Page 143 of Where Broken Wings Fly

“Well, now you’ve got one. Better get used to this.”

CHAPTER 27

WILLOW

NEVER SAY NEVER - THE FRAY

I watch the first rays of summer sunshine bloom on the horizon between imposing mountains that carve the panoramic view. The light leaks through in glittering beams, and the warmth soothes my skin. August is officially in full swing.

Sipping my fresh coffee, I glance at the silent cabin across the road. Zach’s still asleep, but Killian disappeared in his truck a while ago to run some errands for Lola. Micah’s back in his studio, though he emerges for mealtimes.

We’ve fallen into a familiar routine. Each night, we gather around the dinner table to spend time together. Ryder usually joins us, and sometimes Albie as well. Secretly, I think they both love having someone cook for them.

The guys have been taking it in turns to put Arianna to bed each night. She always blackmails them into reading her a story from the books that Rachel refreshes regularly. While the guys pretend to complain, I know all three of them love it.

I’m not sure when things changed, but in a weird way, it feels like we’re a real, albeit fucked-up family now. The rowdy, imperfect kind that threatens one another with death and has childish food fights to gain control of the TV remote.

“Mummy,” Arianna yells from inside. “I can’t find my polka dot dress. What am I going to wear to school?”

I slip back in. “Don’t worry, sleepyhead. Let’s go find it.”

After locating the dress under a haphazard stack of teddy bears, Arianna gets dressed and I sit down on her bed to plait her hair. She insists on wearing the yellow ribbon that Killian bought her on his last trip to town.

“I still can’t find my baby box,” she says tearfully. “I haven’t seen it since we stayed with Grams. I think I lost it.”

“I’m sure you haven’t.” I smooth her finished hair, straightening the ribbon into place. “Let’s get you to school and I’ll go to look for it, okay?”

“Promise?”

“I promise, Ari.”

“Okay,” she submits.

With her bottom lip jutted out, she grabs her backpack and races to the front door. Being home-schooled with the other kids has been endlessly good for her. She’s growing up so much, gaining confidence every day.

I tried my best when she was growing up to teach her the basics. It was hard going, but I did everything I could to give her a normal life amidst the despair and destruction. It’s great to see her learning now like normal children do.

Waving to Ryder working on a crappy looking motorcycle as we walk past, we begin the short hike down into the valley. The whole town is waking up for the day, windows being thrown open and washing pegged out to dry.

“Hey, Willow!” Harold greets from his driveway.

“Morning. You heading out?”

He tosses a camouflaged bag into his truck. “We’re doing an overnight trip. Hoping to catch a deer or two this time.”

“Good luck.”

Climbing into the driver’s seat, he gives me a salute. “Catcha later.”

Once he’s out of earshot, Arianna tugs on my hand, her mouth downturned. “Mummy, is he really going to shoot a deer? They’re so pretty.”

“I know, baby. You don’t have to eat it.”

“I don’t want to. I like Bambi.”

Ruffling her hair, I try not to laugh and upset her further. She wasn’t saying that when she demolished a venison burger at Albie’s birthday bonfire. I’ll let her remain oblivious for a little longer before bursting that bubble.

For each cabin we pass, neighbours offer greetings. Nameless faces who once meant nothing to me are now treasured friends. I’ve learned about their lives and histories, piecing together the patchwork quilt of residents in Briar Valley.

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