Waiting for Willa (The Big Sky Series Book 3) Read online

  “Well, I guess there’s no time like the present to jump into the deep end. You’ve seen him when he’s fun and playful, and even when he’s being a handful. Now, you get the rough stuff. We’ll see if you’re still here in two days.”

  “Is that a challenge?”

  “It’s a fact.”

  “Have the others before always bailed when it got rough?”

  She sighs. “I’ve never given them the opportunity to make it this far. This is new territory for both of us.”

  I can hear Alex emerge from the bathroom, so I quickly tug her to me and kiss her hard.

  “I’ll be here. In two days. In twenty years. And I’ll prove it to you, one day at a time.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  ~Willa~

  “I’M SO BORED,” Alex whines, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in one hand, and the remote control to the TV in the other.

  It’s Sunday evening, and his fever finally broke this afternoon. Which means, he’s feeling much better. He moved from his bedroom to the living room this morning, where he’s watched everything from Captain America—for the twentieth time—to Harry Potter. Rocky has been great about sticking close to his boy for cuddles and food scraps.

  They’re a team now.

  “I know, Bubba, but you have to rest. You’re still getting better,” I remind him.

  “At least I get to go to school tomorrow,” he murmurs as I walk into the kitchen.

  Max walks in from outside, shaking snow from his jacket and boots.

  “We got another foot, easy,” he says with a grin. He’s been here since we got home two days ago, helping with everything from cool baths to bring the fever down to taking Rocky outside to go potty.

  The billionaire who made People’s sexiest people in the world list has become quite domesticated.

  “Thanks for shoveling,” I reply and boost myself up on my toes to plant a kiss on his cheek. “Want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?”

  “Is that even a question? Of course, I do.” He pats my butt as he walks past me to wash his hands in the kitchen sink. “How’s the patient?”

  “Bored,” I reply with a sigh. “But feeling better.”

  “My mom said this would be a stage of the process,” he says, drying his hands on a towel.

  “You talked to your mom?” I ask with a grin.

  “Of course. I didn’t know what to get at the store, so I called her.”

  “How is she?”

  He leans in and presses his lips to my ear, sending a shiver down my back. “She’s elated that I’m with you.”

  That makes me feel warm and happy. I always loved Max’s parents.

  “Well, that’s good.”

  He kisses my cheek. “It’s not bad. Does he need anything?”

  “He says he’s excited to go back to school tomorrow, but I’m not sure about sending him.”

  Max nods but doesn’t say anything.

  “What do you think?”

  “I’m not a parent,” he reminds me, and I immediately feel like shit again for telling him that he’s not Alex’s dad last week.

  “You’re an adult who cares about my kid, and I’m asking for your opinion. Please.”

  “Well, he hasn’t been fever-free for twenty-four hours yet, so he could still infect someone else at school. Not to mention, he needs to rest, continue with the fluids, and we need to get more food into him.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “I consulted WebMD,” he says, his voice full of pride, which makes me smile. He truly does love my boy. “Besides, I really would rather he was here where we can keep an eye on him. What if he relapses? And you know the teacher won’t look out for him the way we will.”

  “I understand.” I slip my hand into his and link our fingers. “You’re quite protective, you know.”

  “I protect what’s mine,” he says softly but doesn’t elaborate. “So, I say he stays home one more day.”

  “I agree.” I nod and walk into the living room with another bottle of Gatorade and a sleeve of saltines. “Bubba, I think it’s best if you stay home one more day.”

  “Oh, man,” he says in disappointment. “Am I being punished? I didn’t get sick on purpose.”

  “No, you’re not.” I feel his forehead, then lean in and press my lips there to check for fever. “We don’t want you to make anyone else sick. It’s best for you to rest up, snuggle Rocky, and then you’ll be good to go on Tuesday.”

  “Okay.”

  He’s not arguing too hard, which tells me he still doesn’t feel fantastic. Keeping him out of school is the right move.

  “How about this? Because you were awesome at Nana and Papa’s house this week, and you can’t go to school tomorrow, I’ll reinstate your privileges a day early.”

  “Really?” His little face lights up with hope. “Can I have them now?”

  “You can,” I confirm. “I’ll go pull them out of my secret hiding place, and you can play video games if you want.”

  “I so want. Thanks, Mom.”

  I wink at him, then fist bump Max as I pass by him on my way to the master. Alex isn’t allowed in my bedroom when I’m not with him, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t hide the things I take away, just in case.

  I have a chest in my closet that I bury under folded sweaters. I move the clothes and open the chest, then pull out Alex’s gaming system, games, and his iPad, and replace the sweaters before walking back out to the living room.

  Max is on the couch with Alex now, under the blanket, watching the end of Harry Potter. I hook up the system and pass the iPad to Alex, but rather than starting it up, he sets it aside to finish his movie.

  Maybe taking the extra electronics away for a few days wasn’t a bad thing. We may do unplugged days once a week for a while. I want my kid to enjoy playing outside and working with his hands.

  I sit in the loveseat across from my men and watch as Max wraps his arm around Alex’s shoulders, pulling him into his side. He kisses Alex’s head, and Alex rests his arm over Max’s middle, settling into him.

  I blink at tears that threaten and look over at the TV, but my mind is still on the two people across from me. I love them both more than anything in the world. I love that Alex has taken to Max so well. He trusts him, admires him, and there’s no one more deserving of that trust and praise than Max.

  I wish that Alex had had the opportunity to have this same relationship with Cary, but that wasn’t to be. We’re here now, with a man who loves us both and wants to protect and care for us.

  I wasn’t sure that I’d ever see that day. Certainly not with Max because of our past and because I’d moved on from him.

  It’s new to depend on someone as a partner, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t resistant to it at first. Like I told Max the other day, I have to protect myself.

  I just had no idea how good it would feel to have someone here with me, to help me, to say “I’ve got this for now, go take care of you.”

  It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. Better than falling in love. Better than sex.

  It’s security I’ve never had before, and I don’t want to ever let it go.

  “That was a good movie,” Max says when the credits roll. “I can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before.”

  “You hadn’t?” Alex asks with wide eyes. “How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know. Are the others this good?”

  “Oh my gosh, they’re the best. Let’s have a marathon. We have them all, right, Mom?”

  “We do, but I thought you wanted to play your games?”

  Alex shrugs. “I can play tomorrow, I guess, after the movies are over.”

  I share a surprised look with Max. “That’s true.”

  “So, can we?”

  “I don’t see why not. But first, we need to have a talk.”

  I turn the TV off and sit again, my elbows on my knees.

  “Oh, man,” Alex says. “Nothing good ever comes from that.”r />
  Max laughs. “That’s exactly what your mom would say.”

  Alex grins. “I know.”

  “What do you want to talk about, Wills?” Max asks, his eyes smiling at me.

  “Skiing.”

  “Well, that’s my cue to go,” Max says as he stands, but I put my hand out, stopping him.

  “No, I really want you to stay. We’re in this together, remember?”

  “I’ve been in trouble for that already.”

  “You’re not in trouble now,” I reply with a laugh. “No one is in trouble.”

  “Okay, then,” Max says as he takes his place on the couch again. “Go on.”

  “I want to talk about the lessons you’ve been asking for,” I say, addressing Alex directly, and see the hope fill his brown eyes.

  “Really?” he asks.

  “We’re just talking about it right now,” I clarify. “I need you to be patient with me, Bubba, because this is something that truly scares the hell out of me.”

  “It’s just that it’s so fun,” Alex says as he walks over to me and sits next to me. “And I’ll always be really careful.”

  “I know.” I kiss his cheek and then his forehead. “Did you have fun with Max?”

  “It was the best day of my whole life,” he says so earnestly that it tugs at my heart.

  I look over to find Max watching us, his face solemn.

  “What do you think?” I ask him.

  He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I understand why it scares you. It can be a dangerous sport, but if he’s taught by the right people, and always follows the rules and wears his gear, he’ll be safe.”

  “I would do those things,” Alex says, nodding with enthusiasm.

  “Jacob has some incredible instructors,” Max adds. “I hate to break it to you, buddy, but ski season is almost over for this winter.”

  “Oh.” Alex deflates next to me. “That sucks.”

  He’s disappointed, but I’m elated. This gives me a good nine months before I have to think about it again.

  “I think there’s only one more weekend left,” Max continues. “But now we know it’s not out of the question for your mom.”

  “Yeah, that’s awesome.” Alex leans into me. “What made you change your mind?”

  “I can see that you enjoyed it,” I reply, thinking it over. “I talked with Nana about it, and she gave me a new perspective on it, too.”

  “Interesting,” Max says.

  “I’ll tell you about it sometime.”

  He nods, and I glance down at a smiling Alex. “Now that we’ve decided that skiing is back on the table for next year, do you want to watch more Harry Potter?”

  “I just have one question,” Alex says.

  “What’s that?”

  “Will you go skiing with us?”

  I glance at Max, who’s leaning forward, waiting for my answer.

  “No,” I reply with a laugh. “But I’ll go hang out at the lodge and wait for you.”

  “Okay,” Alex says. “Let’s watch Harry Potter.”

  ***

  “I haven’t played Pac-Man in years,” Max says as he joins me at our table at O’Donnel’s. It’s Wednesday night, and Alex has the next two days off school, so we invited Pierce to come out for pizza with us before we take Alex to spend one more night with Jean and Dan before they leave for Arizona.

  “I can’t believe it still works,” I say, watching Alex and Pierce take turns on the game. “Alex is good at it.”

  “He’s smart, Wills. And I’m not just saying that because I’m biased. He’s highly intelligent. Alex says he struggles with math, but once he grasps the concept, he runs with it. I’m excited to see what he does with all that brainpower.”

  “I am, too,” I admit. “But it’s okay if he’s a little boy for a while longer. He’s growing up so fast.”

  “I notice his attitude has been better since our week away. Even with being sick.”

  “I’ve noticed the same,” I reply. “It’s been nice to have my sweet boy back for a while.”

  “Look what the cat dragged in,” Max says with a grin, looking at someone behind me. I turn to see Christian and Jenna, along with Nina, walking through the door.

  “Oh my gosh! You have to join us,” I say, jumping up to give Jenna and Nina a hug. “Tell me you’re not taking it to go.”

  “We’re not now,” Christian says with a laugh. I flag down the waitress and let her know we’re moving to a bigger table, and once we’re settled in, I nudge Jenna with my elbow.

  “I haven’t talked to you in forever.”

  “You were off on a romantic getaway, and then Alex was sick,” she reminds me. “But please tell me we’re on for yoga tomorrow.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it,” I reply. “Nina, why don’t you join us for yoga? You’d love Fallon.”

  “I think I will,” Nina says with a smile. “What are you guys up to?”

  “Getting out of the house,” Max says with a laugh. “What about you?”

  “Well,” Jenna says, looking at Christian. He gives her a nod, and she looks like she’s about to burst with something. “We’re getting married.”

  “We know,” I remind her, pointing at her ring. “We’ve known for weeks now. Did you hit your head?”

  “No,” Jenna says, giggling. “We’re getting married this weekend.” She whispers the last few words, and I stare at her, sure I’ve misheard her.

  “Uh, Jen?”

  “Yeah?”

  “We haven’t planned.”

  She shrugs a shoulder. “I’ve planned everything I need to.”

  Nina glances around the room nervously, probably making sure no one is listening. Christian’s had several curious looks since he walked in. I guess that’s what happens when you’re the most famous actor in the world.

  I check on Alex and Pierce, but they’re still playing their game, oblivious to the conversation happening at the table.

  “Were you going to tell us?” Max asks quietly. He looks irritated, his brows drawn together in a frown.

  “I was going to call tonight,” Jenna admits.

  “I don’t love talking about this here,” Nina says.

  “There’s no one here,” Christian says, looking around. “And the two women in the back corner can’t hear us. Just tell them, babe.”

  “Saturday,” Jenna whispers, “at the property in the park.”

  “You’re going to snowshoe in your wedding dress?” I ask quietly. “It’s damn cold out there.”

  “No,” she says with a smile. “I’ve talked to the park and got permission to plow the road, just this once. No snowshoeing for it. But, yes, I am wearing a pretty dress. And before you ask, we’re only inviting the people at this table, Hannah and Brad, and Jacob and Grace. That’s it.”

  “Wow,” I whisper. “What about your parents?”

  She shrugs a shoulder but doesn’t answer, and that means something’s up with that and she doesn’t want to say.

  I’ll figure it out later.

  “What time?” Max asks.

  “We say our vows at four, just in time for the sunset. The photos will be ridiculous. And then we’ll have a small reception at the Lodge on the lake.”

  “Not Jacob’s lodge?” I ask, surprised. We usually have most of our events there.

  “Not this time,” Jenna says. “I want a lake view.”

  “I have a lake house,” Max reminds her.

  “I didn’t want to ask,” she admits. “Because it’s short notice.”

  Max leans in, looking his sister in the eye. “Anything you want, Jen. Ever. It’s never too much. We’ll have it at the house, and we’ll cater it however you want. Just let me know.”

  “I love you,” Jenna says with tears in her eyes.

  “I love you, too,” Max says, then reaches for my hand under the table.

  “What am I supposed to wear?” I ask.

  “Well, I have something for you,” Jenna says, reaching int
o her handbag.

  “If it’s a dress, it’s way too small,” I say, making her giggle.

  She passes me a card.

  I love you, friend. Please be my maid of honor?

  “Now you’ve done it,” I say as I swipe at a tear and lean over to kiss her cheek. “Of course. But I still don’t know what to wear.”

  “Something warm,” she says with a smile. “No need to be fancy. This isn’t about fancy or flashy. It’s about love.”

  “Damn it,” Nina mutters, also swiping at tears. “Why do you have to be so damn mushy?”

  “I know,” I add, nodding. “I can’t even with them. They’re so romantic.”

  “So, why do it on the down low?” Max asks.

  “Two reasons,” Jenna replies. “My brother and my fiancé are both ridiculously famous, and I don’t want a circus. Secondly, I want the marriage. The wedding isn’t the priority.”

  “You’ve never been one to need pomp and circumstance,” I remind everyone. “This actually doesn’t surprise me at all, aside from the timing. You could have told me before this. I don’t tell your secrets.”

  “We decided last night,” Christian says, smiling down at Jenna. “We’re ready.”

  “Well, then, looks like it’ll be a busy weekend,” I say with a grin. “Would you rather I ask my mom to keep Alex on Saturday or do you mind if he joins us?”

  Jenna frowns. “Alex is part of my family,” she says. “He needs to be there.”

  “Well, I’m just going to spend the night crying,” Nina says, reaching for another napkin. “I can’t even.”

  “Yeah, we’re mushy,” I say with a smile and lean over to hug my best friend. “I’m so happy for you. I want to see pictures of your dress.”

  “You’re going to die,” she says, shimmying in her seat. “Like, absolutely die.”

  “I can’t believe you didn’t let me help you pick it out. I’m your fashion person.”

  “I know.” She bites her lip. “I saw it online, and I just ordered it. It was a spontaneous decision.”

  “You ordered a wedding dress without trying it on?” I ask, appalled.

  “Yeah. You know a seamstress, right? In case it doesn’t fit?”

  “Wait. It’s not here?”