Page 133 of The Other Side

“And if he did want me to heal him…” Kit continued, “…how would he explain it? People don’t recover from cerebral palsy. If anything, it gets worse as you get older.”

“I think Will would grab the chance with both hands,” Osian said after a moment’s thought. “He could claim he’d been misdiagnosed. Or that he’d taken part in some groundbreaking experimental treatment.” He shrugged. “His sister wouldn’t believe either explanation for a second, but she’d be too delighted to care. And Will keeps his circle pretty small. Apart from the musicians he plays the bodhrán with, he doesn’t see many people. I doubt anyone would question it too closely.”

Kit looked from Osian to Drum. “Will you come with me when I ask him? I can borrow a car.”

“Yes,” Drum and Osian said together.

When they pulled into the stable yard, Fi was giving a riding lesson to two children. She spotted them and lifted a hand in greeting before turning her attention back to her students.

The three of them headed for the house. Will answered the door. The moment he saw Kit, his face lit up.

“Hi.” Will’s gaze flicked anxiously between them. “The tracking worked, then? I’ve been worrying, hoping Drum was all right.”

“I’m sorry. I would’ve called,” Kit said, “but I didn’t have your number.”

“We were in a hurry,” Will replied with a smile. “I forgot to give it to you. Or to get yours.”

Oh yes, Osian thought. There’s definitely something between these two. “Sorry we’ve not been in touch before now.”

“Thank you for helping to rescue me,” Drum said.

“I only drove.”

“And distracted the policeman,” Kit added.

Will winced. “Maybe don’t announce that too loudly.”

“Drum and I have moved to Sparlow,” Osian said.

Will gave an amused chuckle. “The mysterious village.”

“It is rather,” Kit agreed. He began twisting his fingers together. Finally, he met Will’s gaze. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“If you could get rid of your cerebral palsy just like that…” He clicked his fingers. “Would you?”

Will stared at Kit’s hand. The amusement bled from his face, replaced by a sudden, heavy stillness. “Is this some kind of sick joke?” Will’s voice dropped an octave. The warmth that had been there moments ago vanished, replaced by a defensive shield he had clearly spent a lifetime building. “Because if it is, it’s not funny.”

“It’s not a joke,” Kit said quickly, stepping forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. “I swear to you, Will, I’m entirely serious. I just needed to know how you felt about it before I said anything else. Please.”

Will looked from Kit’s earnest, panicked expression to Osian and Drum. Will let out a shaky breath, and sat at the kitchen table, setting his crutches aside. His eyes searched Kit’s face. “You’re asking if I want a miracle. Once upon a time, I begged for one. Now I don’t believe in them.”

“I’m asking if you want to be healed,” Kit corrected softly. “But only if you want it. I don’t think you’re broken, Will. I think you’re incredible. But if I can make your life easier, if I can take away the pain and the limitations, I want to do that for you.”

“What’s the catch?”

“No catch. No payment. Nothing,” Kit said.

Will’s gaze drifted down to his hands, his fingers curling slightly. When he looked back up, Osian saw the raw emotion in his eyes.

“In a heartbeat,” Will whispered, his voice cracking slightly. “If it were real? If it were actually possible? I’d take it in a heartbeat. I’ve made a life for myself, but… Christ, yes. I’m tired of the pain. I’m tired of fighting my own body every single day.” He swallowed hard, a self-deprecating smile touching his lips. “But there’s no magic switch. Life doesn’t work like that.”

Kit took a deep breath. He stepped up to Will and looked directly into his eyes. “For most people, it doesn’t. But I’m not most people. And Sparlow isn’t just a mysterious village. Can I touch you?”

Will nodded.

Kit rested one hand lightly against the side of Will’s face, his palm under his chin. Osian found himself holding his breath. This has to work.