Page 58 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

“So, the ladies staying this week, are they from here originally?” Cora asked, taking a sip of the wine.

“Two of them are. The other one is from Atlanta. Livie’s father just passed, so she’s been in town for that and her friends decided to pamper her.”

Cora sat her glass down and tipped her head. “That’s nice—to have friends who can be there for you. Family means so much, though. There’s a void when they’re gone.”

Liam knew that void all too well. He never wanted for anything when his mother was alive. She may have been a single mom, but he never felt like he suffered in any area. She was a remarkable woman. But once she was gone, he’d gone into spiral mode, never knowing what would happen next, and he’d honestly never fully settled down.

He loved the family he had now, not so much the path that the last decade had led them down, but they’d come together, and he was still ready to walk away.

His cell vibrated in his pocket. Liam jerked it out, saw Braxton’s name on the screen, and quickly answered. “Hey, man. Cora was just curious where you were.”

Instant relief spread across Cora’s face. Her shoulders relaxed, her lips tipped into a smile.

“I was in a slight accident.”

Liam gripped the phone tighter, thankful Cora couldn’t see him, because he was sure his face showed a slight bit of fear. “Go on,” he said, not wanting to alarm Cora.

“I’m okay. I’m actually in the ambulance getting checked over.”

Ambulance? How was that okay?

“Don’t scare Cora, but I need someone to come pick me up. I’m pretty sure they’re wanting me to go to the hospital because of a possible concussion.”

“I’ll be there,” Liam confirmed.

“Thanks, man. I know you have to tell Cora, but I didn’t want to call and get her all worried.”

“Understood.” Liam glanced to Cora, who had tensed back up. “See you soon.”

Liam disconnected the call and pulled up Sophie’s number. He was pretty sure she had a showing today, but hopefully she was finished and could come to the resort.

“Something’s wrong,” Cora stated, gripping the edge of the counter. “You were very veiled with your answers.”

“He was in an accident, but sounded fine on the phone.” With a panic-stricken face, Cora started to stand. Liam reached across the island and squeezed her hand. “He called, so we know he’s not in bad shape. Right? He was adamant that you not be scared.”

“Not be scared?” she repeated with a laugh. “If he was in any accident, I’m scared. Where is he now?”

“He said he was going to the hospital to get checked out. I’m calling Sophie to see if she can come here and then I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Cora closed her eyes and rubbed her head. “I hate depending on other people at times like this.”

Liam admired her independence, but there were times she was limited due to her blindness. “Braxton wouldn’t want you to be upset over this and I promise this is not you depending on me. I’d be going anyway, so don’t go there in your mind.”

Cora nodded, smoothing her hair away from her face. Liam was a bit nervous for his brother, too, but Braxton hadn’t sounded shaken on the phone and assured them that he was okay. Still, he could have a gash on his head and broken bones and Braxton the Peacemaker wouldn’t say a word about it.

The back door opened and closed. Brock came in carrying grocery bags.

“Is Sophie with you?” Liam asked.

“Yeah, she’s getting the rest of the bags.” Brock sat his load on the island. “Something wrong?”

“Braxton was in a slight accident and Cora and I are going to pick him up.”

“What?” Sophie stood inside the back door, her arms loaded with bags. “Is he okay?”

“He called and talked with Liam,” Cora chimed in, grabbing Heidi’s collar. “We’re heading to the hospital now, but we need someone to stay here.”

“Of course,” Sophie stated, handing her bags to Brock. “Was he injured?”

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