Chapter 18
Cuperr 17. Liam Meeting the Twins Part Two
“Mommy Mommy Rylie kept calling me, waving the stuffed toy she was holding
sif calling my attention that way wasn’t enough, she climbed down from Gavin’s arms and ran toward me
Out of the corner of my eye, my heart started beating faster when I noticed how Liam was watching her intendy.
“Argh, so loud. Why does Rylie always shout?” Ryker murmured.
In a different unuation. I would have laughed at his statement. Ryker’s calm demeanour and dry remarks always amused me. But not this time. I felt my heart getting heavy, and if not with him, I might have collapsed.
I gently ran my fingers through his hair, taking comfort in how he clung to me, even though he was usually too independent to be carried
“Mommy, aren’t they pretty–oh, you have company. Good afternoon, gentlemen!” Rylie greeted them enthusiastically when she noticed them
I always adored how eauly Rylie mingled with everyone. Unlike her more reserved twin, she had a natural charm and a way of drawing people in
I didn’t like how my daughter smiled at the man before us, her wide eyes brimming with curiosity and innocence.
What an adorable young lady we have here. You already have two kids, Mia? Twins?”
ity there caught me off guard for a second. I quickly shifted
I smiled politely at Mr. Johnson and noelded. My eyes briefly met Liam’s, and the intensity there my focus, beeping my smile in place and acting casual about it.
“Yes, Mr. Johnson, it is a pleasure to meet you again. This is Ryker, Gavin said as he came to stand beside me and ruffled my son’s hair. “And this young lady here with the loud voice is Rylie,” he continued, scooping Rylie back into his arms as the poured.
I’m not loud. Dally”
“Yes, you are.” Hyker snorted, libing!
g his head.
“You’re just quiet, lumph: Hyle shat lack
“Kids” I called them warningly
Mr. Johnson’s laugh echoed. “Oh, what a lovely family you have here, Cavin. The last time I saw you and Mia, I didn’t suspect you two already had
“He’s not our daddy,” Ryker said, making Mr. Johnson fall silent,
“He is my daddy!” Rylie countered.
Gavin laughed awkwardly, caressing Kylie’s hair. “Yes, I am your daddy, Rylie.”
“You and your daughter look very much alike, Mia,” Mr. Johnson said, changing the topic.
“Mommy’s beautiful, so you’re saying Fm beautiful too? Bylie asked with a wide grin.
“Yes, you are, lale girl, Mr. Johnson replied, laughing warmly at my daughter.
Ryle’s smile widened, revealing her teeth. “Thank you, Sir! You also look handsome, but the man b tall: What’s your height, Sir?
beside v
you looks even more handsome–and he’s
Before I could stop her, Ryle wriggled free from Gavin’s arms and ran toward Liam, her curiosity driving her every move
My berath caught as I watched her small hands grab the edge of Liam’s suit jacket. She looked up at him, her mouth open in awe, as though he were some kind of superhero towering above her.
“Rylie “I called her, trying to hide the trembling in my voice
Liam did something I didn’t expect. He crouched down to match Rylie’s level, smiling at her.
Chapter In
ve that gentle smile was gemine, but I knew better.
Fusest to believe that
His gaer softened as he studied any daughter, his green eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite place–but it made my heart race with uncase.
“Wow! We have the same color eyes, Sir!” Rylie exclaimed, her excitement bursting through the tension.
Liam nodded, and I was so close in snatching Rylie away from him when his hand moved toward her face and caressed it gently.
“Right. We have the same eyes he sail, glancing at me as though searching for something in my expression. I ignored him.
He turned his attention back to Hyler, who goleil.
“You’re really handsome. What’s your name I’m Hylie, Sir, Rylie mtroduced herself again, offering her tiny hand like an adult.
Her boldness drew chuckles from the room, though I felt the knot in my throat tighten as Liam continued to look at her with that unshakable
Don’t state at her like that I thought, Like you really like her presence, Like you want to ling her!
“Liam. 1 am Liam Anderson, sweetheart,” he said, shaking Hylie’s small hand.
“User: Sir Liam, cat you wait for me to grow up?”
Liam clnuckled softly, brushing a hand over Rylie’s hair. “Okay, but may ask why?”
*I want to marry you when I grow up. Will you wait for me?” Rylie asked, giggling
The poorn first into laughter again, but everyone fell silent when Ryker wriggled out of my hold.
“No” his little voice echoed as he ran toward his sister. He stood in front of Rylie, blocking her from Liam’s view.
I felt my legs weaken, and I almost stumbled if Gavin hadn’t quickly steadied me, placing an arm around my shoulders.
“He’s too old for you, Rylar. He’ll be a grandpa by the time you grow up, Ryker said, crossing his arms and glaring at Liam
Liam’s smile faded, and he stared at Ryker intently-
Ryker furrowed his brows, holding Liam’s gaze.
“Ryker. I called out his name, but he didn’t look at me.
Liam raised a hand and ruffled Hyker’s hair, but my son slapped it away. Liam froze, and for a moment, I thought I saw pain and regret flash in his
“Don’t be rude, Ryber!” Rylie said, stepping up. She turned to Liam. Tin sorry about that, Sir Lam.”
Liam stared at her, his eyes glistening with that same expression again.
Regret
No, don’t look at them like that. How could you!
“Oli, it seems like Mr. Anderson has taken a liking to your kids, Mia,” Mr. Johnson said with a hearty laugh. “Can’t blame him, your twins are adorable. Makes me miss when mine were young”
All I could muster was a shaky smile. I caught Hunter’s gaze on me, his expression unreadable. It seemed like he was observing me
Summoning my strength, I walked toward my twins.
“Ryker, that was rude, baby, Say sorry to Mr. Anderson,” 1 sand, though I could almost hear myself shouting internally that Liam deserved the
You heard Mommy, Ryker. Say sorry”
Hyker looked stubborn but finally mumbled, “Fine Sorry, Sir,” before pulling his sister away and looking up at me.
“Can we go now, Mommy?
Chapter 15
“Aww, can we stay with Sir Liam—”
Before Ryhe could finish, Gavin scooped her up and perched her on his shoulders. She shrieked and giggled
“Daddy!”
“Mr. Anderson. Mr. Johnson, we have to go now, Gavin said, his tone polite but firm.
Liam stood his gaze lingering on Gavin with a flicker of envy as his eyes darted to Gavin’s hold on me and Rylie on his shoulders.
“Why don’t you join us for lunch!
“Right Gavin. We’re about to have lunch. Join us. Mr. Johnson added.
Gavin offered a polite smile and shook his head. “Thank you for the invitation, but Mia and I already have plans with the kids. We’re heading to Sta Monica Beach for lunch”
It was fortunate that Rylie was enjoying herself so much on Gavin’s shoulders that she didn’t contradict him.
“ob, is
h, is that so! Too bad. Maybe next time, then. It was nice meeting you again, Mia and Gavin. I hope to see your kids.
“See you on Monday… Mia” “Liam said.
1 swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a smile. “See you, Sir.”
“Bye–bye, everyone! Bye–bye, Sir Liam! See you!“.
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