by Sharon Coady
“I’m going back to my life and you’ll stay here in yours when I leave. I don’t expect anything more. You’ve helped me see that I’m still me but maybe a better me. I will always be grateful to you for that. But I have a life back in Maryland that I have to return to.”
“I thought maybe, just maybe you might want to move here and see where this goes with us. I guess I should have known better.”
“You’re asking me to uproot my life and move here for you when we’ve only known each other a few days?” Sophie shook her head. “Are you trying to control me now?” She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Liam. I didn’t mean to accuse you of that. Can’t we talk and keep in touch to see how we feel once my vacation is over?” She touched his arm. “Please? I don’t want to fight with you.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry too.” He pulled her against him. “Let’s not talk about it anymore. We can keep in touch. Why not?”
Something was different in his voice, but Sophie wasn’t going to push it. She’d take what he would give her.
Chapter Fifteen
Liam
“What’s up with you?” Daniel’s forehead was furrowed, eyes narrowed, mouth drawn in a thin line as he studied Liam’s face.
“Nothing.” Liam knew he was being a total dick to his friend, but he didn’t really give a fuck at the moment. He was too busy putting the wall back up around his heart. The wall he was putting back up to protect himself from Sophie leaving him. The last couple of weeks had been great. They’d spent every day together, getting to know each other better than he thought would be possible. However, reality was starting to set in as Sophie started to gather more of her things from around the house. They only had a couple more days together, and it seemed to be more than he could handle.
“Damn fool. You went and fell for her, didn’t you?” Daniel shook his head. “I told you to call me if you started down that rabbit hole.”
“It happened quickly. I didn’t even know it was going to happen.” He sat down on Daniel’s sofa. “I asked her to move here with me so we could see where this could go. She’s leaving. Said it made her feel like I was trying to control her by having her uproot her life when we didn’t even know what this was. That we should talk and see how we feel over the next few months.”
“Sounds like she has her shit together. Liam, you’ve known this woman for what, a few days? She’s the first one you’ve attached yourself to since Leah. I agree with her. If this is something real then the distance won’t matter.”
Liam blinked. “Are you serious?”
“Yep.” Daniel flopped down into his favorite chair. “Chelsea is great. We’ve talked and we’re going to keep in touch, see where this goes. Neither of us wants to rush into anything, because we don’t know if this is just a summer fantasy or if we could be onto something.” He cocked his head and raised a brow. “Do you hear what I’m saying?”
“Yeah, I do. Fine, I’ll talk to her, but I’m not going to count on a damn thing. The last time I believed in someone, they screwed me over.”
Daniel shook his head. “Not all women are fucked up, Liam. There are some decent ones out there, and I think Sophie and Chelsea may be two of them.” He stood, a big goofy grin plastered on his face. “Let’s get some surfing in before the crowds arrive.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” Liam stood and gave Daniel a big hug. “Thanks for always being the voice of reason.” He hoped Daniel bought the lie because he was building that wall around his heart—nice, high, and solid this time. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Nope. Not happening. Sophie would go back to Maryland and forget about him so he’d just protect his heart now.
They made their way to the area of the beach where they loved to surf. It was a bit of a drive, but it got them away from the crowds of tourists.
A few hours of surfing later, Liam felt much better. He’d thought about nothing but the wave he was riding and the next one after that. This was just what he’d needed to reset his mind and his heart. He’d have his last few days with Sophie and go back to being the asshole he’d created after the shit Leah pulled. Hell, it wasn’t as if he’d ever see her again once she returned to Maryland.
“Thanks for surfing with me this morning. It’s just what I needed.”
“I’m glad to help.” Daniel placed his surfboard on the carry rack on top of his Jeep before grabbing Liam’s and strapping it down beside his. “We can come back out Thursday morning if you want. The sets should be coming in pretty high since there’s a storm heading our way.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Liam wasn’t sure if he wanted to surf Thursday morning since it would be his last day with Sophie. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. That was the Liam before he put the walls back up. He needed to go back to the Liam pre-Sophie, the cold-hearted bastard. “Yeah. Pick me up. Why not catch the good waves while they’re rolling in.” He smiled and grasped Daniel’s shoulder, giving him a quick hug. “Thanks.”
“Hey, no problem. Let’s get going. I’m meeting Chelsea for lunch. You?” Daniel climbed into the driver side of the Jeep and started it up.
Liam buckled in and shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure. I’ve got some shit to do before the gig tonight. Sophie and I didn’t make plans before she left last night.”
“I thought she was staying with you?”
“No, she went back their cottage last night. Something about spending some time with the girls before they leave.” Liam turned his head away from Daniel and watched the beach as they headed back to the condo complex. It was great having Daniel living in the same area, except when he wanted to be left alone.
“Well, I’m meeting Chelsea after the show so she won’t be spending time with her.” He cleared his throat.
Liam continued to stare out the Jeep window.
Daniel pulled into the parking lot of their building. He pulled into his spot and turned off the Jeep. He took one look at Liam, who was doing his best to keep it together, shook his head and said, “I’ll see you at the show.” Getting out, he slammed the door behind him, leaving Liam to think about everything they’d said.
Two Months Later
THEY WERE FINISHING up the last set for the night. Liam glanced at the table where Sophie sat the first night he’d seen her. Every damn show since she’d left, he did the same thing. He hated himself for how he’d left things between them, but he despised himself even more for the fact that he couldn’t completely wall himself off. This hurt so fucking bad. As soon as he finished the last song, he hurried off stage and pushed his way through the crowd to their dressing room. Liam undid his shirt and discarded it on the chair before pulling on his t-shirt. When he turned around, he almost had a heart attack. Sophie stood watching him from the doorway. He blinked and ran his hand down his face. Now I’ve fucking lost it. No way was she here.
“Hey.” She leaned against the doorframe, her eyes studying him.
“Why are you here?” He stopped himself from rushing to her and pulling her into his arms.
She straightened up as a little smile crossed her face. “I wanted to see you. I’ve missed you, Liam.”
“Yeah. I’ve missed you too.” He bit his bottom lip. “So, you’re back in town?” He took a step toward her.
Sophie took a hesitant step toward him. “Chelsea decided she wanted to come back to spend some time with Daniel.” She shrugged a shoulder. “So I asked if I could come with her.”
“Oh. Why?” He stepped a little closer, his eyes catching hers, searching for what she was trying to tell him. “Why’d you want to come back? We haven’t talked since you left.” He stared at her, his eyes refusing to blink for fear of this all being a dream. “I thought it was over.”
“It doesn’t have to be,” she whispered as she closed the last of the space between them.
Liam looked down into her eyes as he pulled her into his arms. “What are you saying?” Hope filled his heart as he laid his forehead against hers.
Sophie’s lips brushed lightly
against his. “I’m saying I want you, Liam. I’ve been lost without you. It feels like half my heart is gone.”
His heart started racing as he pulled her even closer. “I’ve been miserable without you. But you made it perfectly clear to me, you didn’t want to uproot your life.”
A tear slid from her eye and rolled down her cheek. “My life was turned completely upside down by you. I was scared by what I felt. I was afraid of losing myself to another man.”
He tensed. “I would never try to control you like that guy did. I’m not like that.”
Sophie dropped her head against his chest, a sob escaping. He rubbed her back softly while she cried, waiting for her to go on.
“I know you’re not. Chelsea and I have spent weeks talking and talking. She was so angry with me for pulling away from you.”
“I pushed you away.” Liam knew that was the truth. “I was a dick to you before you left.”
“You were.” She sighed. “But you were just as scared as I was.” She pushed herself away from him. “I have made such a mess of everything.” Sophie sat on the sofa watching him. “I left without saying goodbye. You never called. So many times, I picked up my phone to call you, but I just couldn’t do it. I kept telling myself you didn’t want to talk to me.”
“I’ve done the same thing.” He sat down next to her and took her hand in his. “I’m sorry for pushing you away. I was asking you to uproot your life and give up everything for me. It was selfish.”
She cupped his face in her hand. “I wanted to ask you to give yours up, to come back with me to Maryland. You beat me to it and it scared the shit out of me. I don’t know if you still feel the same about me.”
The pain in Liam’s heart faded as the realization hit him. This woman loved him possibly as much as he loved her. “Sophie, I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. I don’t know how or why, but I did. I hope you being here means you feel the same.” He searched her face, waiting for her to reply, unable to read what she was feeling or thinking. “Say something, please.”
“I love you too, Liam. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.” Tears rolled down her cheeks again. She pulled her hand from his. “But before I let you go any further, I have to tell you some things.” She took a deep breath. “I finally came clean with the girls about my secret. Chelsea is fine, so is Bailee. Tarin and I are having problems. He was her cousin and she’s having a hard time with me not telling her sooner. I can’t change that, but I hope one day we’ll find our way back to each other.”
He smiled. “I figured they’d be okay. I’m sure she’ll come around. It must hurt to know her cousin was an ass to her friend.”
“I know.” She sighed. “There’s something else I need to tell you. I don’t expect any decision right now, but I won’t lie to anyone again.”
“Tell me.” He sat back and felt his heart race again.
“I’m pregnant.”
Liam felt like his heart was going to stop beating. Everything slowed down. He blinked. “What?”
“I’m going to have our baby.” She touched his hand. “You don’t have to say anything.”
“You don’t want kids,” he blurted out. “I mean, you told me the story about you and Nathan.
“I didn’t want Nathan’s child,” she whispered. “But I don’t want you to feel like I am trying to trap you or that I expect anything from you. I want this baby and I wasn’t going to live a lie. I learned my lesson. I had to come here and tell you face to face.”
“You want our baby?” He felt the smile spreading over his face. “I’m so happy you told me. It’s good news, right?”
She nodded. “For me it is.”
Liam stood and pulled her to her feet, wrapping her into his arms. “Sophie, I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before.” He pulled her close. “I’ll do whatever you want. I want to be in the baby’s life as much as you’ll let me.”
“I want you there as much as you want to be in both our lives.” She stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him to her for a kiss.
“If you don’t think it would be rushing things, can we plan a wedding?” Liam asked cautiously, not wanting to push her too much.
“You want to get married? I don’t want you to feel like we have to do that. I’m just happy we’re going to be together.”
“Sophie, call me old-fashioned, but I want my child to be in a family that’s in it for the long haul. I want us to be husband and wife when we welcome our child into the world.” He kissed her again. “That is, if you want the same thing I do.”
“I do. Maybe we can put everything behind us and live our lives from here forward.”
Chapter Sixteen
Sophie
Seven months later...
“She’s so beautiful. Isn’t she the most beautiful thing you ever saw?” Sophie kissed her newborn daughter’s head. “Look at her, Liam.” She couldn’t stop smiling. After thirteen hours of labor, little Olivia Chelsea Johnson had entered the world wailing at the top of her lungs. Now cradled in her mother’s arms, she was sleeping, her little lips pursed and her forehead scrunched.
“Well, I am a little biased. She looks just like her mommy, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life. I feel like I am the most blessed man in the world.”
Sophie glanced at Liam to find tears rolling down his face. “Are you all right?”
“I’ve never been better. Before I met you, I was a miserable person. You walked into the club that night, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I can’t believe you still wanted me after how I treated you. What would I have ever done without you in my life?”
“The feeling is mutual, big guy. I was just going through the motions of living. You completed me in a way you’ll never know. We are so blessed and now, we have this perfect little girl.” She smiled down at her beautiful daughter.
Liam carefully picked up his daughter from her arms, and she watched as he studied her face. “Want to know a secret, little girl? You have the most amazing mamma in the world. She’ll love us both forever. You can count on that.” He kissed the little one’s head and cuddled her close. “I promise to do the same.”
Sophie sighed and relaxed back on her bed. She had come out on the other side, better for everything that had happened in her life. Now, she was going to enjoy every second God gave her for the rest of her life with this amazing man and her beautiful children. She glanced at Liam and saw him smiling at her, his eyes sparkling with love and hope. “Penny for your thoughts,” she whispered.
“I’m just thinking how incredibly lucky we are to have found each other and how thankful I am for every moment I have with you. I know it’s really soon, but Sophie I want more kids with you. I want a house with a yard, and I want it filled with the love and laughter of a family.”
“I was thinking the exact same thing.” She leaned up and kissed him. “I guess once things settle down a bit, we’ll need to start house hunting.”
“I might have already started looking.” He shrugged. “I found a couple I want to look at as soon as you and Olivia are up to it.”
“You sure are full of surprises.”
“I guess I can be.” He smiled sheepishly.
“For a bad ass, you sure have a soft side.” Sophie laid her head on his shoulder and stroked her baby’s cheek.
“Don’t tell on me, okay? I have a reputation to uphold.” He kissed her forehead. “I love you, Sophie Johnson.”
“I love you, too.” Suddenly, the door to the room pushed open and her three girlfriends came in, all trying to get a peek at the baby at the same time.
Chelsea kissed Liam’s cheek and leaned over to kiss Sophie. “She’s beautiful! She looks like you, Sophie.”
Bailee made her way around to the other side of the bed. “She is so adorable! I can’t believe we have a niece.” She kissed Sophie’s cheek and nodded at Liam. “You did good.”
Tarin stood at the foot of the bed, looking aro
und the room. “I hope it’s okay that I came. I can go if you want.”
Sophie sat up. “I am so happy you’re here. Come look at your niece.” She gently took Olivia from Liam and turned her a little as Tarin walked up to the side of the bed.
Tears ran from Tarin’s eyes. “She is beautiful, Soph. She looks like a little porcelain doll.”
“Would you like to hold her?”
Tarin opened her arms and carefully took the baby from Sophie. “Hi, little one. I’m your Aunt Tarin.” She glanced at Sophie who nodded, tears now streaming down her own face. “We’re going to have some wonderful adventures together. You have three aunts that love you dearly and the most wonderful people for parents.”
Sophie nodded and took Chelsea’s hand. “I love you guys.”
Daniel peeked around the door. “Is it okay for Uncle Danny to come in?”
Liam stood and motioned for him to enter the room. They hugged and Liam beamed as Daniel put his arm around Chelsea and stared at the baby. “Damn Liam, she’s the most beautiful kid I’ve ever seen.”
“We think so. I can’t stop looking at her.” Liam sat down and took Sophie’s hand. “I think we have our village.”
“I think so.” She looked around the room that was full of her friends and Liam’s. The love radiated from each of their faces as they gathered around baby Olivia. Her heart was full and her mind at peace. She listened to the laughter and baby talk and knew that now her life was complete. “Liam?”
Liam turned and smiled at her. “What?” He leaned down and kissed her softly.
“I love you so much. I don’t think I can ever show you how much.” She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and leaned close to kiss his cheek.
“I love you too. And I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you.”
About the Author
National Best Selling Author Sharon Coady has been a reader her entire life. She started writing as a teen and after years of encouragement from her mother finally published her first book, a contemporary romance. She writes stories that will unlock your heart one page at a time, drawing you in to the lives of her multi-faceted characters and their lives. Sharon’s interests include her husband, her grandchildren, tattoos, and trips on the Harley behind her husband. By day, she is a nurse for the Veterans Administration.