Page 136 of Truck Hard

Hannah’s hand finds mine, warm and familiar. “You’ve done a good job, you know. Taking care of everyone.”

I shrug off the compliment, uncomfortable as always with praise for something that feels like my duty, not a choice. “Someone had to step up with the way Dad checked out.”

“But it didn’t have to be you.” She points out gently. “You were just a kid yourself.”

“I was the oldest,” I say simply, as if that explains everything. And in my mind, it does. Being the oldest comes with responsibilities, with expectations. It means putting others first, making sure everyone is taken care of, even if it means sacrificing your own wants and needs.

Hannah studies me for a long moment, her eyes soft with understanding. “You know what I admire most about you?”

“My rugged good looks?” I joke, deflecting as I always do when conversations get too serious, too close to the vulnerable parts I’ve kept guarded for so long.

She rolls her eyes, but smiles. “Besides that. It’s the way you love. Completely, without reservation or condition. You give everything to the people you care about—your time, your energy, your heart. It’s… rare.”

Her words catch me off guard, settling somewhere deep inside me. Is that how she sees me? Is that what I do? I’ve never thought of it as a choice or a virtue. It’s just… who I am.

“I don’t know any other way to be.” I admit quietly.

“I know.” She leans her head against my shoulder. “That’s what makes it special.”

We finish our food in thoughtful silence. The sun is starting to set in earnest now, casting long shadows across town. Someone has strung up fairy lights between the lampposts, and they’re beginning to twinkle in the gathering dusk.

I’m struck suddenly by how perfect this moment is—how complete I feel with Hannah beside me, Cam safe and happy nearby, my family surrounding us. For so long, I carried the weight of responsibility alone, convinced that was my lot in life. Now I understand that sharing the burden doesn’t make it heavier. It makes it bearable. That letting people in—letting Hannah in—hasn’t weakened me or distracted me from my duties. It’s made me stronger, more capable of being the man my family needs.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Hannah asks, nudging me gently. “You’ve got that look.”

“What look?”

“The one where you’re thinking too hard about something.” She taps my forehead lightly. “I can practically see the gears turning.”

I catch her hand, bringing it to my lips to press a kiss to her palm. “Just thinking about how lucky I am. How things worked out.”

She smiles, but there’s a question in her eyes. She knows me too well to believe that’s all there is to it.

And she’s right. There’s more—so much more bubbling just beneath the surface. Thoughts and feelings I’ve been carrying for weeks now, waiting for the right moment.

Looking around at our town, our people, our family all gathered together in celebration, I realize there won’t be a more perfect moment than this one.

“Come with me,” I say suddenly, standing and pulling her to her feet.

“Where are we going?” she asks, but she follows without hesitation, trusting me completely.

I lead her away from the main celebration until we’re far enough away from the crowd that it’s just us. It’s quieter here, the sounds of laughter and music slightly muted by distance.

“Liam?” There’s curiosity in her voice, but no worry. She knows I would never lead her anywhere unsafe.

I turn to face her, taking both her hands in mine. My heart is pounding so hard I’m sure she must hear it, but I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.

“Hannah.” I begin, my voice rougher than I intended. I clear my throat and try again. “Hannah, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Her eyes widen slightly, a flash of concern crossing her features. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is perfect.” I assure her quickly. “That’s… that’s kind of the point. You and Cam, being with you, building this life together—it’s more than I ever thought I’d have. More than I thought I deserved.”

“Liam—” she starts, but I shake my head, needing to get this out before I lose my nerve.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “For so long, I thought my role was just to take care of everyone else—my brothers, the business, the house. I figured that was my life, and I was okay with that. But then you came back, and everything changed. You showed me that I could have more, that I deserved more. That taking care of the people I love could include taking care of myself too, letting myself be happy.”

A soft smile plays at the corners of her mouth, her eyes glistening in the soft light of the setting sun. “You do deserve to be happy, Liam. More than anyone I know.”

---