Page 49 of Caleb

But he wouldn’t. He couldn’t.

As he stared at the drawing, Caleb made a silent promise. He was determined to prove himself to Taylor, become the father Liam deserved, and build a life strong enough to withstand any storm.

Because this wasn’t just about him anymore. It was about them.

And Caleb was ready to fight for them.

CHAPTER22

Taylor knew exactly what she wanted. Caleb.

Since they had told Liam the truth, she had watched Caleb step into his role as a father with a dedication that both surprised and moved her. She’d seen sides of him she hadn’t known existed—gentle, patient, fiercely protective. He made Liam laugh in ways that filled their home with a warmth she hadn’t realized was missing.

But it wasn’t just how he cared for Liam that pulled at her. It was how he looked at her and spoke to her as if she mattered in ways no one else ever had.

It terrified her, the way her heart was tangling itself with his again. But the fear wasn’t enough to stop her. All she knew was that she wanted him—wanted to feel his touch, his warmth, the way he made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t in years.

She wanted to experience being with him again, and whatever came next, she was ready to take that leap.

The last week had been all about bonding with Liam, and while that had brought her immense joy, tonight was going to be about something different. Tonight, it was about her and Caleb. About rediscovering the connection that had sparked between them all those years ago and reignited the moment he walked back into her life.

She wanted him—badly. The thought of him had consumed her for days; now, she was done waiting. It was her turn to take a chance.

Tonight, Taylor was going to surprise Caleb.

Her heart raced just thinking about it, but she was determined. This was the most daring thing she’d ever done—stepping so far out of her comfort zone that she could barely see it anymore.

She prayed that Caleb would see the effort and vulnerability in what she was about to do. That he’d be excited by her boldness, by the fact that she was willing to take this leap for him, for them.

Because tonight wasn’t just about the surprise—it was about showing him a part of herself she’d kept hidden for too long.

Dressed in a long overcoat, Taylor glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks flushed with anticipation, and her pulse raced as she adjusted the coat’s belt. Beneath it, she was bare, her skin tingling with the thrill of what she was about to do.

An overnight bag sat by the door, a quiet reminder that she wasn’t just dipping her toes in tonight—she was diving headfirst. Her mother had agreed to watch Liam for the night, allowing Taylor to focus entirely on Caleb.

It wasn’t just about the physical desire that coursed through her—it was about reconnecting, about showing Caleb that she trusted him enough to let go of the walls she’d kept up for so long.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bag and headed for the door, the cool night air hitting her skin as she stepped outside. Tonight was going to be about them. About her and Caleb and the leap she was finally ready to take.

Taylor’s heart pounded as she approached Caleb’s hotel room. The adrenaline coursing through her made her hands tremble slightly. With every step closer, anticipation built, and a mix of nervousness and excitement filled her.

She paused before the door, taking a deep breath to steady herself.You can do this,she told herself.You want this.

Raising her hand, she knocked softly. Almost immediately, she heard footsteps on the other side, and her pulse quickened. The door swung open, and there he was—Caleb, standing in the doorway, his brow furrowed in surprise. His eyes scanned her, lingering for a moment on the overcoat tied loosely at her waist before meeting her gaze.

“Taylor?” he said, his voice low and tinged with curiosity. “Everything okay?”

She stepped forward, the weight of her overnight bag shifting in her hand. Her voice came out softer than she expected, almost a whisper. “I needed to see you. Can I come in?”

Caleb hesitated for a fraction of a second, his confusion giving way to something warmer, something that made the air between them feel electric. He stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. “Of course. Come in.”

Taylor walked past him into the room, her coat brushing against his arm as she did. The faint scent of his cologne, earthy and warm, made her head spin. She turned to face him, the door clicking shut behind them.

“You seem... different,” he said, his voice soft but full of concern.

Taylor bit her bottom lip, her fingers toying with the belt of her coat. “I am different, Caleb. At least, I feel different. These last few weeks have been... a lot. For both of us. And I’ve been thinking about everything—about you, me, and Liam.”

His expression softened, the tension in his shoulders easing as he stepped closer. “I’ve been thinking about us too,” he admitted, his voice steady.

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