Page 110 of Liam

I looked toward the end of the counter. "Grab that present from my family. I'm curious." Mamma had come over during the mayhem portion of the move and dropped off a box that was wrapped with cute paper featuring little houses. It was a housewarming present.

Liam and I both worked on the paper. Inside the box was another box. The picture on the top showed an image of an espresso maker. We could definitely make use of that. The box also contained two items wrapped in newspaper. Liam lifted one, me the other.

We both grinned as we unwrapped them. Two coffee mugs. Each with the wordHison it. My family had been amazing, folding Liam right in. They had expressed their love for us as a couple.

It was going to be particularly sad being further away from Meera, but she had promised to visit often. I knew that wasn't an idle promise. She'd become a regular fixture in our home.

"These are perfect," Liam said.

"We'll have to put them to use later. Once I have a nap, I'll want to perk right up so we can clear more of these boxes. It's hard for me to move around in here."

"Bed's done," Alesia said as she poked her head into the kitchen. "I'm going to go."

Liam wrapped her up in his arms and hugged her hard. "Thank you so much for all your help. I'm going to miss you being around, busting my ass."

"That's Jamal's job now." She looked at me. "Keep him in line."

"He's been managing great on his own lately." Liam had cut way back on his photo and screen time, only posting occasionally. Usually with me in the picture with us doing couple-stuff. Most of his followers thought we were adorable together. Others were vicious. Harassing him about settling for a cripple. That he made a better boy toy than a partner. They affected Liam, the negative comments. There was still a small part of him that gave those comments credence.

That part of him was being chipped away daily through my love for him. And the love of his friends and my family.Ourfamily. Mamma had practically adopted him. He always helped prepare dinner at my parents' home now. Dadi had insisted he copy the family recipe box. I was looking forward to having my mamma's traditional recipes cooked in our own kitchen.

Alesia left us alone and headed home. The apartment was finally quiet.

And all ours.

"Try out the new bedroom?" Liam said.

"I'll join you in there in a second."

Liam leaned down and kissed me, then walked to the bedroom. I went into the bathroom, enjoying the roominess as I dealt with my bladder. Liam had set the whole room up already.

I found him stretched out on the bed, his eyes closed. He stirred when I transferred onto the mattress. He'd turned back the comforter. I snuggled in against him and he covered us.

I found my place, setting my head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped around me, my hand on his chest. He gripped my leg and pulled it until my thigh was hanging over his. He caressed the full length of my thigh, concentrating on my ass. I smirked as I burrowed against him.

He'd accompanied me to physical therapy for most of my workouts. He knew what my legs were capable of, a slow rotation on a stationary bicycle. The first time I'd completed a full rotation years back, I had burst into tears. Now, Liam had integrated seamlessly into that life.

And me into his.

Those realities often led to more tears. I was so happy and thankful.

Liam moved his hand from my thigh to my face, cupping my jaw, his thumb brushing my cheek. His breath was hot on my lips. Hotter and hotter until he kissed me.

His hand raked through my hair, and he amplified the strength of his lips. My mind and body felt absorbed by him down to my very last fibre of being.

We became one.

We'd always be one.

Epilogue | Liam

I'd been a little surprised when Mamma announced we'd be having Easter dinner. Pretty sure none of us were Christians, although the topic had never come up during the usual flurry of conversation that happened over the Kumar dinner table.

We'd all settled in after the last of the traditional Western culinary items were placed on the table. Jamal and I both made a wheel of food on our plates and then dug in. I'd been put in charge of the stuffing which meant I'd been here since early in the morning to help stuff the turkey with it. I'd made it ahead of time at home along with the homemade cranberry sauce.

Everything was amazing, but I kept glancing over at Jamal. We'd been living together for almost two months. No part of me would ever consider leaving his side. We were seamless. Sure, we'd had a few disagreements, but they always ended with a solution and the urge to fully make up in bed. We'd cultivated unwavering harmony with one another.

I loved him so much.

---