Page 23 of Falling for Love

Pulling out my phone, I stared at the screen momentarily, debating how to word the text. Liam wasn’t the type to guilt me or get upset, but I still felt disappointed as I typed.

Hey, Liam. I hate to do this, but I have to cancel breakfast tomorrow. Hayden’s sick—fever and stomach bug. Rain check?

I hit send and set the phone down, half-expecting it to buzz immediately.

Instead, I focused on tidying up the room, gathering the crackers and water Hayden hadn’t touched and fluffing the pillows around him.

The phone buzzed as I placed the glass on the nightstand.

No problem. Poor kiddo. Let me know if you need anything—soup, ginger ale, anything. I’ve got you covered.

I’ve got you covered. His words hit me so strongly that tears pricked my eyes. I quickly left the bedroom and dabbed my eyes from the unexpected flood of emotion. I’d been so void of comfort in my life that…

“Get it together,” I muttered under my breath and stared at my phone.

I quickly typed my response.

Thanks, Liam. Appreciate it. He’s got me running nurse duty, but I’ll keep you posted. Just so you know, I canceled all my work appointments too. You know, just food for thought with my history and all.

He immediately texted back.

I didn’t doubt you for a second.

Warmth pooled in my belly as I walked back into Hayden’s room and sat down. I leaned back in the chair again, watching Hayden sleep.

His little chest rose and fell steadily, and Lance’s soft snores filled the room. It wasn’t the evening I’d planned, but it reminded me how much I loved my unpredictable life. Hayden’s dad really missed out on a great family.

No, it wasn’t that simple. He didn’t leave me. I chose better.

The thought clung to my thoughts as my mind drifted back to the many sleepless nights I’d had, clutching my pregnant belly and wondering what to do.

I knew I deserved better. I just didn’t know I was strong enough to give it to us.

But I did it.

Seven years ago…so why did I still live in worry that his father would appear and try to take everything away?

I shivered and shook my head.

Because I knew him.

I glanced at the phone again, Liam’s words replaying in my head.

I’ve got you covered.

Maybe breakfast could wait.

Maybe some things were worth waiting for.

Maybe I’d finally found a guy who wasn’t like the rest.

Chapter Five

Evie

The next morning, the doorbell rang, jolting me from my half-asleep haze on the couch. I blinked, momentarily disoriented.

Lance barked twice, wagging his tail and bouncing toward the door like it was the most exciting moment of his life.

---