Page 53 of Lone Wolf in Lights
Willow felt the weight of her friends’ gazes. “I...” she started, her voice barely above a whisper as she searched for words that seemed to dissolve before they reached her tongue. “I just needed some space, you know? To breathe...to think.”
Charly reached out, her hand gently brushing against Willow’s arm. “We’re here for you, no matter what you need,” she said.
“Thanks, I know that.” Willow smiled.
From her spot next to Willow, Aubrey spoke with a gentle firmness. “I’m sure Eli is feeling horrible this morning, and not from the obvious hangover he likely has.”
“I’m sure he does, and I’m sad about it.” Her voice was steady, but the churning feelings beneath were anything but. “I’m just... I can’t explain what it’s like to not trust your thoughts or your feelings, but that’s how I feel right now. I need to sort through these emotions on my own...and I just... I feel...uncomfortable. It’s not that I’m not grateful he was there, because I am. But there was violence, and I don’t know how to explain it more than saying I need to think how I feel about what happened yesterday. I need to feel steady, and I don’t feel that right now.”
Aubrey and Charly exchanged a look, before Charly replied, “Take all the time you need.”
“We’re right here,” Aubrey chimed in with a smile.
Willow smiled, but doubted it reached her eyes. “I know that too.” She sighed heavily. The warmth from the coffee seeping into her skin as she looked across to Amie. “I can take you home to pack. And I’ll drive you to the airport later.”
Gratitude shimmered within Amie’s eyes. “Thank you, Willow. That means a lot.”
“Of course. I need to keep busy,” Willow confessed, her gaze flitting between Aubrey and Charly. “Busy has always just been good for me. It helps me process.”
Charly reached out, touching Willow’s arm again. “We’ve got the bar. We’ll clean up, get everything ready for opening later. Take the day off.”
Aubrey nodded. “Yeah, leave that to us.”
“Are you sure?” Willow asked.
“Positive,” Charly confirmed, her gaze unwavering, and Aubrey simply nodded.
“Thank you.” She couldn’t understand the quiet in her mind, and that was the confusing part in all this. She couldn’t tell if she felt mad, happy that he protected her, sad about the Christmas crafts, scared of the violence. She just felt...nothing.And that brought a discomfort she couldn’t run from. “I’m going to take some time, sort through everything that’s happened. But I won’t shut myself away—I promise.”
Aubrey reached out, squeezing Willow’s hand. “That’s all we ask. Take care of yourself, Wills. We’re here if you need to talk.”
Willow gave a little nod of thanks. “While I’m off today, I’m going to reach out to some of the craft stores and see if they’ll make some more donations. Maybe do a social media post or something. We’ve got a few days, so hopefully we can make some of the crafts again.”
“That’s a great idea,” Aubrey declared.
Amie interjected, “I’m sorry I won’t be here to help.”
“Don’t be,” Willow said, shifting against the cushions on the couch. “You need to take care of yourself right now. That’s all that matters. Nothing else.”
“She’s right,” Charly agreed, her nod decisive. “Although, I might not be much help. You know me and crafts don’t get along.”
Willow looked to Amie, who burst out laughing, and that, for a second, made Willow’s heart warm.
Sixteen
Midafternoon, Eli followed the Timber Falls Ranch cowboys back to the ranch, their movements practiced and efficient despite the biting cold. Maia was feeling fresh with the wind running up behind her, her mane blowing wildly. With a roar that shattered the tranquil silence, one cowboy maneuvered a snowmobile, pulling a trailer that held the round bale of hay across the frosted landscape that they’d brought to the herd. A necessity during the winter’s harsh months.
The frost-tinged air bit at Eli’s cheeks, but he welcomed the sting, his thumping head not letting him forget he drank too much last night. The sun, high in the sky, created shadows and patterns on the snow that seemed to dance before his eyes. He took a deep breath, tasting the crispness of the air as he approached the edge of the ranch, his breath forming silver clouds that dissipated into the clear air. He’d gone out on the ride for peace and to clear his head, which he got neither of.
The coldness sank into his bones, but it was Willow’s approaching figure that sent a shiver down his spine—a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Her long hair cascaded down her back, catching sunbeams that seemed to thread gold through the strands. She was glowing warmth against the snowy pasture, and for a moment, Eli forgot the chaos in his head. The sight of her, stunning and vibrant, pierced through his gloom, offering a sliver of light in his darkness.
“Hey,” she called out as he drew closer, a tentative smile gracing her lips.
“Hey.” He dismounted and led Maia up to Decker, who waited by the stables. Maia huffed, her breath mingling with Eli’s in the chilled air as he stroked her neck. “Mind taking her in for me?” he asked Decker.
“Nah, no problem,” Decker said, giving Willow a quick smile before striding into the barn.
Eli turned to join Willow by the pasture, feeling the weight of his burdens ease fractionally with each step toward her. When he reached her, the sun bore down, enough to give some warmth and the barn blocked out the brutal, unforgiving wind.
