Page 153 of Shattered Melodies

I felt Liam trembling beside me and gave his hand another squeeze. He looked at me, his eyes swimming with unshed tears.

“What do you think?” he asked, his voice barely audible over the music.

I shook my head. “This isn’t my decision to make, Li. But if you’re asking my opinion, I think everyone deserves a second chance. Even parents who’ve screwed up.”

Liam nodded, taking a deep breath. He turned back to his mother, who was watching us with a mixture of hope and fear.

“Okay,” he said finally. “I forgive you, Mom. But,” he added as her face lit up, “you’re going to have to show me that you really want this. That you’re serious about having a relationship with me. With us,” he amended, glancing at me.

His mother nodded eagerly, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Of course. Anything. I’ll do whatever it takes, Liam.”

Without warning, she leaned forward and pulled Liam into a hug. He stiffened at first, clearly caught off guard. But after a moment, he relaxed, bringing his arms up to return the embrace.

I watched them, feeling like I was intruding on a private moment. But I couldn’t bring myself to look away. This was huge for Liam, I knew. A step towards healing a wound that had been festering for far too long.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were wiping at their eyes. Liam’s mother turned to me, a watery smile on her face.

“Thank you, Caleb,” she said. “For taking care of my boy. For loving him the way he deserves to be loved.”

I felt my cheeks heat up. “Uh, sure. No problem.”

Liam chuckled at my awkwardness, some of the tension finally leaving his shoulders.

His mother stood up, smoothing down her dress. “I should let you two enjoy the party. But Liam, maybe we could start getting to know each other again?”

Liam nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

As she walked away, I turned to Liam. “You okay?”

He let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair. “I think so?”

I nodded, understanding completely. “Yeah, I get it. But hey, this is good, right? A step in the right direction?”

“I hope so,” Liam said, his voice soft. “I really hope so.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the party unfold around us. Jimmy was out on the dance floor, showing off some truly terrible moves. My parents were chatting with some of the ranch hands, looking happier than I’d seen them in years.

Suddenly, I was struck by an overwhelming urge to be a part of it all. To celebrate this crazy, beautiful life we were building.

I stood up, holding out my hand to Liam. “Dance with me?”

He looked up at me, surprise written all over his face. “You? Mr. ‘I Don’t Dance’? Are you feeling okay?”

I laughed, wiggling my fingers at him. “Come on, don’t leave me hanging. It’s a special occasion.”

Liam grinned, taking my hand and letting me pull him to his feet. “Alright, alright. But don’t blame me if I step on your toes. I’m a bit out of practice.”

“Please,” I scoffed as I led him to the dance floor. “I’ve seen you on stage. You’ve got rhythm for days.”

As we started to move to the music, I couldn’t help but marvel at how far we’d come. A few months ago, I was convinced I was better off alone. A lone wolf, content with my solitary life on the ranch.

But now? Now I had Liam in my arms, surrounded by friends and family, celebrating a future that looked brighter than I ever could have imagined.

“What are you thinking about?” Liam asked, his breath warm against my ear.

I pulled him closer, swaying to the slow rhythm of the song. “Just how lucky I am. How grateful I am for you, for us.”

Liam pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine. “Yeah?”

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