Paige
I slipped out the side door, to a quiet part of the deck. It led to a staircase to the beach, and I made my way to the sand, the torches lighting my path. I turned and looked at the brightly lit building behind me. I could hear the laughter, the sounds of music. I breathed in the scent of the water, the low-burning fire, and the sand. I wondered if I would ever get used to this spot. The ever-changing beauty of it. The lovely place that felt like home already—because Liam was there.
I loved the house. The big windows, the large porch. Liam had put my desk in front of the window, and as I worked, I could look outside and see the trees and water—unlike my desk in Toronto, where I stared at my neighbor’s side door and driveway. My life had taken on a new rhythm, and every day I sank more into the gentle cadence of it. Lucy was so happy and settled, taking to the new surroundings like a duck to water. With Beth and Evan close, and encircled by Liam’s family, she’d never been happier.
My family now, too. It still seemed unreal. All of this seemed unreal at times. I was certain I would wake up and find I had been dreaming.
Only a few months ago, I was struggling to make sure we stayed on a tight budget. I worked as many hours as possible, even pulling some of the night shifts to add a little to the bank account. I spent the rest of the time looking after Lucy and Evan, always grateful to have Beth and Evan in our life. We created our own little family, and together, we managed to get by. I would never have made it without Beth. I would never have met Liam without her either.
He was incredible. There was no other word to describe him. His love enfolded us on a daily basis. I felt stronger because of him. His affection was offered freely and openly. He gave me security I had never known, both emotionally and financially. I was still getting used to both. I hoped never to take either for granted.
I startled as a strong arm wrapped around my waist, and I was pulled back to a warm chest.
“Hiding, Sweet Pea? Our family too much?”
The easy use of his phrase “our family” made tears come to my eyes. I patted his arm. “No. But the draw of the fire was too much.”
He chuckled. “I figured.”
He sat down on one of the logs placed around the pit. It had been smoothed out over the years of use, the wood faded from the sun. He reached into a basket and pulled out a blanket. Opening his legs, he put it on the sand and patted his knee.
“Come here, Sweet Pea.”
I nestled between his legs, copying the way we had always sat on the steps in Toronto. It was our thing when we needed to talk.
Liam waited, always patient. He stroked my neck, his touch light.
“Whatever you’re thinking, Paige, you can tell me. I’m here.”
I found his hand and kissed the palm, holding it to my cheek. “I know.”
“Are you unhappy, baby?”
“Oh God, no.” I lifted my face to meet his eyes. “I’ve never been happier.”
“Good. Me too. But something is on your mind.”
I drew in a deep breath. “I saw my new doctor yesterday.”
“You didn’t tell me.” His hand stilled. “Is something wrong?”
“No. I’m perfectly healthy.”
“Okay. But?”
“She wants me off the birth control pills.”
“Good. I read about the side effects, and they’re scary.” He paused. “I’ll get condoms. Let me take the responsibility off you.”
I turned, playing with his fingers, spinning his thick band around over and again.
“What if-what if we didn’t use any birth control?”
His breath stuttered, and his body locked down. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“I want to try for a baby with you.” I swallowed. “If you want. I mean, if you’re ready. I know it’s sudden—”
He cut off the rest of my words, his mouth covering mine. He pulled me off the sand and onto his lap, never stopping the sweet possession of his lips.
Finally, he pulled back, resting his forehead to mine. “Really?”
“Yes. I want to try. You were right—things are different. I have you. Our family. Whatever we have to face, we’ll face it together.”
He cupped my cheek and kissed my forehead, his lips lingering. “Thank you. This is the best gift I’ve ever been given.”
“It might take a while. Dr. Carter warned me about that.”
“I’m up for the challenge,” he assured me, his voice low.
“I’m not surprised.”
“In fact, everyone is busy. Let’s sneak home, and I’ll show you just how up for it I am.”
I laughed, the sound drifting across the sand.
“I don’t think we can leave our own party to go try to make babies.”
“I would argue differently. It’s the perfect time. Lucy’s occupied, the house is empty. My cock is on board…” He trailed off, joining in my laughter.
“Okay.” He relented. “But I’m getting Mom and Dad to keep Lucy tonight. I want you loud and vocal while we start this endeavor.” He sighed against my hair. “It’s gonna be a tough job, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
I hummed, nestling closer. “I love you, Liam.”
He tightened his arms. “I love you, Sweet Pea. Always.”
Epilogue
Liam
Five years later…
I woke, my hand automatically searching for Paige. Not only was I surprised to find the bed empty but the sun already high in the sky. Normally I was the first one awake in the house, even beating my girls, who were early risers.
I flung back the blanket and stood, stretching out my back. I grimaced at the grip of still-aching muscles. We had installed a massive garden the past couple of days, working well into the evening to get it done for the client. I wasn’t as involved in the physical side of the business anymore, and the twinge in my back reminded me why.
Once Paige and I were married and settled in Port Albany, I hired more staff and limited myself to the overseeing and design. I hired another landscape architect once our first baby was born to help manage my time. Joanna worked primarily in Toronto, and I concentrated on the outlying areas. It freed up a lot of commute time, which meant I got to spend it with my family. When a second baby came along rather quickly, I depended more on Joanna than ever. We did a lot of meetings via phone, and we shared travel, her coming this way on occasion and me heading into Toronto at other times. The truth was, I hated missing a minute of my babies growing up.
Dr. Carter had warned us it could take a while for Paige to get pregnant. It happened almost immediately. I came home from work to find her sitting on the floor of our bathroom, a stick in her hand, her expression shocked.
I crouched beside her. “Sweet Pea? What is it?”
“I don’t know what fertilizer you use, Liam, but holy shit,” she whispered, showing me the two blue lines.
I was ecstatic. I scooped her into my arms, holding her tight. I felt the tension in her body, the worry already taking hold. I pressed a kiss to her head. “Together, baby. We’ll handle it together.”
Lucy had been excited when we told her she was going to have a sibling. Her eyes got big in her face, and she hugged Mr. Teddy close.