Page 87 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

He managed to get in and out of the dining room while the ladies chatted about the upcoming book club meeting they were going to attend. But he didn’t escape before they started discussing someone named Rafe. When Liam heard the words “on page seventy-eight” he realized this Rafe was fictitious.

When he came back into the kitchen, Sophie was at the oven, door open slightly as she peeked inside.

“Trying to take over?” he asked as he grabbed a pot holder.

“These smell amazing.” She closed the door and stepped back. “I can help you carry those in.”

“I already told you to sit down. Where’s Brock, anyway?”

Sophie ignored him, pulling out a serving tray. “He started working for Macy after school. We all decided this was the perfect time for him to start since she is fostering and could use extra hands.”

And she hadn’t mentioned this to him last night?

No. Why would she? He’d made it clear he was leaving, made it clear there was no future for them, and then he’d had the balls to ask her to help with a wedding cake.

“What’s that look for?” Sophie asked as she leaned against the side of the island.

Liam lifted the individual dishes and sat them on the tray. “I just didn’t know, that’s all.”

Was he already getting shut out? Isn’t that what he’d chosen? He’d opted to get the hell out of Haven with as few ties as possible.

Still, this was his family. He had discussed a new job with Brock, but to know the plan had been set into motion was altogether different.

“I can get this,” Sophie told him. “Really. I promise the pain has eased and I won’t splatter your dishes all over the floor.”

Liam laughed. “I’m more concerned about you than the dishes.”

She lifted the tray and sent him a wide grin. “No need to be concerned with either.”

As she headed into the dining room, Liam cleaned up his work area. He’d made up lemon bars and homemade raspberry sorbet in advance, so the dessert was all set. They might like traditional foods, but it was spring and he wanted something to go with the season. He didn’t think there would be any complaints over this meal.

And since dessert was done, he could take his leave. When Sophie came back into the kitchen, she was laughing.

“Book club talk, still?” he guessed, slicing into the bars.

“Whoever this Rafe character is, he has them torn up.”

All the more reason for him to get himself home. He wasn’t interested in any book club chatter, and he sure as hell didn’t want to discuss Rafe.

“I have the desserts all set.” He pulled out all the items and sat them on the island. “Can you get them all out? I’d like to head home. I have a certain cake to work on for this weekend.”

Sophie beamed. “Go, go,” she said, shooing him with her hands. “I’ve got it all covered. But are you sure you can do the cake with one hand? I know Cora and I would totally understand if you can’t.”

He reached across the island, placing his hand over hers. “No problem. I’m doing it. Well, Macy is helping me.”

Sophie raised a brow. “Really?”

“I had to ask. I won’t let you down and I know she can do it.”

Sophie’s smile widened. “Does this mean you’re getting closer with her? Because the other day she swore you were just friends, but then I see how you two have looked at each other and it seems like—”

“Don’t read any more into this,” he told Sophie. “Seriously. I . . . damn it. I have something I need to tell you.”

Her brows drew in. “What’s wrong?”

“There’s no easy way to say this, but . . .” He blew out a breath. “I’m going to be leaving Haven. I’m buying Magnolias.”

Sophie’s eyes widened. “You’re serious?”

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