Page 42 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

As Ethan finishes his snack and goes back to his show, I pick up my pencil again. I need to focus. I have a wedding to plan, a job to do. But no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the feeling that Liam is becoming more than just a distraction. He’s becoming a part of my life. A part that I’m not sure I’m ready to let go of.

The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the room. Ethan’s laughter fills the air as his show reaches a funny part, and I smile, feeling a sense of contentment. No matter what happens with Liam, I know I have this. My family, my work, my dreams. And now a whirlwind romance. For now, that’s enough.

Ethan and I are still sitting at the table when the sound of tires crunching on gravel reaches us. Ethan's head snaps up, and he bolts from his seat, his tiny legs carrying him as fast as they can to the front door.

“Daddy!” he shouts, his voice ringing with excitement.

I smile at his enthusiasm and gather the scattered pencils and papers on the table. Moments later, the door creaks open, and Damon pokes his head inside, a wide grin on his face.

“Hey there,” he greets, stepping into the house and wrapping Ethan in a big bear hug. “How’s my little man doing?”

“Daddy, you're home!” Ethan's arms cling around Damon’s neck.

I walk over and lean against the doorway, smiling at the heartwarming scene. “He’s been waiting for you to come back so he can watch his show. I think I’m boring to him now.” I tease lightly.

Damon chuckles and turns to Ethan. “Is that true, buddy?”

Ethan nods vigorously. “Yes, Daddy!” He looks at me. “But not the part about finding Aunt Emma boring. She’s just busy today.”

“Yes, she’s just busy, bud.” Damon grins at his son, who bobs his head repeatedly.

I look around the entrance. “Where’s June?” I frown at her absence.

Damon sets Ethan down and starts unloading bags. “She’s gone to her parents’ place. She’ll be back tomorrow.”

He starts unpacking takeout containers, the smell of delicious food filling the room. “Got us dinner,” he announces, setting the table.

I help set out the plates, and soon we’re all sitting down together, the warm atmosphere making the house feel cozy. Damon looks at me with gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks for taking care of Ethan today and for all your hard work with the wedding planning.”

“Hey, don’t be soapy.” I shrug and punch his shoulder playfully. “You’ve always been there for me, big brother. Time for your little sister to pay you back.”

Damon nods. “I really appreciate it. Especially how you managed to get Liam to help out. That’s still a huge miracle on its own.”

I smile at him and focus on my plate.

“How’d you do it?”

My cheeks heat up at the image of myself in Liam’s arms. I manage a smile and say, “That’s my secret.”

Damon raises an eyebrow, clearly curious. “Come on, even dragging him to a florist? There must be something I don’t know about.”

I laugh nervously. “He owes me a favor. I cashed it in.”

“He—” Damon almost lets out the curse but catches himself, glancing at Ethan. We both laugh, and Ethan looks up from his plate, puzzled.

“Why are you laughing?”

Damon ruffles his son’s hair. “Oh, just grown-up talk, buddy.”

Dinner is a pleasant mix of laughter and light-hearted conversation. After we finish eating, Damon and Ethan settle down to watch a rerun of Ethan’s favorite show. I join them on the couch, leaning back and feeling a rare moment of peace.

I check my phone again, almost compulsively, hoping for a message from Liam. Damon notices and gives me a knowing look.

“Waiting for something?”

I shake my head, trying to hide my anxiety. “Nothing.”

Ethan eventually falls asleep in Damon’s arms, his little body curled up against his dad’s chest. Damon strokes Ethan’s hair and looks over at me.

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