Page 70 of Forever Mine

“Thanks,” she said.

“The boys are probably up by now, but if you'd prefer you can call her first. I know you're anxious to see Oscar.”

She kissed me goodbye and left.

I watched the parking lot from my office window to ensure she made it safely to the car.

I called Chris, leaving it on speaker. “Hey boss man, what's up?”

“Can you get me Troy on the line?”

“Troy?”

“Yeah, it's personal business.”

“Okay, you're the boss,” she said, hanging up. My phone rang a few minutes later. “Troy's on line two.”

“Thanks, Chris,” I said, before changing lines. “Troy? Liam Westin.”

“Hey, Liam, kind of surprised to hear from you so early after a run. What can I do for you?”

“You know the plot of land we've been discussing?”

“Sure, sure, you finally ready to build that cabin we talked about?”

“Actually, no,” I said. “I'm going to need some new house plans drawn up, and the sooner we can break, ground the better.”

“Heard you were taking a mate. I'm assuming that's going well?”

“Never better. So, how soon can we start?”

He laughed. “I'll personally come by with plans this afternoon. Give me some details on what you're looking for to help speed the process. My guys can be out there to get started as soon as you make the final decision on what you want.”

“That's perfect, Troy. Thanks so much.” I gave him a few ideas I was thinking, the size of the house we'd need, and answered all his other questions before hanging up. Despite the early morning setback, I was feeling quite optimistic about my future with Maddie and Oscar.

Maddie

Chapter 22

Alone in the car, I willed myself not to break down. I felt so much guilt over what had happened that morning. The flashbacks hit the moment I felt Liam's body press against mine. It was like I was trapped, and panic set in so quickly. I know he felt terrible, and it wasn't his fault. I didn't know how to fully explain it. It wasn't that I didn't want him—I did, in every way imaginable. It had just triggered such a strong memory. I was angry and upset about it. Why couldn't I just be normal? I had the best man in the entire world, and I still couldn't fully be with him, because of them.

I felt more than saw Liam watching me from his office, so I took a deep breath and pulled out of the parking spot. I didn't want him to know how much it worried me. He deserved better, but I was too selfish to give him up. He was mine. The strong possession I felt over him scared me at times. And I knew he felt it too. The way he had growled “mine” just before we had almost made love had thrilled me to my very core.

I pulled over to the side of the road to collect my thoughts and call Jessica Moore. I didn't want to just show up. What if they were still sleeping?

She picked up on the first ring. “Hello?”

“Hi, is this Jessica?”

“Yes, it is, who may ask is calling?”

“Hi Jessica, this is Maddie, Oscar's mom.”

“Oh, hey Maddie. The boys are all up. They've had breakfast and are playing video games right now. Oscar's been great.”

“I'm so glad to hear that. He doesn't have very many friends his age.”Or any, I thought, but didn't add.

“Well, you wouldn't know it to watch him. He's fitting in just great, like he's always been here. I think those Westin brothers had a bit to do with that.”

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