Page 146 of Free to Fall

She didn’t call her house home.

Chapter

Seventy-Nine

Just hearing everything Liam shared with me was a new slice into my heart. I was up all night, thinking about the words he said, the ones he didn’t.

The love I still feel for him.

I reach for the cup of coffee my mother offers me with a grateful, “Thanks.”

She sits down in the chair next to me instead of behind her impressive desk. I’ve already shared with her everything that happened when I went to visit Liam yesterday. To say she was stunned is an understatement. She rubs the back of her neck. “Here I thought your father and uncles were the kings of grand gestures.”

“Right? Mama, Liam is entrusting Bailey’s life to me.”

She holds out her hand. Placing my mug on the edge of her desk, I capture it between mine. “Laura, do you believe what Alice told you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe he loves you?”

Up until yesterday, when he handed me the most important proof of his absolute trust, I might have wavered on the question. Now? “Yes.”

“Then why are you hesitating?” Her head tips to the side. “Is there something else you’re not sharing?”

I slide forward and take both of her hands. “I love him, Mama.”

“Then tell him.”

“I’m afraid.”

She rears back. “Of Liam?”

“Of course not. It’s just ...”

“Just what, Laura.”

“I don’t know what happens next.”

“Laura, you know I love you.”

“Yes?”

“You were a wonderful student. You have a brilliant mind. You’re an exceptionally gifted doctor.”

“I sense a but coming on.”

“Darling, that’s the thing about happily ever afters.”

“What?” After a certain point, I stopped reading fairy tales.

My mother kisses my cheek. “Everyone forgets that the story continues. It’s implied the couple lives happily ever after. But the ever after is the best part.”

“Even when you want to strangle them with your bare hands?” I remind her dryly.

“Exactly that.”

I lean forward and wrap my arms around her, burying my face in her shoulder. “I love you, Mama.”

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