Chapter 29
TWENTY-NINE
Willow
“What did he say?” my older brother Kai asks, his voice edged with concern.
I shake my head, feeling the weight of the moment. “He didn’t say anything.”
“But you love him?” Miles asks, leaning forward, his expression a mix of curiosity and worry.
I’m sitting in the living room of Mom and Dad’s house, recounting everything that happened this week in Vegas to my older brothers.
Of course, I’m leaving out the R-rated details, but they’re getting the gist. The room is filled with the comforting, familiar scents of home—freshly baked cookies and the faint hint of Dad’s cologne.
The walls are decorated with family photos, each one a testament to the close-knit bond we share.
A tear races down my cheek as I sniffle. “Yes. I think I do.”
“That’s it. I’m flying to Vegas to kick the ever-loving shit out of Brock for hurting you,” Oliver declares, rising from his seat. My eldest brother has always had an extreme protective streak when it comes to our family. It’s in his nature as the oldest, to shield us from pain.
I place my hand on his forearm, pleading with my eyes for him to sit back down. “It’s not Brock’s fault. I knew what I was getting into. It was all fake.”
“Yeah, but he hurt you,” Oliver says, his dark eyes locking with mine. His jaw is set, and I can see the muscles tensing in his neck—a clear sign of his barely contained anger.
Kai, ever the mediator, steps in. “Let’s just think this through. What exactly happened?”
I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “We agreed to pretend to be together for a while. It started out as a way to get back at Lake for hurting me, but somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling fake for me. I fell for him, and I thought maybe he felt the same, but...”
“But he didn’t say anything,” Miles finishes for me, his voice gentle. He’s always been the sensitive one, able to read between the lines of what I’m saying and feeling.
Oliver’s fists clench at his sides, but he sits back down, albeit reluctantly. “That guy has some nerve.”
“It’s not entirely his fault,” I repeat, my voice firmer this time. “I went into this knowing it was a charade. I just... I hoped it would turn into something real.”
Kai rubs his chin thoughtfully. “So what now? Are you going to talk to him?”
“I don’t know,” I admit, feeling a fresh wave of uncertainty wash over me. “Anya thinks he might feel the same way, but he’s just as confused and scared as I am.”
Oliver sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Well, if he does feel the same, he better figure it out quick. Because if he hurts you again, he’ll have to deal with all of us.”
“Thanks, Oliver,” I say, managing a small smile. “But this is something I have to figure out on my own. I appreciate the support, though.”
Miles leans over and gives me a reassuring hug. “We’re here for you, no matter what. Just remember that.”
“I know,” I reply, feeling a bit more grounded thanks to their support. “I just need some time to think.”
Kai nods. “Take all the time you need. We’ll be here.”
“I should have known better.” I can’t believe this is happening. A week ago I was hurting over Lake’s betrayal, and now I’m mourning the loss of a fake relationship with Brock.
“Lake’s an asshole,” Hendrix says, his dark eyes focusing on me. “He knew you and Brock were happy, and he had to ruin that for you. If you should be mad at anyone, it should be him.”
I nod in agreement. “Oh, trust me. I never want to see that man for as long as I live. He’s hurt me twice now.”
“Yeah, I’d still love to kick his ass too,” Oliver says.
“Violence is never the answer,” I say with a smile, a feeling of warmth traveling through me at my brother’s protective vibes. “But, if you’re going to have to beat somebody up, then have it be Lake.”
“I can’t believe Brock didn’t say anything. You shouldn’t have left Vegas without at least talking to him,” Kai says, forever the more sensible one out of all my brothers.
“It’s clear how he feels,” I say, shaking my head.
“Okay, go over the whole thing again. Lake announced to everyone you and Brock were faking everything, and you bolted. Explain the elevator confrontation again,” Miles asks.
I explain everything, telling my brothers how I told Lake I didn’t care for Brock either.
“Right there,” Jasper says, usually the quiet one of the bunch. “Don’t you see?”
We all look at Jasper who is now standing from his spot on the loveseat.
He paces the living room. “You were telling Lake how you didn’t have feelings for Brock, and Brock most likely overheard you. Of course he wouldn’t profess his undying love for you if he just heard you confirm it was in fact fake on your end.” Jasper’s dark eyes plead with mine to understand him.
“Um…I…I,” I’m speechless.
“Brock probably feels the same way you do, Willow,” Kai says with a nod of his head.
Could they be right? Does Brock have feelings for me?
“What should I do?” I ask all of them just as my mother walks into the living room.
“Willow, one of the Atwood boys is here.”
My eyes widen. “Here? Like at the front door?” I slowly rise from my chair.
My mother nods, her brown eyes shining with confusion. “Yes, I’m not sure which one. There’s so many of them. I think it’s one of the younger ones.” My mother’s brown hair falls around her shoulders as she smiles.
“Brock?” I whisper more to myself than anyone else. I head to the front door, my five brother’s trailing behind me. I blink twice, trying my best to gauge what I’m actually seeing.
Brock stands with his hands behind his back, on my front porch.
When he sees me, his eyes light up. “Willow,” he says, stepping forward but then hesitating when he sees all my older brothers coming up behind me.
“Oh, hi guys,” he says, his cheeks blushing slightly.
He raises one hand, and I glance over my shoulder.
My brothers return his hi with hellos of their own, and I step out onto the porch, shutting the front door behind me to block my brothers from overhearing.
“Sorry about them,” I say, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
“It’s okay. I get it. Siblings are nosy.”
I laugh. “Exactly. Was Paxton really upset?”
Brock shakes his head slowly. “Nobody was upset except for you. I hated seeing you cry that day. I want you to know I almost hit Lake, but he ran off. Paxton made him leave, and nobody cares to ever see him again.”
“Same. I don’t ever want to see him again. I’m so sorry he embarrassed you in front of your family.”
Brock steps closer, his eyes locking with mine. “Don’t you ever apologize for that asshole ever again. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you from him. I’m sorry you had to have any of that happen to you. If I could take your pain away, I would.”
“Oh, it’s fine,” I say, wishing the whole situation would just dissolve into nothing. “I just feel bad about your mother. She had to see all of that. I’m so embarrassed. I feel like I ruined Paxton’s wedding.”
Brock inches closer. “You only ruined one thing.”
“I did? What’s that?”
“Other women for me. Because there’s nobody on the planet I want more than you, Willow.
I know you don’t feel the same way as me, but I have to tell you that I’ve fallen in love with you.
I’ve always been attracted to you, growing up I always thought you were so pretty, but didn’t really know how to express those feelings so I picked on you.
Now, I know it’s because I’ve had this huge crush on you, and it’s only gotten bigger. ”
I blink.
He continues, “Seriously, Willow. You’re it for me. I loved being your fake boyfriend in Vegas, and I’m hoping I can be your real boyfriend here in Magnolia Ridge, and well, everywhere else in the world too.”
My smile widens. “You’re in love with me?” I ask in a whisper.
He nods, inching even closer. His hand moves to rest on my hip while the other slides through my hair. “I’m so in love with you.”
“I love you too,” I tell him right before he kisses me, making me the happiest woman ever.
I can hear my brothers cheering from the family room, their voices a mix of laughter and shouts of encouragement. Together, Brock and I break the kiss and glance at the big bay window. There’s my whole family staring at us, watching with wide smiles and eyes full of joy.
I laugh, feeling a mix of embarrassment and happiness. “Oh, we’ve got a lot of family to tell that we’re together.”
Brock smiles wide, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, it looks like your family already knows, and my family assumes. In fact, my family knew we were the perfect match, I think, before I did.”
“Your mother wasn’t mad?” I ask, a hint of worry creeping into my voice.
Brock tugs me closer, his gaze steady and reassuring. “My family already loves you, Willow. Now it’s my turn to love you for the rest of my life.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the weight of his words sink in. “I seriously can’t wait.” And then we kiss again, not caring who is watching us.
As we pull back, still wrapped in each other’s arms, I look around at my family. Their expressions are a mix of pride, happiness, and maybe a little bit of relief. It feels like a new chapter, one filled with love and support from everyone I care about.
“Guess we should join the party,” I say, glancing back at Brock with a grin.
He nods, taking my hand. “Absolutely. Let’s go tell them officially.”
Hand in hand, we walk back into the house, greeted by cheers and congratulations from my brothers. My parents join in, their smiles wide and welcoming. It’s a whirlwind of hugs and laughter, everyone sharing in our happiness.
“I’ve made a feast,” my mother proclaims. “Hope everyone is hungry.”
Brock and I steal glances at each other throughout the evening, our connection stronger than ever. The night is filled with stories, toasts, and promises of a future together. It’s perfect, and I can’t imagine a better way to start this new journey.
As the celebration winds down, Brock pulls me aside, his expression serious yet tender. “I meant what I said, Willow. I want to be with you forever.”
“I believe you,” I reply, my heart full. “And I want the same.”
We share one more kiss, sealing our promise. Surrounded by family and love, I know this is just the beginning of something truly special.