Briar Valley: The Complete Duet

28. Willow

CHAPTER 28

WILLOW

A LITTLE BIT HAPPY – TALK

Standing in the April sunshine, I watch Killian and Zach as they clear the concrete foundation where Lola’s cabin once stood. Their shovels scrape against it, filling the warm air with noise.

They’ve almost cleared the whole site after working for the past several days to dig through the rubble. Anything salvageable has been set aside on the edge of the property.

We need to clear the property so plans can be made to rebuild. I’m not going to sit and mourn like the rest of the town. Lola would want me to move on and build anew.

So that’s what we’re going to do.

In her memory.

“You just gonna stand and gawp?” Zach yells.

Propping a hand over my eyes to shield the sun, I smile back. “Basically, yeah.”

Both of them are working with their shirts off and jeans slung low, displaying rippling muscles that carve their chests and abdominals like beams of delicious steel.

Their tans are already glowing, despite it only being Spring, and a layer of sweat covers their gorgeous bodies. My core floods with heat just watching them working.

Down, girl.

Not the time.

Ignoring the ache between my thighs that seems ever-present since I got pregnant, I refocus on the clipboard in my hand. I have a list of tasks and urgent sign-offs needed for the town today.

The town is hard at work preparing for the season’s transition. Summer crops are being planted while the winter vegetables are being harvested and prepared for cold storage.

Materials need to be ordered for the new cabin build, and plans have to be authorised before construction can begin. Albie is working on the paperwork and permits.

“Willow!” Aalia walks over to me from the town square. “There’s a leak in the schoolhouse. Water everywhere.”

“Great,” I groan. “Kill!”

Placing his shovel down, he jogs to us, his fuzz-covered pectorals bouncing with each step and making my throat tighten again. Aalia watches my reaction with a low chuckle.

“Stop drooling,” she whispers.

“I am not.”

“You could have fooled me.”

“Just checking out what’s mine.”

“So you should,” she jokes.

“Yeah?” Killian stops in front of us.

I quickly wipe the grin from my face. “There’s a leak in the schoolhouse. Can you get someone to take a look?”

Nodding, he yells over his shoulder for Zach. “Kid, go take a look at this leak.”

Zach pouts. “Why is that my job?”

“Because I fucking said so, alright?”

“Dickhead,” he cusses.

Complaining under his breath, Zach ditches his shovel and throws his t-shirt back on. Now it’s my turn to pout. He disappears with Aalia to head over to the schoolhouse.

Killian slings an arm around my waist. “How are you feeling?”

I stretch onto my tiptoes to kiss him. “Fine.”

“Tired? Sore? You should go and rest.”

“I’m okay, Kill. You need to start taking my word for it.”

“Never.” He kisses me again, lingering for a moment. “Shall we talk about what you want this new cabin to look like?”

“Are we planning to live in it?”

He shrugs. “We need more space. This would be a good opportunity to build it exactly how we want it.”

Holding my hand tight, he leads me onto the concrete. We walk through the ash piles together, trying to imagine the invisible walls and floors where Lola’s home once was.

“I’d like an open plan kitchen and living room this time.” I point towards the back where it used to be. “We could have a big, open space. Nice and airy.”

Killian nods thoughtfully. “Should be easy enough to do. We’ll need room for people to come over too.”

“What about the sleeping arrangements?”

He hesitates. “Do you mean whether we should have separate rooms or not?”

“Yes. What’s the plan there?”

Walking around the space, he looks up, his eyes moving as he imagines the beams of wood and steel that will build the new, modern cabin.

“I think separate bedrooms is a good idea. We still need our own personal space sometimes. But we could build one big room for nights when we all want to be together.”

Glancing around, I envision the layout and nod. “That could work.”

“The baby’s room will go here.” Killian’s hand waves through the air. “And another here.”

Shock floods my system.

“What? Another?” I splutter.

He shoots me a smirk. “You think I won’t stick another one in your belly at the first opportunity? You’re lucky I’m not trying to do it right now.”

Stunned, I can’t formulate a response beyond semi-hysterical laughter. “Kill! I haven’t even had this baby yet!”

Sauntering over to me, he holds my hips and traps me against his bare barrel chest. Sweat clings to his muscles.

“But you look so fucking sexy like this. I can’t help but feel sad, knowing it’s going to be over in a few months. I love knowing that my baby is growing inside of you.”

Delicious warmth pulses through me again, hot and heady. His caveman-like behaviour is both ridiculous and a huge turn on.

“Okay, then. Another baby room… apparently.”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” he snickers. “The others are totally on board.”

“Wait, you guys have talked about this? Since when?”

Tapping his nose with a quirked eyebrow, he releases me and resumes striding around the space. I have to take a moment to cool off before I actually jump his bones in public.

“I want a bigger garden this time.” He waves towards the green space around us. “The little ones will need room to play and run around.”

“We could extend in that direction, where the vegetable patch used to be.”

Killian studies the strip of scorched earth, blackened and dead. He nods to himself.

“That should be big enough.”

We spend another half an hour walking around, discussing and brainstorming ideas. By the time Albie interrupts us with some more papers for me to sign, we’ve mapped out the whole house.

“Got things figured out?” he asks.

“I think so.”

“Your Grams would be happy to know you guys will live here and make some new memories.” He nods towards the blackened concrete. “Especially after what happened.”

“We need some new, good memories to move on from all this.”

“Exactly.” He smiles for what feels like the first time in weeks.

After taking back the signed paperwork, Albie climbs in his truck to return home. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him in recent weeks, taking care of business and showing me the ropes.

Inheriting the town has been a huge learning curve, but the responsibility feels weirdly good. This is my home, and knowing that everyone stands behind me gives me strength to run it right.

“Why haven’t we heard from Ethan yet?” Killian wonders.

“I don’t know, Kill.”

“What’s taking them so long?”

“Ethan arrived in Mexico and Warner in the States yesterday, so we should hear anytime. I think Ethan was preparing to make a move today.”

“He better fucking call.”

“And he will. We’re trusting him, remember?”

“Right,” Killian echoes in an unhappy bark.

Circling his wrist, I pull him back into my embrace. He almost has to fold himself in half so that I can hug him as I run a hand over his messy ponytail, smoothing the flyaways.

“This is the closest we’ve gotten in months, Kill. I’m trying really hard to have a little faith here. I need you to do the same.”

“Faith?” he laughs bitterly.

I smack his chest. “What else do we have?”

Expression growing serious, he sighs. “You’re right. I’m just sick and tired of constantly worrying.”

“You’re going to be a father soon. Better get used to constantly worrying.”

He chuckles again, this time with a real smile. “I still can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be having this kid with you.”

Kissing him in an attempt to communicate all the words I can’t get into his thick skull, I let my lips part, our tongues dancing together. It doesn’t matter who sees us. I need him to taste my certainty.

“We will always have each other.”

“Come hell or high water,” he murmurs into my mouth.

“Exactly. I love you, Kill.”

“Fuck, baby.” He rests his forehead against mine. “I love you so much it hurts. I never thought I was capable of it until you came bursting into our lives, and it all went to hell.”

“Hell in a good way?” I giggle.

He pecks my nose. “The best kind of hell.”

“Good.”

Separating before someone wolf-whistles at us, we hold hands among ashes and lost memories, both determined to create something new. Something wonderful. Our future… together.

“I should check on that leak.” He groans in annoyance. “Zach will only fuck up the repair job if I’m not there to supervise.”

“Lost faith already?”

“Fuck faith,” he answers drily.

Stifling a laugh, I let him lead me over to the schoolhouse. Arianna is playing outside with the others on her lunch break, giving me a wave as we pass.

Inside, Zach is on his hands and knees beneath a table, inspecting a giant puddle. His head lifts and smacks into the table when he hears us approaching.

“Shit.” He rubs his head.

Killian barks a laugh. “Any luck, kid?”

“I don’t have a bloody clue. Something’s leaking.”

“Thanks for the evaluation, Einstein.”

“You’re so welcome. I put a lot of thought into that.”

Killian rolls his eyes. “Clearly. Move out of the way.”

Joining him on the floor, Killian sets to work, and I trail off to join Rachel at the front of the room. She’s sorting through dried artwork and munching on her sandwich at the same time.

“Do that pair have half a brain between them?” she asks with a short laugh.

“I wouldn’t hold out much hope. They’re staring at a puddle of water right now.”

Giggling to ourselves, she pulls out a giant sheet of paper and hands it to me. On it is a painting of a butterfly, perfectly matching the sculpture that Micah carved for Arianna last year.

“This is Ari’s painting,” Rachel announces happily. “She’s got a real knack for it.”

“Wow. This is good. Micah’s been doing lots of art with her recently. She finds it calming, and it’s helped with her temper tantrums a lot. She hasn’t had one for weeks.”

“Well, keep it up.” Rachel smiles at me.

“Mind if I take this?”

“Go ahead.”

Tucking the painting under my arm, panic flares in my chest when I feel my phone ringing. I make my excuses and back out of the room to answer, leaving before the guys can catch up.

“Hello?”

“Willow,” Ethan greets.

Fuck. My heart hammers erratically as I step outside.

“What is it? Are you okay?”

“We’re all fine,” he assures me. “The raid went down a couple of hours ago. I’m sorry, but it was unsuccessful.”

Disappointment punches me in the face.

“Nothing?”

“The properties were completely empty. Not even a single piece of furniture. Sanchez wasn’t there. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Gulping hard, I force a breath. “It’s okay. It was a long shot.”

“That isn’t all. We’ve decided that we have enough evidence, and it’s time to make a move on Mason Stevenson. We got intel saying he’s currently in Miami. Warner is joining the FBI to arrest him.”

“Oh my God.”

The net is closing in on Mr Sanchez and his associates. Just the thought of Mason being trapped behind bars gives me an exciting thrill. He’s a disgusting snake who deserves to be there.

“He’ll be extradited and put on trial in England. You’ll be given the opportunity to testify against him and Mario Luciano.”

“T-Testify?”

Ethan’s breath rattles down the line. “It’s important that we don’t lose these convictions.”

“How would we lose them?”

“We’re dealing with very powerful men who’ve spent decades warping the law to suit them. I want everyone to take the stand so they are locked up for the maximum sentence.”

Imagining myself facing either of them makes me feel sick to my stomach. I don’t want to stand in front of the world and reveal anything about my past. I’ll only be judged.

“I don’t know, Ethan.”

“Think about it. We’re asking everyone who’s been interviewed by Sabre to testify. He’ll be in custody by tonight.”

“Okay… I’ll think it over.”

“Good. I have to go, but I’ll call when it’s done. Be safe.”

The line clicks as the call ends, leaving me standing here with my heart hammering. Everything has tilted on its axis at the thought of publicly testifying against these monsters.

Elaine was right about one thing... Not everyone understands. We can’t count on the world not to judge us, the victims, for our actions too. Humans always see the worst in each other.

“Willow?”

With his loose jeans and black t-shirt covered in flecks of dried paint, Micah approaches from the winding path that leads into town, carrying Killian’s toolbox.

“Mi.”

“You alright? What happened?”

“He wasn’t there. The raid was a bust.”

“Shit. I’m so sorry.”

Chewing my lip, I twist my fingers together anxiously. “That isn’t all. Warner and the FBI are arresting Mason tonight. He’s being brought back here to be put on trial.”

“Tonight?” Micah repeats, sounding as shocked as I am.

“I guess they can’t risk anyone getting wind of the investigation and running now that we’ve raided Mr Sanchez’s properties. Ethan’s going to call me when it’s done.”

Placing the toolbox down, he pulls me into a tight hug. “Fuck, angel. That’s great news.”

“He’s going to get what he deserves… at last.”

Gripping my jawline with his hand, Micah softly kisses my lips. “It’s better than nothing.”

“Ethan wants me to testify against Mason and Mario during the trial.”

His excitement fades. “He said that?”

“Apparently, we’ll all be asked to take the stand. All the women.”

Nodding, Micah runs his hands up and down my arms. I suddenly feel chilled, despite the warm weather. Talking to Sabre was terrifying enough, but getting up in front of a courtroom...

“What are you going to do?” he asks.

“I don’t know. I’m scared.”

“You won’t be alone.”

“You guys can’t exactly do it for me.”

“No, but all the other women will be there to support you… And us too.” He sticks out his pinkie finger. “Swear on it.”

Somehow managing a laugh, I take his little finger and squeeze. “You better be.”

“This is your chance to confront them after all these years. You can see to it that justice is served for all the fucked up shit they’ve done to you all.”

“I know, Mi. It’s just intimidating, the thought of facing them.”

“It will be, but you’re a fucking badass. I know you can do it.”

“A badass?” I snicker.

“You know it.”

Snuggling into him, I breathe in his familiar oil-paint and sawdust scent. He smells like the studio. Our safe place. Our silence. It settles me and allows my heart rate to slow down.

“Do you realise what this means?”

“What?” I burrow into him.

“It’s only a matter of time before Sanchez is caught. All of his associates are being hauled in. He’s bound to be panicking, and he’ll get sloppy. This is it.”

Micah releases me so our eyes can meet. The certainty there astounds me. He’s usually the most nervous, uncertain one of us all. But right now, he looks powerful and sure.

“This is the end of the road,” he declares confidently. “We’re almost there.”

“And if it’s not? If we can’t find him?”

“Then we keep looking. None of us are going anywhere. Our future is right here in Briar Valley, regardless of Sanchez and his threats. Nothing will ever change that. We’re forever.”

“Forever?”

His nose nudges mine as we share a kiss.

“Forever, angel.”