Even though Noah gave us until today, Dallas and I called him Tuesday morning together to confirm our agreement. And that Ellie’s on board—with the truth. After he reamed into us for taking such a “dumb risk,” he moved forward with his plans to take Glenda on in family court.
Then, not so gently, instructed us to move forward with our part—the public announcements.The bigger the better.
Dallas rubs the back of his neck. “It’s easy when you got the pros on it. Ginger drafted the ranch newsletter and Rose handled the social media stuff.”
I hold my breath. “You’re worried about something.” Is he worried about lying to so many people? I haven’t even considered what he’s risking if people find out.
“No. I just wanted to let you know things might be moving pretty fast from here—things I’m not even sure I can keep up with. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by it.”
I tilt my head. “Do you?”
He shakes his head, looking off to the side for a brief moment before meeting my eyes. “Not yet.”
I grin at him. “Let me know when you do, I’ll remind you.” It’s my way of telling him I know how important this is. And I’m not backing down. We’re in this together .?.?. for Ellie.
He nods, his eyes warmer than usual but not entirely convinced as he watches me like he doesn’t know if he should trust me—or if he could do this without me.
I hold his gaze because there’s more in them.
“You taught her your grandmother’s song.”
My lips part because he remembered the melody. But I don’t call attention to it. “She’s as eager as I was to learn it.”
He considers that for a moment. “I like that.” He takes a step inside my bedroom and freezes, head dropping like he’s crossed some invisible line. Then with one last sweep over me with his eyes, he takes a step back. “Thank you for that. Good night, Willow.”
16
I smooth my palms down the sides of my dress, shifting nervously in front of the full-length mirror. It’s a deep green knee-length cocktail dress. Ellie picked it out because she liked how it matches my ring. She’s in a short yellow one, sleeveless and frilly at the shoulders.
I inhale a deep breath. “So, should we head down to say hello to everybody?” I ask, hearing the shakiness in my voice. Still hazy on how I went from being tossed into a truck and off to the airport, to hosting a housewarming slash impromptu engagement party for sixty people, in less than a week.
I’d clearly underestimated just how big the Thorne name is in this town. Because the response to the announcement came strong—and hard. Folks from town screaming for more information on the wedding, an engagement party, a reason to celebrate with us.
Hence tonight’s housewarming. One Dallas and I felt cornered into hosting. It’s supposed to be an open invitation to celebrate his new home—well,ournew home—and upcoming nuptials. Simultaneously dodging the need for a bogus engagement party.
“Yes, I’m ready,” Ellie squeals. She does love a good crowd. I only like a big crowd when it means more tips.
Another car crunches over the gravel outside, the tires grinding slowly to a stop. Ellie peeks out my bedroom window. It faces the ranch, unlike Dallas’s, which faces the river and mountains. “It’s Uncle Silas and his friends,” Ellie announces giddily.
I narrow my eyes, having been given the family tree earlier this week. “TheSilas Thorne, huh?” I mutter. I’m not as big a hockey fan as Rose so I don’t expect to be star-struck or anything. But who can ignore members of the Denver Kings when they’re right there in your living room?
Ellie smiles and nods. “He’s funny. And he always brings me Swedish Fish.” She skips to the door. “Let’s go down.”
I bite my lip. “You go ahead. I’ll be down in a minute.”
Once she’s gone, I close my eyes and exhale, trying to tune out the light music and chatter floating up.
The irony isn’t lost on me. Downstairs, dozens of strangers are waiting to toast to a future I have no intention of living. A future I’ve cut out of my five- or even ten-year plan.
Now I need to plaster on a smile and let everyone believe that it’s all I want. That marriage, trust .?.?. forever .?.?. are things I actually believe fit with who I am.
They don’t.
They’re things I’ve shaped myself to live without.
And tonight is just about pinning on another smile for just another crowd.
Except I can’t hide behind a piano and keep my head down.
