Page 128 of Falling for Love

On one hand, the thought of him staying made me feel safer. On the other, I didn’t want to make a big deal out of something that might be nothing.

“Let’s just keep an eye out,” I said, forcing a small smile. “I don’t want to overreact.”

He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But if it happens again when I’m not here, you call me. No hesitation, okay?”

“Okay,” I agreed, grateful for his steadiness.

Hayden’s voice called out from the living room. “Are we eating or what?”

Liam’s face softened, the tension easing just enough for his smile to return. “Guess that’s my cue.”

Liam opened the bag to reveal roasted chicken and garlic mashed potatoes

“Smells divine,” I said, rubbing his shoulder. “You didn’t have to go all out.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Have you met me? I don’t do halfway.”

I laughed, grabbing plates from the cabinet. “True.”

Hayden set the table without asking, and my heart filled with joy.

He was such a good kid.

The car still lingered in the back of my mind, but I grabbed a vase and filled it with water for the flowers, which was a nice distraction.

“Sunflowers were a nice touch,” I said, nodding toward the bouquet on the counter. “Did you know they’re my favorite?”

“Lucky guess,” he said, leaning against the counter. “Or maybe I’ve been paying attention.”

“Well, they’re beautiful. Thank you.”

“Anything to see you smile.”

“Guys,” Hayden groaned, and we chuckled.

As we sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily. Liam had a knack for making Hayden laugh, and watching them interact was like seeing a piece of something I hadn’t realized was missing.

Still, I occasionally glanced toward the window, half expecting to see the car again. But it didn’t reappear, and fornow, I let myself enjoy the joy of the moment, the sound of laughter filling the room, and the way Liam’s presence seemed to make everything feel right.

Hayden was already halfway through his chicken leg, his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk.

“Liam, did you really bring all this food?”

Liam laughed. “Your mom caught the zebra again today. Did she tell you that?”

Hayden shook his head. “She didn’t tell me she caught her. Just that she went missing.”

“Your mom is pretty cool.”

“Yeah, she is.”

“You two are making me blush,” I said, laughing.

Hayden nodded enthusiastically, then turned to Liam with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Do you know what Mom eats when I’m at school?”

Liam’s eyes widened as he glanced at me. “Do tell.”

“Peanut butter straight from the jar,” Hayden declared, giggling.

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