Chapter Twenty-One
Liam
The smell of garlic and butter wafted through the air as I stirred the linguine sauce simmering on the stove. My kitchen was alive with the sounds and smells of preparation, and for once, I wasn’t trying to impress a bigwig investor or plan a cider launch. This was about Evie and Hayden.
And I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this excited.
I glanced around my house, making sure everything was just right. The place was designed with an up-north lodge feel, all timber beams, and a stone fireplace with windows offering panoramic outdoor views. When I first found this place, I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t know I could actually achieve it. It felt good to know that I was the one who made what I wanted, room by room.
My only hope was to replicate the same for Red Barn Cider.
My living room was cozy, with a crackling fire casting a warm glow on the leather couch and oversized armchairs. A plaid throw was draped over one armrest, and the coffee table bore the scars of years of use—scratches and dents that told a story.
The dining table was set simply but thoughtfully, with mason jar candles adding a touch of rustic charm. Violet had helped me plan the whole thing, even though she teased me mercilessly about my obvious crush on Evie.
But when I told my sister I wanted to invite over Evie and Hayden for a special dinner, she was all hands on deck.
I peeked out the window, the view stealing my breath for a moment. Snow was falling in big, lazy flakes. White blanketed everything in view.
My house sat at the edge of a pond that branched off Buttercup Lake. My portion wasn’t much of a lake, really—more marshland than anything—but it had its own beauty. Tall, dried cattails lined the edges, their brown tops dusted with snow, and the frozen surface glistened in the moonlight.
The woods beyond the pond stretched out endlessly, a mix of evergreen and bare branches, their silhouettes softened by the snowfall.
This was my sanctuary. My escape from the chaos of running businesses and juggling responsibilities. And now, it felt like the perfect place to share with someone.
Or maybe two someones.
The sound of an engine broke through the quiet, and I turned toward the window. Headlights bounced along the long gravel driveway, cutting through the near darkness and snow. My heart raced as I wiped my hands on a dish towel, suddenly nervous. What if Evie didn’t like shrimp? What if Hayden wasn’t in the mood to hang out with a dude?
The truck came to a stop, and I heard the crunch of boots on the snow-covered driveway. I opened the door just as Evie was helping Hayden out of the truck. She looked up, her cheeks flushed from the cold, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“Hey,” I called, stepping onto the porch. “You made it.”
“I heard there were promises of food,” she teased, her eyes flicking to the steam escaping through the crack in the door. “And I didn’t feel like cooking tonight. I’ve had a day.”
Her words worried me. I didn’t like the thought of her day being anything but awesome.
“Not just food,” I said, grinning. “An experience.”
She arched a brow, her boots slipping on the snow as she approached. “You’re really leaning into the mystery here.”
“Trust me, you’ll like it,” I said, stepping aside to let them in. “As long as you like shrimp.”
“We love shrimp,” Hayden yelped, darting inside.
“Whoa, Mom! Look at this place!” he exclaimed, running straight for the fireplace.
Evie followed more slowly, her gaze sweeping over the room.
“Yes,” she said softly. “This is… amazing, Liam. Looks a little more organized than when I was here last.”
The teasing look in her eyes made me want to scoop her in my arms and kiss her, but I wouldn’t do that in front of Hayden.
“It’s home,” I said, feeling a rush of pride. “Come on, let me show you around, little man.”
Hayden was already inspecting the living room, his face lighting up when he spotted a basket of board games in the corner.
“Can we play one after dinner?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” I said, ruffling his hair. “But first, let’s eat.”
I led them into the kitchen, where the table was set, and the food was ready to serve.
Evie paused, her hand brushing against the back of one of the chairs as she took it all in. “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble,” she said, her voice quiet.
“It’s not trouble,” I said, meeting her gaze. “I wanted to.”
Her cheeks flushed again, and I couldn’t tell if it was from the cold or my words. Either way, it was impossible not to smile at her reaction.
“Mom, look!” Hayden called, pointing to the jars with candles flickering inside. “It’s like a restaurant!”
“You even have candles,” she said, looking over at me. “Very nice.”
“Courtesy of my sister. She helped a bit with the decorating.”
“Awesome.” Hayden beamed.
“We’ll just call it Liam’s Restaurant,” I said with a laugh, gesturing for them to sit. “Tonight’s special is garlic shrimp with linguini and garlic bread. For those who aren’t into shrimp, I have cheese pizza and a surprise dessert.”
“Surprise dessert?” Hayden’s eyes lit up.
“You’ll see,” I said, winking at him.
“So, you both like shrimp?”
“We love it,” Hayden said, nodding. “Right, Mom?”
“Yup.”
“But you said you have pizza,” Hayden said.
“Which would you prefer?” I asked, glancing at Evie’s son.
“Both.”
I smiled and looked at Evie, who nodded.
“Then both it is.”
As I plated everyone’s meals, I couldn’t help but notice how much livelier my place felt. The energy had completely changed into something I didn’t want to lose.
As we settled in, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Evie. She looked at ease here, her laughter blending with Hayden’s as we dug into the meal.
“I got an A+ on my diorama,” Hayden said.
He stuffed a shrimp in his mouth.
“No way. The one we all worked on?” My brows lifted in surprise.
“Yup.” He grinned proudly and spun some pasta on his fork.
I was impressed with the grade and his linguine skills.
“Maybe I’m good luck,” I offered.
“The teacher said she could tell I put a lot of effort in.”
“He loves school,” Evie said. “I’m lucky.”
Hayden frowned and shook his head. “Who wouldn’t?”
I laughed and nodded. “Exactly. Who wouldn’t?”
Evie smiled as I pointed at an open wine bottle waiting for us. She gave a quick nod, and I poured some into her glass.
I couldn’t help but notice something was a little off with Evie. Her smiles were still bright, but the look behind her eyes looked…troubled.
“Any big cider plans today?” Evie asked, smiling as she sipped the wine.
“Things are really moving in the right direction, and I can hardly believe it. I’m just glad I work at the lodge, so I can have time off when I need to go sign papers or talk to a bank.”
“It is nice to be self-employed,” Evie said, nodding.
“I’m stuffed,” Hayden announced, leaning back in his chair with a clean plate.
“Nice work.” I nodded. “Pizza gone and shrimp linguine missing.”
“Is it okay if he watches a movie?” I asked Evie, who nodded. “I’ll go take care of him, and you can enjoy your meal.”
Hayden stood up, grabbed his backpack, and hugged his mom before following me to the couch. I handed Hayden the remote, and he landed on Disney.
“You have the Disney channel?” His eyes widened.
I nodded.
“But you’re not a kid.”
I chuckled. “Some might debate that.”
He pulled a pillow behind him while fishing in his backpack for something.
“You good, Little Dude?” I asked, giving him a playful pat on the head.
“Yep! Thanks, Liam.” Hayden’s attention was already glued to the screen.
I returned to the kitchen, feeling strangely at home in this little routine.
When I walked in, Evie was sitting at the table, her fork twirling endlessly in her linguine. Her eyes were distant, unfocused. It hit me immediately—something was really off.
Sliding back into my seat, I studied her for a moment longer.
“Alright, what’s going on?”
Her head jerked up. “What do you mean?”
I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve barely eaten. And you’re doing that thing with your fork like you’re trying to put a spell on the shrimp.” My tone was teasing, but I couldn’t keep the concern out of my voice.
She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. “I’m fine.”
“You sure? Because if this was too much for you and Hayden, just say the word. I can totally tone it down next time.”
She laughed again, but it was thin, forced, and I felt a pang in my chest.
I shouldn’t have done the candles…
“No, it’s not that. I love being here. This is exactly what I needed tonight.”
Her words sounded right, but her expression didn’t match. Something was buried underneath that smile, and I couldn’t figure it out.
“But?”
She twisted her lips into a playful pout.
I kept my gaze on hers. “You look like someone stole your favorite boots.”
She let out another weak laugh. But her lips twitched into a tiny frown.
It was so small that most might have missed it.
Setting her fork down, she folded her hands together, but her fingers fidgeted in a way that made my stomach tense.
“It’s... complicated,” she finally said.
“Complicated how?”
I didn’t like how her shoulders had sagged or how her gaze had dropped to her hands.
She sighed. “Fine. Something’s changed in my life. Something big. And I might need some time to figure things out.”
Her words hit me like a sucker punch. I hadn’t expected this. Things had been going so well, or at least I thought they had.
“Time?” I repeated.
The word hung heavily between us.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly, her eyes darting to meet mine. “It’s just... I have a lot on my plate right now. And I’m trying to keep everything together for Hayden.”
I nodded slowly, trying to piece things together by what she didn’t say. I could feel the warmth of the evening slipping away, replaced by a quiet unease.
“Is this about us?” I asked carefully. “Because if I’m putting too much pressure on you—”
“No,” she interrupted, shaking her head firmly. “It’s not you. I promise. You’ve been... amazing. Better than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s me. And my life. And all the baggage that comes with it.”
Her words stung more than I wanted to admit.
For weeks, I’d felt her letting me in, piece by piece, and now it felt like she was closing the door just as quickly.
“I don’t mind the baggage,” I said after a moment. “In case I haven’t made it obvious. I’m all in here, Evie. With you. With Hayden. And I’m strong. I can carry baggage easily.”
Her eyes softened, and for a moment, I thought she might lean into me and let me take some of the weight off her shoulders.
But then she looked away, biting her lip.
“I just need time,” she repeated, her voice quieter this time.
I nodded again, though my chest felt tight.
“Okay,” I said finally, forcing myself to accept it. “Take all the time you need. I’ll be here. I promise.”
The words felt inadequate, but they were all I had to give her.
But something in the way she held herself told me she wasn’t ready for that.
“Thank you.” She sighed. “For understanding.”
I reached across the table and placed my hand over hers, giving her a gentle squeeze.
“I’ll always be here, Evie,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Whenever you’re ready.”
She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and something else I couldn’t quite name.
We just stayed like that for a brief moment, the space between us heavy with unspoken words.
And then Hayden’s voice broke through from the living room.
“Mom! Liam! You have to check this out.”
Evie pulled her hand back, standing quickly.
“We’d better go join him,” she said, her voice lighter, though I could still see the worry lingering in her expression.
I nodded, standing and following her into the living room, even as my mind raced.
Whatever was going on with Evie, I wouldn’t give up.
Not on her.
Not on us.