“And when we left Colorado last month, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever make another friend again.”“But then I came into your life. Sounds like fate to me.”

“Sorry,” I say to my father. “Hope we didn’t wake you. After last night, I wanted to check on Harlin’s arm.”He tilts his head like he is absolutely sure I’m lying. “And how is his arm, Elise?” he asks.“Uh . . . better?”My father stands motionless for a second, and then he shakes his head and walks into the kitchen. I hear the clink of cups, and then the running of water for the coffeepot.“That was a nice save,” Harlin says, sounding amused. “So detailed. Like a nurse.”“Shut up, Harlin,” I say, trying not to smile. “I didn’t hear you offer anything better.”“You sure you didn’t want to tell him we were playing doctor? That might have sounded more believable.”I turn quickly and swat at him. He laughs, dodging my swing, and catches my hand. “I would tackle you right here,” he says, leaning close. “Pin you and kiss you. But with the luck we have in your house, someone will walk in. And then what will you tell them?” he whispers. “That you were giving me CPR?”“Stop!” I slap his shoulder again.”

“In another life we are happy,” I murmur, squeezing my eyes shut. “In another life we grow old together.”

“That was a nice save,” Harlin says, sounding amused. “So detailed. Like a nurse.”“Shut up, Harlin,” I say, trying not to smile. “I didn’t hear you offer anything better.”“You sure you didn’t want to tell him we were playing doctor? That might have sounded more believable.”

“I’ll expect you and your . . . guy friend in the front row. Paying very close attention.”“Wow,” I say. “What will you ever do if I get a boyfriend?”

“Are you sure this is okay?” he asks. “I mean, did your dad really invite the handsome stranger who’s dating his daughter to sleep on the couch?”“I like how you added in the ‘handsome.”

“I’ll go to church if you cut my hair tomorrow. But then you have to let me paint your portrait sometime.”“You paint?” I’m honestly surprised.“I haven’t in a long time,” he says. “But I find you inspiring.”“I’d be interested to see your work,” I say. “Wait, you don’t mean nude or anything, right?”He laughs. “No. You’ll be fully clothed.”