A Walk Along the Beach(44)

    “It has,” Harper agreed. “We’ve been talking about it for a couple of months now.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Willa asked, frowning. “I would have understood.”

Once more Harper looked uncomfortable, kicking at an imaginary spot on the floor. “I needed to wait.”

“But why?”

She exhaled. “I wanted to be sure the blood tests were okay. It didn’t seem like a good idea to make plans to move out if there was a possibility the leukemia was back.”

“Right. That makes sense.”

Willa glanced my way as if to say she should have figured that out earlier.

“So you’re looking at apartments with Leesa,” Willa said brightly. I could see she was doing her best to be encouraging and supportive.

Harper’s eyes instantly lit up and she nodded. “We are. I’ve been saving up for the deposit, and Leesa has, too.”

“What’s your timing?”

Harper was quick to answer. “September first if we can find the right place, one that’s convenient for us both and at a price we can afford. The fifteenth at the latest. That won’t be a problem, will it?” She studied Willa, seeking her approval. “I mean, if you don’t feel that you can make the rent on your own—”

“It won’t be a problem,” Willa rushed to reassure her sister.

I had to wonder if she was as okay with this as she said she was. Willa had been her little sister’s advocate from the time Harper had been born. Freeing Harper to move out was a huge step emotionally for her. I could only imagine how bereft this decision made her feel.

“Will you get a new roommate?” Harper asked, as if she worried what would become of Willa without her. Her gaze flickered to mine. I nodded, hoping she understood I wasn’t going anywhere. When it came to Willa, I intended to be around for as long as she’d have me.

    “A new roommate,” Willa echoed, as if only now considering the option. “Possibly. I haven’t thought that far ahead.”

“I need to find a place that will allow pets,” Harper said absently, and for the first time, she noticed the cake pans that lined the counter. “You baked cakes?” she asked with some surprise.

“For the wedding. Four different flavors.”

“I did a taste test,” I volunteered. “The coconut is my favorite, with the lemon cake running a close second.”

Harper grinned. “You were serious about baking Lucas and Chantelle’s wedding cake, then?”

“Of course.”

Harper hugged Willa and started toward the door. “Wish me luck today.”

“Luck?” I asked. Clearly she was up to something, to be awake this early on a Saturday morning.

“I’m doing a practice climb up Mount Rainier with the whole group,” Harper explained. “It’s a big deal. We’re scheduled to make the full climb next weekend. This will be my first time to meet the guide.”

“Harper has been conditioning all summer,” Willa explained. “She intends to impress the guide with how fit she is.”

“So you’re ready?” I asked.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Seeing that she taught yoga and fitness classes, this news came as no surprise.

“This is more than a practice climb,” Harper explained, gripping her hands together. “It’s a strength and endurance test, too. Anyone who can’t make it to Camp Muir will need to withdraw from the group.”

    “That’ll be like a cakewalk for you.”

“Should be,” Harper agreed, looking eager to be on her way. “Gotta scoot. We’re okay, right?” she turned back to ask Willa.

“Of course. Have fun today.”

“Will do.” Harper looked happy and far more relaxed than she had when she’d first arrived.

“We can talk more tonight.” Willa blew her a kiss.

Harper waved on her way out the door.

As the two had been talking, Willa had rolled out the dough for the cinnamon rolls and placed them on a large sheet to rise again. They looked amazing. I had to wonder if any of this got old. She worked with practiced hands, almost without thinking. Yet I could see the love that went into her baking. It was the secret ingredient that kept drawing customers back. Me being one of them.

I’d put off discussing my news long enough and decided it was best to tell her now. “I have something in the works myself,” I said, slipping back onto the stool. Watching her turn a second batch of dough onto the counter, I waited until she glanced up before I explained.

“Did I mention the opportunity I have to shoot marine life on a few of the islands in the Philippines?”

Willa’s hands stilled. “Maybe.”

“I’ve been waiting for months to hear if the shoot was a go and I would be chosen as the photographer.”

“And?”

“And word came late last night. It’s happening and I’m in.”

This was big. I’d won the bid over a dozen other photographers, many of whom had far more experience than I did. This was a career coup and I was doing my best to tone down my excitement. Blood rushed through my heart at the thought of what this assignment would mean for my career.