Page 55 of Two Weeks in Tahoe

“Can you just humor me, please?” I beg. “I promise it’s worth it.”

“Fine, fine,” he says, putting his hands up in defeat.

I get in and sigh again as he buckles up beside me.

“I was going to wait until tomorrow to show you this, since you just got out of the hospital, endured a three-hour car ride, and should probably be at home relaxing. But then you had to go and confess your love to me…” I smile at him with watery eyes.Not yet, I tell myself.Keep it together. I want to show him this first.

He doesn’t look fully amused, but he’s going along with it. I pull out and head about five minutes up the road, to a neighborhood with a cluster of small homes. I pull up to one and get out, giving him no explanation.

I stride to the front door, sensing him following close behind me. Then I pull a key out from under a vase and go inside. There are several boxes scattered in the entryway, and a miniature Christmas tree near the wall. That was a thoughtful touch. I spot my framed picture that Liam bought me from the antique shop sitting atop an open crate full of stuff and I smile.

Dex really went the extra mile when dropping my stuff off. I shake my head, unable to suppress a smirk as I picture Dex and Daniela grabbing some of the boxes I packed back in Sacramento and bickering the entire time. Dex dropped them off here and met with the realtor to get the key, which he left for me under that vase. I had planned this before Liam’s accident and was going to share the news with him when he came to visit, but after all that happened, I called in a favor with Dex and Daniela. They were more than happy to help so I could make this grand gesture to Liam when he came home.

“Surprise,” I say, my voice a little too high-pitched.

He looks at me, still confused, then glances around the room. “I don’t…I don’t get it.”

“This is my place,” I state simply. “It’s only a three-month lease. I was actually really lucky to find a deal like this. I thought…we could see how it goes and then—”

Liam cuts me off by lifting me off the ground and squeezing me in a tight hug. Then he winces and lets out a grunt and sets me down. I give him a look of concern and stand back to take him in. His eyes are sparkling with happiness, and his smile is wider than I’ve ever seen it, despite the pain he was in two seconds ago.

“Be careful, Liam. Are you alright?” I ask with concern.

“I’m fine,” he smiles, holding his hands up.

“I’m sorry it took me a little longer to take the leap,” I say. “But I’m taking it now. I want to be here. With you, with Jackson, even Cocoa. You guys have welcomed me with open arms since the day I showed up, and I’m forever thankful for that. I feel like I’m part of a family again, and I didn’t realize how much I missed that. I missed you horribly the entire time I was gone.”

Tears are streaming down my face now. I’m thinking of all the loss the three of us have endured, and how, through it all, we’ve found each other.

“You’re staying?” he asks, like he still can’t quite believe it.

“If you’ll still have me. You’re the most selfless person I’ve ever met, Liam. And you’re patient, kind… a little bossy in the kitchen,” I add with a playful smile.

He laughs, grabbing my face gently in his hands, staring deep into my eyes.

“Of course we will,” he smiles, then kisses me intensely, like he never wants to break apart again. I can feel all the relief, the pain and the joy in his kiss. I pull away for a moment, staring up at him again.

“I love you, Liam Barnes,” I smile.

“I love you so much, Layla” he replies, kissing me again.

**

We didn’t stay long at my new place. Nothing was unpacked and I could tell Liam was getting tired and still feeling sore.

We’re getting out of the car once again, this time in front of his house. I hold his hand and lead him toward the front door. His thumb massages mine and he looks at me with a twinkle in his eyes.

As we step inside, I take in the large, real tree in the corner of the living room and the big banner hanging above the kitchen island, complete with balloons. It reads, “Welcome home.” Another plan executed with the help of his best friend. Liam smiles, taking it all in.

Finally home again, we hold each other in the kitchen, kissing and staring into each other’s eyes. We almost take things to the bed before we both realize that it’s not the best idea for Liam today. Unfortunately. But there will be endless days ahead of us for that.

42

Layla

“So…the welcome home sign…it wasn’t for just me, was it?” Liam asks, chuckling a little.

“No, it wasn’t,” I laugh.

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