Page 38 of Yours To Hold
“Saturday.”
I already can’t wait as I head down the hall to Willow’s room.
Blankets and sheets are flung all across her room. “I’m ready!” She’s standing in the center, with Daisy lying on her bed.
“You are.”
“I didn’t know what kind we’d need, so I have a sleeping bag and towels too.”
“Very smart.”
Some days, Willow reminds me so much of Mason, it’s uncanny. Other times, I don’t know where she gets all her energy.
I think today is nervous energy. Everyone in town has been talking about the storm that’s supposed to come. It’s all anyone can think about.
“Have you ever built a fort before?”
Willow shakes her head. “I don’t think so.”
“They’re a lot of fun. We’ll need the barstools though.”
Running out to the kitchen, I grab two of them before going back for the third. Willow’s moved the two into place where she wants the fort.
“Is this good?”
“It’s perfect.”
We laugh and talk about her school as we set the blankets up over the chairs. They’re high enough that it makes for the perfect fort.
Once the sheets are done, Willow brings in every toy she could ever want if she gets scared during the storm.
“You know, you need to leave room for you and Daisy.”
“I can hold the toys and Daisy. We’ll fit.” Daisy gives her a big kiss on the cheek, her ever-loving dog.
“Want to get in and try it out?”
“Yes!”
Holding open the “door,” Willow sneaks in with Daisy and then I follow.
“This is the coolest fort ever.” Her lantern shoots rainbows up on the sheet ceiling we made.
“This is the best one I’ve ever been in. Even better than camping.”
“I like seeing the stars when I camp.” Willow looks over at me. “Can you take me camping this summer?”
“We’ll have to ask your dad.”
Even though I’ve only been here a few weeks, I love spending any time I can get with Willow. You can never be sad when you’re around her. She’s the happiest little girl I’ve ever met.
She wraps her tiny arms around me. “I’m glad you’re here, Ivy. I want you to stay forever.”
Some days, I wish I could.
If only the next chapter wasn’t coming at me faster than I want.
Because staying here in Dixon seems pretty good on a day like today.
