As summer slowly came to an end in Riverview, Gavin and Annelise decided to have a bar-b-que. Gavin's brother, Max had been living with them for the past few months, and so far, Gavin had loved having his brother around. Although neither Gavin or Annelise had any desire for him to stay with them long term, they were happy to have him around while he got on his feet with his new job.
Harper came over to bar-b-que with them, as the girls had become fast friends.
"Hey girl! Thanks for inviting me over tonight, it was a seriously long week at work."
"Tell me about it. Lets grab a beer and have a seat while Gavin mans the grill."
Just then, Max walked into the backyard. "Hey party people!" he said in his loud booming voice.
"Hey Max. How was work? Have you met my friend Harper?"
"I sure haven't, and what a shame that is. If I would've know there would be such a pretty girl here, I would've dressed up a little," he said with a wink to Harper.
Harper giggled, enjoying the attention. "I should've known, of course Gavin's brother would be just as handsome as he is."
Annelise stood back as the two of them flirted shamelessly. "Oh brother." she thought to herself. "Hopefully this doesn't get messy."
After filling up on hot dogs and beer, they gathered around the fire pit, laughing and roasting marshmallows. Clara soaked up the attention she was getting from everyone, she was absolutely enamored by Harper and loved how much her uncle Max lavished attention on her.
"So, Harper, where's your boyfriend tonight?"
Harper giggled again, and looked at Max with her eyes wide. "My boyfriend?! What makes you think I have one of those?" she asked.
"A girl as gorgeous and funny as you, there's no way you're single."
"Matter of fact, I am single" she said. Annelise watched her face and saw the hopefulness in her eyes. Harper was flirty and fun, but deep down, Annelise knew how much she longed to settle down.
As the sun went down and it started getting dark, Max and Harper continued to flirt and laugh, almost lost in their own little world. Gavin knew his brother's history with women, and had a feeling where this was going. He also hoped that Max had grown up a little bit. He didn't want to jeopardize Annelise's friendship with Harper if Max broke her heart.
"Well Clara, finish that last marshmallow. I think its about time we head inside. Its getting late."
Clara yawned, and didn't put up a fight for once. "Okay Dad. Uncle Max, will you tuck me in tonight?" she asked as she stood up to go inside.
"Rain check, princess. I am going to stay outside just a bit longer. Perks of being a grownup-no bedtime!" he said. Neither him or Harper made any effort to get up when Gavin, Annelise and Clara all went inside.
After they were alone, Harper tried figuring out what Max's story was. "So, you're living here? With Gavin and Annelise?"
"Yeah, just for awhile, until I find my own place. I just moved to town, I got a job offer here and have just been getting my feet back on the ground. I really just wanted to be closer to my family, and see Clara grow up."
"Aww, thats so sweet Max. I bet she loves having her uncle around."
"Yeah, and I guess I was hoping when I moved here, I'd meet someone I'd finally want to settle down with," he said sincerely.
Harper was shocked. None of the guys she'd ever gone out with who were young, in their twenties and as good looking as Max had ever mentioned settling down. She'd had her heart broken one too many times by guys just like him who were just wanting to have fun and avoided anything serious like the plague.
Max stood up suddenly, and grabbed Harper's hand to pull her up as well. Within seconds, his arm was around her waist and his mouth was on hers. "I've been wanting to do that all night." He whispered.
Harper didn't say anything, but just kissed him harder. His mouth eagerly explored hers as he bit her bottom lip softly. She moaned quietly which caused him to kiss her even harder.
"Lets go inside," he whispered.
Harper laughed. "No way!" she squealed. I know that all the bedrooms in this house are upstairs, and Annelise and Gavin would kill me if I went up to your room with Clara sleeping down the hall.
Gavin groaned as he scanned the backyard. His eyes went to Clara's tree house, and he cocked his head towards it. "Come with me." he said suggestively. Harper laughed again. She felt like a teenager, sneaking around to make out with her boyfriend. The excitement and playfulness of it was enough to convince her to follow him up the ladder.
Before she knew it, they were rolling around the floor of Clara's playhouse. Harper tried to keep it down as Max had her top off and placed kisses all over her neck. She hadn't planned on sleeping with him the first night they met, but she had absolutely no self control with a guy that looked like him and knew exactly what to say to make her believe this was more than just sex.
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That weekend, Harper talked Annelise into going out shopping for her wedding dress. She picked her up to take her downtown to the boutique.There wasn't a lot of shopping in Riverview, but Annelise demanded that she didn't need to go to another town just for a wedding dress.
"We will check the boutique here, but Annelise, this is your WEDDING DAY! We have to get you the best of the best. So, if we don't find the one, next weekend, we're going to Bridgeport to shop. End of story. " Harper said on the way to the boutique.
When they finally arrived, Harper did all the talking for Annelise. She told the sales associate they wanted something elegant, classy, feminine but nothing over the top. She had a full rack of dresses for Annelise to try on. As Annelise was trying on dress number seven, Harper told her about her night with Max.
"Harper! You did WHAT with my brother in law in my daughters tree house?"
Harper laughed. "Well, I thought it was better than going inside in your house to the room he has down the hall from you guys! Its not my fault that your brother in law is the hottest man alive."
"I can't believe you slept with him the first night you guys met Harper! What happened to waiting to make sure you found the right one?"
"I feel like he IS the right one though, Annelise. He told me he moved here to meet a woman and settle down. I think he actually wants to get married someday, unlike most guys in their twenties who just want to sleep with as many girls as humanly possible."
"I hope so Harper," Annelise said. "Can you zip me up?" She said as she pulled up her 9th dress. She had liked a lot of the dresses, but still hadn't experienced that feeling of one dress being HER dress.
Harper zipped up the back of Annelise's dress, and gasped. "Oh my gosh Annelise. This one is the one." She said as she placed the veil on top of Annelise's head. "Turn around and see for yourself."
Annelise turned around to look in the mirror. She didn't say anything, but her eyes filled with tears. "This is it. You were right. This is the one. Oh my gosh. I can't believe I am getting MARRIED!"
Annelise stared at herself in her dress, knowing this would be the dress she married Gavin in. She still couldn't believe she was getting married after all she had been through, after all her and Gavin had been through. She didn't know she was capable of loving someone as much as she loved Gavin, and was completely blown away by how much Clara felt like her own daughter.
Annelise paid for the dress, and left it at the boutique to have some small alterations made. The sales associate made an appointment for her to come back in a month for a final fitting. The girls spent the rest of their days running around doing wedding errands. Harper was just what Annelise needed, as she was determined to give Annelise the best day ever. Harper negotiated with the vendors and made sure every last detail was taken care of. Annelise was so glad she had met Harper at work, and even though all she could do was shake her head at her, she was so grateful to have a friend in Riverview.
When Annelise's boss invited the staff and their families over for an evening pool party, Clara was thrilled to get to go swimming. "I've always wanted my own pool Dad! This is going to be so great!" Clara said in the car ride over. Max had came along with them as well, and was somewhat surprised to see Harper at the party when they arrived.
"Oh yeah, I forgot she worked with you Annelise!"
"Have you guys talked since.....the bar-b-que?" Annelise asked.
"No, I mean, not really. We've exchanged a few texts, but thats all..." Max said. He hadn't made much of an effort to see Harper since their one night together. But, she was looking really hot in that tiny bikini, so he figured he'd make up for not calling her tonight.
Clara was in the pool almost the second that they arrived. She spent hours jumping in and out of the pool, diving headfirst, and splashing her parents. Meanwhile, Max was attempting to get Harper to forgive him for neglecting to call her for the past month.
"Hey gorgeous. I've missed you." He said as he walked up to her.
Her eyes narrowed. "I have hardly heard from you for the past month..."
"I know baby. I've been so swamped with work, I've been working late and house hunting and spending time with the family. You know how it is. I am sorry I haven't called. Do you forgive me?"
Harper smiled. "Of course. I've been busy too. But I am glad to see you tonight."
In minutes, Harper found herself in Max's arms, completely forgetting how upset she had been over not hearing from him. As much as she was frustrated by him not calling her, it didn't take much convincing from him to forgive him. She couldn't resist his charming smile and the way his arms felt around her. She felt special and beautiful and wanted when he looked at her how he was, and even though deep down she felt like maybe he was just saying what she wanted to hear in order to get something in return, she couldn't help herself.
Max wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close. "You smell so good," he murmured in between kisses. "I want you so bad. Can we go yet?" he said.
Harper looked at him with a gleam in her eye. "I have a better idea. Meet me upstairs in five. Try to be cool."
Max knew exactly what Harper had in mind. He sat back down on the chair next to the pool, looked at his phone, and tried to play it cool as Harper headed inside. Once five minutes had passed, he nonchalantly headed to the restroom inside, and then snuck up the stairs.
"Pssst...In here." Harper whispered from a bedroom at the top of the stairs.
Max walked in. "Who's room is this? Surely not your bosses?"
Harper giggled. "A guest room..I think. I hope!"
But neither of them actually cared as they tore each others clothes off. "Hurry!" Harper said. "I do NOT want to get caught messing around in my boss's room!"
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After the party, surprisingly, Harper didn't hear from Max often. He called her occasionally late at night, just often enough that she agreed to let him come over for some late night action. She knew deep down that Max was only using her, but she was lonely enough to welcome his company even in the middle of the nights.
The countdown to the wedding was on. It was only about eight weeks away, and Annelise had asked Harper to be her Maid of Honor, and Gavin had asked Max to be his Best Man. Annelise was slightly worried about that, but Harper assured her that it wasn't a problem. She was looking forward to getting to spend an entire evening with Max, and figured they would be automatic dates to the wedding.
After cooking dinner one evening, Gavin pulled Annelise close to him. "Dinner smells good baby. I can't wait to marry you. Just a few more weeks!" he said before he kissed her.
Annelise kissed him back, still as in love with him as she was when they first met. Just then, Max walked in. "Sorry to interrupt, love birds. Should I come back later?" he laughed.
Annelise scooted out of Gavin's arms. "Lets eat. Dinner is ready! Clara is at June Hudson's house tonight for dinner, so its just the grown-ups tonight."
The three of them talked about work, the wedding, and Annelise even was brave enough to ask Max about his love life. "Max, what is the story between you and Harper? Every time we're all together you two are all over each other, but Harper says she rarely hears from you."
"Its nothing. Harper and I are just friends who happen to end up in each others beds sometimes. Harper is hot, but she's not my girlfriend. She never will be. Besides. I actually met someone who I really like. This one could be the one."
"Max, I say this not because Harper is my friend, but you need to be honest with her. If she knew you were seeing someone else, she would not be jumping in bed with you and letting you play two women."
"I know I know. I need to talk to her. I just didn't want to make things awkward before your wedding. Since we're both in the wedding and all..." Max trailed off.
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The next week at work, Harper and Annelise were sitting outside in the courtyard drinking their coffee at lunch. Harper seemed quiet, so Annelise asked what was bothering her.
"I'm late." Harper said matter of factly.
"What do you mean, late? Late for work? We still have twenty minutes before lunch break is over." Annelise said, confused.
"No Annelise...my period. Its over a week late."
"Oh my God Harper. No way. Have you taken a test?"
Harper's eyes filled with tears. "Not yet. I am nervous, I almost don't want to have to face the reality if I am...pregnant."
"What about Max? Have you talked to him yet? Does he know?" Annelise asked, filled with concern for her friend especially knowing what a jerk Max was being.
"Max rarely returns my calls, sometimes my text messages. I need to tell him, but the only time he wants to hang out is after he's been drinking on a Saturday night."
"Harper, just stop by the house this weekend after work. You can help me do some wedding stuff, and Max always comes home between 6:00-6:30 after work, even if he has plans he comes home to shower and change. Then you can talk to him in person. He may be acting like a wild young guy who doesn't want to settle down, but he won't leave you to raise a baby alone. If you are pregnant, i mean. He's a good guy deep down."
Harper brushed the tears from her cheeks. "I hope so. I don't know what I am going to do Annelise. I am only 22, barely making ends meet for myself with this crappy job. How will I pay for daycare and diapers and doctor bills?"
Annelise stood up and walked to the other side of the table. She hugged Harper. "Ssh. Lets take this one day at a time. Maybe you're not even pregnant. First things first, you need to take a test."
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Three days later, Harper was at Annelise's house when Max got home from work. He acted happy to see her and even kissed her on the cheek, but Harper knew she had caught him by surprise. Annelise quickly went upstairs claiming she had to put a load of laundry away so Harper and Max were left alone.
"Max, I need to talk to you. I don't know how to say this so I am not going to beat around the bush. I am pregnant."
"You are WHAT?" Max hissed. "You've got to be fucking kidding me."
"This isn't a joke, I am sorry, I was surprised as you are. Its not exactly how I planned to have a child someday. I had pictured at least being married first and this being welcome and happy news."
"Harper, I am not going to marry you, even IF this baby is mine. How do I even know it is?"
"I didn't ASK you to marry me Max. But this baby is yours. You are the only person I've been with!"
Max turned away from Harper and refused to look at her. "Max, we have to talk about this . What are we going to do? You can't just shut down and be in denial. This is your son or daughter. You can't ignore them for weeks at a time like you do me."
Max didn't say anything. After five minutes, he got up and walked up the stairs. Harper flinched when she heard his door slam.
Max threw himself on his bed, pissed off at the world. He couldn't believe this was happening. He thought Harper was smart enough to be on the pill. He wasn't ready to be a dad.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Harper stepped in the room. "Max? We should talk."
"There's nothing to talk about," he said as Harper sat on the bed. "You're having a baby, and our lives as we know it are over. Unless...do you want me to pay for you to..take care of it?" He asked.
"Take care of it?! Are you serious? I am not getting rid of my baby. With our without you, I am having this baby."
"Fine. You should leave Harper. I am done talking about this tonight."
Harper willed herself not to cry as she bit her lip. She had no idea he would react like this, and was more scared than ever about the fact she was going to be raising a baby all alone. She got up and left the house without even bothering to say goodbye to Annelise.
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Authors Note: Thanks for reading! I know Harper and Max is kind of a side story, but I wanted to intertwine their stories with Gavin's and Annelise's. Another baby in the picture, but when is it going to be Annelise's turn?! Hopefully the drama between Max and Harper doesn't mess up Annelise and Gavin's wedding day! PS: I had no idea Harper and Annelise had the same swimsuit on until after I took pictures. Sometimes I realize where my clothes are deficient in the midst of taking pictures. Then I have to go on downloading sprees for swimsuits, children's clothes, etc. etc.
Thanks for reading. Chapter 1.10 probably won't be too far behind as I have all the pictures done, now I just need to write!
