Page 144 of Back to Willow

“Yes.” I nod. “He’s Liam’s brother.”

I look at him, waiting for a reaction, but there’s none. That’s when I remember that he already knew everything. He was the first one to know.

“They were shocked to see me there and blamed me for everything right away,” I mumble.

At that, Arthur’s attention snaps back to mine, his eyes fiery with rage.

“They what?” His tone is borderline menacing.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to get into it in detail.” I tilt my chin down towards Dylan.

He nods but keeps silent for a while, looking at the street and the scarce people that wander around. Mostly families that are going for an early stroll before Christmas lunch or others that are supposed to be on their way to spend it with someone else.

After a little while, he finally asks, “Why didn’t you go home?”

“There’s no one there today,” I confess. “And I’m afraid that a certainsomeonecould be there, waiting for me or might show up later.”

“I see,” he mutters. “It’s almost lunchtime.”

I know.Oh god, what am I going to do?

Upon seeing the panic in my eyes, his expression softens. His dark brown eyes swirl with concern, and he offers, “Well, how about you come and have lunch with me?”

Dylan looks at us for the first time, still on Arthur’s lap. And from the looks of it, he is silently begging me to say yes.

But I can’t.

“I couldn’t intrude.”

“I’ll be by myself today,” he admits shyly. “Your company would definitely make the day better, and I’ll take you home as soon as you want. Yeah?”

I hesitate for a second, but then slowly nod. There’s no harm in accepting his help, right? He has proved time and time again that this is a harmless relationship—a friendship. And up until very recently, I’ve lacked those. While I’m grateful for Ethan and Hazel, the connection that developed between us is different.

I nod again, and Arthur doesn’t waste any time in helping me up and guiding me to his car, all the while carrying Dylan in his arms.

I swear, my kid takes advantage of people the best way he can. He makes them adore him, unable to resist his cuteness.

“Where were you, if you’re just heading home now?” I ask, curiosity getting the best of me. “Uh, only if you want to tell me,” I add, blushing.

We walk side by side at a leisurely pace. The Christmas lights and decorations are everywhere, surrounding us. Dylan’s eyes sweep around the street in awe of the sight, and even I appreciate it. It makes me feel slightly lighter.

“It’s fine,” he assures me. “I went to my sister’s grave. I always do on the holidays; she used to love them.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for bringing it up.”

“Don’t worry.”

It turns out his house is within walking distance, taking less than ten minutes to arrive. But from here, I know the cemetery is at least an hour walk, leaving me wondering about his need for walking so much on such a day. Is he…lonely? He must be.

Inside his house, I notice it is open-concept and am immediately hit with that woodsy scent that follows him everywhere. The decoration is simple and modern, but the dark furniture gives it an edge, just like him.

Fortunately, the tall windows counter it, allowing sunlight to stream through. It’s somehow balanced, and even though it’s my first time here, I feel comfortable.

“Welcome,” he mumbles, closing the door behind us. “The house is half messy because I wasn’t expecting anyone, but I have enough food for the three of us. Let me just heat it.”

With that, he finally places Dylan down and heads to the kitchen, still in plain sight. My boy, instead of clinging to me, rushes up to the couch and sighs in relief. I let him be for a while since he no longer seems too concerned with me.

“Do you want help?” I ask Arthur, hoping I can occupy my mind with something like setting the table.

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