Page 144 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

I stare at her wrinkled face and the scowl that’s almost permanent. “You remember that apology or else you aren’t welcome back here.”

With a huff, I turn on my heel and stride back to the house. There’s nothing left to say. Mum needs to have a good hard think about things.

***

Liv jumps as I enterthe kitchen and swipes at her face.

Fuck. Mum made her cry.

I toss my hat on the table and march over.

“I’m sorry,” she says and sniffs.

What?

I shake my head and kiss her cheek. “Don’t do that. Don’t be sorry for any of what just happened.”

A weird laugh bubbles up her throat. “God, I yelled at her. I said some things... She got under my skin and I couldn’t bite my tongue.”

She buries her face into my shirt and exhales. I give her a moment before I hook my finger beneath her chin and lift so our eyes meet.

“Is Penny okay? I’m a jerk. I don’t know what came over me.”

I do. It’s that protective mother-bear shit. How is it that Liv’s worried about my mother after the way she spoke to her?

“Like I said, don’t be sorry. She was way outta line.”

She sighs. “She cares about you.”

I huff out a breath. “That’s no reason to attack you.”

She angles her shoulders back and holds her head high. “I can handle it.”

And I’m proud of you, girl.“You sure handled her. And mark my words, there’ll be an apology comin’ your way next time she sees you.”

She winces and bares her gritted teeth. “Because that won’t be awkward at all.”

“The only person that should feel awkward is Penny. She owes you that and more.”

“I suppose.”

I’ve seen the softer side of Liv, but seeing the protector in her come out, it makes me wanna get down on my knees and worship her. So I do. I kneel and press a kiss to Liv’s stomach. “Hey, my little acorn squash. How you doin’?” I press another kiss to her bump.

Liv giggles, causing her belly to jerk. “Acorn squash?”

“Yup, so they say. Similar size to a head of kale. Baby should also be kickin’ more.”

Eyes glistening, Liv runs her fingernails along my scalp. “You’re amazing.” Her chin trembles.

I stand and smooth the back of my fingers down the side of her flushed cheek. “You really believe I’ll be a good father?”

Her wide smile tells me all I need to know. “I have no doubt.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Many reasons, but it’s not just me who feels this way. Bub loves the sound of your voice.” She clutches my hand and brings it to the top of her stomach. Something glides beneath her taught skin, all alien like.

“Whoa.”

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