vier than ever. She stood in front of the mirror, brushing Liam's hair with a trembling hand. He fidg

o I have to meet this ma

art cl

y, crouching to his level. "But reme

d up at h

re going to m

wed. "But I tho

t I lied. I wasn't ready to tell you before. I was scared. But now... he w

was unreadable-jus

he lik

sudden wave of tears.

two minutes. He had canceled all meetings, sent his

ded like it ha

t a son you nev

ould h

Liam h

he wasn'

orbell

an f

shed to

oy's eyes darted around the luxury apartment, wide a

o one knee, his

quietly. "You

udied him

extende

it. Then looked

ed gently.

rward and placed his small hand

through Adr

was

on's

mall. T

he said, barely

iam said. "

ike me," Adrian said

That's what Miss

t loosening slightly. "Do you want to come in?

lit up. "Cho

ded. "Doub

tepped

t, he was in

ould ever be

ughter. Liam explored the penthouse like a miniature detective-poking at

nswered

ien

the couch, quiet, pr

e rug with his cake, Adrian

ke school?

ner in my class. And I can draw d

d without hesitation. "St

nned. "M

nt, it fel

rm

son who had always

his nose wrinkled when he concentrated. All those things he'd missed. First

. he could

est room for a nap, Adri

oke for a

" Adrian said fin

ed. "He's a

erve him," h

to him. "Then

be part of his life. I'

be easy. He's just ge

the window. "But I missed five ye

en them again-less heav

eli

look

ing for him. I'm fi

fr

reaking. "I know I don't deserve another chanc

lowly, hear

into my life and expect ev

id. "But I'm sti

eyes l

tory in that gaze. So

ime," she

ou all the t

iam into bed in the guest room

om

, ba

y get to se

hair back. "Yes.

e's okay. He doesn't

d. "No. H

a be his frie

pa

his forehe

es flutte

le longer, her fingers lin

the start of

wasn't