Page 136 of Falling for Love

I managed a small laugh. “I have a kid. It’s practically a requirement.”

“Found them!” Hayden announced triumphantly, holding up the sprinkle jar like it was a trophy. “Liam, do you like chocolate sprinkles or rainbow sprinkles?”

“Rainbow, obviously,” Liam said with a mock-serious tone. “They’re way cooler.”

Hayden nodded in agreement, pouring an avalanche of rainbow sprinkles over his ice cream before carefully adding a spoon. He held it up for Liam’s approval, grinning when Liam gave him an exaggerated thumbs-up.

As they sat down at the table, Hayden chattered about his day, regaling Liam with tales of school recess and his ongoing plans to build the “biggest snowman ever” in our front yard. Liam listened intently, asking questions and laughing at all the right moments, and for a little while, I let myself believe that everything was normal.

But even as I watched them, a bittersweet ache settled in my chest. Liam was so good with Hayden, so natural in a way that made it easy to imagine him in our lives. Too easy. And that terrified me because I knew how quickly things could change.

“Mom,” Hayden said suddenly, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Are you gonna have some ice cream too?”

I shook my head, smiling. “Not tonight. You enjoy it for me.”

“Can I have another bite, Liam?” Hayden asked, leaning toward Liam’s bowl with wide, hopeful eyes.

“Another bite?” Liam repeated, pretending to be scandalized. “You’ve already got your own mountain of sprinkles!”

Hayden laughed, but Liam relented, holding out his bowl. “Okay, fine. Just one bite. But don’t tell your mom. She’ll think I’m a terrible influence.”

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t help smiling. “Oh, I already know you’re a terrible influence.”

Liam grinned, his eyes meeting mine across the table. “Guilty as charged.”

The air between us shifted, the playful moment giving way to something quieter, heavier. His gaze held mine, and I felt my pulse quicken despite myself.

Hayden broke the spell, hopping down from his chair. “I’m gonna go find my book!” he announced, already running off to the living room.

As his footsteps faded, Liam leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. “He’s a great kid.”

“Yeah,” I said quietly. “He is.”

Liam’s eyes searched mine, and I knew he could see the worry I was trying so hard to hide. “You’re a great Mom, Evie.”

“Thanks,” I said, barely above a whisper.

He stood then, walking over to my side of the table. He rested a hand lightly on my shoulder.

“I’m here for you…always.”

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. But as I looked up at him, I knew this was love.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Evie

When I opened my eyes, the morning light was streaming softly through the curtains. For the first time in what felt like weeks, I woke up feeling rested—like the weight I’d been carrying had shifted just enough for me to breathe a little easier.

Before I went to bed last night, I sent my attorney a note about what happened last night with Kyle. I didn’t know if it would make a difference, but I thought he should know.

I stretched under the covers, savoring the quiet of the early morning. Hayden wasn’t up yet, and the house felt calm in a way I didn’t even realize I’d missed.

Then it hit me: Liam.

He’d spent the night on the couch. The memory of him insisting he’d stay—his tone firm but warm—flashed through my mind. I’d been too exhausted to argue; honestly, I hadn’t wanted to object. Knowing he was just down the hall had made it easier to let go of the fear and fall asleep.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, and the cold floor jolted me fully awake.

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