Page 97 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

His brothers had questioned the status of his hand, but he quickly brushed them off. As much as the nerve damage scared him, he refused to dwell on the fear.

“Does it matter? I’m here, I’m staying.”

“Have you told anyone else?” Braxton asked.

Liam shook his head, not bothering to go into the fact he wanted to explore the whole prospect of opening his own bakery as an expansion of Bella Vous. He had no clue what the hell was going to happen with his hand. So far, he still couldn’t feel a damn thing on his palm and a portion of his fingers. He knew the injury would require more time to heal, but the unknown terrified him. Despite these uncertainties, he refused to give up his dream. The dream he’d once held had shifted somewhere along the way and a new one had taken its place.

The intense stare from his brothers unnerved him, but he wasn’t sorry he’d made the decision. His entire life was here in Haven, as was his future.

Zach didn’t let up on his skeptical gaze. “Something happened in Savannah.”

More like something had happened in the past several months, but Savannah was a smack in the face—one he’d needed to wake him up. The text from Sophie had simply solidified his decision. He wasn’t sure when he’d fully decided not to take the offer in Savannah, but now that he had turned it down, he had no regrets.

Liam had been so anxious to get to Magnolias this morning, but once he’d arrived and was really able to comprehend exactly what life would be like, it didn’t take long for him to see that perhaps his goal had changed. That was definitely something he hadn’t seen coming.

The homey kitchen he’d gotten used to at Bella Vous fit his life better now. Liam wasn’t quite ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of long hours and a staff that was good, but not family. Besides, he figured he’d miss the elderly ladies discussing books or the bachelorette parties and their quirky requests.

He needed to call Mark as soon as possible. First, though, he had a few other things that were slotted higher on his priority list.

“You haven’t told Sophie or Cora?” Braxton asked.

“Or Macy,” Zach added.

“I had to tell you two first.” Liam swallowed. “And to make sure you weren’t pissed and planning to change the locks and take my key.”

Zach snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. “We’re pissed, but we wouldn’t lock you out. And since you came to your senses, we’re not as pissed.”

A wave of relief flooded Liam. Not that he’d expected his family to turn him away, but he’d been ready to leave, to turn his back on them. Sending money to keep supporting the financial aspect of the resort was one thing, but actually being here and getting his hands in the family business was another.

“I guess I won’t be needing to interview this afternoon for my replacement.”

“I’m going to go tell Cora.” Braxton headed for the wide hallway leading to the front of the house. He stopped, gripped the door frame as he threw a glance over his shoulder. “I hope you didn’t actually believe we wouldn’t welcome you back.”

Liam watched his brother walk away, then turned back to Zach. “What?”

Zach merely shrugged. “Just glad you finally realize where you belong, that’s all.”

Liam still had work to do in the resort kitchen, no matter how much he wanted to get to Macy. Pulling out the bowls of ingredients he’d put together last night, he started finishing up what would be dinner in a few hours. The numbness in his left hand was beyond frustrating, but if he kept dwelling on the negative, he’d totally miss what was happening now and all the possibilities awaiting him.

Besides, he could learn how to work without the feeling in his left hand. He’d damn well make sure he did because he wasn’t about to let his family—or Macy—down.

“You don’t have to look so smug,” Liam muttered.

“I just enjoy being right.”

Liam couldn’t help but laugh, but then sobered quickly. “Have you seen Macy today?”

“No.” Zach eased onto one of the bar stools. “Sophie went over there and then texted me. She said Macy is doing okay, but she’s heartbroken.”

Liam knew how much she wanted Lucy. The love Macy had for Lucy was undeniable. Macy had gone into fostering with her heart wide open, just as she’d done with him. Twice she’d been crushed and he’d have to live with the guilt of doing his part to hurt her.

“Why don’t you leave this,” Zach stated, waving a hand at the various bowls. “What the hell is it anyway?”

“I was going to do roulade.”

Zach tipped his head. “A who?”

“Never mind.”

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