Page 135 of Falling for Love

I stepped back, taking a deep breath. “Okay,” I said finally, my voice steadier now. “One step at a time.”

Liam smiled, his hand brushing mine as if to remind me he was still there. “One step at a time,” he echoed.

I nodded, my gaze lingering on him for a moment longer before I turned toward the kitchen. “I should probably make some tea after all.”

“I’ll take a cup,” he said, his voice light. “But only if it comes with one of those cookies I saw on the counter.”

I laughed, the sound breaking through the heaviness that had settled over me. “Deal.”

As I busied myself in the kitchen, I couldn’t help but glance over at Liam, who leaned casually against the counter, his presence reassuring as ever. For the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t facing the storm alone.

“And one more thing, Evie.”

I turned around as his eyes locked on mine. “What’s that?”

“I’m staying the night.”

Relief spread through me, and I closed my eyes. “Thank you.”

Hayden burst into the kitchen with all the energy of a seven-year-old who had just discovered he was still awake long past bedtime. His hair was a mess, his favorite dinosaur pajamas rumpled, and his smile lit up the room.

“Mom! Can I have some ice cream?” he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet like he had been keeping this idea a secret all day.

I froze mid-pour, the tea kettle tipping precariously over the mugs I was filling. Hayden’s sudden enthusiasm was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the heavy storm clouds I’d been carrying. But it also tugged at my heartstrings because I knew he was perceptive enough to pick up on the tension in the room.

“Didn’t you already have dessert?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light and casual.

Hayden shrugged, his smile dimming slightly as his gaze flicked between me and Liam, who was leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. “Yeah, but… ice cream’s, like, a second dessert, right?”

Liam chuckled, stepping forward. “He’s got a point. There’s always room for ice cream.”

I gave Liam a side-eye, silently questioning if he really wanted to sugar up a seven-year-old this late at night. He winked at me in response, a clear signal he had things under control.

“Okay, fine,” I relented, leaning against the counter as if my body could carry no more weight. “But just a little.”

“Yay!” Hayden cheered before pausing. He tilted his head, studying me with a look that was far too observant for his age. “Mom, are you okay? You look… tired.”

The question hit me like a ton of bricks. My brave face faltered for a second, and I exchanged a glance with Liam. His brows furrowed slightly, and I could see the concern in his eyes.

“Your mom’s fine,” Liam said, stepping in smoothly. “She’s been busy, you know, doing all the superhero mom stuff she does every day.”

Hayden blinked up at him, his expression softening into a grin. “She’s the best mom ever.”

My heart clenched. The way he said it, so matter-of-fact, reminded me of how much he depended on me, how much I had to be strong for him—even when it felt impossible.

“Well,” Liam continued, his voice playful, “the best moms deserve the best ice cream. How about you and I grab it together? I could use your expert opinion on which flavor’s the best.”

“Okay!” Hayden said eagerly, running toward the freezer.

I mouthed a silent “thank you” to Liam, and he nodded, giving me a warm smile before following Hayden. As theyrummaged through the freezer, their laughter filling the room, I took a deep breath and tried to collect myself.

Liam knew to step in when I needed him. He didn’t push or press me for answers I wasn’t ready to give. He simply stood by me like a boulder in the hurricane.

“Mom, do we have sprinkles?” Hayden called, his voice muffled by the freezer door.

“Top shelf,” I replied automatically, trying to focus on their lighthearted exchange instead of the knot in my stomach.

Liam leaned back, looking over at me. “You’ve got quite the stockpile of toppings in here, Evie. I’m impressed.”

---