1
WILLOW
Willow Wright looked out over the freshly cut Christmas trees for sale at Cassidy Farm, feeling like a kid again.
The tourist farm was a fun place to visit any time of year. Willow had plenty of fond childhood memories of coming here for pick-your-own blueberries in the summer and apple cider in the fall. But there was just something magical about Cassidy Farm at Christmastime.
Children chased each other around the trees while adults considered bunches of holly, pine boughs, and fresh wreaths laid out on tables. The fragrance of the evergreens combined with the dusting of snow on the ground to complete the holiday scene.
Willow wandered through the tree section, searching for something specific.
She and her brother Ransom always used to beg their mom to buy the biggest trees—balsams and firs that were far too tall to fit in their low-ceilinged living room. Buttoday she was looking for the tiniest tree they had—one she could lift onto the roof rack of her car by herself, and then carry up the narrow staircase to her new apartment.
My own apartment…
She had already filled the two reusable shopping bags on her shoulder until they were practically bursting at the seams. After being away for so many years, she couldn’t resist indulging in all the local treats. She had even grabbed five of Cassidy Farm’s famous, freshly made pies to bring with her when visiting friends and family. So far, she was having a pretty amazing day, with even more to look forward to in the coming weeks.
Life was good.
Mostly. There was still one thing troubling Willow, but she wasn’t ready to think about that visit just yet. Today was just for her.
When she interviewed for the nursing position at Tarker County General Hospital she was thrilled when they offered her a job on the spot. She accepted the salary offer, but negotiated for her start date to be after the new year to allow herself a bit of a buffer.
Willow had always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Her time in the Army had allowed her to pay off her degree and gain crucial experience. What she hadn’t expected was the perspective, discipline, and sisterhood that came with it. Those years had shaped the person she was today.
Now she was exhilarated at the idea of being home, and over the moon about her new job, but also in need of a little rest and relaxation.
And if she was being honest with herself, she neededsome time to get used to the pace and the solitude of civilian life again.
“Willow Wright?” a familiar female voice called out, snapping her out of her thoughts.
Willow turned to see another young woman with dark hair, hazel eyes, and a megawatt smile.
“Natalie Bell,” Willow cried, recognizing her current landlord from their school days together.
Willow had been lucky to be coming home right as Natalie and her brother were renting out the apartment over Carla’s Place, the senior center in the village. She and Natalie hadn’t been in the same class, but they both sang in the chorus, and had always been friendly. It felt like fate when she signed the lease online for the little apartment, and she’d been hoping for a chance to get together at some point to thank her in person.
“Hey, it’s great to see you in real life,” Natalie said, echoing Willow’s own thoughts. “And it’s Natalie Cassidy now.”
She had a dreamy smile on her face, and Willow could hardly blame her. All the Cassidy boys had always been heartthrobs, and now she was married to one.
They’ve got nothing on Jensen Webb, Willow’s younger self argued from the back of her mind.
“Right, you and Shane Cassidy,” Willow said, nodding and trying to ignore her own silly thoughts. “I heard about that. Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Natalie replied, looking super pleased. “So, is the apartment all right? Are you comfortable?”
“It feels just like home,” Willow said. “Thank you again for letting me take it.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Natalie told her. “We were so happy when you decided to. Let us know if you ever need anything.”
“Will do,” Willow told her, doubting that she ever would. The apartment was lovely.
“So, have you been over to the center yet?” Natalie asked.
Everyone Willow bumped into asked her that, which always made her smile. Captain Erik Anderson had opened up a veterans center in Trinity Falls this year, hoping that the rural setting would draw new vets who might not be comfortable traveling to the city to ask for help accessing resources. He was also sending the vets out as volunteers in the community, something Willow had been happy to get involved with.
Willow guessed that it was a cause close to Natalie’s own heart, since her brother had served as well.
