Chapter 30
Lucas
Lucas was struggling to keep playing. Mia’s voice was so beautiful, ringing alongside his guitar.
He had forgotten what a rich sound she could produce.
He was transported back in time to campfires by the Falls. He would play his guitar and if Mia was there, she would sing sweet tunes that warmed his heart. Willow would sit close beside him, singing too – tunelessly, but still so darling, so endearing.
Why had Willow stopped? Why didn’t she sing anymore?
And how long had his heart remained cold? This warm, deep feeling in his chest was overwhelming. It was both wonderful and terrifying.
He looked at Willow. Her soft features were caught in the flashlights. Her lips moving slowly as she sang along now, her bright eyes filled with tears.
Lucas felt as if he was cracking in two.
What had happened to them?
How did he lose something he loved so much?
Loved … The word drifted in his mind.
He put down his guitar. Mia stopped singing. So didWillow. She looked at him, confused. Those beautiful, honey eyes fixing on his.
He felt like he was choking.
‘I need to …’
He staggered up and moved into the backroom. He needed water. He poured a glass and slugged it back. Then he splashed more on his face. He didn’t realize it, but Mia had followed him. She stepped out of the shadows and gently rubbed his arm.
‘Are you OK?’
He shook his head. ‘I’m tired. My head hurts. All this—’
‘It’s been a hard night.’
‘Too hard,’ he growled.
‘I saw how you were looking at Willow.’
‘I wasn’t. I—’
‘Luc. You don’t need to pretend to me.’
A beat. Then he sighed. ‘Mia, I thought I had lost her. I thought …’
It had been bad enough when she left all those years ago, that nearly destroyed him, but if anything had happened to her in the storm. If she had …
He realized he was shaking.
Mia took him in her arms. She held him close. ‘Luc, you need to tell her how you really feel.’
‘I don’t think I can.’
‘Yes, yes you can,’ she whispered. ‘Don’t let her go again, Lucas. Don’t make the same mistake twice.’
He closed his eyes and let his sister hold him. He wanted her to be wrong. He wanted to tell her to stop interfering, but he knew it was pointless.
