Waiting for Willa (Big Sky, #3)(27)

I crunch through the snow and find Noah busy chopping firewood.

Thwack!

“Hey,” I say, but he doesn’t look up. He has earbuds in.

So, like the good friend I am, I scoop up a big ball of fresh snow and hurl it at him, hitting him square in the back. He jerks around, his ax raised high and yanks his earbuds from his head.

“Hello,” I say calmly.

“What the hell?” He scowls and reaches to brush at some snow that snuck down his jacket.

“I had to get your attention,” I say with a shrug.

“What’s up?”

“Not much.” I zip my jacket and tuck my hands into my jeans’ pockets. It’s damn cold out today. Spring should be around the corner, but winter is hanging on like a dog with a bone. “Thought I’d drop by.”

“Well, then that means you can chop wood. There are gloves and an extra ax inside the garage.”

I nod and go and fetch the gloves and ax. I like physical work. I sit behind a desk for so many hours at a time that hard work like chopping wood feels good.

When I return, Noah has set up an extra stump for me to chop on. I reach for a piece of wood, steady it on the stump, and thwack, chop it in half.

“So, what’s really up?” Noah asks, lightly panting. Aside from Cary, Noah and Gray have been my best friends since I was a kid. Noah doesn’t mince words. If he sees bullshit, he’ll call bullshit. He’s loyal, almost to a fault, and one of the smartest guys I know.

I trust his judgment, and I know that anything I say will stay between us.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind,” I begin before setting up another piece of wood to chop.

“Does it have boobs?” he asks, a smile on his damn face.

“Nice ones,” I confirm. “And if you look at them again, I’ll chop your arm off.”

“It’s not like I’m leering at them,” he points out. “I’m not creepy.”

I laugh and stack the wood I’ve cut so far under the lean-to on the side of Noah’s house. He bought it from his parents a few years ago and has made some improvements to the place. He and Gray did most of the work themselves since Gray owns a successful construction company.

“How is Willa?” Noah asks, joining me to stack his firewood.

“She’s amazing,” I reply immediately.

“So, things are working out then?”

“So far, so good.” I nod and walk back to my ax.

“I’m glad,” he says, his voice earnest now. “I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your ass and did something.”

“But how do you really feel?” My voice is dry as sandpaper.

“You both deserve to be happy, and being together makes you happy.” He chops more wood. “When do Brad and Hannah come home?”

“Tonight.” Thwack! “I’m glad. If you tell him I said this, I’ll deny it, but I’ve missed having Brad around.”

“Aw, that’s sweet.”

I glare at Noah as he laughs and contemplate throwing my ax at him.

“We’re having family dinner tomorrow at my place. Kind of a welcome home thing since Jenna and Christian are here, too.”

“Is Willa going?”

I frown. “I haven’t told her yet, but of course, she’s coming.”

Noah stares at me as if I just grew a second nose. “Dude, you need to give her notice for these things so she can get a babysitter.”

“Why would she need a babysitter? Alex will come, too.”

“So, you’ve fallen for the kid, too.”

“You know, you’re kind of pissing me off.”

Noah sighs. “I’m not trying to piss you off, I’m just getting a feel for things. You’re one of my best friends, and I love you, but you’ve hurt her before. The rest of us were here to pick up those pieces. Now, it’s not just her to worry about. I’m just clarifying that you understand that she’s a package deal.”

“I’m not a jerk,” I reply. “And I don’t know who she’s dated in the past, but I’m not some idiot who thinks he can date a mom and not consider her kids.”

“Good.”

“I mean, Alex is amazing. I’d challenge anyone to spend just fifteen minutes with that boy and not fall in love with him. He’s hilarious and smart. Not to mention, cute.”

I glance up to find Noah grinning at me.

“What?”

“So, you love him then?”

I swallow and stare over Noah’s shoulder, then give a brisk nod. “Of course, I do. I’ve been in love with Willa since before I really knew what that meant, and Alex is fantastic. I like spending time with him. I don’t resent it.”

“I’m happy for you, man,” Noah says, slapping my shoulder. “I really am.”

I nod and take another deep breath. “I haven’t told her. Somehow, I think saying the words is too big right now. I want her to believe them, you know?”

“Willa always was one to guard herself,” he says with a nod. “Actions speak way louder than words. You may not have said it, but I’m sure she can feel it.”

I hope so.

“Thanks, man.” I check the time. “I have to run. Is it okay if I leave you with this?”