Page 65 of Changing Tides

I swipe out of the phone call and open my email app. In a PDF attachment is an official offer from the buyer's agent. I scroll to the bottom and see James has already signed his portion. It’s all dependent on me to sign the agreement. I almost want to just completely wash my hands of it. Whenever they want to close, great, let’s do it. I hold the phone up to Liam for him to skim. James is rustling around on the other end. Lucy is babbling loud enough for James to hear.

“Who is that?” James asks curiously.

“Oh, that’s Lucy.” I don’t offer any more detail than that. “This looks good. I’m in,” I say, smiling at Liam.

“Great. Any chance we can make this a two-week closing?”

“Do whatever you have to do,” I tell him. “I’ll make the drive back.”

James is obviously excited that the phone call went as well as it did. I hang up the phone and audibly exhale, as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

“Are you happy?” Liam asks, reaching for my hand.

I don’t know what I feel. Happy that I can move on, yes. Sad that this part of my life is officially over? Yes. I can’t deny that. My marriage to James was my life for thirteen years. Now I am in a new state and a new town that makes me feel nostalgic and hopeful all at the same time. And I’m falling in love with someone else. I don’t want to say all of that to Liam so I give him a warm smile instead.

“Yes,” I say emphatically. “Will you come to the closing with me? You know, for moral support.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Liam grasps my hand and I know he means it.

* * *

The closing is setfor the last Friday in June. Liam and I decide over coffee the next morning that the best option is to drive up the night before and drive home right after.

“There are plenty of hotels close by.” I purse my lips trying to remember which ones.

“Why don’t we just stay with your family?” Liam frowns, cocking his head at me.

“Oh,” I pause. “I guess we could do that.” I chew on my lip, hesitating.

“If you aren’t ready for me to meet them, that’s fine.” He looks like a wounded animal.

“No, no, that’s not it. I just haven’t really told them I’m seeing someone.” I wince.

“Is that what this is?” Liam teases, pulling me close and kissing me softly.

I pull back and swat his arm playfully. “You know what I mean. They aren’t expecting me to be serious with anyone so close to my divorce.”

Liam nods in understanding and I think maybe it’ll be dropped. Then again, I don’t want to hurt his feelings. My dad has always been approachable when I have something I have to talk about. This would be no exception.

“Okay. I’ll call my dad.” I say, reaching for Liam’s arm. “No sense putting it off since I can’t get rid of you anyway.”

Now it’s his turn to playfully nudge me. We’re going to be grossing out everyone around us with our affection for each other.

Needless to say, my dad is thrilled when I call him. He is excited to hear all about Liam, and I am careful with how much information I divulge. I want Liam to share what he is comfortable with. My dad is so happy to have us. He says he’s inviting the family over Thursday night for a barbecue, so I should prepare Liam to meet them all.

We left Lucy with Ellie and Doc for the night and made the four-hour trek to Scranton. It’s nearly 4 p.m. by the time we get there. I didn’t realize “the family” included Carol’s sons and their wives too so I am surprised when we pull Liam’s truck up to my dad’s house and there are three additional cars parked out front. They must’ve cut out of work early on a Thursday for this. “You ready?” I ask him.

He grins. “Parents love me, I’ll be fine.” He hops out of the truck and saunters around the front to open my door and help me down. Then he reaches into the bed of the truck to grab our overnight bags. We cut across the grass to the front door and it swings open before we even get on the stoop.

“Aunt Sophie!” Sammy and Sarah come barreling out and throw their arms around my legs. It’s been too long since I’ve seen them, and they look a few inches taller than they were in April.

My brother comes to the front door and wraps me in a Simon hug. “Oh, I’ve missed these hugs,” I say into his chest. I pull away from him. “This is Liam. His hugs rival yours.” I laugh.

Liam holds out his hand and Simon shakes it. “Hey, how are ya?” He grins.

Simon cocks his head and eyes Liam while he shakes his hand. “Simon.” They spend a couple of seconds sizing each other up before Simon says, “You look so familiar to me.” He scratches his chin.

“Well, he’s not from here so you wouldn’t know him.” I push Simon inside and take Liam’s hand, leading him into the foyer.

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