Page 8 of Liam

"Are you into Stonehenge?" I asked.

"Like in Britain?"

"That would be ideal … but no. There's an exhibit about it at the Royal BC Museum. I've been meaning to go but I think it would be more fun to experience itwithsomeone."

"I'd be interested in that. When do you want to go?"

"Tuesday?"

"It would have to be midday. Noah and Brody will be away on their honeymoon. I'm watching the kids. I can only go when they're at school. I have to pick them up at 2:30."

"Ten-thirty? That would give us enough time."

"We could go for lunch after."

"Perfect." My mind searched for what to say next. "Did you know scientists say it took 1500 years to construct Stonehenge? Started 3000 years ago. Last modified 1500 years ago."

I rolled my eyes. Why was I such a geek? Liam didn't need random facts spewed at him when he had a hangover. He needed sleep and here I was bugging him.

"You've already made a study of it," he said. "You can fill in the blanks on Tuesday."

I should have known Liam would be kind to me.

"I'll meet you outside?"

"Unless it's raining. Can't have you getting soaked waiting for me."

I cleared my throat. That last statement had sounded seductive. I think. No, it was delusional and wishful thinking to believe he was interested. Maybe Liam's auto-setting was to flirt.

"If so, I'll be inside the lobby buying my ticket." Then I blurted, "I can get yours too."

"I have an annual membership." Liam laughed. "I like it there. When it's not full of school children on a field trip, it's very peaceful. I've frequented every seating area in the place."

I nearly hummed with pleasure. I loved the museum too. I was embarrassed to admit Liam's enthusiastic and comparable interest in the place surprised me. The man had layers.

I was excited to uncover them.

As friends.

Chapter Three | Liam

I checked for the house key a second time. The lanyard with it was in my jeans pocket. I wasn't used to having so much to do before I went out for the night.

I went into the kitchen and set out some snacks that would be suitable for Noah and Brody's foster children while I was away at the pub for ourSalish Sea Societymeeting.

This afternoon, Noah and his husband had headed out for their week-long camping honeymoon. They'd set up a babysitter for tonight so I could go to the meeting. She was the daughter of one of the crown prosecutors Brody worked with. In September, she'd started her first year at university intending to become a science teacher. After talking with her for a few minutes, I felt comfortable leaving the kids with her. I required my own piece of mind.

I'd never been in charge of the kids for an extended period before. I'd only watched them at night when Noah and Brody went for their weekly date night. Brody had been fastidious about writing out what needed to be done each day for the house, kids—and the menagerie of animals.

I appreciated the detail. I didn't want to let them down. Noah and Brody trusted me, and I wanted to honour that trust by being the best kid and animal guncle ever.

"Angela." I walked into the living room. "I've taken Bentley for a walk, but you'll have to let him out before he beds down for the night. And please don't let Rowan pick out ahorror movie to watch before bed. Quinn won't be able to sleep. Ze will be up all night."

"Sure thing, Liam." She plopped onto the couch between the kids. "Bed at 9:30?"

"At the latest. They have school tomorrow." I motioned toward the kitchen. "I've left out snacks if they get hungry. I'll be back by 11:00." I wouldn't be drinking tonight or any night I was in charge of mynoodles,a word we'd come up with instead of niece or nephew.

"Okay, noodles … be good." I wasn't worried about Quinn. At fourteen, ze was simply happy to be sheltered in a home after living on the streets for four months. Ze didn't cause a fuss. Rowan at seventeen was a bit pricklier. He'd been enjoying being homeless, living without rules.

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