Chapter 39 – I’m Here If You Want Me
Rosalie
Mrs. Campbell texted me late last night, and I’ve been reading over the message again and again.
I haven’t shown it to Liam yet. Unlike Kam, he doesn’t lean over to read my texts automatically, which is saying something, because I’m snuggled up next to him on his couch. All it would take is a glance.
Liam’s mom: I look forward to getting to know you better since it’s obvious my son has fallen in love with you. I’m realizing there’s nothing to dread this time. Lunch soon?
She’s not the type of person you keep waiting, so I had answered immediately.
Rosalie: I’d like that.
Since we haven’t set a date or time, I don’t know if this lunch will happen, but it’s nice all the same.
Liam’s phone pings with a text, and he pulls his phone out, frowning at the message and absently rubbing my arm that’s draped across his chest.
After coming over to his house to make breakfast together, we’re recovering from the cleanup.
I’m starting to appreciate the virtues of frozen waffles and Liam’s arms holding me tight.
You wouldn’t think the two are linked, but by going with frozen waffles in the morning, I might get more time being held.
“What is it?” I ask. I’m sensing that whatever message he just got on his phone means we’re out of time for today. The sudden tension in his body is the kind you have before you jump up to solve a problem.
And just like I suspected, Liam sits up and turns toward me, his phone turning back and forth in his hand. “Would you mind if we went and got the kids? Daniel has a sudden work trip.”
“And Esther wants to go with?”
He nods, looking almost ashamed.
“Talk to me.”
“Where do I start?” He puts his phone down and looks at me, being more present than anyone I’ve ever known. I will never tease him about team meetings again. I’ve taken for granted how much he cares about sharing things with me.
“Let’s start with why you think I’d mind if the kids were here.” I say it gently, because this is not a criticism. Everything is topsy-turvy. My job has invaded my life, and my life has invaded my job. It’s natural for him to wonder how I feel about that.
“We won’t have today together. I’m kind of a package deal.”
He’s talking about the kids, as if it might bother me that we don’t have the luxury of continuous alone time. As if that’s a surprise. I choose to hang out with his kids. For a living. He couldn’t have chosen better. Which makes me laugh, because Liam still fears that he’s not what I’m looking for.
Not that I can blame him. He’s been abandoned before, but that’s not going to happen ever again.
“Unlike Esther, I’m not getting on an airplane. I’m here if you want me. I happen to like the package you came with.” I start to laugh at my unfortunate choice of words, and Liam joins me.
His eyes crinkle. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?”
“Strolled.”
He picks up my hand. “I’ll always want you.” It’s not a line; it’s a promise. When he leans in, kissing him is as natural as breathing. The press of his lips is steady. Unhurried. Soul-filling.
Taking in a deep breath, he rests his forehead against mine. “This is going to sound so romantic, but we need to discuss your job.”
“I’m melting. Say more.”
“Ro,” he grumbles. “I’m trying to be serious.”
“Trust me, I know.”
He can’t kiss me again because I’m smiling too big, so he kisses my cheek, and then along my jawline. “I don’t want to pay you,” he whispers. “I want everything that’s mine to be…” He sighs. “I can’t say what I want.”
“Why not?” I whisper back.
“Because I care more about what you want. And also, I’ve been accused of getting ahead of myself. A couple of times, actually.”
I laugh before growing serious. Pulling back enough to look at him, I rest my hands against the warmth of his neck and consider him. The words aren’t hard for me to say. “I want to marry you and help raise your amazing kids. With Esther and Daniel. I’ll walk that line with you, day in and day out.”
“I accept.” Liam pulls me onto his lap, and we hold each other like we haven’t just promised forever, and this is our last day together.
Then we go get the kids. They’re not the least surprised to see us holding hands when we walk into Esther’s house.
Wyatt turns and gives Callie a look. “Told you so.”