Sleep came in fits and starts that night, but when she woke the next morning to sunlight streaming through the windows, she felt more like herself. Still processing, still healing, but ready to face the world again.
When she emerged from their room dressed in soft clothes with her hair pulled back, she found her entire family gathered in the living room. All of them except Denver and Rhae, who were still on their honeymoon.
Every brother, every sister-in-law, even Navy playing with blocks on the floor. They looked up when she appeared, their faces a mixture of relief and worry.
Carson stood from the sofa and crossed to her, holding out a packed duffel bag. “This is for you.”
She took it, confused. “What is this?”
“Don’t worry, I packed it,” Layne said her corner of the sofa, one hand resting on her rounded belly. “Everything you’ll need for a week away.”
“You get to take the jet,” Oaks added with a grin that didn’t quite erase the concern in his eyes.
Willow looked around at her family, trying to understand. “I don’t understand. Where am I going?”
Carson reached out and gave her a brotherly squeeze, maybe with a little added pressure that told her how worried he had been. “You deserve some time off away from the ranch, away from everything that happened. Just rest and recover.”
She noted that Decker had his own bag at his feet. Understanding dawned.
“He’s coming with me,” she said. It wasn’t a question.
“We could both use some time off.” Decker’s eyes creased at the corners with a tender smile.
Willow felt tears prick her eyes again, but these were different from yesterday’s panic-driven sobs. This was love and the overwhelming knowledge that she was surrounded by people who cared.
“Thank you,” she managed to whisper. “All of you.”
Navy toddled over and wrapped her arms around Willow’s legs. “Bye-bye!”
Willow scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her soft hair. “I promise I’ll come back soon. I get to take the jet!”
The room filled with laughter. It was always Willow suggesting someone take their private jet somewhere. Now it was her and Decker’s turn.
As Decker picked up both bags and led her toward the door, Willow looked back at her family one more time. They’d always been her anchor, her purpose, the reason she pushed herself so hard. But maybe it was time to let them take care of her for once.
Maybe it was time to let herself rest.
* * * * *
New York City thrummed with energy around them, but inside the spa, everything was hushed serenity.
Decker watched Willow emerge from her massage looking more relaxed than he’d seen her in weeks—maybe ever. Thetension that lived in her shoulders since the kidnapping finally eased, and color returned to her cheeks.
“That was exactly what I needed.” She stepped up to him, face tilted to meet his gaze.
For a long beat, they stared into each other’s eyes, then he couldn’t resist leaning close and capturing her mouth in a soft caress. It was just a brush of his lips over hers, but it was enough to ease some of the ache he’d felt at being away from her the past hour she was getting a massage.
She smiled her same old smile, warm and all Willow. “Thank you for the spa day. It was magical.”
He offered her his arm, and she slipped hers through his as they stepped out onto the busy Manhattan street.
“I’m glad you enjoyed your time.” He pulled her close, breathing in the scent of whatever fancy oils they’d used on her.
“I just wish you’d at least gotten a pedi with me.”
He chuckled. “Are my feet that rough?”
She tossed her head on a laugh. “No. It would have been fun, though.”
