Chapter Eight
Evie
The truth was that I couldn’t get Liam out of my head. I never let men around my son—ever. It was a rule I’d made for myself after Hayden was born. My life was already complicated enough without adding the messiness of relationships and men to the mix.
And rather than sorting the good from the bad ones, it was just easier to avoid dating altogether.
But Liam wasn’t like anyone else.
He made me feel things I hadn’t felt in years.
Okay, ever.
I’d never felt safe in a relationship before or...
Curious…
Hopeful….
Happy…
Ever.
I’d grown up thinking love was all about concessions, giving things up, and ignoring the pain of betrayal and painful words because things would get better next week. I always thought things would get better , next time, next week.
But they inevitably got worse.
Until I just couldn’t handle it any longer.
Yet, with Liam, none of those things popped up.
Granted, it was early in the relationship.
Wait. Was it a relationship?
No. That was jumping the gun. We were still in the getting-to-know-you stage.
Whatever.
I rolled my eyes and shook the thoughts away as I parked my truck at the small farm just outside of Buttercup Lake.
The sun hung low in the winter sky, casting long shadows over the snow-dusted fields. I climbed out and grabbed my tools from the back.
Their familiar weight reminded me of what I’d built for my son and me.
Work had always been my anchor, which I could rely on when everything else felt shaky.
As I walked toward the barn, the owner, Mrs. Parker, greeted me warmly.
“Afternoon, Evie. Misty’s all ready for you.” My client was bundled in a matching pink hat and gloves, a white puffy coat, and muck boots instead of snow boots.
She was in her early sixties and maintained a small farm for the local farmer’s market.
“Great,” I said, returning her smile. “How’s she doing with this winter weather?”
“Oh, you know Misty. Sweet as ever, but she’s been a tad stubborn about picking up her feet lately.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” I said, stepping into the barn.
Misty stood patiently in her stall, her soft gray coat gleaming even in the dim light. I set down my tools and ran a hand along her neck, murmuring as I worked my way down to her leg.
“Such a pretty and smart girl,” I whispered, stroking her neck.
She shifted slightly but didn’t protest as I lifted her hoof and cleaned it.
The motions were second nature, but my mind drifted back to Liam even as I focused on Misty.
It wasn’t just the way he looked at me or the way he made Hayden laugh. It was how he showed up—literally and figuratively. He didn’t hesitate to lend a hand or offer kindness, even when he didn’t have to.
I sighed, setting Misty’s hoof down and reaching for the rasp.
What was I doing?
If I kept letting myself feel this way, crazy things could happen.
My emotions could take over, and I could…Gasp.
Fall for him.
Hard.
But Liam was… well, he was Liam.
Charming, capable, and completely out of my league. And yet, whenever I thought about him, I felt a flicker of hope I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“Evie?” Mrs. Parker’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I’d thought she’d gone inside, so she startled me. Standing in the barn doorway, still bundled in her heavy coat with her cheeks pink from the cold, she grinned at me funny.
“Everything okay?” I asked, straightening.
“You know,” she said, smiling. “I was going to ask if you’d be interested in meeting my grandson. He’s around your age, a really nice boy.”
What the heck?
Again, with a new client and fresh grandson?
I couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking my head. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass. I’m sure he’s amazing, but I’m just not into dating.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Sure about that? He’s single, good with animals…”
I laughed, brushing my hands on my jeans. “He sounds great, but I’m not really looking right now.”
“Hmm. She gave me a knowing look. “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Parker,” I said, grinning as she walked away.
Again! What was going on? I’d never had clients try to set me up and now suddenly every client had a grandson that should date me.
Did I get a tattoo on my forehead I wasn’t aware of that read single and ready to mingle ?
Because it wasn’t true.
I chuckled and shook my head as Liam flashed into my head.
Darn him.
Okay, maybe I was ready for some people.
Once Misty was finished and back where she belonged, I loaded my tools into the truck and climbed into the driver’s seat.
The farm was quiet. Before I closed my door, the only sound was the soft rustling of naked tree branches in the breeze.
I sat for a moment, letting the stillness settle over me. Unlike last night, clouds had drifted in, readying the area for snow.
Liam’s crooked smile popped into my head, and I groaned. I couldn’t keep lying to myself.
I was falling for him, and the way his eyes softened when he looked at Hayden only made it worse.
I couldn’t deny how much I wanted to see him tomorrow, but at the same time, the thought of opening up to him terrified me.
My phone buzzed in the cupholder, tugging me from my thoughts.
I reached for it, expecting it to be a reminder for my next appointment. But when I saw Liam’s name on the screen, my heart skipped a beat.
Hey, Evie. Need to talk before tomorrow when you have a sec. Got some news.
I stared at the message.
News?
What kind of news?
Second thoughts about dating a single mom?
Found his soul mate, and it wasn’t me?
I started to type a reply as my fingers hovered over the screen.
Whatever it was, I’d have to face it.
But before I hit send, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that tomorrow might not go as I’d hoped.
Everything okay?
He wrote back instantly.
Define okay. I’m doomed. I’m in no condition to be seen or heard. I caught whatever Hayden had, and right now, standing upright feels like climbing Mount Everest. I’m waving the white flag from my couch. I don’t know how that little guy held up so well.
I chuckled as relief spread through me.
He was merely sick, not running away from me.
I chuckled at the ridiculousness of my mind and stared at the message, a mixture of guilt and amusement bubbling up.
Poor Liam. Hayden’s bug had been brutal, and I could only imagine a grown man like Liam laid out flat by it. My fingers hovered over the screen before I typed back.
So, now you’re canceling on me? The nerve. But in all seriousness, I’m so sorry. I hope you feel better soon. Guess I should’ve warned you to wear a hazmat suit when you came over. Rookie mistake on my part.
His reply came back quickly.
Lesson learned. Next time, I’ll come fully suited up. Though I’d probably still catch it. Your little guy’s germs are too advanced.
Next time….
I laughed out loud, shaking my head.
Hayden would love to hear that. He’d probably start calling himself Germ King.
Liam texted.
Fitting. I feel like his loyal but deeply suffering subject.
I pressed my lips together, feeling absolutely awful about Liam getting sick.
What are your symptoms, Your Highness?
I could feel his laughter coming through the phone before the next text hit.
Oh, just the usual: fever, chills, nausea. And an overwhelming sense of betrayal that my immune system failed me.
I grinned, biting my lip. His humor, even when he was clearly miserable, was endearing.
Well, you survived the blender. I think you’ll live through this.
He wrote back.
Barely. Let’s not forget I walked away with stitches. If you don’t hear from me in 48 hours, tell my sisters to cremate me with my cider recipes.
I smiled and texted.
Any requests for your epitaph?
The bubbles appeared.
Here lies Liam Harper. Taken too soon by soup and lousy luck with women.
I was laughing so hard I almost dropped my phone.
You’re ridiculous.
His words melted me.
And you’re laughing, so mission accomplished.
I paused for a moment as my thumbs hovered over my screen.
It was so easy to connect with him, even when he felt awful.
How did you know I was laughing?
His reply made me smile.
I can hear it now, and I can picture your cute little smile.
His words reminded me of what I’d been missing in my life.
Anything I can do to help?
Liam’s message popped up.
I’m good. You’d probably start ghosting me for real if you saw me in this condition. It’s not good.
One thing I knew was that I wasn’t going to let him sit and suffer alone, even if he was playing things off.
Another message popped up.
Just promise me you’ll still meet me for a coffee date when I’m better.
How did he always manage to make me feel important? I knew I needed to do something for him, to return the kindness he’d shown me and Hayden.
Promise.
I leaned back and stared at my phone. Even when he was as sick as a dog, he was upbeat.
Liam might think he was fine on his own, but I wouldn’t let him suffer without a bit of relief. And I knew exactly what I was going to do.
As I drove home, a plan started taking shape, and by the time I pulled into my driveway, I was smiling.
Tomorrow, Liam Harper was in for a surprise.