Page 122 of Truck Hard

Downstairs, the house is silent except for the gentle hum of the refrigerator and the faint ticking of the old wall clock in the kitchen. It’s barely 5 AM—Cam won’t need to be up for school for at least another couple of hours. The thought of Cam brings a smile to my face. Liam’s son. The paternity test results made it official, though I’d known the truth in my heart since he was a baby.

I go through the familiar motions of making coffee, finding comfort in the routine. The rich aroma fills the kitchen as the machine gurgles and drips. While I wait, I lean against the counter and let my mind wander.

So much has changed in such a short time. It wasn’t that long ago, I was still trapped in my marriage to Charlie, walking on eggshells and living in constant fear. Now here I am, divorced and free, with Liam back in my life and Cam finally knowing the truth about his father. Sometimes it feels like a dream—like I’ll wake up and find myself back in that nightmare.

The coffee maker beeps softly, pulling me from my thoughts. I pour a cup, doctoring it with just a splash of cream, and make my way to the back door. The screen door squeaks slightly as I push it open and step out onto the back porch.

A light mist hovers over the ground, ethereal in the predawn darkness. The air is cool but not cold, carrying the fresh scent of dew-dampened grass and early spring flowers. Without conscious thought, my feet carry me across the yard toward themassive old oak tree that’s stood sentinel over this property for generations.

The rough bark is familiar under my palm as I lean against the trunk. How many nights did Liam and I spend here as teenagers, stealing kisses and whispering dreams to each other under the cover of darkness? This tree holds so many memories—both sweet and bittersweet.

I take a sip of coffee and let my gaze drift over the misty field beyond my yard. The eastern sky is just beginning to lighten, the first hints of dawn painting the clouds in shades of pearl and lavender. Everything feels peaceful, full of possibility.

For the first time in years, I’m allowing myself to think about the future—to imagine what life could be like now that I’m free to choose my own path. The thought is both exhilarating and terrifying. After spending so long simply trying to survive each day, the concept of actually building a life feels almost foreign.

The sound of footsteps in the grass behind me makes my heart skip, but I recognize the cadence immediately. A smile tugs at my lips as strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.

“What are you doing out here so early?” Liam’s voice is rough with sleep, his breath warm against my ear.

I lean back against his chest, savoring his solid presence. “Just thinking.”

“Mm.” His hands stroke soothingly up and down my sides. “About what?”

Heat floods my cheeks as I remember some of our more passionate encounters against this very tree. “About how many times you held me right here and kissed me like your life depended on it when we were teenagers.”

His low chuckle vibrates through my back. “That’s not all we did against this tree.”

“No.” I agree, my own laugh joining his. “It’s not.”

He takes my coffee cup and sets it carefully on the ground before turning me to face him. My breath catches at the hungry look in his eyes. Even after all these years, he can still make my heart race with just a glance.

“Like this?” he murmurs, pressing me back against the trunk. His hands bracket my head as he leans in close, his body caging mine.

When his lips meet mine, it’s not the hesitant kisses of our youth. This is a man who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. He kisses me deeply, thoroughly, pouring his entire soul into it. I melt into him, my hands sliding up his bare chest to lock behind his neck.

The bark is rough against my back through the thin silk of my robe, but I barely notice. All I can focus on is the heat of Liam’s mouth, the solid warmth of his body pressed against mine, the way his hands tangle in my hair. Everything else fades away until there’s nothing but this moment, nothing but us.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing heavily. Liam rests his forehead against mine, his thumbs stroking my cheeks.

“Was that all you were thinking about?” he asks softly.

I shake my head slightly, not pulling away. “No.”

“Care to tell me?”

I consider the question carefully, trying to put my jumbled thoughts into words. “That I want more nights like last night. More mornings waking up together. More family dinners with you and Cam.” I lift my head to meet his eyes in the dim light. “I want a real future with you, Liam. If… if that’s what you want too.”

The smile that spreads across his face is breathtaking. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted, sweetheart. You, me, Cam—a real family.” He cups my cheek, thumb stroking my skin. “We’ll take it as slow as you need. No pressure. I’m not going anywhere.”

Tears prick at my eyes as overwhelming love for this man fills my chest. He’s always known exactly what I need, even when I’m not sure myself. “Thank you for being so patient with me. For giving me time to heal.”

“Hey.” He tips my chin up when I try to look away. “You don’t need to thank me for that. You’re the strongest person I know, Hannah. Watching you reclaim your life, your happiness—it’s been incredible. I’m just grateful you’re letting me be part of it.”

A breeze rustles through the leaves above us, carrying the sweet scent of spring. The sky is lightening rapidly now, the first rays of sunlight beginning to burn away the morning mist. Standing here in Liam’s arms, I feel something inside me shift and settle into place.

The words rise up from my heart, pure and true. “I love you.”

His breath catches audibly, his arms tightening around me. The relief and joy that floods his expression makes my heart ache.

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