Epilogue
Mr. Steele closed the rental car trunk, the suitcases already inside. Frances and Donald had left some time ago; and Abigail, Robert and Harley were standing beside the car, ready to say their goodbyes.
"Thank you, Robert, for inviting us. We spent a wonderful time," said Laura.
She hugged Abigail and then did the same with Robert. Mr. Steele shook the man's hand and fondly greeted Abigail as well. They walked to the car, and he opened the door for her. Right on cue, Harley trotted up and decided that getting inside of the vehicle was suddenly an appealing idea. He sat down on the back seat waiting for the ride to start. Everybody laughed. Well, everybody but Mr. Steele.
"I guess he finds leaving Robert's side for a car ride it's a suddenly interesting idea," said Mr. Steele. "I'm not sure it'd be. Dogs are not usually friendly to me. They tend to pick on my wardrobe violently," he said in a stern voice while giving a sideways glare to Laura, who was wholly amused with the dog's attitude.
"I'm not sure the car ride is what he is fond of. He slept beside you last night."
"He slept beside me last night? And I thought it was you the one snoring, Laura… "
"What?" She was certainly bemused.
"Come on boy, get out of the car," he unsuccessfully asked the dog from the driver's door.
Finally, noticing the animal was convinced to ignore Mr. Steele orders, Robert took pity on him and opening the other back door gave Harley the order, and he jumped back out of the car instantly. "He used to ride my bike with me. We haven't gone for a ride in a long time. Perhaps we'd work to spoil him a little tomorrow," he looked to Abigail, "Are you up for a bike ride with these two old guys?"
"Are you going to carry the dog for a bike ride?" asked Laura.
"Well, my Harley is in the garage, and even if I didn't use the sidecar for a while, I guess I can have it assembled in a moment." He looked to Laura's mother, "Will you come for a bike ride to town with us like old times, Abigail?"
"I'd love to, Robert," Abigail answered with a new spark lighting her eyes.
Who would have guessed it...That's where Laura's free spirit was coming from after all; though Mr. Steele. He climbed into the car, and smiled to Laura, "You know, Laura; I've just discovered where the remarkable bold Holt's charm comes from. I've had never imagined Abigail as a Harley girl."
"Believe me Mr. Steele, neither have I. Neither have I."