He clears his throat, pats my chest once, gruff as ever. “Right. Go on and get changed. I’ll make sure your mam doesn't overwhelm the poor girl with questions—or hug her to death."
He turns and heads inside, already on his self-appointed mission.
I follow a moment later, moving past the kitchen toward the cluster of voices. There's definitely more than Willow and River—my other brothers are here too, holding glittery, over-the-top presents, laughing and jostling together. The only one missing is Elliot, but he’ll be arriving with Aria and Millie soon, fashionably late to her own party.
Ethan swats at his twin, Ezra, two opposites as always, while Emmet stands off the side, scowling like he always does, letting Mam press a kiss to his cheek and fussing over him.
My eyes land on her.
Willow.
Everything else fades away, as if someone has pressed pause on the world around us. Her hair, a cascade of soft waves, is styled half-up, half-down, with a delicate white bow nestled at the back. No makeup graces her face, but she radiates beauty effortlessly—the natural glow of her skin captivating, while the dress she wears fits like a dream, flowing gracefully to her knees with a subtle slit along one side.
Her green eyes—bright, vibrant, and impossibly alive—lock onto mine, and her smile ignites everything in the room. It’s warm and unguarded, reminiscent of sunlight breaking through in a shadowed corner of my heart. An overwhelming instinct stirs within me, a desire to protect her, to shield her from the harshness that life can bring.
She's breathtaking, and all mine.
I want to see that smile every god damn day, no matter what it takes.
“Oh, Willow,” My mam interrupts my thoughts, stepping right in front of her, hands cupping her cheeks lightly. “Look at you, so blooming pretty. I’m so glad you could make it.”
She glances around the chaos of our family with a quick shake of her head. “Don’t mind these loudmouths—you'll get used to them. I do hope my boys have been taking good care of ye?”
Her eyes flick to me, then to River, and I don't miss the slight pink that creeps into her cheeks.
“They've been great, Mrs Lawson,” Willow says softly.
Mam waves her hand. “Ah, don't call me that; it makes me sound old—Moira will do just fine. No need for fancy words inthis family. Now, all the food and drinks are outside, and the cake will come later when Millie decides to show up.”
Whenever that is.
“Where's the cake?” Ezra asks, River nodding like he's echoing the demand.
Mam lets out a light laugh, eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ve hidden it, of course. Because I know exactly what ye two are like… even ye, Emmet, with your sweet tooth.”
I can't help but grin quietly, watching Mam's effortless ability to wrangle the chaos while making it feel warm and alive—and all the while, Willow stands there, catching the full brunt of our family madness.
They all drift into the kitchen, and River brushes past me, shoulder bumping mine. “Mum wanted me to tell you she’ll be back tomorrow morning, ready for some meal. I didn't know we had anything planned.”
I grit my teeth. Fuck—tomorrow. “I’ll tell you later,” I mutter. He shrugs and walks off, leaving me with Willow.
All I want to do is pull her close, kiss her, lose myself in her. My eyes wander over her, slow and appreciative, letting her see me drink in every curve of her body.
“How did it go?” I ask.
She twists the daisy ring on her finger, a little smile tugging at her lips. “I signed up for ballet and contemporary. I was thinking of trying pole dancing too—it helps with the flexibility.”
The excitement that practically sparkles around her when she talks about dancing is intoxicating.
“Pole dancing, huh?” I move closer, checking over my shoulder to make sure nobody's around. “Can I watch?”
Her brows lift. “You want to watch me?” She seems surprised by that.
I reach out, pinching her chin and tugging her bottom lip playfully. “Do I want to see your beautiful body bend into shapesI plan to bend you into?” I tease, a cheeky grin spreading across my face. “Of-fucking-course. Next time we’re alone, you'd better give me a private dance.”
Her eyes flick behind me, but I don't miss the shock and excitement that crosses her face. “You can't flirt like that with your family around.”
The hell I can't.
