Page 63 of Montana Silence

“I’m glad. Makes me feel less bad about having fewer hours,” Evie said.

“Don’t you dare apologize for taking care of that adorable baby.”

Evie looked to the living room, where baby Avery rested in a travel crib, now asleep.

“Don’t stand on ceremony,” Liam said. “We never do at any other family dinner.”

They didn’t need to be told twice. People devoured the lasagna so quickly, we probably should have made two. The conversation flowed from one topic to the next. Plans for Emma’s baby and possible names, what was happening for the ranch over the coming seasons, and some new cookie flavors Lena was thinking about.

The one thing we didn’t talk about was me. Not what was happening, and not Liam and me being together. Everyone noticed, but no one said anything. Liam put his arm along the back of my chair and toyed with strands of my hair.

The tiny possessive gesture made my stomach swoop. I put my hand on his knee. Touching him in front of people was strange, but there wasn’t a couple here at this table who weren’t touching each other. And for the first time, no one was single. We weren’t watching Jude pine after Lena or Grace battle Harlan. Everything was…perfect.

“We should go,” Lucas said when we were stuffed full of both food and dessert. “We’re working on it, but Avery doesn’t sleep well away from home. If we don’t get her back there, tonight won’t be fun.”

“Take care of yourselves,” Daniel said. “Oh, and Mara, there was another package for you.”

I went stiff.

His face was careful. “I didn’t open it, but it’s outside your house.”

“We should go too,” Jude stood and pulled Lena’s chair back for her. “Besides, I’m sure Liam and Mara want some of their evening to themselves.”

My cheeks turned pink, but I still smiled. Of everyone, Jude and Lena understood. She came around the table and hugged me. “You look happy.”

“I am,” I whispered.

“Good. I only threatened him a little the other day. You know, if you hurt my friend, I’ll have Jude hurt you kind of thing.”

A gasp slipped out of me. “Lena.”

“What?” She laughed. “I do it for everyone. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

The dishes disappeared faster than I could gather them, Noah, Grant, Kate, and Cori clearing the table and filling Liam’s dishwasher. In minutes, there was nothing else for us to do.

“Thank you.”

“Part of the deal.” Kate winked and wrapped up what was left of her pie. “You did the cooking. Someone else does the cleaning.”

Everyone leaving was more overwhelming than when they arrived. A mess of hugs and well-wishes that left me dizzy.

Liam closed the door after Grant and Cori and sighed deeply. “That went okay.”

We were alone, and speaking was easier, but I was still quiet as I pressed myself into his embrace. “I think it was more than okay.”

“Yeah.” He tightened his hold, crushing me against him. “Thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes, you did, sweetheart.”

I tucked my face into his chest, breathing him in. It amazed me how quickly his arms had become a haven. They were the only place I wanted to be.

“I know it’s late, and I know you have a washing machine, but can we run to my house to grab some things?” I looked up at him and bit my lip. “Unless you don’t want me to—”

Liam cut me off with a kiss, deepening it until I wasn’t sure whose breath filled my lungs. The kind of kiss that led places. “If you were going to ask me if Idon’twant you to stay here, I don’t want you to finish the question.”

“I never want to assume.”

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