Page 57 of If The Fates Allow
Perhaps she should stay. They would marry and live close, with him opening a medical practice and her figuring out how to function as a wife. Haven House could continue to serve as her refuge should Noah one day realize she wasn’t worth the effort.
Yes, that was it. That was the perfect idea. She would give her father exactly what he wanted and—Grace’s song.
As it had been, the melody grew, giving Willa no choice but to follow. Stepping out onto the balcony, she breathed in the crisp night air. It would be a lovely Yule season here at Haven House, and while she never had much joy living under its roof, she did love the illusion of happiness the holiday season brought to her home.
The haunting song grew, floating on the evening breeze as it encircled where she stood. Leaning on the balcony, Willa closed her eyes and aimed her face toward the singing voice.
“Should I stay, Grace?” she whispered, thinking herself a lunatic. “Should Noah and I make our home here? Father is happy, and Mother will be as well, I assume. The marriage will give them the alliance and… I love him, Grace. You know I love him.”
She felt it. So very sure what was happening was real, she leaned into the caress against her cheek. Willa was positive Noah felt Grace’s presence with them in the forest, but in the light of day, would he believe? Or would this be just another quirk of hers that might eventually drive him away?
“I love him, Grace, but what if I’m not enough?” She didn’t hide her tears, not with her sister’s comforting touch here. “I’m so very broken, and I don’t understand how he can want me. Should I stay in case he one day doesn’t want me?”
The song halted, and a single word replaced the melody.
Go.
Go.
Grace was telling her to go.Run. Willa could feel the rush, the absolute need to place as much possible distance between herself and HavenHouse. The urgency to flee mixed with her desire for Noah, and once her eyes snapped open, the decision was made.
“I’ll go,” Willa whispered to the dark swirling shadows weaving their return to the forest. “I’ll go and never look back.”
Chapter 18
The following day passed without incident. Willa emerged from her room around mid-morning, having breakfast alone in the conservatory as always. Bonnie checked on her in the afternoon, inquiring if she was prepared for her reading ofA Christmas Carol.
Willa understood Bonnie was only attempting to make small talk and indulged her. It was her way of glossing over what had occurred the day before. Anytime her father’s temper took on a rage-fueled life of its own, the aftermath was nothing but pleasantries and false cheer.
“Yes, I’m ready for my reading,” Willa replied.
Producing the best smile she could muster, Bonnie nodded. “Good thing. Christmas Eve is right around the corner.”
Having nothing else to add, Bonnie and her usual herd of cats departed, leaving Willa to her own devices throughout the day.
And then it was her mother’s turn. Close to sunset, Margaret whisked into the conservatory to say her peace. “I’ve been told you are to marry.”
Straightening on the chaise lounge, Willa met her mother’s cold stare. “Yes, ma’am.”
Margaret sniffed the air, looking anywhere but at her daughter. “Your father is speaking with Ulrich about it all tomorrow.”
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow, she would be gone.
“That sounds wonderful.”
As if it was a struggle, Margaret’s gaze finally landed on her. “He is quite handsome. Let us hope you do not muck it up.”
Lifting her chin, Willa matched her mother’s obstinate tone. “Yes, let us hope.”
Having heard enough, Margaret left her, and not long after, Lucy snuck in for a chat. While she would not miss the others, Willa would sorely miss her sister.
“Come sit with me, Lucy.”
They snuggled together on the chaise, holding each other on the lower level where no one could see them. “We’re going to be wives, Willa,” Lucy whispered. “John has asked for my hand!”
“Oh, Lucy!” Willa whispered back. “I am so happy for you, but you must promise me something.”
