Page 77 of Yours To Hold
No matter what I tell Gemma, leaving in a few weeks is going to be one of the hardest things I ever do. Because I have fallen so hard for Mason, I don’t know what to do with myself.
It’s pointless to lie at this point, even though I can’t tell the truth to Gemma. I’m still leaving.
Leaving her, Mason, and Willow behind.
I don’t know if my heart can withstand the loss.
ChapterTwenty-One
MASON
“Willow. Time to wake up, Pipsqueak.”
Daisy jumps on her bed, giving her cheek a big lick.
She burrows farther under her blankets.
“C’mon, sweetheart. Ivy will be here soon.”
Sad brown eyes peer up at me.
“My throat hurts, Daddy.”
“Still?” I press a hand to her forehead.
Willow looks exhausted as I pull the covers back. Her cheeks are pink and her eyes are tired. It’s a rare occurrence that I’m the one waking her up.
Her head is warm, but not burning up. At first I thought she caught the same bug I had. Except I was feeling better within forty-eight hours.
Almost five days later and she’s still not feeling good.
“Can you stick your tongue out for me?” She opens her mouth, but not by much. It’s red and irritated, with white spots.
Shit. This probably isn’t good.
“Will you stay home with me?”
“Of course, Pipsqueak. Why don’t you try and eat some breakfast, okay?”
She nods and I lift her easily into my arms. As she burrows into my neck, I pull out my phone, ready to text Ivy.
Except she’s standing in my living room.
“Shit.”
“Good morning to you too.” Her eyes are playful as she takes me in.
Fuck. It’s only been a few days since I last saw her. She’s not wearing any makeup today, but she looks as beautiful as always.
Ivy stepped up for me. I’ve never had anyone to take care of me when I’ve been sick before. Sure, my family has helped with Willow, but I’ve always taken care of myself.
God. This woman. I’m in way too deep with her.
“Hi, Ivy.” Willow sounds even worse than she looks as she picks her head up to see the woman who is consuming all of my thoughts.
“Are you still not feeling well, sweetheart?” Ivy tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“No.” Her voice is wobbly.
