“This isn’t going to be the easiest place to bring in a lot of stuff,” Will commented. “I’m assuming you’re going to want tables and chairs along with the decorations.”
“Yes. That’s the only drawback, but I figured we have enough strong men in this family to help cart stuff out here.”
As they arrived at the clearing, Amy moved to the side so he could stand next to her. She hoped he would have some patience while she explained what she wanted to do. “I want to get some tulle and ribbons to hang from the branches of the trees. I figure it would be great if we could get low tables and chairs that are more the size of the girls.”
“Not sure where we’d get those. I know they must be available somewhere because schools have them. I found that out the hard way when I went to one of Isabella’s parent-teacher meetings and had to sit on one of those miniature chairs at a dinky table.”
Amy clapped her hands together. “Yes. That is exactly what I want. And then I want to have a place where they can decorate their wings.”
“Decorate their wings?”
“Yes. I’m going to have wings for each of the girls along with some tutus. After all, what’s a fairy without wings? And each girl will get a flower crown when they arrive. Rose will also do their face paint as they arrive.” Will hadn’t objected just yet, but Amy could see that he didn’t quite get her vision. “Then I’ll need some tables set up with the food and drinks and the cake. I’d also like to hire a photographer to take pictures.”
“You might check with my sisters about a photographer. If I recall correctly they’ve had someone take family picturesin the past.”
Amy nodded as she scribbled a note in her book. “That’s good. I’d rather use someone they’ve had experience with.” She looked up to find Will watching her, his blue gaze intent.
“You’re taking this very seriously. Thank you.”
“Party planning is a serious endeavor. Especially for a little girl’s first big friend-party. And I love Isabella.”
“And for that, I thank you too. She’s needed someone like you to come along.” Will paused. “Not just her but me too.”
Amy’s breath caught in her lungs. He’d made similar, although more vague, comments before. What was he saying? She’d tried to push her feelings about him aside so that she could deal normally with him, but all it took was the slightest hint that he might feel something for her to bring it all to the forefront once again. “You?”
Will shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded. His head dipped. “Like I said last night, I’ve really been struggling since Isabella was born. I know it wasn’t her fault that Delia died. The doctor said that in all likelihood, the aneurysm would have killed her sooner rather than later even if she hadn’t been pregnant.” He sighed. “I was so wrapped up in my grief it was like there wasn’t room in my heart for love. And then it was just easier to not let myself feel anything. After all, what if something happened to Isabella, too? I didn’t think I could handle yet another loss.”
“She looks a lot like Delia,” Amy commented.
Will looked up and met her gaze. “Yes, she does. That has been difficult, too, but having you come into our lives has made me look at her in a new light. She is her own little person even if she looks a lot like her mother. And I watched as you, who had no blood connection, just opened your heart to her. It was like a slap in the face. A real wake up call. Jessa also took me to task for how I’m raising her. Giving her everything but my heart.”
Amy smiled, even though disappointment had replacedthat initial spark of hope. If only she would learn to not let things he did affect her. “I’m so glad for you and for Isabella, too.”
“I still can’t believe it took Josh’s little sister to help me see the light. I’m happier than ever that he married Cami.” Then, glancing around the clearing, Will said, “Was there more you needed to show me here?”
Josh’s little sister. She should have known better than to read things into what he’d said over the past couple of days. All the things he credited to her having to do with him were in relation to Isabella. There was noyou make me want to love again. Oryou’ve opened my heart to love again. “No. I think that just about covers it. Just need your credit card.”
Will grinned as he reached into his back pocket. “Now you sound like a wife.”
Amy felt her cheeks flush even though his words about her being Josh’s little sister still rang in her ears. “Well, one would think your wife would have her own credit card.”
He chuckled as he opened his wallet and slid a card out. “That’s true.”
“You can trust me with it,” Amy said when she took it from him. “I promise not to spend too much.”
“I’m not worried. Like I said last night, don’t skimp. Get what you need to make this the party you have envisioned.”
Amy tapped the card on her notebook before sliding it into her pocket. “I guess we’re done here.” She turned and led the way back along the path to the house. “Are you bringing Isabella here after lunch?”
“Yep. She would be most distressed if she weren't allowed to come spend some time with you.”
As they walked out of the woods onto the lawn, Will said, “I’m going to head into town. See you later.”
Amy watched his long strides eat up the yard as he walked to where his car sat. Her resolution to not allow her feelings for him to deepen was being tested. She had thoughtshe could be around him and still manage to keep what she felt under control, but her reactions to him earlier were proof that wasn’t working. Maybe it was time to put a little distance between them, especially since he’d made it clear not that long ago that he saw her as only Josh’s little sister. If she could do it subtly without raising any red-flags, maybe she could rein things in.
As his SUV headed down the driveway, Amy turned and went to the back door and let herself into the kitchen. He would be back shortly with Isabella, but hopefully he’d just drop her off and return to work. And maybe it was time to ask Lance for a little time off. Rose had offered to come hang with the girls in the afternoon if Amy ever needed a break.
Back in the house, Amy climbed the stairs to where Julia was spending time with Jessa. She knocked on the door and, after hearing Jessa’s response, stepped into the room.
