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Chapter 9

* * *

WILLOW

“The court is sidingwith the plaintiff for the amount requested. Bailiff, if you’ll escort them out,” Willow barked out bluntly before slamming her gavel down once and rising from her seat… and hesitated as a voice loudly called her a foul name in front of everyone. Some people just never learned, she thought in frustration.

Willow turned and angled her head toward the bailiff.

“I’m also charging you with contempt of court, young man. You may not like my decision, but I was not the one who decided to spray paint Mrs. Wexman’s garage door. Now, you can add a five hundred dollar fine to your total, as well.”

And the little punk swore at her again before giving her the middle finger. She stared him down, unphased, and then leaned forward on the bench, glaring at him.

“That’s two,” she said softly, not blinking an eye. “You are barely eighteen years old, young man. You have a lot to learn, and one of them is respect. Your five-hundred-dollar fine is now a thousand – and,” she said loudly, holding up her finger as he opened his mouth. “Before you utter one more syllable, you should decide if you want to spend the next twenty-four hours in lock-up or not. I would shut my mouth if I were you.”

She was surprised to see him clamp his mouth closed, pressing his lips together in a firm line. Nodding, she looked at Mrs. Wexman.

“You are too kind to suggest having the door professionally cleaned, and if he ever acts out toward you again, I recommend going for the jugular. He is extremely lucky you are being so easy on him,” Willow said flatly. “And if we are done now…?”

No one said a word.

“Court adjourned.”

Getting to her feet, Willow stepped down from the bench and disappeared through a doorway in the distance, making her way quickly down the hallway toward her office. The last thing she wanted to do was be late to the unexpected hand in friendship from the woman who didn’t quite seem so friendly the last time she saw her – Mary Beckett, Alec’s mother.

Oh, she understood completely, and Mary had every right to be protective of her son, but the woman wasn’t exactly outgoing when Ruth Kendall was giving her ‘what for’ and telling her how to handle bridging the gap between her and Alec.

“But it worked,” she mumbled under her breath, digging her purse out of her desk drawer. “And now I’m going to look at flowers with his mother. Will wonders never cease?”

Rushing out the back door of the courthouse to the gated parking lot, she slipped into her vehicle quickly and glanced at her watch. As long as she didn’t hit traffic, she would be at the garden center just in the nick of time. Alec said he was going to start ‘turning a spot’ (whatever that meant) and told her to pick out her favorite colors, all shapes and sizes.

“I’ll handle the rest,” he said confidently, bragging over his tiramisu last night as they talked – really talked – like a couple of old friends. It had been so very nice, and maybe this was what was missing before in their relationship. They had been so na?ve, so young, and so fascinated with each other that the ‘newness’ was overwhelming… but this was so different. It was almost like coming home, seeing his smile and the glint in his eyes.

“Should I be worried about my landscaping or lack of it?” she teased.

“Nahhhhh,” he chuckled. “Boys thrive in dirt, and I get paid to play with hoses, remember? Besides, this is kinda weirdly nice.”

“In what way?”

“Well, it’s like playing house and not having to clean up the mess.”

“Now, wait a second,” she laughed nervously. “You want to ‘play house’ with my home but skip the cleaning up portion? How is that fair?”

“Life ain’t fair… it just ‘is,’” he shrugged, but there was a tell-tale twitch to his lips that told her he was playing around with her – and she wasn’t about to argue. The sheer fact that they were sitting here together would be a miracle she would never forget.

Oh, she was fully aware of how badly things could have gone. It could have been anyone from the truck that entered her house, but Mrs. Kendall assured her she would make certain it was Alec. All of this had taken a lot of faith, trust, and hope – from the both of them. He had shown up for dinner, said his piece, and while it didn’t end the greatest way, they were still talking, but something had changed.

Something had happened from the moment he’d left her place after dinner and arrived the next day with the flowers. It was like someone had turned on a light, flipped a switch, or yanked back the curtains between them. A spotlight had shown on the perceived ‘wrongs,’ the miscommunication, and both fighters had laid down arms. Yeah, things weren’t perfect, but it was a start.

Pulling up to the garden center, Willow saw Alec’s mother getting out of her vehicle and waved politely. Mentally, she shoved the ball of anxiety down and put a bright smile on her face but braced herself at the same time. There was no telling what Alec had told his mother, no guessing at how she was about to be received, and however this went, this was his mom. She was going to befriend this woman come hell or high water.

“Hi, Mrs. Beckett,” she began politely – and as Mary walked over toward her, her face not giving away anything, and she snatched Willow - hugged her tightly, squeezing a breathless grunt from the shocked woman. She was so stunned, so shocked to the core at the unexpected sign of affection, that she just stood there, unsure what to say or do.

Mary backed away and looked at her, actually wiping her eyes and looking so happy that Willow took a second to glance behind her, wondering if the woman meant to hug someone else and made a mistake.

“Uh, hi?” she said weakly, and Mary smiled.

“Sorry. I’m just a little shocked and overwhelmed. I don’t know what happened, nor do I want to know, but I’ve never had my son ask for flowers, help with anything, or seen him so relaxed in years.”

“Really?”

“It’s like my boy is back… and I can’t thank you enough,” Mary chuckled nervously. “I know I was really upset before – and I’d like to apologize. Now, tell me what is going on and why on earth my son is asking to start a flower garden at your house.”

“What did Alec tell you?” Willow asked, allowing the woman to pull her forward into the gravel lot where several greenhouses were. There were tables and tables full of blooming flowers and various ground cover plants. Several containers were lined up, anywhere from small pots to massive trees and bushes, in rows. There were tables laden with paper bags and boxes of bulbs in the distance. Everything smelled so good, and the bees were dancing from flower to flower as Mary spoke to her.

“Not a whole lot except that he wanted a cutting garden like I have and…” Mary’s face crumbled slightly as her lips pressed together, taking a deep breath to pull herself together. “Alec’s dad did that, you know? I was so angry because he had forgotten our wedding anniversary. The next thing I knew, that infernal man was digging up a two-foot-wide row that ran the entire length of the fence.”

Willow started, looking at Mary in surprise.

“Brian, Alec’s father, said he was never going to forgive himself for that because I meant the world to him,” Mary said thickly, swallowing as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “He said that I would always have flowers from him, no matter what… and I still do.”

“Oh Mary…” she began, feeling her own eyes sting, knowing Alec had lost his father as a boy.

“That man was the best thing that ever happened to me – and I spend time in that garden because it lets me ‘feel’ him again, you know?” the woman volunteered and let out a small laugh. “Look at me getting all personal and emotional. You probably think I’m silly or making too much of this, but I’ve never had my son ask for much.”

Her words hung in the air, unfinished and full of implications.

Alec asked for this – for you.

“It sounds like Brian was a wonderful person,” Willow said gently, linking her arm with Mary. “And Alec has a few of those traits.”

“He does indeed,” Mary smiled at her. “Now, let’s get you fixed up. Do you know anything about cutting roses, or do you prefer something like lilies, irises, or dahlias?”

“I have no idea,” she laughed easily. “I’ve never even really looked at them except to notice the bright colors. I’ve never been a flower person before, but Alec brought over that bouquet and kind of started this whole thing…”

“Simple to tend to, yet prolific,” Mary smiled, patting her hand. “You come with me.”

An hour later, the back of both vehicles was full of different plants and bulbs. There were bright red flowers, vibrant oranges, glowing yellows, along with some bulbs that were supposed to have large bluish-purple flowers. Mary seemed to know her way around, pointing at different pieces or handing her a tray of freshly misted flowers still wet.

Starting her car, she saw Alec’s missed text messages on her phone – and laughed.

If you left town without a word and left me digging – I’m gonna hold a grudge, just fyi.

It’s hot out, and I’m a whiny twerp.

Dialing his phone, she heard him pick up on the second ring.

“Tell me you are showing up with a cold Coke?” he blurted out instead of saying ‘Hello’ – causing her to laugh again.

“This was your idea, remember?”

“I didn’t say it was a bright idea.”

“How about a cold Coke – and a burger.”

“Now you are talkin’…” he chuckled. “Did you get some pretty flowers?”

“You really didn’t have to…”

“Mannn,” he drawled, interrupting her. “Do not even finish that sentence, okay, Willow? I’m out here in the heat, the flower bed is all dug up, and I’ve been a pretty awful boyfriend in the past – so yeah. I really did need to do this.”

“Alec?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t beat yourself up,” she said gently. “You made up for the flowers in other ways…”

“I am pretty hot, aren’t I?” he teased, making her laugh again. He could be so charming, and she adored the way he could draw anyone out of their shell by just being himself.

“You mentioned it was warm outside – yes.”

“Are you ready to get down and dirty with me?”

“Excuse me?”

“We’re planting everything this evening, remember? What did you think I meant? If we don’t get them in the ground today, then they might end up dying because I’ve gotta help one of the guys at work move, and then I go back to work the following day.”

“I knew you meant the flowers.”

“Uh-huh,” he said skeptically. “Sure, ya did…”

“I’m going to grab the burgers and be right there.”

“Get one for Mom too – because I assure you, she will be bossing us both around, telling us what to plant where and explaining why.”

“I will – and thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being amazing and doing this.”

Alec got really quiet for a moment and didn’t say anything – and when he did speak, she could hear something in his voice. Obviously, he was thinking of his father, the meaning behind this whole thing, and where they were at in this rekindling of something once broken between them.

“I’ll see you soon,” he said simply – and ended the call.

That abrupt change in tone was an unwitting wake-up call she needed. No, things weren’t perfect, and they certainly were not celebrating a missed anniversary like his parents. It was easy to imagine that they were in love because she still felt all those emotions, but the fear of being hurt if things fell apart again obviously would linger much longer.

* * *

Not twenty minutes later,Willow was questioning the whole reasoning for this sudden need for a flower bed. Alec was grumpy and muttering sarcastic things under his breath; his mother was like a tyrant tossing about orders, and both she and Alec were in the dirt on their hands and knees, planting as quickly as possible.

“What did I tell you at the nursery?”

“About what?”

“Were you not paying attention?”

“I was probably trying to keep one of those big bumblebees from landing on me…”

“Ma, just spit it out. What’s wrong with putting this one here?”

“It grows to four feet tall – those go in the back. They are cannas.”

“Canna I get a little help?”

“Very funny, sweetie.”

“Who’s joking?”

“This was your idea, sweetie.”

“But it’s not for me…”

“Wait a second,” Willow retorted, looking at him in disbelief and getting to her feet, dusting off her knees - only to see Alec do the same. They stood there looking at each other. “You wanted this… remember?”

“Because you wanted flowers.”

“I’ve never gotten flowers…

“Alec!”

“Ma, not now. Willow? Ix-nay on the owers-flay…”

“Both of you quit bickering, and let’s get at it. Alec, grab the phlox, and Willow, go get the Shasta daisies.”

“Is that a new flavor of soda?”

“Oh, for phlox sake,” Alec muttered, slapping his forehead, pointing. “It’s the stringy green things that are supposed to have little white flowers on top.”

“Don’t you take that tone with me.”

“ALEC!”

“What? I didn’t say a curse word…”

“You implied it – and I’m not the gardener here.”

“Oh, ho? Are we going with careers then, ”cause I will happily stand here with a hose while you try to plant the flowers with a gavel.”

“You’ve got a smart mouth, you know that?”

“With dumb ideas, yes…”

“Both of you – not another word! I’ll get the phlox and the daisies, you just be quiet and start digging. I want two rows of ten holes each, with each hole about three inches deep… NOW!” his mother barked out, and they both dropped back down to their knees, trowels in hand.

Willow started digging the holes as instructed, pressing her lips together and sweating buckets in the quickly setting sun, only to hear a soft chuckle. She looked to her right in disbelief and met Alec’s smirk as he shoved the trowel in the dirt beside her. He really did look tired. His poor face was covered in streaks of sweat and dirt from having obviously worked this entire afternoon. She wasn’t sure what it took to turn this much earth by hand, but if the trowel and her sweat were any indication? He had worked himself to the bone for her.

“Thank you,” she said softly, deciding to accept the ‘gift’ for what it was, no matter how hard they were laboring right now. Remembering Mary’s words, knowing that Alec wanted her to have something like what his parents had done meant the world… and in the grand scheme of things, what was a little hard work?

“You’re welcome,” he whispered quietly, his eyes dancing. “I do hope you like them. I know Mom loves her flowers, and well, I thought, maybe…”

“I already love the idea and can’t wait.”

“Maybe we can put in some others later… together.”

“I’d like that,” she admitted, only to rear back as a tray of flowers appeared before her face, shoved between them.

“This is phlox – and it’s a lovely little ground cover that gets tiny flowers. It will grow between the other plants,” Mary volunteered, shoving another package of flowers at Alec. “These are the daisies, and they will help a bouquet look full.”

“Ma, we were talking.”

“And that is how you start bickering,” his mother countered. “It’s best that you don’t, Mr. Smarty Pants. Now, back to digging.”

And Willow let out a little chuckle, accepting the plastic tray of phlox. Alec raised an eyebrow at her, taking his own tray.

“What’s next, Your Majesty?” he asked his mother, who promptly swatted him gently on the head. Alec stuck out his tongue, rolled his eyes, and collapsed in the dirt theatrically, causing her to laugh loudly as his mother immediately ran to his side, snapping at him.

“Quit acting up – and we both know that was barely a tap. You and all your drama, I swear. If there had been flowers under you, they would have been mangled and broken…” Mary was scolding him as Alec looked at Willow.

“Drama?” he mouthed. “Me?”

She nodded silently, laughing and biting her lip, thoroughly amused at this unexpected playful side to him. His mother swatted him gently on the head again, causing him to frown.

“I’m gonna call C.P.S., Ma…”

“You are not a child, you big whiny baby…”

“Told ya,” Alec grinned and winked at her, reminding Willow of his text message earlier.

“Look, would you just get to work, Alec?” his mother began, completely exasperated. “You can flirt with your girlfriend in a little bit when the job is done.”

“You think I should flirt with her?”

… And met Willow’s eyes.

Her heart turned over wildly in her chest at that singular look. Yes, things were certainly different between them, and while the innocence of their prior relationship had been tarnished, that spark and glow was still there.

“Depends on if she’s your girlfriend or not,” she whispered.

“I think she is, so long as she’s sure this time around and doesn’t mind me dragging my feet or learning how to do this along the way.”

“Maybe she’ll be learning too…”

“And maybe you’ll both start planting the plants if I just put the containers where I want them,” his mother interjected, but there was a softness to her voice and a note of approval. “I’m going to put these in place and head home. Have a good night, you two.”

Willow didn’t look away from Alec’s eyes as she spoke. She could practically feel the air crackle around them as those dark orbs seemed to melt.

“Thank you for your help, Mary.”

“Thank you, Ma,” Alec said quietly, waiting.

Neither moved, and Willow heard the wooden gate on the side of the house close, jumping slightly at the sound. Her heart was beating so quickly, and she was trying not to sound breathless or nervous, but something was changing between them before her eyes.

“I don’t want to have to pick up the pieces again,” Alec breathed. “We’re sure about trying this all over again? You are sure about… us? About giving this a try?”

She saw him swallow as he adjusted slightly from where he was on his knees, sitting back on his heels.

“I’m very sure,” she admitted. “I kept waiting and hoping…”

“Me too,” he admitted, his voice the barest whisper. “We should probably work on planting the flowers.”

“Probably.”

“Unless…”

“Yes?”

A nervous giggle escaped her at how high-pitched her voice was and how breathless she sounded. There was no mistaking what she was feeling, and that was a dead giveaway – and Alec knew it. A soft, knowing, gentle smile touched his lips as he crawled forward just a few inches to be closer to her, their knees almost touching in the grass.

“Unless you have a different idea?” he began, reaching across the small gap between them. “I’ve always thought your hands were so lovely. Remember how you used to get ink stains on your middle finger because you held the pen so tightly?”

“Still do…” Oh man, if she thought her voice was breathless before, she was going to hit ‘hyperventilate-status’ any moment now. “Alec?”

“Yeah?”

“What are we doing?”

He lifted up off of his feet where he was sitting and remained on his knees before her, tugging on her hand and pulling her up to mirror his position. He laid her hand on his shoulder. She saw him swallow just before he spoke, his own voice achingly vulnerable and soft.

“I’m trying to figure that out – and I’m afraid to make a mistake.”

“If it’s a mistake, then don’t do it…” she replied faintly, her eyes dropping to his lips as he leaned toward her.

“They say that firefighters like danger, that it gives them a thrill. I know it makes my heart beat quickly… like now,” he breathed, his other hand rising to cup her cheek as if to hold her still. She probably needed that because her whole world was spinning at the idea of him kissing her once again.

He paused right before their lips met, his eyes meeting hers.

“Am I dangerous or thrilling to you?” she barely uttered but saw the flare of desire in his eyes. He’d heard her and was responding. She heard his breath catch as he tugged her waist closer to him in that second.

“Both,” he answered simply, capturing her lips.

That feeling of ‘home’ combined with that vortex of passion that swirled around them was staggering. She heard Alec murmur something against her lips as he deepened the kiss, lacing his fingers in her hair. There was something so elemental in tasting him, combined with the sweat and dirt. She didn’t even care. This was her man, her Alec, and he was kissing his woman, claiming her.

He broke the kiss a moment later, meeting her eyes.

“You better be sure,” he growled softly. “Because if you leave me again, I am coming after you. I’m gonna make a big scene, and the gossips will have a field day… you got me?”

Instead of feeling threatened, she smiled tenderly.

“You promise?”

He cursed and kissed her again, passionately. They were clinging to each other, their hands holding on tightly, as they gave into the moment. Eventually, he let out a soft laugh against her lips.

“I’m not seventeen anymore,” he chuckled. “And I’m sure not done kissing you, but something’s gotta give. My knees are killing me.”

“Come here,” she breathed, tugging him down into the grass. “I’m not done either.”

* * *

It was nearlyone in the morning before the plants were set and watered, between stolen kisses, laughter, and holding hands in the porch light glowing nearby.

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