Always (15 page)

“You’ll never have to, Sunshine. Honestly, love, Cindy and I only dated a couple months, and it was very casual. She’ll be fine.”

Teegan wasn’t so sure about that. He kissed her quickly before pulling back. “I love you, Teegan Marie Hallowell, only you, always and forever. You’re stuck with me.”

“Now that I can live with.” She smiled at the thought of spending forever with him. “Always. I like the sound of that.”

“Do you?” He smiled before capturing her mouth for a kiss. He traced her bottom lip with his tongue, and then he nipped it before soothing the sting as he sucked it into his mouth. She caressed the sides of his face and opened up for him. Their tongues touched with scorching desire, and it wasn’t until James cleared his throat that she remembered where they were and blushed.

“I love you too, Liam Bates, and if being stuck with you is what I have to look forward to, then I must be truly blessed.”

“Do I sense a new brother-in-law in my near future?” James teased, and she blushed yet again in embarrassment.

“Mind your own business.”

“Yes, James, why don’t you?” Liam winked and smiled at her. “Can’t you see you’re making her uncomfortable? When I decide to ask this lovely woman to marry me, it’ll be on my own terms, but we’ll let you know how everything turns out.”

Teegan gasped in shock and figured it must have been the alcohol talking, so she decided to change the subject to let him off the hook.

“And where did your lovely wife run off to?” Deep down, she’d still been afraid Liam would one day reject her. She adored him, but after being put down for as long as she had, she struggled to come to terms with the good things happening in her life. It felt too good to be true. She still had a lot to work on, and she was determined to be the confident, easy-going woman she used to be. Teegan missed her.

“She left to go fuss over Claire when you began to make out with this guy.” He pointed across the table to where the girls sat, then playfully nudged Liam in the arm. “I just hope Susan doesn’t get the baby blues now that someone else is having a one. Can you believe she wants to try for a girl?” James shook his head in disbelief, and Teegan laughed.

“Well then, give the woman what she wants. You know as well as I do that you worship her and always give in to her anyway. Besides, think of how much fun you’ll have trying.” She wiggled her brows suggestively, leaving him with those words of wisdom, and kissed Liam on the cheek before going to join the ladies again.

With all this happiness surrounding her, she still had a hard time believing her nightmare was over. But it was time to let go and move on. Everyone was in love and happy, and when she approached her two best friends and watched them laugh and compare notes on motherhood, she was secretly envious. Baby blues. Was it possible to have them when you were childless?

Chapter Nineteen

“I really like having you around, Teeg.” Liam grabbed a cup of coffee and went to join her at the table. “Have you decided what you’re going to do yet? I mean, have you found somewhere you want to live, or are you planning on staying with James indefinitely?”

He smiled at her, but his question made her stiffen. She narrowed her eyes. “No and no. Are you happy? With everything that has happened, I haven’t had much of a chance to look for a house of my own. Although I’m sure James would love for me to stay. I’d be a live-in babysitter, for one thing, but mostly because he still thinks the house belongs to me.” She shrugged. “When our parents passed away, they left it to me. I think they hoped it would entice me to come back or something. James needed it more than I did, though. He had a family while I didn’t have anybody. Anyway, it didn’t take me long to sign it over to him free and clear. I hate that he thinks he owes me. We’re family, and that’s what you’re supposed to do when you love someone. You’re supposed to help, so that’s what I did. I really should start looking around, though.”

“I’m sorry, Sunshine. I didn’t mean to upset you. James never told me about the house. I guess I just assumed he automatically inherited it.”

“He got his dad’s boat and what little life insurance money was left after the funerals. I got the house. Well, I guess in the long run he got that too. They’re personal possessions he’ll benefit from much more than I would have. I have pictures, some of my mother’s jewelry, and a ton of wonderful memories to carry with me. That’s all I really need. I love knowing I helped them out when they needed me. And as for being upset, I’m not, really. I guess I just assumed I might be overstaying my welcome here. That’s all. I probably should be getting back to James and Susan’s anyway, shouldn’t I?”

When Teegan had given James the house shortly after she found out their parents had left it to her, he and Susan were struggling to make ends meet. Dylan was just a toddler, Carter was just a dream still in the making, James worked two jobs, and Susan was sick. When doing a self-examination on her left breast, Susan had found a lump. It was tiny, but cancerous. Thankfully, the disease had been in the beginning stages, and her doctors were able to remove it all. She’d been in remission ever since. Losing their parents and then facing the possibility of losing his wife as well had almost killed James. Back then, giving them the house was the least she could have done. At least it lessened their financial burdens a little. Hell, she felt as though she should have done more.

At the time, Teegan had come home for the funeral but left the very next day, afraid she’d run into Liam. Deep down, she knew she still loved him and was afraid to see him again. She snorted, thinking about it now. Of course, back then she’d still thought Lucy was in the picture. Now she wanted to kick her own ass for letting Lucy run her out of the home she loved, especially when it turned out to be all in vain. Now she was back, still in love, and even better, he loved her in return.

“Now you’re being silly. Overstaying your welcome? Please.” He snorted. “What I was getting at before you jumped to conclusions was that I want you to stay. I wanted to make sure you hadn’t put a deposit down anywhere, that’s all. Just when I think it couldn’t be possible to love you more—” he laughed, “—you go and prove me wrong. You’re cute when you’re upset. Hell, you’re always cute, and I love what you did for James and Susan. Those were some rough times back then.”

“I don’t understand.”
Is he implying he wants me to live here with him and LJ? To move in and be a permanent fixture in his life? Way to go, Teeg. Read more into it than what he actually means. He did say stay, but that could just mean he hasn’t gotten sick of you yet.

“What don’t you understand, Sunshine? I love you, and I’d be a very happy man if you’d say yes to moving in here with LJ and me. I don’t want you to feel like you’re a visitor anymore. I want you to feel at home.”

“Are you serious?”
Well, I’ll be damned.
She smiled. “I’d love to, Liam. Have you run this by LJ yet?”

“I don’t think I have to, but yes, I did mention it to him, and he’s fine with it. I’m surprised you didn’t know that already.” He lifted her hand to kiss. “It’s not every day a man watches his only son ask the woman his father loves to be his mother. I heard him working on you in the hospital. Hell, I still can’t believe he offered to propose marriage for me.” Liam laughed. “That little guy is really a chip off the old block. I’m glad he’s gotten over his little crush on you, though. That boy loves you, Teegan. So do I. When are you going to start believing it?”

“I do.” She blushed. “It’s just that this all feels way too good to be true. I love you too, though, the both of you, and I want to show you every day how much. I can’t believe you heard everything. LJ is such a sweetie, and I was so happy to see him again. It was such an emotional time. Hey, do you think it’s too early to wake him up to tell him the good news?”

“No, it’s eight o’clock. Let’s get that sleepyhead out of bed and tell him.”

***

“I sure am going to miss you around here. I’m outnumbered, and having you around evened the odds a little more.” Susan pouted. “But I am so glad you and Liam are finally realizing you’re great for each other. It was sad to see you two fight it for so long.”

“I’ll miss you too, Suzy Q, but it’s not like I’ll be far away like before. We’ll be mere streets apart.” She laughed at the thought. “I wonder what Liam and LJ are up to right now.”

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s going to be good.”

Teegan smiled and gazed dreamily out the window. She’d left Liam that morning to spend some time with Susan before her official move-in. Liam had told her that he had special plans with LJ anyway, and they were very secretive about what they were up to. She didn’t press the subject further, but when they dropped her off, LJ seemed to be more enthusiastic than usual. He told her they had errands to run and reminded her to make sure she looked extra pretty for when they returned. LJ was having another night over with Dylan because of what Liam was planning. Everyone seemed to be in on it but wouldn’t tell Teegan a thing, and she had mixed emotions about that. She was nervous and hated being left in the dark, but she also felt those little butterflies of excitement from knowing that the surprise was going to be special because Liam was behind it.

“So why do I have a feeling that you know exactly what they’re up to but have decided to be cruel and not tell me?” Teegan threw in a pout along with the tease, and Susan laughed at her.

“Oh come on, Teeg. This is Liam we’re talking about, so you know it’s going to be good. There is nothing cruel about it. Now suck it up and enjoy the surprise the man who adores you has planned for tonight. It’s going to be one hell of a night, and I want details in the morning.”

“Okay, then will you at least help me get ready since you know what we’re doing? I want to look nice, but I’m stumped because nobody will tell me where I’m going.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice. Let’s go!” Susan grabbed her arm and gave her Teegan a mischievous look as she led her away.

“Oh Lord.” Teegan bit her bottom lip and knew the next couple hours were going to be long ones.

***

She’d seen him before he got his first glimpse of her as she descended the stairs. Liam was already a naturally handsome man, but tonight he was gorgeous. Her eyes sparkled, and she couldn’t take her own eyes off him.

He stood by the front door talking to James, which gave her the perfect opportunity to check him out before anyone noticed her. She couldn’t get enough of the man. His tall, muscular frame stood proud as he raked his fingers through his hair as though he was nervous and smiling to try to hide it. He wore a light cotton dress shirt that defined his pecs and muscular arms. Tight Wranglers encased his lower half and were snug in all the right places. Her heart beat faster, and she ached to be near him.

“Hi.”

When Liam turned toward her, his eyes glistened as he took her in. Susan had spent hours giving Teegan a makeover so she’d look just right, and that gleam in his eyes made it all worthwhile.

“Hi yourself, Sunshine.” He took her hand and twirled her around, then whistled long and loud. “You’re stunning, Teegan, absolutely breathtaking.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Bates. Susan worked very hard on me this afternoon, and I’m pleased you like what you see. Did you and LJ do everything you intended to do this afternoon?”

“We sure did,” LJ said as he and Dylan skipped into the living room. “Dad is all set for tonight, and we had a ton of fun.”

“That’s great, LJ.”

“Are you ready to go?” Liam gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

She nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.”

He took out a blindfold, and it should have shocked her, but it didn’t. Ten years ago he’d done something similar. Just like back then, he was planning to create some more good memories now, and Teegan was hoping tonight would be a night she’d never forget. She was the only woman he’d ever truly loved, and she knew he wasn’t about to let her slip away again. There had been too many close calls for comfort.

“Oh no.” Teegan backed away. “You’re not putting that thing over my eyes, are you?”

“Come on, for old times’ sake? Tonight’s special, and I don’t want to give anything away until the time is right.”

She groaned but turned her back to him so he could tie the scarf around her eyes.

“Humor me, Sunshine. I want this to be perfect for you.” His hot breath against her earlobe made her shiver, and wetness pooled between her legs. “Cold?”

She shook her head and could tell he was smiling. “No, not cold, just turned on. It doesn’t take much when I’m around you.” She turned around and felt for his face. “Tonight is already perfect because I have you with me. So take me wherever it is you want me to go so that we can love each other afterward. I need you.”

“Don’t tempt me,” he growled. “There’s nothing I’d love to do more, Sunshine, but first I have some special plans for the two of us.” Liam captured her mouth for a little taste before he helped her into the car and fastened her in.

***

“Are we there yet?”

“It won’t be long now.” He drove for a few more minutes, and she sighed as he pulled to a stop. Her day was filled with curiosity and she was finally about to get her answers.

He helped her out of the car, and she squealed when he picked her up and carried her the rest of the way. “What’s all of this for?”

“I just love having you in my arms.” He chuckled. “Besides, if I let you down, I have a feeling you’ll know where we are, and I want to take in your reaction as I pull off the blindfold.” It was like déjà vu from ten years earlier, and it made her smile.

After walking a few more feet, he carefully slid her down his body and onto her feet, then turned her so her back was against his front. “Are you ready?” He pulled the blindfold off before she could answer.

“Oh my God,” Teegan gasped. Her tear-filled gaze took in her surroundings before landing on the man she couldn’t possibly love more. “Great, there goes my makeup.”

They were standing in front of their special waterfront, and lit candles formed a path to the blanket nicely laid out in the sand. Rose petals were scattered across the cloth, and a picnic basket lay in the middle of it. The stars shone bright, and moonlight reflected off the water just as she remembered it from ten years ago. It was a fairy-tale setting, and after years of hell she was no longer the damsel in distress but the rescued princess who finally had her Prince Charming, and damn, it felt good to be rescued.

“Don’t be silly. You’re beautiful.” Liam reached up and wiped away her tears as he tried desperately to hold back his own. After guiding her to the blanket, he pulled her close. “LJ and I worked hard planning this moment out. Today we spent a good part of the day here and did a lot of talking; A little father-and-son-bonding time. When we were through, we had one other stop to make before heading home to get ready for you. Do you like it?” He took a large bouquet of flowers out of the picnic basket and handed them to her. “These are from LJ. He’s hoping to butter you up before I give you my gift.”

Liam fidgeted, then went to his knees. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. Hell, my son loves you. I should have done this ten years ago, Teegan. I hope you can forgive that this proposal comes better late than never—”

“Proposal?” she squeaked, and she gasped when he placed a small box in front of her.

“Marry me, Teegan. I have never loved anyone the way I love you, and I know you feel the same way. Let’s make this official. Make me the happiest man alive and say yes. Please say yes…”

He opened the box, and she began to cry at the sight before her. The ring was beautiful, but not as much as the man in front of her, or the scene he’d created especially for her. The whole thing was perfect. He was amazing.

He looked nervous now as she stood there speechless, temporarily at a loss for words. Her hands trembled, and her eyes filled with tears again. Teegan opened her mouth to speak, only to close it immediately.