CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

WILLOW

Yawning, I stretch and feel the delightful ache between my thighs, reminding me of the night we shared. Dancing, fighting, loving and more loving. Rolling over, I’m disappointed to find that he’s gone. My hand rubs the spot where his body slept next to mine, finding it still warm. He can’t have been gone long.

Snuggling over on his pillow, I pull the sheet around me, breathing in his scent. When I open my eyes, I see a note.

Willow,

Waking up with you in my arms was the most wonderful feeling, one that I’ll never tire of. Please forgive me for slipping out. I wanted to make sure I was up and dressed before Drew came to the main house. I don’t want to add any confusion to the situation, but you should probably know that I plan to move in as soon as possible. I’ve spent too many nights away, and I don’t intend to stay away many more.

I don’t want you to feel rushed or pressured. We don’t even have to share a room, or a bed. I just want to be under the same roof with you both but think it’s best we establish some ground rules and then have a chat with Drew.

Leaving you sleeping was beyond difficult, but I had a growing boy waiting, and I promised him pancakes. So sleep in, my gorgeous girl.

Last night was one of the best nights of my life. See you soon!

Love,

Piers

Falling back on the pillow, I hold the note to my chest. My heart is full. It feels like things are moving fast, but we have five years of catching up to do. We have a long way to go, but we’ve already come so far.

I love him. He loves me. We both love Drew. That’s really all there is to know.

Climbing from bed, I set off in search of coffee. But first I put the note on my vanity with the one from Wendy.

Walking into the kitchen, I see Anna sitting at the table, dusting at invisible crumbs while trying to contain a silky grin.

“Morning Anna,” I say, warming up my vocal chords, the scent of coffee instantly waking me up.

“Morning, Willow. Slept well I take it?” She giggles. No shame this woman.

“Anna, you little gossip,” I tease her as I sit down directly across from her. She passes me the cream and sugar.

“Don’t you know a lady never kisses and tells?” I joke, feeling lighter than I have in months.

“Aye, so there was kissing then?” She laughs, rising to grab me a breakfast muffin. She got me there.

“Well...” I tease. “Oh, Anna, last night was magical.” Over coffee I fill her in on the gala and Scarlett. Obviously, I omit certain details.

She tells me the boys have gone to the city for supplies, but she doesn’t say anymore. After washing out my cup, Drew comes racing into the kitchen. “Mum, come quick!”

“What is it Drew? Everything okay, lad?” I rush to check him out.

“Yeah, it’s a surprise! Hurry.” He runs out the back door. I follow, pausing to grab my wellies and hurry after him.

I follow him across the lawn to one of the old flower sheds. It’s made mostly of glass, which looks unusually clean. Stepping inside, I’m shocked. A makeshift plywood floor replaces the dirty concrete, there is a drafting table set up in the corner under a skylight.

Walking closer, I see new brushes, mixed with my old ones that I packed. I run my fingers over the delicate bristles. My paints are all set up.

“You guys did all this? For me?” My heart beats steady in my chest, and I’m overcome with emotion.

“Yep!” Drew jumps up and down, so I lift him into my arms and smother him with kisses.

“Thank you, it’s wonderful!” He wiggles down to chase Pete, who bolts through the open door.

I look at Piers in worn jeans and a grey T-shirt, sweat on his brow. And for a moment, I’m transported back to last night, the way sweat dropped from his brow as he leaned over me.

“Drew helped a lot, explained to me what we needed. Mr. Roderick and Anna too.” He gestures and I see the wires crisscrossing one wall with clothes pens, dangling from them, to hang wet paintings on. And the window sills lined with potted plants and flowers.

“It’s perfect,” I say as he walks toward me. The glint in his eye tells me he’s remembering too.

“You’re perfect,” he whispers, reaching out and putting his hands on my hips. I look down at my polka dot gown, worn cardigan and mismatched socks sticking up out of my red wellies, then back up to Piers, who is looking at me with as much desire as he did last night.

“Now you don’t have to worry about having a work space. I know the study is where Wendy liked working, but it seems it’s turned into more of a family room. I was thinking I could use the desk in the upstairs office when I need to work from home.”

I smile at his use of the word home to describe Everlend. He leans in and lightly kisses me, his tongue teasing the seam of my lips before drawing back.

“This way you have a separate work space. It has good lighting. And I figured you would like being close to the garden for inspiration. Plus, you can watch Drew playing while you’re working.”

“You’ve thought of everything.” I look around; it’s like a dream come true. “How did you do all this in a morning?”

“Well...” He smiles sheepishly and rubs his hand down the back of his neck while he looks around. “I started it a couple weeks ago after that night in the library.”

“What?” I couldn’t be mad even if I wanted to. “How did you know I would stay?”

“It was never a question. I wasn’t gonna let you go.” He distracts me by kissing me again.

“Is that right?” I laugh against his lips and he nods.

“Well, looks like we’re on the same page, because I was never going anywhere,” I tell him.

“What about the cottage house in the states?” he asks thoughtfully, pushing my wild mane back out of my eyes.

“I’ll always keep it; it’s a tie to my mother and her family. But I would like to go back and bring out things. Some can remain, except photographs and things.” I cover his hand with my own.

“Sure, whatever you want. All you have to do is say the word, and it’s done.” He presses his forehead to mine, and his hands find my hips once more. “You know, we didn’t use a condom last night, any of the times.”

“You sound so pleased with yourself,” I whisper against his lips.

“It wasn’t intentional, but if I’m being honest, I don’t regret it. But I want you to know that you don’t have anything to worry about.” His eyes gaze thoughtfully into mine, and his voice grows serious. “Willow, I want you to know that, I’ve never been with anyone without protection. I’m not proud of my history, but I would never put you at risk. There’s only ever been you without it.”

“I trust you.” I kiss him gently before continuing. “I believe you. And I’m okay with not using anything. I mean I’m not on any kind of birth control, but I’m okay with not having any either.”

His entire face lights up like a kid on Christmas morning. “Really?” He picks me up and spins me around. “You’re sure?”

“Yes!” I laugh, and he drops to his knees and places a kiss to my stomach before wrapping his arms around my waist. I hug his head to me then warn him. “You might want to get up before Anna thinks that you dropped to your knee to do something else, or ask something else.”

“There’s an idea.” He stands and pulls me into is arms.

“What about Barrington? Do we need to call his office?” This is really happening. I’m moving home. I’m with Piers. It’s like a dream come true.

“Well...” He gets that same look on his face.

“When?” He already told him; I know it. I’m sure if it.

“The same day we left his office.” I gasp. “I’m sorry, Willow. But there was never any way I was letting you go. That’s another reason I never mentioned the loophole. The only reason I even figured out about the clause was in case you refused to come. I could inherit it under the charity name and save it for you.” Again, I’m floored at what lengths he would go to…for me. And in this, not even knowing if I would come back, not even knowing about Drew.

“I love you. I love you. I love you.” I kiss him and wrap myself around him as he lifts me in his arms before setting me on the work table and standing between my legs.

“Glass walls.” His mouth is still on mine. “Little eyes and ears.”

Kiss. “Piers, Glass.”

Kiss. “Windows. Walls.”

Kiss. “Drew.”

Finally understanding what I’m saying, he pulls back and takes a deep breath. “Sorry.”

His hands caress the tops of my thighs, and my gown rides up. “Don’t be. I want you too. But not with an audience.” I laugh.

“One more order of business. I know you want more kids; that’s obvious.” I tug at the waist of his jeans and his hand thoughtfully brushes against my abdomen. “But what about Everlend?”

“I think there’s only one choice,” he replies, no hint of joking in his tone. “Restore it to the way it was when we were kids. This place saved me. You saved me. Theo, Scarlett, so many others. It only seems fair to share this gift we’ve been given.”

“I couldn’t agree more. And we can start out small, a couple kids, and slowly grow it back. With the move and us just getting settled, I’d like some time, just the three of us.” I blink back tears.

“Me too,” he says, placing gentle kisses across my face. “How about we try for next summer. I can get my legal team on it, and that gives us some time to make any updates the house needs. We can partner with my contacts at London Lost. And that gives us time to get settled in as a family.”

“Perfect. July 16.” I smile.

“Wendy’s birthday,” we say in unison.

“It’s a date.” I take his hand in mine.

“Speaking of dates, meet me after Sunday dinner? For a walk?” He intertwines my fingers in his.

“Is that code for something?” I wink, and he laughs.

“Insatiable, are we?” He kisses down my neck and a moan escapes my lips.

“Maybe.” I tilt my head to give him better access.

Drawing back, he looks at me. “I need to take care of a few things. Why don’t you write that letter to Wendy that you wanted to? I think you’ll find everything you need in the desk.” He pats the wood I’m sitting on.

“Great idea. I’ll come back out after Drew is settled. Also, I may run to see James again tomorrow?”

“Okay. Would you like me to drive you?”

“That would be great, if you have time. What are you going to be up to?” I’m curious why he wouldn’t be in the office on a Monday.

“Well, I have a couple calls to make.” He runs his hand down his face on a frustrated sigh, and I know something is bothering him.

“Willow, I’m going to talk to Scarlett. I’m going to set the record straight once and for all, even if it means cutting ties with her, not working with her.”

“Piers. Are you sure that’s what you want?” I’m jumping for joy on the inside, even though I know it’s selfish and petty.

“I want you to feel comfortable. I want you to know you’re first. You’re my life, my love. She’s my friend, but the way she treated you is inexcusable.” His voice is tinged with anger.

“At the very least, I’m going to suggest she take some time off. Let things cool down, give you and me a chance.”

I’m floored.

“Piers, I don’t know what to say. I—” This isn’t how I wanted it to go. Okay maybe I did, just a little. But Wendy’s letter comes back to me.

“Wendy said to forgive Scarlett. She gave her a chance. And if we’re going to be in the business of second chances, we can’t pick and choose.” I worry my hands in my lap. “Don’t get me wrong, I mean I did just slap her, but—”

“Wait, back up.” Piers stops me and looks shocked. “You slapped Scarlett? When?”

“Oh, ha. Forgot to mention that, did I? Oops! And it was last night. She said you were only with me because of Drew. It was a reflex.” I shrug.

He takes my palms in his hands and kisses them both. “Don’t worry, if it would have been another guy saying those things about you, I would have done worse. I just didn’t know you had it in you. My little fire cracker.”

“It was out of character for me, no doubt.”

“Regardless. We need to talk. I think I’ll give her a ring before dinner.”

“Whatever you want to do.” I offer my support, knowing this will be difficult for him. And loving him all the more for being willing to help

“I’ll grab Drew and get him washed up.” He smiles, stepping back. “Wanna fly?” He lifts me into his arms.

“Sure, lost boy. Lead the way!” I wrap my arms tightly around him.

“Think happy thoughts,” he reminds me.

“That’s all I have are happy thoughts.” The smile on my face is perfect evidence.