Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Life would get hard at some point because that was what life did. It was hard sometimes. There was no getting around that fact.
But it would be easier with her.
CHAPTER 9
Theo
Present Day
When I got back to my place, I headed straight to the bathroom to check on Willow. She was still there, sleeping in the tub, covered in crumbs. I moved in closer to find her snoring very lightly.
I tapped her arm. “Willow, you should go to bed.”
No response, just more snoring.
She couldn’t stay in the tub all night long, so with a short sigh, I bent down and lifted her into my arms. I carried her out of the bathroom to her bedroom, shaking off as many crumbs as I could. She still didn’t wake. She simply snuggled in deeper against my chest, giving me nothing more than her inhales and exhales.
With finesse, I used my foot to pull back the blanket on her bed, then laid her down. She instantly rolled on her side, grabbed a pillow, and hugged it against her chest, growing even more comfortable. I covered her up and tucked her in.
I tucked her in.
What the hell, Theo?
Never in my life had I tucked another human into bed.
As I turned to leave, I flipped off the light, only to hear her voice.
“Theodore?”
I didn’t look back to face her. “Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
I didn’t reply. I went back out on my boat. It was a hassle and a pain in the ass to take it back out on the water, but I was too awake to stay in the house. Plus, if I stayed in the house, I might’ve found the urge to check in on Willow more than once.
Instead, I went out on the water and thought about the fairy who got too high on Matt Turner’s brownies.
CHAPTER 10
Willow
To: MichaelKingsley@gmail.com
From: WillowKingsley@gmail.com
Subject: Willow News Update
Hey Old Man,
My first few nights in Westin Lake have been adventurous, to say the least. I’ve been here a bit over three weeks, and everyone has been pretty welcoming. About a week ago, I accidentally ate too many special brownies without knowing they were special brownies, and let’s just say the night went in a direction I didn’t think it would. Remember when Anna and I got into your edibles and took too many when we were sixteen? Now imagine that times fifty.
Gosh, I was a handful for you. I’m surprised you didn’t ground me forever after that—though six months did feel like forever back then.
I’ve been thinking about Anna a lot lately. I wish I could turn off that part of my brain sometimes. I wonder how she is. I always wonder how she is. I guess that’s life, though—a blend of memories and regret and words left unsaid.
Molly asked if her grandson Theo and I could move up the anniversary party for her and Harry. She came back the other night upset after a doctor’s appointment for Harry. I think they got some bad news after a fall he had last week. They thought it wasn’t that serious, but his hip is having a lot of struggles. I feel awful, and it makes me want to pour everything into their anniversary celebration. Theo and I are going into town to meet with a few caterers and shop for decorations tomorrow.
Theo’s a hard nut to crack. I still can’t tell if he likes me, but he did give me his cookies, so that’s a good sign. Then again, afterward, he told me not to eat any more of his food with the grumpiest expression.
Anyway, I love you, Dad.
I’ll see you soon.
-Your Little Bird
PS Don’t worry. I’m okay.
To: WillowKingsley@gmail.com
From: MichaelKingsley@gmail.com
Subject: Dad News Update
Little Bird,
I’m sorry to hear that about Molly’s husband. That’s a hard situation to be in. It probably means the world to Molly to have you there to help out. Just remember to take care of yourself, too. I know those issues can be very heavy.
I saw Anna the other day in town. I’m sorry you’re still struggling with that. I would say I could talk to her for you, but I know it wouldn’t help much of anything. Grieving people who are still alive is tough. Also, I forgot about that edibles incident. It just upset me again, so you better come home because you’re grounded again. Okay, maybe that’s just me trying to get you home.
If this Theo guy is rude to you, let me know, and I’ll come kick his ass.
Or if he tries to cozy up to you, let me know, and I’ll come kick his ass.
Avery is twenty-five weeks now, which is wild to me. I can’t wait to meet the twins. And I’m grateful that you’ll be home for their birth. Something else to look forward to.
I love you, Willow.
You said you’ll see me soon. Make it sooner than that.