Page 56 of Falling for Love

“Alright, snacks first,” I said, opening the fridge and pulling out bagged apple slices and cheese cubes I’d prepped this morning.

I added a handful of crackers for good measure and set it in front of Hayden at the kitchen table.

He dug in immediately, crunching on an apple slice as I poured him a glass of milk.

“So,” I said, sliding into the chair across from him. “What do you think about Liam?”

He paused mid-bite, his brow furrowing.

“Liam?”

I nodded, keeping my tone casual.

“You know, the guy who brought over soup when you weren’t feeling well. What do you think of him?”

Hayden chewed thoughtfully for a moment before swallowing. “I know who he is. But why would you ask? You already know I think he’s cool.”

He reached for another apple slice.

“Cool, huh?”

I guess he was kind of cool.

“He makes funny jokes. And he didn’t mind that I was sick, which is nice.”

I smiled, propping my chin on my hand. “Anything else?”

He shrugged, but there was a slight grin on his face. “He’s good with Lance. And he helped you, right?”

“He did,” I admitted, watching him carefully. “Do you think you’d want to spend more time with him?”

Hayden tilted his head, considering the question. “Maybe. He’s awesome. Why?”

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully.

“Well, he’s someone I like spending time with. I just wanted to make sure you feel comfortable with him.”

Hayden looked at me for a long moment, his expression serious in a way that always reminded me how perceptive he was. “You like him, don’t you?”

His bluntness caught me off guard, and I felt my cheeks heat.

“I do,” I admitted softly. “But you’re the most important person in my life, Hayden. Your opinion matters to me.”

He grinned, finishing his milk with a dramatic gulp.

“I like him too. So, you can like him if you want.”

I laughed, ruffling his hair. “Thanks for the permission.”

“You’re welcome.”

As I cleaned up the plates, I glanced over my shoulder at Hayden, who had started drawing on a scrap of paper. He was so small yet so full of life and opinions. His world was still simple, still untouched by the complications of adulthood. And as much as I loved seeing him grow, the thought of him building a life that didn’t always include me made my chest ache.

“Mom?” he said, looking up from his doodles.

“Yeah, hon?”

“Can Liam come over again soon?” he asked, his tone hopeful.

---