Page 6 of Lone Wolf in Lights
A spark of excitement ignited within Willow, causing her to sit up straighter.
“We’ve managed to put together a weekly large donation box for Empowerment Elves,” Janine announced.
Willow’s heart swelled. “Janine, that’s incredible! Thank you so much.”
“Of course, we’re thrilled to help.” Janine’s voice was warm. “We believe in what you’re doing. You can pick up the first box this Thursday. Is that all right?”
“Thursday works perfectly. I’ll be there,” Willow confirmed. The way everything was falling into place left her in awe. She never imagined she would receive this much support, but it only deepened her affection for Timber Falls. “Thank you again, Janine. This means the world to us.”
A quick goodbye later, she ended the call, placing the phone down.
“Whoa, look at that smile,” Aubrey teased from across the table. “I haven’t seen you this lit up since...actually, I’ve never seen you this lit up.”
“I feel lit up.” Willow playfully tossed a crumpled-up Post-it note at Aubrey. “It’s just...it’s really happening, isn’t it? We’re making waves here in Timber Falls, Aub.” Taking the leap to move here and purchase the bar had been a huge gamble, but the confirmation that it was the right choice brought sweet satisfaction.
Aubrey’s smile stretched wider. “Oh, you are making waves. You’re going to change lives, one craft at a time.”
Willow’s chest warmed. “I hope so.” Even if it meant one woman would feel less alone, it would all be worth it.
“Now, get back to conquering the world,” Aubrey said with a laugh. “I’ll handle the bar inventory.”
Willow nodded and reached for her mug, the steam from the hot coffee curling up, and took a slow, grounding sip. The warmth was a balm to the morning chill that lingered in the corners of the room, when the ringing of her phone again cut through the silence of the dining room.
“Busy girl,” Aubrey said with a grin.
Willow winked, reaching for her phone again. “Hello?” she said.
“Hi, is this Willow? Willow Quinn?” The voice at the other end was tentative.
“Yes, this is her,” Willow confirmed, setting her mug down with a gentle clink against the vintage table.
“Hi. This is Amie—Amie Jenkins. I heard about Empowerment Elves through your social media post, and, well, I’d love to join if you’re still accepting new members?”
“Of course, Amie, We’d be thrilled to have you on board,” Willow replied. “We’ve got our first crafting group this afternoon at three o’clock if you’d like to come.”
“Really?” Amie said, her relief practically palpable through the phone. “That’s wonderful. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“We’ll see you this afternoon, then,” Willow affirmed, adding Amie’s name to the growing list on her screen.
“Thank you,” Amie said. “See you then.”
The call ended and Willow smiled, reaching for her coffee again, staring at her list of women who would join the crafting group later that afternoon.
“Look at you, Miss Community Hero,” Aubrey said.
“Hardly a hero,” Willow demurred, but Aubrey’s grin only widened.
“Stop it. I’ve seen the way people talk about Empowerment Elves. You’re not just creating Christmas crafts, Wills—you’re building something.”
“Maybe so,” Willow conceded. “Doing something—doing this—it’s like I’m finally moving forward,” Willow confessed. “And that is better than looking over my shoulder every second or expecting the worst. I’m looking ahead, making plans.”
“Exactly,” Aubrey said, nodding vigorously. “And that’s a wonderful thing.”
Willow nodded. She had secured donations from three stores, andthatwas a wonderful thing. She glanced out the window, to the ice covering the tree branches, spotting the small car she shared with Aubrey. “I’m going to have to make a few trips to get all the donation boxes.”
“Or,” Aubrey chimed in, with a grin that hinted at mischief, “you could just ask Eli to swing by with his truck.”
The mere mention of Eli sent a rush of warmth cascading through Willow’s veins. She shook her head, attempting to dispel the image of Eli’s piercing gaze that seemed to look right through her defenses. “Stop it,” Willow chided. “I’m not—I’m not ready for...that.”
