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“I haven’t been around, I haven’t done everything I can to make this perfect for you. I took you, I changed your life in good and bad ways. I have taken you to hell and back, and I know there’s no reason that I would deserve someone like you. I don’t deserve you, but I’ll never, ever want anything in my life the way I want you. You’ve changed everything I am. You’ve made me want to be so many things I never thought I could be. You’ve become the reason I wake up every day. You’re my heart, my soul, and the reason I breathe. I don’t deserve you to say yes to me, Willow, but I’m asking you to. I’m asking you to say yes because without you, I am nothing. Without you, I have no soul. I can’t give you much right now, but I can give you my heart and promise you that I’m always going to fight. I promise you I’ll always come back, I’ll always believe in you and, Willow, I’ll always love you. Marry me, let me give you all of me.”
Jagger is looking at me with those beautiful blue eyes, his face full of emotion, desperation, but, mostly, love. I drop to my knees too, and I take his face in my hands.
“Yes, oh my, Jagger. Yes.”
He slumps in relief, and we crash into each other’s arms, both of us clinging to each other like it’s the last time we ever will. When we finally pull back, he slides the ring onto my finger, and it’s a perfect fit. It’s a beautiful square cut diamond, with a white gold band. It’s everything. Clapping sounds come from the darkness, and I turn to see everyone walking out, beaming. I smile at all of them—my family, my life. They’re our glue.
I stand and rush over, reaching Jenny first and throwing my arms around her. She squeals and jumps up and down, Ava is sobbing, and the boys are clapping Jagger on the back. It’s the most incredible moment of my life.
Until it isn’t.
WE’RE ALL STANDING, living in the blissful moment, hugging and laughing, when a voice comes from the darkness. It’s a voice I recognize, and I’m immediately tense when I hear it.
“Jagger?”
We all pause and turn to see Mary step into the light, she must have come to my house to see me, and heard the noise. Why would she be coming to see me at this time of the night? My stomach tightens. Her eyes fall on Jagger and widen. “What’re you doing here?”
I don’t know why, but a cold chill creeps through me. What is she doing here? I don’t understand. It can’t be for a good reason. Jagger walks over and embraces her, and she wraps herself around him, immediately pulling out the fakest sounding sob I’ve ever heard. Something is most certainly wrong, so when he starts telling her what’s happening, I call his name to stop him. He turns to look at me, confused.
“Can we talk for a second?”
He narrows his eyes, but nods. I lead him into the darkness away from Mary. “Jagger, I don’t trust her.”
“What?”
“I can’t explain it, but I don’t trust her. Something feels wrong. I feel it with every ounce of my body.”
“I know you don’t get along, but she wouldn’t hurt me. She’s like my mother. Are you sure you’re not just feeling extra concerned because of everything that’s going on?”
“Why is she here at this time of the night, hiding in the darkness?”
He sighs. “She probably just heard talking and came over, maybe she wanted to see Cody again.”
“Jagger, please, if you trust me with anything at all, trust me with this. I don’t trust her, and I don’t think you should tell her your plans.”
“That woman practically raised me. I know you two don’t get along, but I don’t think she’d do anything to hurt me.”
“Please?”
“Don’t put me in this position, please?”
“Do you love me, Jagger?”
His eyes harden, just a touch. “You fuckin’ know I do. I just asked you to be my wife.”
“Then can you at least keep your plans from her? Please, for me and Cody, can you do that?”
“You’re askin’ me to make a choice that’s goin’ to hurt her.”
“No, I’m asking you to just be careful.”
“She hates Mick more than you do. I promise you, she doesn’t mean any harm.”
Then he turns and disappears, not letting me say another word. I rub my arms. Something is not right. Something is not right at all.
14
JAGGER
It has been three days.
Three days since I’ve spoken to Willow.
We had a huge fight over Mary when she found out I told her about our plans to end Mick. She’s overreacting, I know why, and I understand it, but I can’t seem to get her to believe that Mary isn’t a monster. I’ve had her in my life forever, she’d never hurt me. I’ve tried calling, but she is refusing to answer. I had to come back, and I didn’t even get to say goodbye to her or Cody. It’s killing me, but I can’t make her talk to me.
