Page 664 of Not Over You

Liv continued, her voice strained and full of emotion. “I want you to know that there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t regret giving you up. Not one day.”

Piper sniffled, and Mrs. Andrews put her arm around her to comfort her. To everyone’s surprise, Piper sprang out of her seat and came over to Liv and threw her arms around her.

Liv was blinking back tears as she returned our daughter’s embrace. My own eyes stung as I watched them, the love of my life and my daughter, both whom I’d lost what seemed like ages ago, reuniting in such a tender way.

I wanted to take both of my girls in my arms and never let go; be the family that we should’ve been from the start.

When they finally broke apart, both Liv and Piper’s faces were red and blotchy. Piper returned to her spot next to Mrs. Andrews, then said, “Can we eat now?”

Her question broke the awkward tension at the table, and we all burst into laughter. Mrs. Andrews tucked a piece of hair behind Piper’s ear and smiled. “Of course, we can, sweetie.”

I waved down a waitress, and we ordered lunch. We chatted about Piper’s school, her friends, and all her hobbies. The only good thing about the adoption was that the Andrews had made sure Piper had the best life possible. She was involved in all sorts of extracurricular activities; dance, gymnastics, book club, and soccer. They even had her in the botany club, which thrilled Liv. And she made straight A’s.

After we ate, I paid for everyone’s meals even though Mr. Andrews fought me on it, then we went outside.

“Am I going to get to see you again?” Piper asked.

“We would love to.” I smiled. “But that’s up to your mom and dad.”

“Can we, Mom? Please,” Piper pleaded, tugging on her mom’s hand.

Mrs. Andrews looked at her husband, who forced a smile. I could tell they weren’t too fond of the idea but wanted Piper to be happy. “I’m sure we can work something out.”

“Yay!” Piper squealed with excitement. She ran to me and threw her arms around my waist, squeezing me tight. I couldn’t even describe how amazing it felt to have my daughter in my arms.

After Piper gave Liv a hug, we said our goodbyes. The Andrews promised they’d be in touch soon, and I hoped they kept their word. They seemed like good people, but I could only imagine how hard it was to see your adopted child with her birth parents.

“Wasn’t that amazing?” Liv sighed as we got in my truck.

“Better than amazing. She’s perfect. She looks just like you, Liv.”

I’d never seen Liv smile that big. “I told you she would have your eyes.”

I started the engine. “You were right. I guess you won the bet.”

She grinned triumphantly, suppressing a giggle. “I can’t believe we just met our daughter.”

I reversed out of the parking space and exited the parking lot. “I know. I hope we get to see her again.”

Liv exhaled a dreamy sigh. “Me too.”

On the drive home, we chatted more about Piper and Liv’s work assignment. When I pulled up to her hotel, she gave me a smile. “Thank you. None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t reached out to me.”

Her rosy cheeks and genuine gratefulness did funny things to my insides. “Don’t mention it.”

She opened the door to get out, but I stopped her. “So … about that bet.”

Liv turned and the corner of her lips curved up to the side. “What about it?”

“Well, I’m a man of my word, and you won fair and square. Can I take you out for those drinks tonight?”

She looked unsure, glancing down. “I’m not sure. I’m supposed to meet Beth for brunch tomorrow.”

I nodded, not wanting to push my luck after what happened at the creek. “Okay. If you change your mind, let me know.”

“I will.”

After I drove away, I couldn’t stop thinking about all that happened that morning. Kissing Liv hadn’t been part of the plan, but I couldn’t get the feel of her lips out of my head. I felt like a dick for betraying Amber, but I didn’t regret it. That kiss showed me that something was still there between us, and I couldn’t ignore that. We had so much history together, and I didn’t want to throw it away.

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