Page 51 of Frozen Hearts

“I thought maybe I had pushed you away for good,” Willow admitted.

“I was thrown for a loop to be sure. But, no, I’m not going anywhere. This is exactly where I want to be,” Mel purred into Willow’s ear.

“I love you,” Willow whispered.

“I love you, too,” Mel smiled. She hooked a finger under Willow’s chin and brought her face forward into a kiss.

Willow allowed the moment between them to deepen, drawing her into it. The new and now familiar feeling of certainty flooded Willow’s mind, incapable of being ignored. She met Mel’s eyes and offered a warm smile.

“I’m so glad we found each other,” Willow smiled.

“You mean you’re glad that I knocked you to the ground so many times that you couldn’t ignore me?” Mel smirked.

“There’s no one else I’d rather have slam me to the ground than you,” Willow teased.

“Oh, I would hardly say you were slammed to the ground.” Mel laughed.

Willow pressed another kiss against Mel’s lips. This was it. The fresh start she’d been waiting for. Willow had a chance to move forward with Mel and leave the past behind her. There was nothing she wanted more than this new life with Mel.

Chapter 21

Mel happily decorated her living room. Sushi and Mase ran around, chasing one another.

“You guys go outside,” Mel commanded.

They both looked at her before running out to the yard. It had become apparent very early on that the two of them wanted a place together. So, six months ago Willow had sold her place to her mom. Willow then moved in with Mel in her place. The whole thing had been a whirlwind ever since.

Mel and Willow had traveled together with the dogs. She looked around her home and smiled at all the pictures they had accumulated in such a short amount of time. This summer they were all set to go on a cruise for the first time. Brianna and River had fought over who would take care of the dogs, before deciding they both would.

Today was an important day. Mel had been preparing for months. She pulled a tiny box out of her back pocket and opened it. A small diamond ring twinkled back up at her. Her life andWillow’s had intertwined so quickly. Even their friend groups had combined. Brianna had been seamlessly included along with Mel. Now, Mel hoped to make it all official by proposing.

She had shown the ring to all of their friends. Now all that was left was the actual proposal. River and Brianna were coming to walk her through it any moment. Mel knew what she wanted, she didn’t need any more time. But Willow often moved slower and with more caution. There was a chance she’d be moved by the gesture but think that they were moving too fast. A knock on her door alerted Mel to River and Brianna’s arrival.

She threw open the door and her two friends threw their arms around her. It had felt amazing to be so accepted by River.

“Okay, let’s see it,” Brianna teased.

“You’ve already seen the ring,” Mel laughed.

“But we want to see it again,” River insisted.

Mel gave them both a playful roll of her eyes. She pulled the ring out and opened the lid for them to both see.

“Willow is going to love this,” River smiled.

“I love it,” Brianna said.

“Thanks, guys,” Mel laughed.

“So what’s the plan today?” River asked.

“Nothing too extravagant. A picnic on the beach followed by a proposal. Then we’ll meet up with you guys, Piper, and Autumn. What do you guys think?” Mel asked.

“It sounds perfect for you and Willow,” River stated.

“I think it sounds amazing,” Brianna smiled.

“It isn’t too simple?” Mel asked, she crossed her arms over her chest.

---