He was incredible. There was no other word to describe him. His love enfolded us on a daily basis. I felt stronger because of him. His affection was offered freely and openly. He gave me security I had never known, both emotionally and financially. I was still getting used to both. I hoped never to take either for granted.
I startled as a strong arm wrapped around my waist, and I was pulled back to a warm chest.
“Hiding, Sweet Pea? Our family too much?”
The easy use of his phrase “our family” made tears come to my eyes. I patted his arm. “No. But the draw of the fire was too much.”
He chuckled. “I figured.”
He sat down on one of the logs placed around the pit. It had been smoothed out over the years of use, the wood faded from the sun. He reached into a basket and pulled out a blanket. Opening his legs, he put it on the sand and patted his knee.
“Come here, Sweet Pea.”
I nestled between his legs, copying the way we had always sat on the steps in Toronto. It was our thing when we needed to talk.
Liam waited, always patient. He stroked my neck, his touch light.
“Whatever you’re thinking, Paige, you can tell me. I’m here.”
I found his hand and kissed the palm, holding it to my cheek. “I know.”
“Are you unhappy, baby?”
“Oh God, no.” I lifted my face to meet his eyes. “I’ve never been happier.”
“Good. Me too. But something is on your mind.”
I drew in a deep breath. “I saw my new doctor yesterday.”
“You didn’t tell me.” His hand stilled. “Is something wrong?”
“No. I’m perfectly healthy.”
“Okay. But?”
“She wants me off the birth control pills.”
“Good. I read about the side effects, and they’re scary.” He paused. “I’ll get condoms. Let me take the responsibility off you.”
I turned, playing with his fingers, spinning his thick band around over and again.
“What if-what if we didn’t use any birth control?”
His breath stuttered, and his body locked down. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“I want to try for a baby with you.” I swallowed. “If you want. I mean, if you’re ready. I know it’s sudden—”
He cut off the rest of my words, his mouth covering mine. He pulled me off the sand and onto his lap, never stopping the sweet possession of his lips.
Finally, he pulled back, resting his forehead to mine. “Really?”
“Yes. I want to try. You were right—things are different. I have you. Our family. Whatever we have to face, we’ll face it together.”
He cupped my cheek and kissed my forehead, his lips lingering. “Thank you. This is the best gift I’ve ever been given.”
“It might take a while. Dr. Carter warned me about that.”
“I’m up for the challenge,” he assured me, his voice low.
“I’m not surprised.”
“In fact, everyone is busy. Let’s sneak home, and I’ll show you just how up for it I am.”
I laughed, the sound drifting across the sand.
“I don’t think we can leave our own party to go try to make babies.”
“I would argue differently. It’s the perfect time. Lucy’s occupied, the house is empty. My cock is on board…” He trailed off, joining in my laughter.
“Okay.” He relented. “But I’m getting Mom and Dad to keep Lucy tonight. I want you loud and vocal while we start this endeavor.” He sighed against my hair. “It’s gonna be a tough job, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
I hummed, nestling closer. “I love you, Liam.”
He tightened his arms. “I love you, Sweet Pea. Always.”
Epilogue
Liam
Five years later…
I woke, my hand automatically searching for Paige. Not only was I surprised to find the bed empty but the sun already high in the sky. Normally I was the first one awake in the house, even beating my girls, who were early risers.
I flung back the blanket and stood, stretching out my back. I grimaced at the grip of still-aching muscles. We had installed a massive garden the past couple of days, working well into the evening to get it done for the client. I wasn’t as involved in the physical side of the business anymore, and the twinge in my back reminded me why.
Once Paige and I were married and settled in Port Albany, I hired more staff and limited myself to the overseeing and design. I hired another landscape architect once our first baby was born to help manage my time. Joanna worked primarily in Toronto, and I concentrated on the outlying areas. It freed up a lot of commute time, which meant I got to spend it with my family. When a second baby came along rather quickly, I depended more on Joanna than ever. We did a lot of meetings via phone, and we shared travel, her coming this way on occasion and me heading into Toronto at other times. The truth was, I hated missing a minute of my babies growing up.