Page 7 of Fall for You
Even back then, the families had been bitter rivals.
No one knew for certain how it started—though both families had their stories. All Willow knew was that by the time Charlie and Rose came along, the feud was well underway, and if they had been secret lovers, they were Paradise Springs’ own Romeo and Juliet.
“And now you’re spinning fairy tales again.”
Her eyes popped open at the clear and distinct sound of Eric’s voice in her head.
She straightened, perturbed at how clearly she’d heard his voice—low, gruff, and gently mocking. And how she’d just known exactly what he’d say.
She glanced down at the note still in her hands.
Huh.
It was possible she’d replayed their real-life run-ins once or twice.
Or…maybe more.
With a shake of her head, she unfolded the stationery. And itwasstationery. Like the kind you buy a box of with your initials monogrammed on the envelopes or something.
He’d sprung for actual, thick notepad paper rather than the back of envelopes and scraps of paper she often used.
His handwriting was a manly scrawl—no cutesy swirls or crossed-out words. Like in real life, his letters were decisive, bold, and more than a little cocky.
Willow, Willow, Willow,it started.
She pressed her lips to smother a smile because she could absolutely hear his teasing drawl.
Why does it not surprise me that you are a hopeless romantic?
I’m telling you, though—we Spencers are a practical lot. There’s no way any great-aunt of mine would have thrown away her future. And definitely not for something so fleeting as romance.
No. Don’t even say it. I can see you now as I write this, widening those big blue eyes of yours and pleading the L-word.
Worse yet, I bet you’d use the words “true love.”
And then I’d have to walk away from you and this treasure once and for all. It’s a matter of male pride, mind you. Nothing personal.
Willow giggled before clapping a hand over her mouth. It was true, though. She’d read the wordromanceand had thought,But what if it was true love?
The note went on for a while. It even ventured into personal territory.
My sister has an opinion on that. She thinks Seattle would be a better place to expand. You should know that my sister is much like yours. Stubborn, terrifying, and—uh, uh, uh. Sit back down and put your fists away, little one. I’m not insulting Bailey, merely stating that if this country were under attack and we badly needed two fierce generals at the helm, I’d offer up both our sisters and say a prayer for the other side.
Willow’s snicker turned into a laugh, and she paused to look around and make sure she was alone before reading the rest…and then the last line…
Until next time, little one.
She felt a warm flush rise within her, and it only grew with intensity when she spotted the little arrow pointing to the other side.
PS - Check the box again. Look for something white.
Willow dove headfirst toward the buried box and rustled through the contents until?—
She clasped her fingers around the small, shiny white object that stuck out from the faded, dingy antiques.
Her jaw fell open and her eyes went wide.
It was Luke Skywalker. Well, the Lego version.
