Page 143 of Shattered Melodies

“I vetted him thoroughly,” Liam assured me. “And believe me, I was just as skeptical at first. But Leon he’s different. He understands what it’s like to live under the shadow of a controlling father. He wanted to give me the freedom he never had.”

I let out a long breath, trying to wrap my head around it all. “So, what now? You’re just free? Just like that?”

Liam nodded, his eyes shining with something that looked a lot like hope. “Just like that. I’m out, Caleb. No more corporate life, no more living up to my father’s expectations. I can be here, with you, building the life we always dreamed of.”

I wanted to believe him, wanted it more than anything. But years of disappointment and missed chances had made me cautious. “You sure about this, Li? It’s a pretty big change.”

Liam cupped my face in his hands, his gaze intense. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you, Caleb. I want this - us - more than I’ve ever wanted anything. If you’ll have me, that is.”

Looking into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there, I felt the last of my doubts melt away. “Of course I’ll have you, you idiot,” I murmured, pulling him close. “I’ve been waiting twenty years for you to come home.”

As I held him, I silently thanked this mysterious Leon, whoever he was. He’d given us a chance I never thought we’d have. And this time, I wasn’t going to let it slip away.

I couldn’t help but grin like an idiot, my heart feeling lighter than it had in years. Liam was here, really here, and he was staying. It felt too good to be true, but the warmth of his hand in mine was real enough.

“So,” Liam said, breaking into my thoughts, “what’s been going on around here? How’s the fundraiser coming along?”

My smile faltered a bit. “Ah, well, about that…”

Liam’s brow furrowed. “What? What happened?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “The bank moved up the deadline. We’ve got until Sunday now.”

“Sunday?” Liam’s eyes widened. “But that’s tomorrow! How the hell are we supposed to raise that kind of money in a day?”

I shrugged, trying to keep my cool even as my stomach churned with worry. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

But Liam wasn’t listening. His face had darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes. “It was him, wasn’t it? My father. He must have pulled some strings, tried to screw us over one last time.”

“Whoa, easy there, tiger,” I said, grabbing his shoulders. “We don’t know that for sure. And even if it was him, getting all worked up about it ain’t gonna change anything. We just gotta deal with what’s in front of us.”

Liam took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just… God, I’m so sick of his games.”

I pulled him close, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I know, babe. I know. But hey, we’re in this together now, right? Whatever comes our way, we’ll handle it.”

He nodded against my chest, then pulled back, a glint in his eye that I recognized all too well. “Actually I might have an idea. A way to get the money quick.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? This ought to be good.”

Instead of answering, Liam pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Jimmy? Yeah, it’s me. Can you come down to the stage? Now? Thanks.”

He hung up and turned back to me, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“Alright, Denison, spill,” I said, crossing my arms. “What are you cooking up in that pretty head of yours?”

Liam just grinned. “You’ll see.”

A few minutes later, Jimmy came stumbling into the barn, looking like he’d just gone ten rounds with a tornado. His hair was sticking up in all directions, and there were what looked suspiciously like chicken feathers stuck to his shirt.

“Jesus, Jim,” I said, fighting back a laugh. “What happened to you?”

Jimmy shot me a glare. “Martha happened. That damn chicken is a menace to society.”

Liam snorted. “I see Martha hasn’t changed much. Still ruling the roost with an iron claw, huh?”

“You have no idea,” Jimmy grumbled, brushing off his shirt. “Anyway, what’s the big emergency?”

Liam’s expression turned serious. “I’ve got a plan. But I’m gonna need your help to pull it off.”

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