Chapter 25

Harper stood on the edge of the parking lot beside Flathead Lake, holding a photo in her hands. It was one of the last images she had of her dad. She and her father were standing where she was now, enjoying the sunshine after spending time at Sapphire Bay's popular Saturday market. With ice cream cones in their hands and wide smiles on their faces, there was no hint of the turmoil that was about to turn everyone's life upside down.

Owen placed a comforting hand on her waist. "How are you feeling?"

Harper swallowed the knot in her throat. "Sick to my stomach. What if he doesn't arrive? He might have changed his mind."

Owen squeezed her waist. "He was happy we found him. I'll be surprised if he doesn't come."

She hoped Owen was right. They'd met the men in charge of the community project mentioned in the article Owen found. After some gentle prodding, they'd recognized her dad. He'd helped them insulate cold, damp houses, and chop firewood for an annual fundraiser.

To them, he was a good man wanting to make a difference in other people's lives. After he left Sapphire Bay, Eric moved to Finley Point and stayed there for five years. He'd worked as a store clerk for an agricultural supply company and lived a humble life.

That was so different from her mom's description of him that Harper was confused.

They'd done more research and called in a few favors from Owen's friends in the police force. A few days later, they'd found Harper's dad. After he left Finley Point, he'd moved to Omaha, Nebraska. For the last eight years, he'd been an outdoor educator for teenagers who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

The soft crunch of gravel announced the arrival of a vehicle in the parking lot. Harper's breath caught as a car rolled to a stop and a man stepped out. Even from where she stood, she recognized her dad. He had the same dark hair, now streaked with gray, and blue eyes that seemed to sparkle even in the fading light.

Eric walked toward them, his steps hesitant.

As he neared, Harper could see the deep lines of regret etched on his face. Without a word, he opened his arms and, driven by years of longing and confusion, she stepped into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her tightly, and she felt the tremble in his hold.

"I'm so sorry, Harper," Eric whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I should have been there for you. I never stopped thinking about you."

Harper pulled back, too overcome to say anything.

Owen touched her arm, then held out his hand to Eric. "I'm Owen, Mr. Wilson. It's good to meet you."

Eric shook Owen's hand. "Thank you for helping Harper find me. I've wanted to see her for a long time, but I didn't know where she went after she left Polson."

Harper's eyes widened. "You knew Mom and I moved to Polson?"

Eric nodded. "I watched you, Harper. Every soccer game, every track meet. I was there on the sidelines, wishing everything could have been different."

Hot tears stung Harper"s eyes. For years, she'd wanted her dad to be part of her life. If she'd known he was there, that he still loved her, it would've made everything so much easier.

"I felt so alone when you and Mom divorced," she murmured.

"I know, and I'm sorry," Eric replied, his own eyes glistening with tears. "I thought staying away was protecting you from my failures, but I was wrong. I should have stayed and made things right with you and your mom."

Harper took a deep breath, letting the honesty of his words sink in. "I needed you," she said softly.

"I know, sweetheart. And I failed you. But I"m here now, if you"ll have me. I want to be part of your life, in whatever way I can."

Owen gently squeezed her shoulder, reminding her of the support that surrounded her now.

She looked from one man to the other, her father's past absence clashing with Owen's constant presence. They were so different that it was hard to imagine her dad ever being there for her mom or loving her the way everyone deserved to be loved.

But she wanted to get to know the man who looked so much like her. They couldn't go back and replace the years when he wasn't there, but maybe they could learn about each other as adults, and create a different kind of relationship.

Slowly, she nodded. "I'd like you to be part of my life, too. We can take it one day at a time."

As tears trickled down his face, Eric said, "Thank you, Harper. That's all I can ask for."

The three of them stood by the lake, the sunset painting the sky with strokes of pink and orange, symbolizing an ending, but also a new beginning. With Owen by her side, and her father now back in her life, Harper felt a cautious hope for the future.