Page 112 of Back to Willow

“He can stay here with me. I’ll help him with whatever he needs, and you can go back to working and not worry,” he fires out.

I appreciate his willingness to take him and help. Especially since—and despite the possibility of him being the father—they’ve bonded over these last couple of weeks. They’ve become oddly attached. Liam is very protective and defensive when it comes to Dylan, and while it’s been warming my heart so far, today, it troubles me.

It leaves me uneasy because, from the corner of my eye, I can see Jo’s face deflate. Whatever she was hoping to get from this dinner, it won’t be achieved with Dylan here, that’s for sure.

That’s why I assertively answer, “There’s no need. I already have someone to take care of him for the time being, and I don’t think my son interrupting your dinner would be the right thing to do. Come on, Dylan.”

Liam winces at my tone at the same time Dylan begrudgingly obeys what I said. When I look back at them, I ask, “What can I get you to drink?”

They order their drinks first, and then their food. In a matter of five minutes, I take care of the chaotic madness that was forming in the diner and ask Arthur to keep an eye while I help Dylan in the toilet.

It’s not that he needs a lot of help since he does most of it by himself by now, but I like to ensure he at least cleans his hands properly.

The last couple of hours drag slowly. A lot of glances are exchanged. Arthur sends me a few with a questioning glint in his eyes. He’s probably curious about Liam and Johanna, and Liam’s presence in Dylan’s life. While on the other hand, Liam sends me a lot of regretful ones.

I don’t know why, though. It’s not like he owes me an explanation.

I don’t even deserve one after what I did to him. But it still hurts, to see him possibly moving on, right in front of me.

They end up leaving not long after, and it’s only when they leave the diner that my body finally relaxes and time seems to go faster. When Xico and I successfully close the place, Dylan is fast asleep on Arthur’s chest, his cheek squashed over his shoulder, the sight making me chuckle.

For a sombre man with a troubled past, parenthood would suit him. And to see him not afraid to engage with children is attractive.Especially with mine.

What am I even thinking?

I snap out of the ridiculous thoughts and thank him for his invaluable help once again before saying goodnight and driving home.

As soon as I park in my driveway, though, my mood, which had lifted slightly at the sight of Arthur and Dylan, falls at the sight of a familiar figure waiting by my front door.

THRITY-FIVE

Willow

Liam.

He’s here.

I step out of the car, and he comes closer to me, stopping only when he sees me taking a sleeping Dylan out of the car.

“Lo,” he whispers. “Can we talk?”

“About what?” I sigh. “Dylan’s sleeping, and I’m tired.” Annoyance laces my voice.

I shouldn’t provoke him. God, I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. He’s always brought out the bravest side of me. I’ve never been afraid to speak my mind, not with him.

“About what you saw at the diner and everything else.”

The last thing I want to do now is talk. But as always, his eyes burn with determination. He’s one of the most stubborn people I know. There’s no point in arguing.

“Fine. Let me just get him to bed first.” I try to look for my keys with the only hand I have available, while the other is under Dylan’s butt, holding him onto me. His head snuggles against my neck, limiting my range of movement. When I fail to find the keys, Liam swiftly and softly takes Dylan out of my hold. He squirms a little in his arms until he’s comfortable again and stills, snoring even louder.

I swear this kid can sleep through a freaking hurricane.

“Thank you,” I mumble while opening the door and letting us both inside.

When I try to get Dylan into my arms, Liam says he’s got him, nodding for me to lead him upstairs. With a resigned sigh, I comply. The silence between us is deafening, over the low padding of our bare feet. In Dylan’s room, Liam helps me with changing him and tucking him in.

It is all so natural that one would doubt it’s the first time it’s happening.

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