Briar Valley: The Complete Duet

31. Willow

CHAPTER 31

WILLOW

SOMETHING IN THE ORANGE - ZACH brYAN

Smoothing my hands down my billowing floral dress, I nod decisively at my reflection. My dark hair is braided and twisted to sit on top of my head in an intricate up-do. Aalia smiles at me from over my shoulder, a can of hairspray in hand.

“Perfect. You are so beautiful, Willow.”

“I don’t know about that. Is it too much?”

“This is your party. Nothing is too much.”

I fiddle with the light linen of my dress. “I just wanted everyone to see the person I am now, you know? This town saved my life in so many ways, and the people in it too.”

Giving my hair one last inspection, Aalia pecks my cheek. “I’m happy to see this big smile. I think these boys… they make you happy, yes?”

“Boys?” I feign innocence.

She rolls her eyes. “I know you’re with them all. Or… dating them all? I’m not sure about the correct word for this arrangement.”

I stifle a laugh. “Hell, me neither. I have no idea how to describe our relationship.”

“Having no words is sometimes a good thing.” She clasps my hand. “And I see that you took your ring off. Perhaps that says enough.”

There’s a pale band of skin on my finger where the gold wedding ring once laid. I’m not sure when that switch inside of me flicked, but I slid it off on a whim and never put it back on. Now, it hides with our passports and cash.

“I was finally ready,” I admit.

“I’m proud of you, Willow.”

“Thank you for being such a good friend to me.”

She beams. “Always. Come, let’s go.”

Checking her own appearance in my bedroom mirror, Aalia adjusts her patterned red smock and marches towards the kitchen. I slip my feet into a pair of sandals and follow, my stomach awash with nervous butterflies.

The housewarming party will be kicking off soon. It’s taken a while to get everything ready—organising chairs and tables outside, cleaning up the garden, buying enough alcohol and food to feed an army. Briar Valley parties take a lot of work.

Outside, Killian’s already tending to a huge bonfire. He insisted on building it high into the sky. Zach has set up the bar with a slightly worrying level of expertise. He’s already banned Micah from it.

“Let me go and find the children. I left Zach out there with Amie.” Aalia pulls a face at the thought. “Not a good idea.”

“He’ll have her causing trouble in no time.”

Aalia shakes her head, rushing outside to track down the kids. I’m left in the kitchen with Micah. He’s quiet, diligently working alone to chop up the world’s biggest bowl of salad.

He wanted a task away from people and interacting. Tonight will be a real test of the progress he’s made. I’m already proud of him for giving it a go. Sneaking up on him, I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my chin on his shoulder.

“Hey, handsome.”

“Hey there.” He chuckles, methodically slicing a cucumber. “I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show your face.”

“Aalia insisted on doing my hair for me.”

Laying down the knife, Micah turns and pins me in his muscular arms. He tucks a loose black strand behind my ear, one of his signature small smiles making my toes curl in a delicious, spine-tingling way.

“You look stunning, Willow.”

I bite my lip. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Dressed in distressed blue jeans and a button-down shirt that’s rolled up to his elbows, Micah looks good enough to eat. I slant my mouth over his, greedily drinking him in until his tongue is brushing against mine.

Breaking the kiss, I rest my forehead against his with a sigh. “Guests will be here soon.”

“To be continued?” Micah suggests.

“Well, I’m free next weekend for that date.”

“Next weekend it is,” he decides.

“I can’t wait to go camping with you.”

With his salad finished, we link hands and walk outside together. My garden has been transformed, and as the sun turns golden and fiery on the horizon, the hundreds of little lantern lights strung outside flick on.

They light the whole cabin in a cosy, warm glow. With his bonfire raging, Killian turns his attention to the barbecue next. Zach is sitting down with Aalia at a table, holding Amie in one arm while nursing a beer.

“Where’s Arianna?” I worry aloud.

Micah points over towards the lake. “Right there.”

She’s playing with Johan near the lake’s edge with a huge, life-sized Jenga set that Killian built himself. He presented it to the kids with far too much pleasure.

“Jesus. That thing is huge.”

“It’s Killian sized,” Micah jokes.

“So… huge.”

“Pretty much.”

Seeing everyone happy and smiling makes my throat thicken with emotion. I wish I could take a mental snapshot and treasure this moment forever. This is what I spent so many years longing for—this scene right here.

“Willow!” Ryder’s voice calls.

I catch sight of his crop of curly hair as he arrives, dressed casually in jeans and a loose blue t-shirt. His hand is tightly held by another man. I demanded that he invite his mysterious boyfriend to attend.

Tall and lean, the boyfriend’s face is set in sharp, angular lines, framing kind blue eyes that are highlighted by the buzzcut on his head. He’s handsome but holds himself with an air of authority.

I walk down the steps to intercept them. “Hey! Thanks for coming.”

Ryder gestures to his boyfriend. “Willow, this is Ethan.”

I immediately pull him in for a hug. “It’s lovely to finally meet you.”

He offers me a genuine smile that softens his threatening exterior. “Likewise, Willow. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh God. All bad?”

“Not at all. It’s about time there was a female around here to keep these cavemen in check.” He gestures towards the guys, all three of them now gathered around the bonfire.

“I’m not sure anyone is capable of that.”

“I’m sure if anyone can, it’s you.” His smile falters for a second before sliding back into place. “How are you settling into life in Briar Valley?”

“I feel at home here.” I match Ryder’s smile. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Leaving them to meet the others, I’m bombarded by a rush of people arriving all at once. Doc, Rachel, Miranda and their kids all give me individual hugs. I’m presented with a giant bouquet of flowers, and Aalia rushes to take them inside.

“The place looks amazing!” Miranda gushes.

“Thank you. It’s taken some time, but we got there.”

Doc casts an eye around. “Hell of a lot better than before. You’ve really made this place a home. I’m happy for you, Willow.”

I take his hand and squeeze it. “I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t saved my life.”

He waves me off. “It’s nothing.”

“No. It’s not. Thank you, Doc.”

“You’re welcome.”

His eyes growing misty, he mumbles an excuse and disappears to meet the guys at the bonfire. I give his wives another hug and let them carry on greeting the other guests.

Theodore and Marilyn arrive next with a feast of home baking weighing them down, shortly followed by Harold and Andrea bringing fresh meat and some homemade liquors.

“Don’t tell the little one.” Harold winks.

“No Bambi’s on the menu tonight. Got it.”

With everyone grabbing drinks and settling in, I wait for my last guests to arrive. Anxiety is twisting my stomach into knots. I have no idea if this was a good plan, but when letter-writing failed, I followed my gut instincts.

Lola and Albie turn up late. I’m swept into my grandma’s cookie-scented embrace, her skin brushing against mine.

“It’s good to see you smiling again, poppet.”

“Hi, Grams. Yeah… it is, I guess.”

She smiles wanly as the nickname slips out. Albie wraps me in a hug, then heads over to join the other men gathered around the fire. I’m left with Lola watching me bounce up and down on my feet.

“Is Katie coming?” I dare to ask.

“I believe so.”

My anxiety triples. “Okay, good.”

“She’s bringing Walker along, the widowed chap we were discussing before. It was a good excuse to get her over here. I didn’t know what else to say.”

I shake out my trembling hands. “Thanks for helping. I felt like I needed to see her again to figure out what to do.”

Lola’s eyes are crinkled with concern. “Just be careful. The last thing I want is for you to get hurt again. I’m not sure how she will react to the news.”

“Yeah, I will. Let’s get a drink.”

We rejoin the party while awaiting Katie’s arrival. The hum of laughter and conversation wraps me in a comforting bubble. Zach thrusts a glass of wine into my hand. Amie is still propped on his hip, looking perfectly at peace.

He shrugs. “Think she likes me.”

I kiss his cheek. “You’ve got the knack for it.”

“Everyone’s watching us.”

“You have a problem with that?” I challenge.

Zach plants a heavy kiss against my lips. “Nope. Not at all.”

Leaving him to fuss over the baby, I walk to the bonfire and step into Killian’s embrace. His arms automatically tighten around me, and his beard scrapes the top of my head.

“Nice bonfire. Please don’t burn down my cabin.”

He secures his lips to mine with a growl. “You like my big fire, baby?”

“It’s very impressive.”

“That’s not the only thing that’s impressive.”

Albie makes a throwing up sound. “Christ. Please, spare us.”

We break apart before he actually pukes, both chuckling at his disgust. Killian turns back to the barbecued food, and I glance over the crowd around the bonfire. Ethan is staring at me and frowning a little.

“Everything okay?” I ask nervously.

He shakes himself out of it. “All good.”

Ryder shoots him an odd look. “He’s tired, Willow. Big case going on.”

“Where do you work, Ethan?”

“I’m based in London.” His stare is intense, searching. “I work for a company called Sabre Security. We take on criminal investigations and private contracts.”

“Oh. Sounds important.”

“We do some good work. I’m leading a team of investigators at the moment tracing a human trafficking ring across North America.”

A lead weight settles in my gut. The way he’s looking at me is making my spine tingle with alarm. It’s like he can see past my carefully applied persona to unveil the truth.

“A trafficking ring?” I repeat.

“Nasty business,” he confirms. “I can’t say much else.”

Ryder drops a kiss on his shoulder. “I am so proud of the work you’re doing. Think of all the people who will be saved by your team’s investigation.”

“Willow,” Ethan interjects. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but I’ve been told a little about what brought you to Briar Valley.”

“Ry,” I gasp in horror.

His smile droops. “I’m sorry, Willow. It just came out. But you can trust Ethan, he’s one of the good ones. I thought… maybe he could help you.”

I never should have trusted Ryder with my secrets. Killian was the one that filled him in one night after asking for my consent. I had one condition—his sworn secrecy.

“I think we should talk.” Ethan redirects the heat off his partner. “We can either do it here or at my team headquarters in London if that’s easier for you.”

“Why? I know nothing that can help your investigation.”

“I think that you do. Please let me help you,” he urges. “We can offer you protection. You shouldn’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life.”

I back away from them. “I don’t need your help.”

Before I can escape, he pulls a business card from his pocket and slaps it in my hands. I stare down at the lines of text etched across embossed cream card.

Ethan Tarkington.

Sabre Security - Anaconda Team.

“Call me anytime.” Ethan smiles reassuringly. “I’m here to listen.”

Moving on autopilot, I tuck the business card into my bra. I’m not sure why I don’t toss it into the bonfire and run far from this man. But there’s a voice in my head, begging me to hold on to that scrap of contact information.

“I should go. Thanks.”

Ethan’s eyes follow me all the way back to my cabin, lasering into the back of my head. I’m on the verge of a panic attack, but the tinkle of laughing voices approaching the party doesn’t allow me even a second to fathom what just happened.

“Katie!” Lola appears at my side.

Crossing the cobbled path, the woman of the hour arrives. Katie’s dressed in a pretty lilac dress with her dark hair loose around her shoulders, showing off her scarred but beautiful features and bright smile.

“Hi!” She waves at us. “So sorry we’re late.”

There are two men standing on either side of her. One is around her age with salt and pepper hair, wearing a crisp, fitted white shirt, smart dark-wash jeans and an easy smile. The other lingers slightly behind.

He’s younger than them, appearing closer to Killian’s age. His sandy blonde hair is closely cropped to his head in a neat cut, accentuating his strong jawline and smattering of stubble. He’s dressed in black jeans and a blue shirt that’s open at the collar.

With a breath, I approach them. “Hey.”

Katie turns her smile on me. “Thank you for having us, Melody.”

“Was your journey okay?”

“Fine, thanks. This is Don, my fiancé.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Don offers me and Lola a hand to shake. “I’ve heard so much about Briar Valley.”

The other man surveys the party, his hands stuffed in his pockets to conceal his nerves. He looks deeply uncomfortable, his clear eyes lined with heavy bags. Grief seems to weigh on his shoulders in a visible cloud.

“This is Walker,” Katie introduces. “Briar Valley’s newest recruit… I hope.”

Walker plasters on a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Welcome to town,” Lola offers. “We’re happy to have you here.”

“I appreciate the welcome. Katie’s told me a lot about you.” Walker shoots me a quick look. “I haven’t made my mind up about moving with the kids yet.”

She pats his shoulder. “Let’s go and chat. I can answer your questions.”

Lola cleverly takes a seat on the same table as Aalia and introduces her to Walker. She really is a bleeding heart, that woman. Aalia shifts closer to join the conversation, gesturing around towards the thick woods that encapsulate the town.

“I really hope he agrees to this.”

Katie’s voice startles me. She’s moved to my side and gently pats my arm. I will my feet to move and put distance between us, but I can’t bear to inch away from her. My body is straining to fall into her arms.

“I’m going to say hello to Albie.”

“Sure,” I force out.

She guides Don over to the table where Albie and Ryder are discussing an upcoming restoration project, leaving me to suck in a panicked breath. This was such a bad idea.

Two hours into the party, we’ve cleaned dozens of empty plates. Everyone has loosened up after several drinks. I finally get off my feet and collapse into Zach’s lap.

His lips brush my ear. “Are you okay?”

“I’m good. Everyone seems to be having a nice time.”

“You worry too much. It’s a great party.”

“You guys made it possible,” I point out.

“All I did was string some fucking lights, Willow.”

“I appreciate everything you do for me, no matter how small.”

Zach’s breath glides over my skin. “Can we kick all these people out? I want to spread your ass across this table and bury my face between your thighs.”

Treacle oozes down my spine.

“I could get behind that idea.”

“I could get behind you,” he purrs.

Lola and Katie interrupt his filthy whispers by taking a seat at the table. I automatically reach for my glass of wine and take a gulp for courage. Her eyes are locked on me, scanning over my hair and face, like she can’t quite place me.

“You’ve finished settling in?” Katie asks.

I take another gulp of wine. “I think so. We’re happy to be here. Arianna loves being in the countryside more than anything.”

“Where did you live before?”

“We were living in Mexico.”

Katie whistles under her breath. “This is a big change for you both then.”

“That was the plan.” I smile tightly.

“Who exactly are you related to?” Katie’s smile begins to wane. “I didn’t think you had more family hiding in the woodwork, Lola. You sure kept that quiet.”

Lola opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. The awkward silence stretches on, and Zach tightens his arms around me, silently urging me to remain calm. My heart feels like it’s going to tear itself free from my chest.

“Well.” I clear my throat. “Uh…”

Arianna chooses that exact moment to plonk herself in Lola’s lap. Katie looks from her blonde hair and back to me. We don’t look much alike. I spent years hearing Mr Sanchez’s acquaintances tell me as much.

“This is Arianna, my daughter,” I squeak.

Arianna smiles shyly. “Hello.”

Katie gives her a wave. “Hey there, little one. Are you enjoying the party?”

“Yes… but Johan ate my cupcake.”

“I’ll get you another one,” Lola hushes her.

“Yay! Thanks, Grandma.”

Ah, fuck.

I’d forgotten about the shortened nickname. Arianna is completely oblivious. I stare at Katie as her smile drops away, her expression splintering. She looks straight at me and then to Lola.

“Grandma?” Katie repeats incredulously.

I clear my throat. “Zach… can you take Arianna to get a cupcake?”

“Are you sure, babe?”

Nodding, I climb out of his lap. “Yeah.”

Zach reluctantly leaves, taking Arianna’s outstretched hand. He mouths at me to shout if I need him to come back. I’m left in the fallout zone of a destructive nuclear bomb.

“Everyone calls me Grams,” Lola tries to reason.

I hold a hand up to halt her. “It’s okay, Lola. I owe Katie the truth.”

Eyes meeting mine, a deadly combination of hope and agony floods her irises. Katie looks ready to run straight at me, or perhaps straight for the exit. The feeling’s mutual.

“Katie…” I begin.

She hangs on the edge of her seat, gripping the tablecloth tight. The voices and clinking glasses of everyone else drops away until it’s just the two of us, caught on a derailed train hurtling towards the unknown.

“My name isn’t Melody. I’m Willow.”

“Willow,” she croaks. “Oh my God.”

“I’m your daughter.”