“Then what?”
“Then it’ll be final.”
My heart races when I think about Liam finally being a free man. “I’m so relieved.”
“Me too, baby. So fucking relieved.” He cups my face, and I pull him closer as he brushes his lips against mine. After the incident in the kitchen last night, Liam was so pissed at himself. I know he’d never intentionally hurt anyone he loved, especially not Tyler. He apologized over and over for showing that side of himself, but I want it all. The good, bad, and ugly parts of him. Neither of us is perfect, but together we’re stronger and much happier. Fortunately, Tyler handled it all well and knew how to deal with the situation.
Liam smiles. “Let’s go home, sweetheart.”
Chapter Twelve
LIAM
Maddie and I were so happy to finally be home after spending seven days in Oregon. I was anxious as hell waiting for Victoria to file the papers, but once she finally did, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. Once we were back, we could finally be open about our relationship, and it’s been what dreams are made of. I’ve never had this feeling before, but everything I’ve gone through to get Maddie in my arms every night is worth it.
Being apart from her, I was so damn worried about her safety that I’d nearly forgotten to take care of myself. Sleep was ever fleeting, and I had no appetite. Though once I knew she was safe with Tyler, I felt relieved, but there was always that chance that something terrible could have happened. I would’ve never been able to live with myself if she had been hurt.
Though we’re trying to find our normal, we’re both well aware that it won’t be happening until the divorce is final and the weight of Victoria’s threats is lifted. I also have a lot of making up to do because I hurt Maddie in ways I wish I hadn’t. I should’ve told her about the pregnancy, and it’s something I regret not doing. The hurt on her face the night she found out nearly destroyed me, and it’s something I won’t forget for as long as I live. While she says she’s forgiven me and understands, I’m going to do whatever it takes to rebuild that trust between us.
Maddie spoke with her advisor the day after we returned. She had to get permission from her professors since they can kick her out for missing so much, but after speaking to the dean and giving an explanation, they’re allowing her to return this week. Considering the car I bought her is still yet to return to the house, it’s probably for the best since I’m still working on how to get it from Victoria. At least then Maddie can find her own personal normal without having to depend on anyone to drive her. It bothers the hell out of her because she wanted to be independent.
“What do you want to watch?” Maddie asks me as we sit on the couch. I was lost in my thoughts again, not paying attention. It’s happened more times than not since we’ve been home.
“Uh, I don’t care,” I mutter. It’s Sunday evening, and Lennon and Hunter are on their way over to visit. Maddie’s been wanting to see Aaron and Allie, and there are a lot of things I need to tell the two of them. Sophie and Mason said they’d grab pizza, and we’d have a small get-together like old times. If anything, I’m grateful for my friends and how forgiving and understanding they are for this shitshow I’ve brought to them.
Maddie flips through the channels and stops on Lifetime. It’s like Hallmark, but with sex and cursing, and she’s all about the cowboy romance movie she’s watching. It literally took two minutes before she was sucked into the plot. Go figure, cowboy boots and a Southern accent are all it took to have her swooning. I wrap my arm around her and pull her a little closer, happy we can have this time together, because weeks ago, I wished for moments like this with her. As best as I can, I’m going to enjoy this time because it’s been relentlessly proven to me how fast things can change.
Once the couple makes out and their intimate moment fades to black, Tyler comes downstairs.
“What the hell are y’all watching?” he asks, plopping in the recliner.
“Don’t you recognize a cheesy Southern flick when you see one?” Maddie taunts. “They talk like you.”
“Har har. I don’t talk like that,” he remarks. Tyler’s quickly made himself at home, and I’m gonna miss him when he leaves in a month. He’s so easily fit in with everyone, and it almost feels like he’s always been one of our roommates. It helps that he and Mason already have a good relationship, though, from when he was Mason’s trainer.
Lennon and Hunter eventually arrive, wearing grins when they walk through the door. Maddie is over the moon excited to see the kids. I watch her with Aaron and see how her face lights up as she talks to him and how Allie smiles and laughs at Maddie’s words. They love her so much, and one day, I know she’ll make an amazing mom. Sophie arrives with six pizza boxes, and Mason walks in not long after with two six-packs of beer. It’s D-Day, the day I sit down and explain to everyone what happened from the top. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for so long, and the time is finally here. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about it, but I’m glad Tyler and Maddie are here to help tell the whole story.
As we eat, Maddie looks at me, smiling and encouraging me to start.
“So, I have a lot of explaining to do…but first I owe every single one of you an apology.” I speak up, finding confidence within myself. “I’m so fu–freaking sorry.” I look at Allie playing on the floor with a doll and decide not to teach her curse words.
I start from the very beginning and explain my gambling addiction, and then the big stakes poker game I lost. Sophie’s eyes are wide when I tell her how JJ harassed and blackmailed me.
“And they threatened to hurt me,” Maddie adds. “Sent him a photo with a target over my head. They followed me around campus too, knowing I was Liam’s weakness.”
Mason stops eating. “Why didn’t you say something to us? I could’ve helped.”
Shaking my head, I meet his eyes. “It was too risky. I didn’t want to get anyone else involved especially after I’d risked so much by having Tyler help me, and they were already targeting Maddie. I thought I had control of the situation, but clearly I didn’t, especially once Victoria dropped the pregnancy bomb on me.”
“You would’ve done it for me,” Tyler states confidently. “It was the least I could do.”
“Man, we’re here for you,” Hunter adds. “You’re our brother. We fight together. We do all this together and have since the very beginning.”
“I know,” I offer, pissed at myself, realizing how ridiculous it all sounds. “It’s something I’ll always regret, but I really thought I was protecting you guys.”
“Wow,” is all Lennon says, watching me with wide eyes when I tell them about Johnny nearly shooting me and Victoria saving my ass at the last second but with an ulterior motive. By this part, everyone has stopped eating, and they’re watching me intently. Maddie interlocks her fingers with mine and inspires me to keep going.
I put it all out there—the marriage arrangement, her being pregnant before this all started, the threats to obey, and learning Victoria was sleeping with the enemy. By the time I’m done, it feels as if a million pounds are lifted from my shoulders. They’re all in shock, and their jaws are on the floor.