“You just got home,” Ana said lightly. “There’s no need to rush into anything.”
“That’s true,” Willow said, though she was pretty sure nothing was going to change.
“You’ve come so far,” Ana said. “Why not relax and see where the road takes you?”
“What are you two so serious about?” Valerie asked, as she walked back in, carrying a tray of treats, followed by Mal, who had a teapot and mugs on a tray.
Ana glanced at Willow, as if asking permission to share.
“Jensen,” Willow said quietly.
“Something happened with Jensen?” Mal asked, setting down the teapot on the table and fixing Willow with a curious gaze.
“I… went on a date with him,” Willow said. “At least it was supposed to be a date, but I changed my mind.”
“Why would you change your mind?” Valerie asked, frowning. “The man was practically designed for you.”
“What does that mean?” Mal asked, looking a little horrified.
“He’s tall, dark, and handsome,” Valerie said. “He’s got that super-deep, intimidating manly voice, but he’s a sweet guy. And he was already built-in-best-friends with your brother.”
Somehow, Valerie listed off all those qualities in such a brisk and businesslike manner that Willow didn’t feel a bit jealous when she hit on some of the exact things she liked best about Jensen herself.
“Is that right?” Ana asked.
“She got most of it, yes,” Willow chuckled, impressed.
“So what’s the problem?” Valerie asked, pouring herself a steaming cup of tea. “You like him, he likes you.”
“It’s Ransom,” Willow said. “He didn’t want me joining the Army. He was pretty mad at me when I decided to go. And he was furious with Jensen.”
“Why?” Valerie asked.
“Because Jensen talked to me about it seriously when I asked him,” Willow said. “Instead of dismissing the idea out of hand like my brother did.”
“Why did he dismiss it?” Mal asked.
“I’m his baby sister,” Willow said, sighing. “He’s always been protective of me, especially since we grew up without a dad around. I guess he was afraid I’d get sent somewhere dangerous and get hurt, and that would be his fault somehow. Anyway, things between us are thawing now that I’m home, which makes me happy. AndJensen deserves that same chance to get his best friend back.”
“I think your brother should go jump in the lake,” Valerie said decisively. “He needs to accept who you are and what you want from your life. He’s got more to lose than you do, anyway—he’s the one who’s going to be missing out on free babysitting from you.”
Mal let out a giggle and then put her hand over her mouth.
“So you think I should just choose a guy over my own brother?” Willow asked.
“No, definitely not,” Valerie said dismissively. “Jensen should jump in the lake too.”
“Why?” Mal asked, looking astonished.
“He needs to stand up and fight for what he wants,” Valerie said. “Good men don’t sneak around with women they respect. And as long as he just sits there and lets you run away using Ransom as your excuse, he’s not worthy of you.”
The truth of that frank statement hit Willow like a sledgehammer in the chest.
That can’t be right, can it? Jensen Webb is a good man.
But as she gazed around the table, it seemed like the others were in agreement. Even sweet Ana nodded with a sad look in her eyes.
He’s always been a wonderful person,Willow thought to herself.I must bring out the worst in him.
