Page 85 of Love Me

Charlotte runs off toward her bedroom and then Liam’s attention is firmly on me. I feel his eyes wash over me and I know there’s no sense in hiding it when he can read it so clearly on my face and body language. He takes a seat across fromme at the little table, just big enough for my daughter’s and my needs to be met.

“What’d he do now?”

I sigh, my shoulders slouching even more.

“Mistakes were made. I reminded him that he still hasn’t given me an answer on whether or not he’s going to step up with Charlie. I had threatened him months ago, bear, and I didn’t follow through. Now he’s saying that she’s his kid and he wants to have rights to her.”

Liam’s face transforms from that easygoing man I know to the one he keeps pulled back and hidden. His hands clench into fists on the table, his jaw ticking subtly, his head moving ever so slowly to crack his neck.

“That so? Can I see it?”

Me: Levi, you haven’t seen or spoken to Charlotte in months. Before that it was sporadic at best. Are you going to step up and be in her life or are you moving on with yours without her in it?

Levi: Always the bitch, Hannah. How dare you insinuate I wouldn’t want to be in her life. I have the right to see her whenever I want and you’ve been keeping her from me.

Me: I’ve never kept her from you, Levi. Ever. Up until recently, I’ve begged you to spend time with her, or even just call her.

Levi: Always with the lies and drama.

Levi: Fuck off, Hannah. I’ll see her anytime I want and when I want, you can’t stopme

“Beauty, this is all bullshit, don’t get yourself worked up over this. All this is, is him saving face in front of his new baby mama. You and I both know that’s not what Levi actually wants. I would bet money that he opened that text and she was next to him, and he needed to cover his ass so she didn’t spook. He’s not gonna want to look like a pussy in front of her. Let him say whatever he’s gonna say, Levi is a big talker and doesn’t have the balls to back it up. Trust me, he’s been doing it his entire life.”

My heart settles in my chest. Liam is right, if Levi wanted to be in Charlotte’s life, he would be. I just worry that this new woman of his may have a brain and push him to be in her life, and I don’t know if that’s best for Charlotte anymore. I really need to meet with an attorney and see about a parenting plan, at least then he would be held accountable.

“Don’t give him or your mother power over you. I’m not going to treat you like you’re made of glass, Han, because you’re the strongest woman I know. Fight for what you want, what you deserve.”

“You’re right. I don’t need to deal with any of this anymore. We can’t force people to be in our lives, and we can’t force the ones who are there to accept us for who we are, but that doesn’t mean we have to put up with any of their bullshit.”

“That’s my girl. Now what is this I’m hearing about a reception for us this weekend?”

“The mothership is apparently returning to Aspen Ridge, and she is just so overjoyed to marry her beloved eldest daughter off to the wealthy and successful Mr. Liam Maverick Hayes, heir to the Aspen Ridge Distillery empire.”

Liam bursts out with a laugh before talking. “What a lucky woman you are, Miss Haven. I promise to keep you well looked after. I assume you can read and write? Play the pianoforte?Your hips are a bit narrow, but I’m otherwise sure you’ll have no problem producing me multiple male heirs.”

“Oh my fucking word, for real, though! I wouldn’t be surprised if she has a dowry stashed away for you.”

Liam and I stand at the same time, laughing at the audacity and absolute ludicrous behavior of my mom, and take a load of Charlotte’s things and bags to Liam’s truck and my car. Even though Liam’s confession is weighing heavily on me, he’s still the only one I want by my side when shit hits the fan. He’s my person, my best friend, and there’s nothing that can change that. It feels good to see that he’s still my bear, making me calm, relaxed, and centered, bringing a lightness and peace to my life. I’d be lost without this man.

There are few things that I know to be true. Running Bean Haven fulfills me and gives me a place to spend my days living out a passionate dream. Being Charlotte’s mother is the most rewarding gift in the world. And I am irrevocably, unconditionally, and wholeheartedly, madly in love with Liam Hayes. I just don’t know how to come clean and tell him about Bean Haven before I tell him that I love him.

The week goes by faster than I wanted it to, especially with my mother returning to Aspen Ridge today. I wish things weren’t so strained, I would give a whole helluva lot to get my mom to see me for who I am, but she’s never been able to, and my expectations are only leaving me disappointed.

I’m unloading the dishwasher when my phone rings from the bar, seeing my mom’s flashing name from here, I take a deepbreath and prepare myself for whatever vitriol she’s got on reserve to spew my way.

“Hello parental unit, how was your trip?”

“Where are you? I’m at your apartment but you’re not there. And Bean Haven is closed.”

“Yes, well, I don’t live there anymore. I live with my husband, and Bean Haven always closes at three.”

“And where is that, might I ask?”

“Far into the deep, dark woods. Charlotte is looking forward to seeing you.”

“Fine, keep it a secret. The party is tomorrow at four, at our family home. I’ve already spoken with the Hayes, and they will all be in attendance. Anyone else I should invite for you besides your father and I’s friends?”

I blow out a deep breath of air in frustration. Didn’t I tell her that I didn’t want a party? Fuck’s sake. Whatever, maybe this will be fine, it could bridge the divide, and at least Liam’s family will be there with us.

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