Chapter 147

Mason's POV

“You know that’s not how it’s supposed to be, right?” I say, voice low.

She gives a small, brittle laugh. “I didn’t. Not for a long time.”

I nod slowly, then reach across the counter and brush my fingers over her wrist. “Well, now you do. And you won’t have to hide it here. I want you to have that space, Harper. I want you to have anything that helps you come back to yourself.”

She nods, her lips pressed tight. I can tell she’s fighting to keep something in, grief, or gratitude, or just the unfamiliar weight of being treated like she matters.

When we finish eating, I take both our plates to the sink, then turn back to her.

“Come on,” I say, nodding toward the hall. “Let’s get your stuff.”

She follows me quiet