CHAPTER FIVE

WILLOW

Sinking down into the plush, beige, leather seat, I close my eyes and release the breath I’ve been holding since take off. I was so preoccupied with making sure Drew was secure and properly buckled that I actually made it through take off without having a full-blown panic attack. His endless questioning about the plane and the flight was a welcomed distraction.

As much as I hate flying, I’m glad to see he’s at least enjoying himself. I’m also pleasantly surprised that Piers is giving him his undivided attention, allowing me a reprieve from his watchful green eyes. Pools of green that I could drown in, eyes that hold me captive. Always have.

I feel a hand brush mine. I know it’s him; I can feel the zing all the way down to my soul. He gently caresses my hand while I continue taking deep breaths, keeping my eyes shut so the moment isn’t broken.

“Still afraid to fly, my little Willow,” he teases, hot breath tickling my ear.

“Flying was always your thing,” I reply.

“So, it was,” he says sadly, releasing my hand, prompting me to open my eyes and look to my left where he sits, his face somber and guarded.

“Why did you give it up then?” I wonder out loud.

“I don’t really know. I guess it just wasn’t the same after—” He stops, turning his head.

“After I left,” I finish, and he nods.

“Don’t look so sad, Willow. It’s not all about you.” He bumps my shoulder, dare I say, playfully. “I started taking more advanced business courses at the University and found I had quite the knack for it. There wasn’t much time for flying after that.”

“Mr. Nichols and guests, it’s now safe to move about the cabin. We’ve reached maximum altitude,” the Captain announces, causing Drew’s eyes to widen in anticipation. Piers has promised him a tour of the cockpit.

“Come on, Mummy; it’s time,” Drew urges.

I reach to unbuckle my belt when Piers suggests, “How about just you and me, mate? We’ll give your Mum a rest, yeah?”

I nod my appreciation as they head for the front of the plane. Things are still a bit tense between us, cordial at best...I guess that’s to be expected.

“Care for a drink, miss,” asks the attendant as she appears. She’s young and attractive.

“Water would be lovely, thank you,” I reply, slightly self-conscious of my rumpled state.

She returns, and after thanking her, I take a sip of the cool sparkling water, letting the bubbles settle my stomach before setting the glass down. Another long breath passes over my lips as I lay my head back and allow myself a moment to collect my thoughts. Or at least attempt to. But my mind has other ideas. It sees eyes of green, but not the jaded green of the powerful man who was next to me seconds before. Instead, they’re vibrant green, eyes full of life and mischief that belonged to a young man. Until the light was snuffed out...by my mistakes.

A moment turns into two, and before long I feel myself easing into the dreamlike state, one only slumber can bring.

A gentle tap, tap, tap of cool wetness flutters across my cheek, waking me from the best dream. Piers and I planned out our forever. And it was more than childhood hopes and dreams or wistful pillow talk of young lovers. Plans so tangible I could almost feel them in my hands.

As I sit up, it all comes flooding back to me, causing the rain drops to roll down my cheeks like tears. But the only tears appropriate are tears of joy. I should be wondering why I’m alone in this makeshift bed in the garden, but I’m not. Not in the least. Because for the first time in my life, I know I’m not alone.

My fingertips lightly trace swollen lips that part into a smile. The gentle ache between my thighs reminds me what I both lost and gained last night. Standing up to my uncle, defying his wishes, my aunt and uncle fighting about us, and Piers doing what Piers does best, rescuing me.

Escaping to the garden. Giving myself to him body and soul...him offering the world at my feet. A penniless orphan who had nothing to give but his heart, but that was more than enough. It was all I ever needed. Wanted. Craved. Dreamed of. Now it was coming true.

A picnic under the stars in our secret place. White twinkling lights, music and laughter. His touch, his kiss. Promises.

The rain starts to pick up, and I scoot closer to the base of the tree for shelter, pulling the blankets with me. When I do, I see a note tucked under my pillow. Taking it out, I see a sweet message in his distinct penmanship.

My dearest Willow,

Leaving you sleeping was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. As the sun rose and breathed watercolor life into the darkened sky, I couldn’t help but think about how you have done the same for me. And as I watched the light erase the shadows from your face, I’m hopeful for the plans that we made. The light to my dark, the hope to my despair.

Which is why I had to go. Last night was...there are no words to describe how incredible it was. I have things to get ready for our departure. Meet you here at midnight.

Remember, like the story...that place between sleep and awake, that’s where I’ll be waiting. That’s where I’ll always love you.

~ Piers

Paper crinkles as I clutch the note to my chest, salty tears mixing with the falling rain. His words are balm to my soul, and all my doubts are washed away.

But not all rains are gentle and cleansing. Some turn into ruthless storms, washing away everything in their wake.

Lightning flashes, jolting me awake.

Gasping for breath, it takes me a moment to remember where I am, my mind still teetering between reality and the past.