Gabe and Mac chuckled as they headed for the apartment stairs ahead of him.
RJ, never one to miss out on a chance for a jab, glanced at Dean, who had just put down a large box in the apartment living room. “Speaking of help, Dean, you think you could actually carry something for once?”
Dean shrugged. “Think you might need to get your eyes checked, RJ. But if you need muscle, I’ll let Gabe handle that.”
Cas smirked. The sheriff’s arms and chest were definitely jacked.
Loni and Lori, each carrying a dresser drawer into the apartment, were bantering as well. “You know, Harper,” Loni said with a smirk, “we could always just move you into the bakery. You’d be closer to the cinnamon rolls.”
Lori grinned. “And we wouldn’t have to haul all this furniture upstairs.”
Harper’s lips curved into a grin that actually lit her eyes as she followed with a drawer. “As tempting as that sounds, I think I’ll pass. But I’ll definitely take you up on those cinnamon rolls.”
Cas shook his head and smirked again. “Wow. With this crew, we might actually get you moved in before sunset. So, guys, try not to break anything.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” someone stated.
Probably RJ.
Ten minutes later, after the last box was unloaded, they all took a moment to catch their breath. Harper offered a quiet “thank you” as she looked around the now cluttered apartment, clearly overwhelmed by the task ahead of her.
“No problem.” Dale smiled. “If you need anything else, just holler. We’re just next door.”
Harper nodded but her eyes flicked to Cas, and for a moment, he thought he saw something in them—somethinglike gratitude mixed with uncertainty. He gave her a small, reassuring smile, trying to put her at ease.
“I appreciate the help,” she said softly. “This…it’s been a long time coming.”
Cas wanted to ask her what she meant, to find out what had happened to the bright, carefree girl he remembered, but he held back. It wasn’t his place to push. The last thing she needed was someone prying into her past. Whatever it was, it was clear she was still dealing with it, and he didn’t want to make things harder for her.
As the other guys started heading back outside, Cas lingered for a moment. “You sure you’re all set here?” he asked, his voice low.
Harper looked up at him, and for the first time that evening, he saw a flicker of the girl she used to be. The one who wasn’t afraid to let her guard down. “Yeah,” she said, her smile more genuine this time. “Unless you have a magic wand.”
A grin tugged at his lips as he pretended to pat himself down. “No. Sorry. I’m fresh out.”
“You don’t need one. You’ve got us,” Sadie said from the kitchen, where she and the twins were already unpacking boxes.
“True.” She smiled at the women then turned to face him. “Looks like I’m good.”
He nodded. “If you need anything, you know where to find us.”
“Thanks, Cas,” she replied, her voice a little stronger now.
As he turned to leave, he fought back an unwanted urge to help. Harper was clearly dealing with something heavy and didn’t want help. Especially from someone like him—cynical, battle-worn, and carrying his own share of demons.
With a nod, he left and made his way down to Sadie’s backyard where Dale was waiting for him, a knowing look in his eyes.
“She’s been through a lot.”
“I agree,” Cas replied.
“Thought you might stay up there,” his brother stated.
He raised a brow. “Me? Why would I do that?”
“To help her.”
He shook his head. “Sadie and the twins can handle things.”
