Chapter 17 Willa
Willa
Everything is perfect for exactly four days.
Then my phone buzzes at midnight with a text that makes my blood run cold.
Unknown Number: Took two P.I.s and one nosy neighbor, but I found you. We need to talk. - M
Wally. In Valentine.
I sit up in bed, my whole body shaking. He found me. After three months of peace, he found me.
Another text comes through.
Wally: I’m staying at the Valentine B&B. Room 3. We should discuss your future. This pediatrician in the boonies was a nice break, but it’s time to come home.
Home. Like Seattle was ever home. Like his apartment where I walked on eggshells was ever safe.
I call Henry, not caring that it’s midnight.
“Willa? What’s wrong?”
“He’s here. Wally is here. In Valentine.” My voice shakes. “He found me.”
“I’m coming over. Pack a bag. You’re staying with me.”
“Henry, I can’t—”
“You can and you will. I’m not letting you face him alone.” His voice is fierce, protective. “Pack a bag. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
He hangs up before I can argue.
I’m still sitting frozen on my bed when he arrives, letting himself in with the spare key I gave him two days ago.
“Hey.” He sits beside me, pulling me into his arms. “It’s okay. You’re safe, sweetheart.”
“He wants me to go back to Seattle. To quit my job and go back to him like the last three months didn’t happen.” I show him the texts, and his jaw clenches.
“You’re not going anywhere. You’re right where you’re supposed to be.”
“He’s persistent, Henry. And he’s respected. A neurosurgeon. People listen to him.” Fear claws at my throat. “What if he makes things difficult for me? For the clinic?”
“Then we deal with it. Together.” He tilts my chin up. “Willa, you’re not alone anymore. You have me. You have Ben. You have this whole town. Wally doesn’t get to control you anymore.”
I want to believe him. But fear is stronger than logic right now.
“I need to handle this myself,” I hear myself say. “I can’t drag you and Ben into this mess.”
“Too late. We’re already in it.”
I need to protect him.
I need to protect Ben.
I need to protect us.
“Henry, please. I have to do this alone. I need to prove to myself that I’m strong enough and that I know who I am and what I want.
” The words taste slightly bitter. “Last night was..” I want to say “special” but there’s so much fear floating inside of my heard.
“Henry, it was a lot and things are moving really fast. I’m not… I’m not ready for us just yet.”
The hurt that flashes across his face nearly breaks me. “Willa—”
“I’m sorry. I’m not saying never.” I stand, putting distance between us. “I’m just saying I need some space. To figure things out.”
He looks at me for a long moment, and I can see him trying to decide whether to fight or respect my wishes.
“Okay,” he says finally. “But here’s the deal… whenever you’re ready, I’m here and Willa, and I’m not changing my mind about us.” He’s so clear, so warm and soft with his words.
God, he’s so sweet.
I want to reach out for that warmth and pull it to me, but I just can’t. My head and heart are at war.
He leaves, and I collapse on my bed, crying. Because I’m doing exactly what Wally trained me to do— pushing away anyone who could help. Isolating myself. Making myself small. Being what he wants me to be when I just want to be me.
But it’s possible that my fears are what if Henry gets hurt? What if Wally targets Ben?
And the fear wins.
Like it always does.