Willow looked at Brody and gave him an apologetic look. If she hadn't been there, no one would have had a problem that day. She felt like she was intruding on Brody's 'turf', and she felt bad for that. Once Sierra and Micah had left the conference room leaving Willow and Brody alone, she told him how she was feeling.
"Willow, don't be ridiculous. You aren't invading at all. I'm actually really happy to have you here, especially since there's some ideas I want to run by you. Besides, I think you could really help some of the people here with their designs." He said. "Besides, this just means I get to spend even more time with you." Brody told her, his eyes dancing with joy.
"Ok, just as long as you're cool with this. If not, I'll leave." Willow said, still a little doubtful.
"No, I'm definitely cool with this. You're not leaving!" Brody replied, then gave her a quick kiss. "Come on, we've got work to do!"
The rest of the afternoon, Willow and Sierra fielded questions from different people in the firm. Their input seemed to help the people that asked. Willow even got to help Brody and Micah on a couple of their designs. Jackson left willingly, and Micah's muscles weren't needed.
Lauren sat back and watched her daughter work a few different times during the day. Willow reminded Lauren of herself when she was younger, only her daughter had more talent that Lauren ever did. She hoped that her daughter would see reason and move down to Texas. She didn't need to stay in New York to be successful anymore, especially with the rate of commercial developments in the area lately. Maybe by the end of the week, Willow would finally see that.
*****
By the end of the week, Willow and Sierra had made a lot of new friends at work. Even though they were only supposed to be there for a few hours a day, they ended up putting in full workdays. The guys didn't mind because they enjoyed having the girls near them, and the same with Lauren. And, even though the girls were technically on vacation, they were more than happy to go into work. They got to see a lot of what Lauren did running the business, and got to help out the staff to share and gain some fresh ideas.
When Friday came, the girls were sad to say goodbye to all the people they had met. They promised to come back and visit soon, and then left the firm to head back to Brody's. At his house, Brody headed up to his bedroom with Willow. When he shut the door, Willow fell back onto the bed, a sad look on her face. Brody went and laid down next to her so they could talk.
"Are you upset that you're going back to New York soon?" He asked.
"Yeah. I never thought I'd feel that way though. Your office is so different from ours. No one really talks much to each other in our office, and no one is super-friendly. It's unreal how easily I made friends here with everyone, and how much fun I had at work this week. I'm not looking forward to going back to New York, and it scares me to say that." Willow explained.
"Not that I'm trying to pressure you or anything, but would you ever move here?" Brody wondered.
"I don't even know how to answer that. I used to think my mom was crazy for wanting to move down here, with all the accents, and country music and stuff. It's so against everything I've ever known, and now, I just don't know what to feel. I mean, my mom's here, you're here, and I have a feeling I'm going to lose Sierra to Texas too. But I still feel all this loyalty to New York, and I don't know if I can give that up, but I don't think I can give you up either." Willow confessed.
"First of all, I would never ask you to give me up. We'll work something out when the time comes, I'm not worried about that. I won't lose you, even if I have to move to the dreaded New York myself. No matter what happens, when the time comes to decide, just know that everything will work out in the end. Don't let where we live make any judgments for you. I would do anything for you, and I just want to see you happy, do you understand that?" Brody asked.
"I know you would. I love you so much and I know we can work this out, I'm just confused right now." Willow said.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it tonight, so get up and change, I'm taking you out to dinner." Brody said.
"Just me, or are Sierra and Micah coming too?" Willow asked.
"Just us. We need to go on a real date for once." Brody said. What she didn't know was that she'd be seeing everyone after dinner.
Brody was quiet as he and Willow drove to the restaurant. Willow didn't take much notice of it because she was busy thinking about what she really wanted to do, move here to Texas or stay in New York. She agreed with Brody, that it wasn't something that could be decided tonight, but she couldn't help but think about it.
During dinner, Willow noticed that Brody was a little distant. He was talking to her, but it just seemed as though his mind was elsewhere. She wondered if he was thinking about their living arrangements. She hoped that he wasn't having second thoughts about their relationship, because she didn't know what she would do without him.
After they finished their meals, the waiter came to clear their plates. When he came back from the kitchen, he was carrying a birthday cake with lit candles. He walked over to the table followed by the other waiters, singing 'Happy Birthday' to Willow. Willow's face got red and she gave Brody a look as if she was going to kill him. The waiters put the cake on the table and walked away.
Brody reached across the table and tilted Willow's chin up so that she was looking him in the eye. He took her hand and said, "You didn't think I knew it was your birthday?" Willow shook her head. "Well, I did, you can't put one past me." He laughed and Willow smiled. "Willow, I know we haven't know each other very long, but I know that I could never live without you. You are so special to me, and I never thought I'd feel so strongly about someone. My mama always told me that when you find someone special, don't let them go." Brody got up out of his chair and kneeled next to Willow. "Make a wish and blow out your candles darling." He said to her.
Willow blew out her candles, and as she did, she saw a ring around one of the candles. Brody took the candle off the cake and picked the ring up. "Willow Fox, I love you so much. I don't ever want to let you go, I want to wake up holding you every morning for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?" Brody's eyes filled with tears as he looked at her tenderly, waiting for her answer.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Willow asked softly.
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want you as my wife and I want to have kids with you, and get old and gray together. So, what do you say?" He said breathlessly.
"YES! Yes, I'll grow old and gray with you!" She shouted. Brody stood up and kissed her and everyone sitting at the tables around them laughed and clapped.
Brody cleaned the icing off the ring and slipped it onto Willow's finger. She looked at it for the first time and saw that it was a 4-carat princess cut diamond, with smaller princess cut diamonds channel set into the band. It fit her finger perfectly, and it was exactly what she would have picked out herself. "Oh, Brody! It's beautiful! Did anyone help you pick it out?"
"Um, no. The only one that knew what I was doing is your mother, and that's because I asked her permission first. No one else knows." Brody said.
"Well, this ring is perfect, exactly what I'd have chosen myself." Willow gushed. "Wait, you asked my mom's permission?" She asked.
"Yeah, I respect your mother, and I know how close you two are. I wanted her to realize how much she means to me too, so I had to do this with her permission." Brody said.
Tears were freely flowing from her eyes now. "That is the sweetest thing Brody! You are so kind and thoughtful! Is this why we had that talk earlier?"
"No, we had that talk earlier because it was bothering you at the time and it was something you needed to talk about and get off your chest. I guess it was just a lucky coincidence." Brody said and smiled at his fiancé. He looked at his watch and gestured for the waiter to bring their bill. "There's someplace else I want to take you, is that ok?" Brody asked.
"As long as its home to celebrate, then I'm fine with it." Willow teased.
"N
ot yet. Be patient for that, it'll happen soon!" Brody said and paid the bill. He stood up and grabbed Willow's hand and walked with her out to the SUV. He opened her door for her and shut it once she got in. She leaned over and unlocked his door for him while he walked around the front of the vehicle to the driver's side. 'Ah, one of the great ones!' Brody thought as he watched her unlock his door.
Brody held Willow's hand as he drove, and a few minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the bar where Brody first met Willow and Sierra. He looked over at her and said, "You still never beat me drinking. I think it’s time for a rematch." He teased her.
"Not that I'm wimping out, but I kind of want to remember my first night being engaged. I think tonight is a night to take it slow with the alcohol." She said, hoping that he wasn't disappointed.
He walked around to her side of the vehicle and opened her door. After he helped her down, he pulled her body close to his and kissed her deeply. "Tonight is definitely a night to remember." Brody said lustfully. He reluctantly pulled away from her and escorted her to the front doors of the bar.
When they walked into the bar, Willow was shocked to see everyone from her mother's company there. Sierra, Micah, and her mother were there standing in front of everyone, along with Brody's family. "Surprise!" Everyone yelled. A banner hung over the bar saying "Happy Birthday Willow." Willow turned back to Brody and he grinned guiltily. He kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, asking if she was ready to tell them. Willow nodded and squeezed his hand.
"Wow, thanks for coming everyone. I thought I was going to be able to slip by my 28th birthday without anyone noticing, I guess I was wrong." Willow laughed.
Someone from the crowd shouted "You have your boyfriend to thank for that one. Now we all know!"
Willow laughed again and said, "Well, he's not my boyfriend anymore." The crowd went silent, and everyone looked at the couple in shock.
Brody let that sink in for a moment, then yelled back at them "I'm her fiancé now! I asked her to marry me at dinner tonight, and she took pity on me and said yes."
The crowd was stunned and then all at once, they surrounded the newly engaged couple, hugging and kissing them, patting Brody on the back and congratulating them.
"Nice birthday present!" Sierra teased as she gazed at Willow's ring.
Maggie, Brody's mom made her way through the crowd and found Willow. "I am so happy for you and Brody. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter-in-law!"
"Thank you Maggie! That means so much to me. I know it’s kind of fast, but it's not like we're going to get married tomorrow or anything. Besides, he told me that a wise woman always told him when he found someone special not to let them go. Any idea who that wise woman was?" Willow asked.
"I think I have an idea." Maggie said and hugged Willow. "Thank you for making him so happy!"
Brody's sister Brighton came up and pulled Willow away from Maggie. "Finally, I have a sister!" She shouted and hugged Willow. "I am so happy for you, we're going to have so much fun together!" Willow laughed at her. They walked up to the bar together to get some drinks. Lined up across the bar were little shot glasses with red liquid in them.
"What are these?" Willow asked.
A deep voice came from behind her. "I believe they call those 'Red-headed sluts'. I heard they're pretty good." Willow knew that it was Brody. He put his arms around her waist from behind and rested his head on her shoulder.
"The last time we came here, the bartender looked at me like I was an alien when I asked for one of these. Why do they have them now?" She asked.
"Because someone thought you were special enough for us to learn how to make them. He even brought in the directions for us." The bartender explained to Willow.
Willow turned around in Brody's arms. "You did that for me?" She asked.
"I told you I'd do anything for you Willow. I also told you that New York doesn't need to be as far away as you think. I know that there are parts of New York that we can't bring here, but there are some parts that we can. I want to do everything I can to make you feel at home while you're here, no matter how big or small it is."
"It’s no wonder I love you so much." Willow said and brought her lips to his.
When they broke the kiss, Willow asked if Brody had seen her mom. He said he hadn't seen her since they walked in and they set off to look for her together. While they were looking, the kept getting stopped by well-wishers. About half an hour later, they found Lauren sitting at one of the tables in the back room, away from the smoke and noise.
"Mom, are you ok?" Willow asked as her and Brody sat down with her.
"I'm sorry. I'm not trying to ruin your special night, I'm just not feeling well." Lauren said as she tried to smile.
"Mom, you look horrible. Do you want us to take you home?" Willow asked.
"No, don't worry about me. You both have a good time tonight, I'm just going to go home and get to bed. I'm sure it's just a bug. Congratulations, both of you. I really, honestly couldn't be happier for you both. Take good care of her Brody! I love you both." Lauren said as she got up from the table. She stumbled a little as she got lightheaded.
Brody jumped up and steadied her. "You aren't driving yourself home. Willow will drive your car, and I'll follow her."
"No, you're not leaving your party. I'll be fine. It's just the flu or something." Lauren said.
"Mom, we're not letting you drive. You can barely walk and you look like you're going to pass out any minute! How long have you felt bad?" Willow asked.
"I've been feeling like I've had a bug for a few days now, but today I feel the worst." She said.
"Lauren, I think we need to get you to the hospital. You really don't look good." Brody said, still holding onto her arm.
"I think he's right mom. I'm going to let everyone know we're leaving." Willow told Lauren. She turned to Brody and asked, "Do you think you can carry her out? Maybe let her lay in the back seat of your SUV?"
"Not a problem." Brody said. He teased Lauren, saying, "I might break my back, but I'll try." Lauren shot him a look as if to say 'Watch it mister!', and Brody laughed. "Come on Lauren, you weight what, 90 pounds soaking wet? Just like your daughter." He picked her up I his arms and carried her outside.
Willow told everyone that they were sorry and had to get Lauren to the hospital. Their guests understood and wished Lauren well, especially since most of the people at the party were Lauren's employees. Micah and Sierra told Willow they would follow them to the hospital, as well as Brody's family.
While Brody drove, he held one of Willow's hands, while her other hand held her mom's hand. Lauren was scared of what the doctors were going to say. She knew that she should have gone to see them earlier, but she never went unless it was absolutely necessary. She hadn't been feeling well for a few weeks, but it just got bad a few days ago, and today was the absolute worst. She had a bad feeling as the SUV stopped in front of the emergency room.
Brody ran in and got a wheel chair for Lauren, and when he came back to the SUV, he picked her up and sat her in the wheelchair. Sierra and Micah pulled up behind them, and Sierra took the keys from Brody so that she could park his vehicle in the parking lot. Brody and Willow wheeled Lauren into the ER, where a nurse took Lauren from them and took her into a room. She told Willow and Brody where the waiting room was, and as soon as they knew anything, they'd let them know.
Just as Willow was about to collapse, Brody put his arms around her and led her to a chair. She sat down and put her head in her hands. Brody sat next to her rubbing her back, whispering words of comfort to her. Micah and Sierra ran in, followed by Brody's family. Everyone hugged Willow, reassuring her that everything would be ok.
Sierra sat off to the side, struggling silently. She was thinking back on the past few years, how Lauren had always been there for her. She felt like Lauren had become her mother after her parents died, and she was hurting too, to know that Lauren was sick. She looked up to see Brody crouching in front of her. "W
illow wants you. She knows how hard this is for you, and she knows Lauren was like a mom to you the past few years. You two need to be together right now. Go sit with her, talk to her about how you're feeling." He said.
"Thanks Brody. You're right, I guess I was just feeling sorry for myself thinking no one understood how I felt." Sierra got up and sat next to Willow. The girls embraced in a tight hug, and both let their tears flow freely. All they could do was wait.
Chapter 12 Lauren's Big Heart
Two hours later, there was still no word on Lauren's condition. Brody was pacing in front of the nurse's station, waiting for someone to give him some sort of information. After another fifteen minutes, a doctor came out to the lobby of the ER. "Willow Fox?" He asked as he looked at all of them.
Willow stood up and walked over to him slowly. Brody stood next to her and held onto her hand. Sierra held her other hand as they waited for what the doctor was going to say.
"Your mother has a tear in the aorta of her heart, and she is going to require surgery. She isn't strong enough for the surgery right now, so we're admitting her, and we'll proceed with surgery in a few days after she's regained some strength." The doctor explained.
"Will she survive?" Sierra asked.
"I believe so. I think it's fair to say that the worst-case scenario is that she'll need a heart transplant. But we believe that she will make a full recovery." The doctor told them.
"Can we see her?" Willow asked.
The doctor told Willow that they needed to get her set up in a permanent room, and once they did that, she was allowed one visitor at a time, no longer than 5 minutes each. He told them to head up to the 4th floor and a nurse would let them know when Lauren was settled.
Half an hour later, a nurse came into the waiting room on the fourth floor and asked for Willow. "You can go see your mother now, she's in room 423."
Brody walked Willow down the hall to where her mother's room was and stopped outside her door. He hugged Willow tight and said "I'll be here when you get done. You can take my 5 minutes too, ok?" Willow looked up at him and gave him a weak smile before she opened the door to her mother's room.
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