Page 173 of Where Broken Wings Fly

There are two men standing on either side of her. One is around her age with salt and pepper hair, wearing a crisp, fitted white shirt, smart dark wash jeans and an easy smile. The other lingers slightly behind, appearing nervous.

He’s younger than them, appearing closer to Killian’s age. His sandy blonde hair is closely cropped to his head in a neat cut, accentuating his strong jawline and smattering of stubble. He’s dressed in black jeans and a blue shirt that’s open at the collar.

With a breath, I approach them. “Hey.”

Katie turns her smile on me. “Thank you for having us, Melody.”

“Was your journey okay?”

“Fine, thanks. This is Don, my fiancé.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Don offers me and Lola a hand to shake. “I’ve heard so much about Briar Valley.”

The other man surveys the party, his hands stuffed in his pockets to conceal his nerves. He looks deeply uncomfortable, his clear eyes lined with heavy bags. Grief seems to weigh on his shoulders in a visible cloud.

“This is Walker,” Katie introduces. “Briar Valley’s newest recruit… I hope.”

Walker plasters on a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Welcome to town,” Lola offers. “We’re happy to have you here.”

“I appreciate the welcome. Katie’s told me a lot about you.” Walker shoots me a quick look. “I haven’t made my mind up about moving with the kids yet.”

She pats his shoulder. “Let’s go and chat. I can answer your questions.”

Lola cleverly takes a seat on the same table as Aalia and introduces her to Walker. She really is a bleeding heart, that woman. Aalia shifts closer to join the conversation, gesturing around towards the thick woods that encapsulate the town.

“I really hope he agrees to this.”

Katie’s voice startles me. She’s moved to my side and gently pats my arm. I will my feet to move and put distance between us, but I can’t bear to inch away from her. My body is straining to fall into her arms.

“I’m going to say hello to Albie.”

“Sure,” I force out.

She guides Don over to the table where Albie and Ryder are discussing an upcoming restoration project, leaving me to suck in a panicked breath. This was such a bad idea.

Two hours into the party, we’ve cleaned dozens of empty plates. Everyone has loosened up after several drinks. I finally get off my aching feet and collapse in Zach’s lap at a table.

His lips brush my ear. “Are you okay?”

“I’m good. Everyone seems to be having a nice time.”

“You worry too much. It’s a great party.”

“You guys made it possible,” I point out.

“All I did was string some fucking lights, Willow.”

“I appreciate everything you do for me, no matter how small.”

Zach’s breath glides over my skin. “Can we kick all these people out? I want to spread your ass across this table and bury my face between your thighs.”

Treacle oozes down my spine.

“I could get behind that idea.”

“I could get behind you,” he purrs.

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