Page 110 of Trusting Skulls

Willow grabs me and holds me tight as she weeps. “I’m just so sad. I wanted to share all of this with Rachel. I wanted her to stay with us when the baby comes …”

I don’t say anything, but I do listen. I’m learning that sometimes that’s all one needs.

“She’s the only mom I have, and I’m so scared about the baby.”

Ash appears around the corner, slowing his steps. Our eyes connect for a brief second before I pull away from her. “I know it’s not the same, but there a lot of moms in the club. I’m certain they’ll rally around you and this baby. You should talk to them. It might help ease some of your fears.”

She sniffles, blinking back tears. “You’re right. Thank you. I’ve been so emotional. Jackson is probably worried I’m losing my mind.”

“It’s understandable. You have all those hormones going and then the news of Rachel. I’m sure it’s a lot, but don’t forget to breathe and enjoy this moment. You’re having a baby, and that is wonderful and amazing.”

Her eyes dart over my shoulder, and she wipes her eyes quickly, not wanting Raffe to see her pain. “Let’s go.” She grabs my hand and continues to pull me toward the house. “I want to paint the baby’s room, but the smell makes me want to toss my lunch. Do you think you can help me with that? If your ankle bothers you, you can sit as often as you like. I’ll pay you.”

What is it with everyone wanting to pay me? “Of course, but you don’t need to pay me.”

She waves Ash away with her hands as we approach him. “She’s mine for the rest of the day. Go away.”

His gaze bounces between the two of us, and I give him a little nod to let him know everything is alright.

“Okaaaay. I guess I’ll come back to pick you up later.”

He shakes his head, but I can see he’s still worried about his sister. I reach out as I pass him and give his hand a little squeeze, letting him know I’ve got this.

“Oh, I’m going to pay you. I’ve got so much work around here, and now with the baby coming, I’ll never be able to keep up by myself.” She holds the door open for me. “I also wanted to see if you’d help me with my non-profit, Willow’s Words.”

My eyes bulge out of my head. “What? You want me towork workfor you?”

“Notforme. With me. We’re going to be sisters, so doesn’t it make sense?” She pauses in the living room. “Oh, and soon we’re going to be neighbors too.” She bounces on her toes and claps. “Have you seen it yet?”

“Seen what?”

She twirls in a circle, laughing. “Oh, you don’t know. This is so exciting.”

I hobble up the stairs behind her. “What don’t I know?”

“Ah, it’s Ash’s surprise. I can’t ruin it for him. No matter how much I want to.”

Willow points to the wall on the far side of the room. “If you could start with that wall that would be great. Jesse is coming in the next few days to paint a mural, so I at least have to get that one done.”

I spin around. “This is going to make a great nursery.”

“Now don’t push yourself. Ash will box my ears in if I work you too hard on your first day.”

“I’m actually feeling pretty good. It’s been nice getting out of the house.”

She continues to show me where all the paint and supplies are. “I’m going to work in the garden for a bit so I can avoid the smell. If you need me, that’s where I’ll be.”

“I think I’ve got everything I need.” I shrug my bag off my shoulder and drop it on the built-in window seat. Before she walks out, I stop her. “Willow?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. I was really worried about coming out here today, but you’ve made me feel very welcome.”

She nods, and once again her tears start to flow. “I’m sorry. I’m a bit of a crier,” she says, wiping her eyes.

“I didn’t think I was, but lately that’s all I seem to be able to do.” I laugh lightly, but Willow remains somber.

“I know you’ll never believe me, but I think you saved my brother’s life.”

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