Page 7 of Falling for Love

“Looks worse than it is. A few stitches, and you’ll be good as new. Try to keep your hands out of kitchen appliances next time.”

“I’ll make a note of that,” Liam said, grinning at Hayden, who was watching with wide-eyed fascination.

As the doctor prepped his tools, I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, trying not to look too amused.

“You’re really taking this like a champ,” I told Liam.

“I’ve had worse,” Liam replied, his tone casual but teasing. “Though I’d feel a lot braver if I had a cheer squad.”

“Go, Liam!” Hayden piped up, pumping his fists in the air.

Liam laughed, glancing at me. “See? That’s the kind of support I need.”

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide my smile. “You’re lucky Hayden’s on your side.”

Hayden peppered him with questions about the process as the doctor began stitching.

“Does it hurt?”

“How do you keep the needle so steady?”

“Can you sew other things, like clothes?”

The doctor chuckled and looked over at my son. “Yes. Yes. And yes.”

Liam winced theatrically with each stitch, and Hayden gasped.

“You’re enjoying this a little too much, aren’t you?” Liam asked Hayden.

“Yup!” Hayden said with a grin. “You’re really brave, though. Like a cowboy.”

“Cowboy, huh?” Liam questioned. “I’ll take it.”

By the time the stitches were done, Hayden had declared himself an honorary medical assistant, and Liam had promised to be more careful with kitchen gadgets in the future.

As we walked back to the vehicles, Hayden skipped ahead, chattering about how cool it was to see stitches up close.

“You’ve got quite the kid there,” Liam said, his voice warm. “He’s smart, funny, and fearless. Reminds me of someone else I know.”

“You mean me?” I teased.

He winked, and warmth spread through me. “Exactly.”

“He’s my whole world.”

Liam nodded, his expression softening. “I can see that. And you’re doing an amazing job with him.”

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say.

“Thanks,” I said finally, my voice quiet. “That means a lot.”

We reached the truck, and Hayden turned to Liam with a hopeful look. “You’re still coming over, right?”

Liam chuckled, ruffling Hayden’s hair. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Chapter Two

Evie

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