Page 117 of Pleasure Island

Funny, but I’d been thinking about parenthood myself the past few months. Michelle’s baby shower had really done me in, and I found myself thinking of little shoes and rocking chairs at odd, random moments.

Liam’s eyes held a gleam as they met mine. “It’s crossed my mind from time to time.”

“Funny…I’ve been having thoughts about being a mom cross my mind quite a bit lately.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek and whispered, “Maybe that’s a talk we should have.”

He slid his arm around my waist as the elevator doors opened and we all stepped out.

The maternity ward was brightly lit, and Liam stepped closer to the sign indicating which rooms were where. He pointed to the left. “Her room is down this way. So’s the waiting room.”

We settled into seats, and Liam sent a quick text to Jake, letting him know we were there.

Then he looked at me, a bemused smile on his lips.

“About that talk?” I said.

He leaned in and kissed me. “We can have that talk.”

He was still kissing me when Jake rushed into the room a few seconds later.

We broke apart as Jake hugged his sister, then turned to pull Liam into a quick hug too.

“It’s going to be a while.” A look that spoke of panic and excitement lit his eyes. “You all didn’t have to skip your party.”

“We’re where we want to be,” Liam told him.

I leaned against him and threaded my fingers through his.

He squeezed my hand and looked down at me. “Aren’t we?”

“No place else I’d rather be,” I agreed. And I wasn’t just talking about the hospital or the baby’s impending arrival.

Liam got it.

He gave me a quick kiss and pulled me into his arms for a hug.

“Happy New Year,” I whispered to him.

He whispered it back against my lips before kissing me.

No…there wasn’t any place else I’d rather be than right here with Liam.

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