The Butterfly Effect (Boggy Creek Valley 1)

I gagged, then snarled my lip at her. “Do you think it’s wrong to have Ben here in the house when we…you know?”

“Fuck?” she asked, one perfectly plucked brow raised.

“Why are you so…so…whatever it is you are?”

She laughed. “Frank?”

“Yes!”

“You used to be that way before you became soft!”

“Soft!” I exclaimed. “I’m not soft. I’m a mom.”

Frowning, she asked, “So you can’t use the word fuck now?”

I huffed. “Of course I can.”

“Do it then.”

I stared at her. “Excuse me?”

She smirked. “Life is too short to beat around the bush. You want him still, it was obvious the moment the guy walked into the bar. Willa, it’s okay to want him. You’ve been separated from your husband for a year.”

“I also had a baby and…and…”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “So because you’re a mom, you can’t desire a man? Come on, say what you’re truly feeling.”

I shrugged. “It feels different, knowing I’m a mom now.”

“Bullshit. You’re scared, and it’s okay to be scared, sweetie. It’s okay to question it, but don’t push it away simply because you can’t control the outcome. Take a chance, Willa. Jump. Stop using excuses to want what you’ve always desired.”

Blowing out a breath, I looked away and stared out the window of my little rented house.

Bree stood next to me, her arm around my shoulders as she asked, “What do you want?”

Aiden’s face flashed through my mind. It was no use denying my feelings, they were too intense.

“Him,” I finally said on an exhale.

“It’s been nine years, Willa. Take him and let this dream become a reality.”

“Nine years,” I whispered.

“Now, what are you worried about?” Bree asked as she turned to me.

“If it’s proper to fuck Aiden with my son in the house.”

Bree put her hand on her heart as she lifted her shoulders. “I’m so proud of you.”

I laughed and gave her a little push.

Bree gave me a cheeky smile in return. “Now, here is the next big question. What are you going to wear tonight?”

Aiden

I stood on the porch of Willa’s rental house and took in a deep breath. All the times I had dreamed of this moment, and it was finally here. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. I had kicked in doors in Afghanistan, South America—hell, all over the world—knowing that evil was on the other side, and I was never once afraid. Standing here, with Willa and her son on the other side of the door, I was terrified I was going to mess this up.

“Do I want to know why you’re standing outside my sister’s house with flowers in your hand?”

Smiling, I turned to see Hunter leaning against his truck. I couldn’t tell if he was scowling or trying to hide his smile. My guess was the latter.

“Depends on if you want me to tell you the truth or lie to you,” I replied with a cocky grin.

This time, Hunter laughed. “She’s an adult and you’re someone I trust, so I’m thinking the truth would be nice.”

All I did was nod.

“You guys gonna give it a try?” His voice was silky smooth, but I could hear the edge of worry in it.

I walked toward him. “I would ask if you’re okay with it, but like you said, she’s an adult and we don’t really need your permission. I would, however, like to know you’re okay with it.”

Hunter rubbed at the back of his neck and let out a long sigh. “For as long as I can remember, my sister has stared at you with dreamy eyes. I’ve always known she had feelings for you, and that you eventually developed them for her. There’s only one thing that worries me.”

I raised a single brow. “What’s that?”

He looked away for a quick moment before his focus was back on me. “I don’t want to see her hurt, Aiden. Not from you. Not from the one guy she’s always held out hope for.”

Frowning, I replied, “You know I would never hurt her, Hunter. Never.”

He clenched his jaw together tightly before he said, “Not purposely.”

“You think I’m going to hurt her?” I asked, taking a step toward him.

“I don’t know, Aiden. I know you would never intentionally hurt her. I just hope you know there’s a lot at stake. It’s not just Willa we’re talking about now. It’s Ben too.”

Anger flared up inside of me, but I tamped it down. I knew Hunter was coming from a good place, but I had everything under control. I would never hurt Willa or Ben. Ever.

“Is Ben home tonight?” Hunter asked.

“Yes.”

He gave me a warm smile and pushed off his truck. As he walked around it, he called out, “Bree told me about the picnic. Nice touch.”

The corners of my mouth twitched with a smile. “Yeah, Arabella hooked me up. She’s pretty amazing. Can’t believe she’s still single.”