for you to join us.”
“I’m looking forward to it! Thanks.”
