Page 25 of Falling for Love

“Thank you. Really.”

Liam waved it off like it was no big deal, but the way his eyes softened told me otherwise.

“So, how’s the little guy?”

I motioned toward the living room.

“Sleeping, thankfully. The fever’s down, but he’s still not himself. How’s your hand?”

He shrugged. “It’s been worse.”

I chuckled.

“Can I see him?” he asked.

I nodded, and he followed me into the living room. Hayden was curled up on the couch, wrapped in his favorite blanket, and Lance was back snoozing on the floor beside him. The TV played a muted cartoon, but Hayden was fast asleep.

“Poor kid,” Liam said quietly, his eyes full of genuine concern. “He’s a trooper, though.”

“First a carrot and then the flu.” I sank into the armchair next to the couch, cradling the coffee cup Liam handed me.

Liam pulled the other chair closer, sitting down with his coffee.

“You’re doing great, you know.” His eyes fastened on mine. “I don’t know if anyone tells you that, but it’s true.”

His words melted me, but I couldn’t let myself reveal that quite yet.

I raised an eyebrow. “Flattery won’t save you from the stomach bug.”

“Not flattery. Just the truth. You’re an amazing Mom, Evie. I can see that.”

I looked down at my coffee, heat rising to my cheeks. Compliments always caught me off guard, especially from Liam.

He was always full of them.

Had been since I met him.

But how twisted was my world that I worried they meant something other than kindness?

“Thanks,” I said softly.

For a moment, the room was quiet, except for the TV's low hum and the occasional snore from Lance.

Liam sipped his coffee, his gaze drifting around the room, landing on the bookshelf lined with Hayden’s books and a few picture frames.

“This place feels like home,” he said thoughtfully. “It suits you.”

I smiled, glancing around.

My house wasn’t fancy, but it was ours—warm, lived-in, full of memories.

“Thanks. It’s been a work in progress. Hayden loves it here.”

Liam leaned back, his smile softening. “I can see why. It’s cozy. Inviting.”

His words settled over me, and I found myself relaxing, the tension of the last day melting away.

“You’re pretty good at this whole making-people-feel-better thing.”

---