When I reached my car, parked out of the way at the end of the gravel drive, and waited for her to catch up, I heard Willow’s sharp intake of breath.
“Oh, my God. That’s your car?” She gaped at my baby. “That’s a fucking Thunderbird. Nineteen fifty-seven?”
I cocked my head. “Nineteen fifty-six. You a fan?”
“Oh, my great-uncle had one, and I always thought it was the coolest car ever. He let me drive it to prom one year. I was in love.” She slid me a side-eye. “With the car, you know. The guy was a total loser.”
“Well, at least you had the Thunderbird,” I consoled her.
“True. For one night.” She touched the door handle. “You have yourself one bitchin’ car, Dean.”
“Thanks.” I stuck my hands into my pockets, enjoying her appreciation of my pride and joy.
“But I think we should get one thing straight up front.” Willow lifted her hand and pointed at me. “Even with this totally righteous automobile—” The corners of her mouth curled, and her eyes danced teasingly. “Even with this beauty . . . you should know that I am not going to fall in love with you tonight. So if you were driving me home on the off-chance you had a shot, forget it.”
I clutched at my chest as though wounded. “Wow. There goes my massive ego, crumbling to the ground.” Straightening, I added, “Don’t worry, Willow. For the foreseeable future, there’s only one love in my life—and you’re about to drive her.”
Willow twirled the keys on her thumb. “Get in, pal. Now that we know we’re both on the same page—no falling in love for us—I plan to enjoy the hell out of this ride.”
I circled the passenger side and opened the door. “One last hoorah before life gets serious?”
She laughed, and the sound made me second-guess my promise.
“One last hoorah, pal. Just one more night of fun.”
ChapterOne
Willow
“Iwasn’t lying, was I? Isn’t this place beautiful?”
My mom shaded her eyes as we both looked out over the Hudson River. She wasn’t wrong; as the sun glinted onto the water, I had to admit that the view rivaled those I’d enjoyed in Europe over the past year. There was even a castle nestled among the trees on the mountain that stood opposite us, standing like a sentinel guarding the curve in the wide river.
“It’s impressive.” I chose my response carefully. My mother’s enthusiasm about West Point was genuine, mostly, but I had a sneaking suspicion that she was also hoping to lure me into staying here with her and my dad longer than just the month or two I’d planned.
“Wait until you see your first parade. All those cadets moving in perfect synchronicity across the green plain . . . it’s magnificent.” Mom sighed, and I barely suppressed my snort of derision.
“Listen, Mom, I’m sure it’s a sight to behold. And I’m so glad that you and Daddy are happy here. It seems like it’s a good fit for you both.”
My mother rolled one shoulder. “After a lifetime of moving from one college campus to another, this is a pretty sweet spot for your father’s last coaching gig. Talk about going out in style.”
I arched one eyebrow. “Do you really think Daddy’s going to retire after his job here is over?”
She nodded. “We have a deal. Your father’s contract with the academy runs through Todd’s last year of college. After that, with both our little chicks out of the nest and flying on their own, we’ll be free to do anything we want.”
“And if Daddy ends up with a few stellar seasons, and they offer him a tempting renewal deal?” I cocked my head. “What then?”
“I don’t mind staying here for another year or two beyond what we expect.” Mom remained serene. “We have an enormous, gorgeous home, a very welcoming community, and a supportive administration. Plus, Daddy isn’t dealing with some of the garbage he had to handle at civilian schools. These boys are disciplined, polite, and determined.” She paused. “You couldn’t ask for a better selection of potential boyfriends, if you were looking for one.”
I feigned shock. “Mother! What would Daddy say if he knew you were trolling the barracks for a new boy toy?”
“Willow.” She pinned me with the same expression that had been bringing me to heel since I was two. “You know what I mean.”
“I do, Mom.” I slid one arm through hers. “And while I appreciate the sentiment, I am not looking for a husband or even a boyfriend. I have so much more to do with my life before I settle down to domesticity—if I ever decide I want that.” I sighed. “There’s a big, exciting world out there, just waiting for me to discover it. I want to get my doctorate under my belt and then travel to all of the places that I’ve read about in textbooks. I want to see—well, everything.” I flung wide my free hand. “The whole entire world.”
“Who says you can’t do that with a husband?” my mother retorted. “That sounds like more fun. And safer, too.”
“A husband and a family would just slow me down. I have too much to do, too many plans.” I patted her shoulder. “But don’t worry. I’ll probably find a man in enough time to eke out at least one grand baby for you . . . eventually.”
