I should be excited and looking forward to the new direction my life had taken, yet something kept holding me back.

The answer became clear as Paige stood in Lucy’s almost complete room, looking in wonder at the bookcase Van had brought over. He had made it years ago when Sammy was a little girl. It was like a castle and went with the theme of the room. Sammy had been happy to loan it to Lucy for a few years.

Paige ran her fingers over the wood. “He spent a lot of time on this.”

“A labor of love.”

“He gave it to Sammy when he and Liv were dating?”

“Yes.”

“He must have already loved them.”

I crossed my arms. “I think so. He’s a straight shooter. I know they went through a lot when Sammy was little. Her father tried to take her away, and Van fought alongside Liv to make sure it didn’t happen.”

She met my eyes. “You’d do the same.”

“I would do anything for you and Lucy,” I said. “You’re my entire world.”

Right then, I knew what I wanted.

“Lucy wants to call me Daddy.”

She smiled softly. “I know.”

I walked toward her, taking her hand. “I want her to. I want her to belong to me. I want you both to belong to me.”

“I think we do since we’re moving in with you.”

I shook my head. “It’s not enough.”

“Not enough?”

“No, I want the world to know. I want to adopt Lucy. I want—” I paused and swallowed “—I want to marry you.”

Paige

My head swirled with Liam’s words. I blinked at him, unsure how to respond. He cupped my cheek. “I know I just shocked you, Sweet Pea, but it’s the truth. I want to marry you. I want to adopt Lucy and be a real family. I want you to have my name, and I want Lucy to have it as well.”

“Liam,” I whispered. “Are you sure? We might get here and drive you crazy. You might wish—”

He cut me off with a laugh. “Don’t even go there. I am not going to change my mind. Nothing you could do would make me change my mind.” He slid his arm around my waist. “Don’t you feel how right we are, baby? You, me, and Lucy? We’re so good together.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Even if that is all we have, it is enough.”

I met his earnest gaze. He meant it. He wouldn’t push me for more—ever. I cupped his face, his dear, wonderful face, and smiled.

“No, it’s not, Liam.”

His grip tightened. “What are you saying?”

“If we go forward, I want to give it all to you. The chance for children of your own. You’re right. We’d love them together, no matter what. I want to give you everything.”

“If?” he asked, his voice gruff. “You’re not sure?”

“Is there a big hurry?”

“Yes. I want to marry you as soon as possible. Before you move in. I want to take this next step of our journey as husband and wife. And daughter. In this house.”

“That’s only a couple of weeks away,” I protested.

“Do you want a big wedding? The church, the dinner, all the trappings?”

“Lord no, but your family—”

He shook his head. “Our marriage is private. It’s us. We’ll get married quietly. My family can throw a party after. They’d love that.”

“I-I don’t know what to say.”

He clutched me to him. “Say yes, baby. Say yes to a lifetime with me.”

“I have to think. I—”

He cut me off with a kiss. “You think. I’ll plan. I promise you we’ll be great together, Paige. Life will be good with me.”

I smiled. “It already is, Liam.”

Beth’s eyes were wide when I told her what Liam wanted.

I plucked at the edge of my shirt in nervousness. “And he wants to do it soon. Before I move in.”

“And you don’t? Too fast?” she asked, concerned.

I sighed. “That’s the scary part, Beth. I do. I want to marry him. I want to let Lucy call him Daddy. She’s dying to do so.” I laughed softly. “So is he, I think.”

“But…”

“Shouldn’t I be scared? After what happened before? Shouldn’t all this scare the shit out of me? I mean, is there something wrong with me that all I can think of is how much I want that too?”

The questions kept playing over in my mind.

Beth took my hand. “Some people would think so, but I don’t. Liam is different. I’ve seen how he looks at you. The love he feels for you and Lucy. He’s like Ronan. What you see is what you get. They’re special. Wonderful. And you love him, don’t you?”

“I do. I know he’s nothing like my ex. You would just think I would want to be more cautious.”

“Or maybe your heart knows what is right. You said you had doubts last time. Do you feel those with Liam?”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Vested Interest - ABC Corp Romance
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