Willow sat up in bed, eyeing the handsome detective standing in front of her. He arrived early one morning asking questions about the fact that she'd been reported missing over a year ago, that she made a miraculous return, and that someone allegedly attempted to murder her. He was friendly and patient despite her lack of cooperation and suspicious glances at him.

"Ms. Dubois, I just want to understand what's happened. Trust that I am on your side here," Detective Brom Cromwell's blue eyes bore into her. 

She shifted uncomfortably beneath his gaze. He was glaring at her. His intense gaze tried to force some kind of response. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing that she was intimidated. She took an opportunity to really look at him. 

She let her eyes wander up his strong thighs, clad in body-hugging jeans and tucked baby blue shirt that made his similarly colored eyes stand out. His dark curly hair fell roguishly to his ears. His chin and cheeks were dusted with dark stubble and his full pink-hued lips jutted forward in annoyance.  If she were so inclined, she might have found him incredibly attractive, but his persistence was working her nerves.

"I've told you, Detective, I wasn't missing. I left town for a while. Where I was, is my business. I also told you I don't know who attacked me. It came from behind. All I remember is seeing a metal tip sticking out my chest and I woke up here." At least most of it was true. It never felt good to lie. She tried working around the truth as much as she could. 

His face seemed to say that he was not satisfied with her response, "If you remember anything else, please call me." He said, handing her his card. His eyes never leaving hers, as they narrowed, "I understanding you'll be discharged today, and I received your forwarding address from your nurse."

'Damn, Amber for her meddlesome ways,' she thought, smiling at the detective, feeling obligated to respond she said, "You're welcome to call on me if you have any other questions but for now, I think I'd like to put this behind me and move on." 

Deep within her, she truly felt the need to start over knowing she could not go back. The gut-wrenching feeling of sorrow twisted and coiled around her heart as if it would never leave her. She ignored the feeling, giving the detective a tight-lipped smile.

"Don't you worry Ms. Dubois; I'll be sure to do just that. Have a good day." He said turning on his heels before walking out the door. He ran into Amber carrying Maia on his way out. He stopped to speak to her briefly, smiling genuinely as he did so. He greeted little Maia, earning a few coos in response before continuing on his way. 

Amber came in grinning like the Cheshire cat, "Ooh wee, girl, he gon make me clutch my pearls. Did you see that fine piece of man that just walked out?" Amber fanned herself dramatically with a patient survey. 

Willow laughed taking Maia from her to start her breastfeeding. "Girl, I appreciate a fine piece of ass like anyone else, but you can see that man's outfit matches the stick up his ass." 

Amber laughed long and hard before she answered, "You're too hard on him. He may be a little bit of a tight ass; I grant you but he's so fine I would forgive anything." She wiggled her eyebrows mischievously.

Willow flicked her wrist in Amber's direction, "Honey, you go ahead on, wit your badass. Get you that man."

 "That might be crossing the line," Amber said with a look in her eyes Willow could not place. 

Willow laughed as she swaddled the sleeping baby and stood up to place her in her bassinette. "It ain't possible to live unless you crossin' somebody's line," Willow countered added a little sass in her walk back to the bed. 

"Nah, I won't be barking up that tree anytime soon. It's not for me. Anyway, I got the rooms ready for you and baby girl. I spoke to this guy I know down the street and he's willing to give you a job at the bakery. I can watch baby girl while you go to work." Amber said smiling, hands folded in her lap, sitting on the edge of Willow's bed. 

"Girl, I just don't know how to thank you for everything you've done." Willow pulled her hand in her own. 

"Like I said I have my reasons for wanting to help you. Think no more of it. I was a lot like you. I was an orphan, but I had good people to help me, and I want to help you. So, let's get you all packed up and moved in."

Willow left the hospital that night with Maia and Amber. They traveled to the picturesque Summerlin Suburbs. Amber's home was a two-story five-bedroom masterpiece of alternating white and tan painted on the outside. A front-facing glass wall with sliding doors. 

Amber helped her move her things upstairs. The process did not take long as there wasn't much to unpack. Willow wandered around the house, admiring Amber's decor. Her living room was a sprawling space, filled with beiges and gold. A plush overstuff couch faced a tall fireplace with an ancient shield hanging above it. Light filtered through the tall windows. Willow felt at home in this space. 

"Damn girl how can you afford all of this!" Willow said speechless at the sheer beauty of Amber's home. 

Amber laughed sitting down on the couch. "Funny story, love, I was raised as adopted when I was a baby by some good folks, but I decided to look for my birth parents when I came of age. When I found them, turns out they're from old money. I was a love child that someone tried to hide. So, their guilt is paying for all of this." She waved her hand at her surroundings. "I don't put a dime into this place. Mommy and daddy's money takes care of it all so I can keep my mouth shut." Her eyes filled with tears; she turned her head to avoid Willow's gaze.

Willow sat next to her. "I'm so sorry babe. It's not your fault. Hell, I don't blame you for taking advantage, I would too. Come here, girl." Willow pulled her into a quick hug before they were interrupted by Maia's wailing. 

"A mother's work is never done. Go get Maia." Amber gave Willow a gentle shove. 

"Alright, then I want no more crying from you Ms. thing." Willow got up and strode up the stairs to Willow's room. 

"That's Miss Erinti to you heffa!" Amber called out.