“I’ve been telling myself that I wouldn’t let myself fall in love with him because of everything you’ve been going through, Ransom,” she said softly. “I didn’t want to make your life any harder, and I didn’t want to isolate you from him or from me. But I’ve got to be honest with you. Idon’tfeel sorry for you. And Idon’tthink you’re helpless. You’re my big brother, and I know you’re strong and smart and a wonderful father. I believe in you, Ransom. What would it take for you to have a little faith in me?”
Ransom’s face dropped back to the floor, and she knew she had her answer, even if it wasn’t the one she wanted.
Tears burned her eyes then and she ran upstairs, knowing that there was nothing else she could say or do, and not wanting Henry to see her cry.
22
WILLOW
Willow drove carefully down the newly plowed streets, past a wonderland of scenery that she had been looking at through car windows ever since she was a little girl. Everything looked unfamiliar now, under a few feet of snow.
She was grateful that Jensen had thought to dig their cars out last night. It had allowed her to make a quick exit while Jensen and Ransom were still talking quietly.
At first, she’d thought their voices had sounded almost friendly, but then she remembered that Henry was there, and they were both probably just being civil to keep from upsetting the boy. Jensen called out her name as she got into the car, but she just kept moving, knowing it was best to just go.
Now, she drank in the sight of the soft morning sunlight glittering on the snowy fields and pine trees.
It’s beautiful,she reminded herself.This is your hometown.
But coming back felt hollow now. Home for her was never about the place. It was about the people. And she had lost access to all the people who made this place feel like home to her. Her mom was in Boston, and now her brother and Jensen…
I lost them both. And Henry too…
The feeling was like an anchor on her chest.
It was hard to believe that just last night she had been on top of the world, feeling like anything was possible, able to see her new life spread out in front of her like an incredible feast.
I’m going to be just minutes away, and I’ll still feel further from them than I did when I was overseas…
But it didn’t help to dwell on it. The practical side of her that had drawn Willow to nursing rose up now to comfort her. If she put herself to work, she would have something else to focus on.
She made a detour to the big box grocery store on Route One, and filled a cart with necessities for her friends back at Carla’s Place. She was pretty sure no one there would venture out in the snow in a car until things had cleared up, and it was already Christmas Eve, which meant the Co-op Grocer would be on holiday hours. If anyone walked over to Carla’s Place, it would be good to make sure some food and supplies were waiting.
When she pulled up on Park Avenue, she was amazed to see that the front walk and pathways had been shoveled already. She’d been planning to take care of that too, but someone had beaten her to it.
Grabbing as many bags as she could carry at once, Willow headed up the front porch steps. Three pairs ofsnow boots and three shovels were already beside the door.
She pushed it open to find a crackling fire with Mrs. Lennox, Mrs. Ying, and Reggie Webb sitting in front of it holding mugs of coffee, their cheeks pink from laughing and probably from shoveling snow.
“Willow,” Reggie called out. “Come join us.”
“Were you three out there shoveling?” she asked, feeling a little horrified that they’d felt they had to.
“We took our time,” Mrs. Lennox declared. “Don’t worry.”
“Took nearly all morning,” Mrs. Ying added with a big smile. “But it was so much fun.”
“She only thinks that because she startedmore than onesnowball fight,” Reggie grumbled. But his eyes were twinkling, and he was clearly trying to hide a smile.
“Great job,” Willow told them, impressed. “I brought some supplies.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Mrs. Ying said. “Let us know what we owe you.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Willow said, shaking her head. “It’s just for whoever stops by.”
“Let me get that for you,” Reggie said, hoisting himself off the couch.
“If you could put these away while I grab the next load, that would be wonderful,” she told him, hoping to keep him busy unpacking so he didn’t try to unload the car.
