Page 163 of Begin Again, Part 2

"I know that."

"Think of the missus and the babies."

"That's exactly why I want a meeting with Andrei!" Liam yelled back. "If it was just me, I'd take this thing with the Ivanovs all the way. But Eden and I are about to start a life together. I promised I'd give her a lifetime of happiness. But how can I do that when I'm constantly worrying about what the Ivanovs are plotting next? I want Eden and our babies to feel safe."

"Your father won't be thrilled."

"I know."

"There's a guy. He does clean jobs. Leaves no traces."

"I know."

"You just have to give the order."

"How will that make me better than the Ivanovs?" Liam demanded as he sat up and reached for the water bottle on the bedside stand.

"They are rabid dogs!"

"And we are human beings, James." Liam shook his head. "I don't ever want to hear such suggestions again."

"The missus has made you soft."

"No. Eden's made me more responsible, and I'd like to believe a better man, too," he said firmly. "Being a father changes you, James, and you know this. You have two of your own. I want Aiden to look at me and be proud of me. We both know my father has done questionable things, and as much as we're close, after Uncle Sully...Our relationship was never the same. And I don't want that with Aiden."

"Your father will continue to do questionable things, especially if it means keeping all of you safe. If you don't give the order, he will."

"Enough!" Liam barked, his head pounding. He reached for his food and hit the button for his meds. But within moments, his tongue felt so thick he could barely taste the mac and cheese. His eyes glassy, his body numb, he pushed the tray away and fell back on the bed. "We're human beings, James. Not savages. We don't kill people."

Liam never thought he'd survive two weeks in hospital. But he did. With lots of patience, tons of reports and proposals to keep him sane, and an endless supply of meds to ease his pain. Before he knew it, the dreaded family fun day, months in the making, was finally upon them.

Anderson Logistics' big day coincided with his hospital release and their first check-up with Dr Emily Waylon. Eden was anxious out of her wits when she picked him up.

"There's so much to do today." She wrung her hands as they watched James scoop Aiden up and grab Liam's travel bag. It was amazing how much stuff he'd collected over the past couple of weeks. His duffel bag was much heavier than it was when Eden first dropped it off.

"Tell me what's wrong," Liam said as he wheeled himself around the room and stopped in front of her. He didn't need the wheelchair now, but it was more comfortable than the stiff mattress.

"So, what's wrong?" he pulled her down on his lap and rubbed her tummy.

"I'm in charge of the refreshments stall, and, of course, I need to make sure Lydia's on her best behaviour. It's her first appearance as the company's ambassador. Clara also signed me up as her partner in the two-legged race. And we have the doctor's appointment."

"Hey, stop that!" Liam scolded her when she began to scratch her hands. "Here's what we'll do. You'll tell Clara I've pulled you from the race. You can't be running around in your condition. Matt and I will handle the stall. And Julian will keep a close eye on Lydia."

"Why Julian?"

"They are the same. One has a dick, and the other—"

Eden quickly covered his mouth with her hand to stop him from saying anything crude.

"I was going to say the other has lady parts." He winked at her. "But they are essentially two peas in a pod."

"That's exactly why we can't pair them together. We don't know what mayhem they'll cause."

"Stop stressing and wheel me out of here," Liam nudged her and pointed at the wheelchair.

"No!" Eden refused. "You can walk, can't you?"

"But I like it when you push me."

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