Although, now that I think about it, I’m a little terrified what kind of conversation this piece is going to evoke with having Kane there. I’m used to Harriet’s outspoken nature, but Kane ...
“I really do need to warn you—”
“Temperance? Is that you, darling?” Harriet calls from the courtyard, her voice carrying through the brick pathway leading into it.
And ... my chance for warnings is over.
“Yes. I brought a friend with me.”
I add that last bit because one of the few times I brought my brother here, Harriet was skinny-dipping in the small splash pool and had to quickly grab a robe after Rafe and I both saw things we’ll never be able to forget. And then we had the body painting she was doing more recently ... and before both of those times, there was a gentleman friend I once sawwaytoo much of.
“Don’t worry. I’m decent. Mostly.”
With the gate clanging behind us, we walk into the courtyard. Harriet is wearing a lemon-yellow silk caftan, and it’s clear she’s gotten out of the pool recently.
“How was your swim?” I ask.
“Lovely, but not nearly as lovely as this man with you. A gift for me? He’s quite delicious,” Harriet says.
I choke on the spit in my mouth, sputtering, but Kane is way ahead of me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am, and while Temperance does have a gift for you, I’m not it. She’s the only woman for me.”
Harriet presses a hand to her chest like she might swoon, and I grip my purse tighter because I might too.
“Oh, I like you. Come closer.”
Kane steps toward her, and Harriet shows no shame as she inspects him from head to toe.
“Yes, I approve.” She looks to me. “Temperance, where did you find this fine man? Did you put him on your bucket list? If so, I need to go get a piece of paper and put in an order with the universe, because I’ve not yet had the pleasure of so much muscle and ink andrawr.”
I’m slightly mortified by Harriet’s claw-like motion and lioness roar, but Kane’s laughter booms in the courtyard.
“Thank you, ma’am. I’m sure the universe will be happy to grant your wish.”
“Now, where’s this present you mentioned?” Harriet asks, her gaze landing on the sculpture in Kane’s hands. “Is that it? Did you finally make me one? I’m not above begging shamelessly because I’ve been dying to beg, but didn’t want to pressure you. I should’ve pressured you. If that’s not mine, I will beg.” Harriet’s tone gets more insistent with each word, and I want to kick myself for not making something for her sooner.
I take it from Kane and hold it out to her. “Of course it’s yours. Long overdue, I know.”
She takes it from my hands and holds it like it’s a priceless piece of art, and I hope someday it will be.
“It’s beautiful.” Her tone is hushed as she turns it, inspecting all the small, intricate pieces I welded together to form the bodies. “Absolutely breathtaking. I’ll treasure it, as soon as I get done rubbing it in the face of all my friends that I have a Temperance Ransom original.”
A Temperance Ransom original.That doesn’t sound too bad. Actually, it sounds freaking incredible, and that’sbeforeHarriet keeps talking.
“One of my friends snapped up one of the pieces you sold through Noble Art, and she’s been rubbing it in all of ourfaces. I wanted to tell you, but you weren’t ready to hear it. Now you are.” She pins me with a wise stare. “Go make some more, because you’re going to make a damned fortune, girl.”
“I will,” I say, blinking back the stray tears burning behind my eyes.
“How did your boss take it when you told her you were quitting?” Harriet’s tone is conversational as she sets the sculpture on the table next to her glass of wine. Her question assumes I’ve done the thing I haven’t quite worked up to doing.
“Uh, I haven’t actually quit yet.”
Beside me, Kane squeezes my hand.
“What are you waiting for?”
“Guts?”