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“I never intended on having a family of my own, not after what I experienced with my father and how easily influenced I had been by him. That kind of power a parent has over a child has scared me ever since, but despite that, I won’t run from that responsibility.”
When I looked at Willow, I found her eyes welling with tears.
“Whether it’s because of our bond or just my own gut feeling, I know we’ll be good parents, and I don’t need to worry about our child being predisposed to prejudice, not after I have learned so much from you.”
Willow’s chin wobbled as she tried to keep herself together. “You’re willing to co-parent this baby with me?”
I didn’t even need to think about it, not when I trusted our bond and how wonderful of a thing it truly was.
“Absolutely.”
It was soon and very sudden, but it felt right. I hoped that Willow would eventually come around to the idea of being with me, too, and find that trust in me again.
Willow let go of a small laugh through the tears as she wiped at her eyes and smiled at me. It was like she had been expecting a worse reaction, but I was just glad that we were on the same page.
“We’re going to be parents,” she managed to say, looking happier than she had been initially.
I nodded, joining in on that excitement. Gently putting a hand against her belly, I wanted her to feel my sincerity. To know that I meant every word I had to say.
The comforting warmth of our bond traveled up my arm and reassured me that I had made the right choice.
“I’m not resistant to what’s good for me anymore,” I said with a squeeze of my heart. “It looks like I have a reason to stay in Rose Valley after all.”
Willow seemed to melt at the words, taking in my features like she had the first time she saw me. With all the wonder and hope in the world.
Unable to resist, I put my hand against her jaw and leaned in, brushing my lips against hers.
Willow sighed into the embrace and kissed me back with such passion and affection that I would’ve assumed she never hated me at all.
Fulfilled and looking forward to the future, I couldn’t help but wonder what it might look like for us.
Chapter 18 - Willow
The rapid beating of my heart and the nerves in my stomach contrasted with how happy I had been with Rowan a week prior.
All the happy hormones I had been swimming in abandoned me then, and the walk to River’s coffee shop felt far too long and agonizing. I texted the girls to let them know I wanted to meet up for coffee, and they all agreed to meet me.
As nervous as I was to tell them, I knew there was no way around it. It was better to let them know myself before they noticed. Before the pregnancy was potent enough for them to smell it on me or to see my swollen belly. I had been lucky enough that everyone was busy as of late, and they didn’t have the time to start sniffing around.
I didn’t like keeping things from my friends, and I was far too excited to just keep it between Rowan and me any longer. I had been there for them through their pregnancies, baby showers, and even the occasional delivery. It was my chance to feel that love, and I knew there would be no shortage of it.
When I entered the coffee shop, everyone was already there and waiting at a table by the window. They all smiled at me and said their greetings as I sat down.
Seeing them made my stomach flip with anxiety, but I had to tell them. I couldn’t back out.
Gathering my thoughts, I returned the warmth and took the spare seat between River and Alora.
“I’m so glad you wanted to meet this morning. It’s a beautiful day,” Alora said, sipping from her coffee.
“I had a great walk here,” I replied, feeling more at ease.
I felt like I was overreacting or worrying about their potential reactions without giving them credit. They were my best friends, and I knew they would want me to be happy. They were special to me, and I had to remember that.
Letting go of another breath, I pulled a smile for them and stood.
“So, this isn’t just a spontaneous meet-up like I made it out to be, and I actually have surprise news to share with all of you,” I began, getting to the chase.
Everyone’s brows lifted at that, obviously curious about what I was about to tell them. They paused their drinking and looked at me wholeheartedly.
