“I don’t want him to regret me. Regret us.”
Cami laughed. “The only thing he would regret is losing you. I know Liam. I know his heart. He is much like Aiden. Like all my family. When they love, it is with an abiding passion and strength that will change your life. Never doubt that.”
I blinked. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m glad you did. Maybe knowing about Van will help you.”
“It does, I think.”
“Good.”
The door opened, and Liam walked in.
“There you are.”
I laughed. “You knew I was here.”
He looked at his watch. “It’s a dress. One dress. You’ve been gone over an hour.”
Cami stood. “We were having tea.” She laid a hand on his arm and leaned up to kiss his cheek. He bent to make it easier for her to reach. “Stop being so impatient.”
“I don’t get her alone enough.”
She patted his arm and met my gaze. “Told you,” it said.
“Sit down and have tea, then you can take her home. I’ll try to stop your father from coming for a visit later.”
Liam sat beside me with a groan. “If he knows she’s here, he’ll invent an excuse.”
Cami handed him a mug. “Then I guess I’ll have to keep him busy.”
I laughed at the uncomfortable look on his and Ava’s faces. Cami might be quite relaxed about her kids’ sex lives, but they had no desire to know about their parents’ activities. Cami was well aware of that fact, and she met my eyes with a wide grin. I winked at her, and she chuckled.
Liam cleared his throat. “Did you find something to wear?”
“Yes,” I responded. “It’s so lovely,” I gushed. “I’ve never worn anything so beautiful.”
“My mom is pretty amazing,” he said, sounding proud.
“Your whole family is.”
He leaned close, his mouth brushing my earlobe. “They’re yours now too—if you want them.”
I met his eyes. Warm, open, and filled with love.
I squeezed his hand in response, unable to talk. He affected me so deeply, I couldn’t find the words. I had never felt this way about a man. Liam filled me with emotion with his honesty and lack of guile. Something he had obviously inherited from his mother. She was a straight shooter.
He seemed to realize I was overwhelmed and turned to his mother, asking a question about the weekend. I sipped my tea, listening to them chat, wondering if there would come a day I would feel as if I fit in. As if I were part of this wonderful family.
A huge part of me yearned for it.
I needed the rest of me to catch up.
Liam
Paige was quiet as we walked toward the house. She seemed a little withdrawn, and I wondered if today had been too much. I knew Sunday with my family had overwhelmed her. Then talking about her past and ex. Her confession today about having another baby surprised me, but I supposed it was only natural. After she’d left with Ava, I had a hard time concentrating on the garden plan. I had to admit I was somewhat disappointed. I had always wanted a large family like my own. But if Paige didn’t want that, I knew I owed it to her to make sure I would be happy with only the three of us. No matter how I looked at it, I came to the same conclusion. I would rather have Paige and Lucy than someone else and babies. I never expected to fall in love so quickly. I always thought I would meet someone, date, and eventually fall for them. But with Paige, it was hard and fast. She dominated my thoughts in the day. Slipped into my dreams at night if I wasn’t with her. My desire for her was constant. And I knew, without a doubt, my feelings would only grow stronger.
I glanced down at her, noticing the small vee between her eyes which indicated she was thinking too hard about something. Worried.
I pulled her to the chair beside me once we climbed the steps.
“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours, Sweet Pea?”
“Your mother says you didn’t fall in love with me for my uterus.”
I lifted my eyebrows in surprise. “Well, I’m not sure how that topic came up, but she’s right. The first time I saw you, ‘Wow, I bet she has an amazing uterus,’ wasn’t what crossed my mind. Pretty sure your spectacular rack made the first impression.”
That made her laugh, and her shoulders lost some of their tension. She told me what Ava had said and her reaction.
“I didn’t plan on talking about it with your mother and sister. It just came out.”
“I never thought to mention Van. His kids are simply that—his kids. My cousins, for lack of a better term.” I took her hands in mine. “Paige, there’s no rush. We don’t even have to talk about this again until you’re ready. And if you never are, then we’ll figure out our next step. You are what is important to me. You and Lucy. Getting to know each other now. Enjoying life together now.” I met her eyes. “I’ve never tried to get someone pregnant. For all I know, I’m shooting blanks. Would you love me less because of that?”
“No.”
“Then relax. Let’s enjoy now, and let the future take care of itself. Can we put it aside and enjoy this evening?”
She smiled and cupped my cheek. “Yes.”
“Good. I am starving, and that pot roast smells like heaven. Feed me. Please.”
She stood and went into the house. I followed her, ogling her ass. I always liked her ass.
“You know, I think the first day I met you, your ass might have appealed as much as your breasts. Both left an impression,” I mused out loud. “I do remember wanting to grope them equally.”
She burst out laughing. “Such a way with words, Liam.”
I shrugged with a grin. “It’s a gift.”
She muttered something about incorrigible Callaghans.
I kissed her neck as I reached around her to grab some plates.
“You like me incorrigible.”
She rolled her eyes, but she didn’t deny it.
I switched off the TV and tossed the remote on the table. It had been a great evening. Paige was relaxed and happy. After a delicious dinner, we took another walk on the beach. We waved at Bentley and Emmy, spoke with Nan and Pops, who were out for their nightly stroll, and studiously ignored the dim light coming from my parents’ bedroom as we walked past their house. I just couldn’t think about that. Ronan was in Toronto with Beth, and we called and talked to Lucy, who informed us she was having fun and that wings were now her favorite food. Mr. Teddy apparently thought so as well.
“Momma, Mr. Teddy needs a bath. He went headfirst in the sauce.”
Paige laughed, her voice patient. “I’ll give him one tomorrow.”
“Otay.”
I knew Paige felt better once she talked to Lucy. She told me she wasn’t worried but felt odd.
“I’ve never been away from her for the night. Not once.”
“We can head in. I’ll sleep there,” I offered.
“No. She’s fine, and Beth will call me. It’s just…new.”
I slipped my arms around her and hugged her. She held me tight.
“I’ll have you home before she wakes up.”