Page 115 of Falling For You

“Thanks, Liam,” I said, warmly smiling. “So, what brings you over here so early?”

Liam hesitated for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to chat. And… I figured I should get to know Owen better, seeing how he’s sticking around.”

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh? You two haven’t really had a chance to talk much, have you?”

“Nope,” Liam said, shaking his head. “I mean, I like the guy. He seems solid. But I figured we should spend a little time together, especially if he will be part of the family.”

I felt a flutter at Liam’s words—part of the family. This relationship with Owen was still so new, but somehow, it already felt like it had been a part of me for so much longer. We’d clicked in a way I hadn’t expected, and now, having my family accept him was just icing on the cake.

Before I could respond, Owen walked in from the back room, towel-drying his hair from a morning shower. He looked up, surprised to see Liam sitting at the table.

“Morning, Liam,” Owen said, smiling as he tossed the towel over his shoulder. “Didn’t realize we had company this early.”

“Yeah, thought I’d swing by,” Liam said with a grin. “Figured it’s time we got to know each other a bit better.”

Owen raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “That sounds suspicious. Should I be worried?”

“Nah, nothing too serious,” Liam said, widening his grin. “Just brotherly stuff, you know? Making sure you’re treating my sister right.”

Owen chuckled, coming over to sit beside me. “I’d expect nothing less.”

As they settled into a comfortable conversation, I excused myself to the kitchen, figuring I’d let them have their little chat. But as I moved around, pulling out ingredients to test for a new recipe, I couldn’t help but overhear bits and pieces of their conversation.

“So,” Liam began, his tone casual, “what do you think of Buttercup Lake so far? I know it’s a bit different from what you’re used to.”

Owen leaned back in his chair, smiling. “It’s definitely different, but I like it. It’s peaceful here. I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

Liam nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I get that. This place has a way of growing on you. So, what’s the plan? You planning to stick around?”

Owen glanced over at me, his eyes softening. “I am. I’ve got a few things to wrap up in Connecticut, but after that, I’m here for good.”

I felt my heart swell at his words, but I kept focusing on chopping vegetables. I didn’t want to interrupt their conversation, but knowing that Owen wanted to stay and build a life here with me made me feel like everything was falling into place.

“So,” Liam said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, “I’ve got something I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Yeah? What’s that?” Owen asked, leaning forward slightly.

“It’s about Evie,” Liam said, his voice quieter now.

I perked up, curious to hear what Liam was going to say. Evie had been a topic of conversation between me and Liam more than once. He had been quietly crushing on her for months and finally asked her out. We all went out together, and then nothing much more happened. Maybe a date or two? I wasn’t sure.

“I don’t know, man,” Liam said, slightly frustrated. “I thought we were hitting it off, you know? But now I’m not sure if she’s even interested.”

Owen frowned, glancing at me briefly before returning to Liam. “Have you talked to her about it?”

Liam rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. “Well, not really. I’ve tried, but every time I get close to bringing it up, something happens. And now… I don’t know. Maybe she’s just not into me.”

I couldn’t help but jump in, stepping out from the kitchen with a tray of fresh-cut vegetables. “Liam, Evie’s a single mom. She’s got a lot on her plate. It’s not that she’s not interested. It’s that she’s probably trying to figure out if she has time for this—or if it’s the right thing for her and her kid.”

Liam sighed, nodding. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. I just don’t want to mess it up, you know?”

Owen leaned forward, his expression serious. “If you really like her, Liam, you’ve got to tell her. She might be waiting for you to make the first move.”

Liam gave a small laugh, though it was a little strained. “Yeah, easier said than done.”

I smiled, walking over to place the tray on the table. “You’ll figure it out. Just don’t overthink it. Evie’s great, but she’s also practical. If you show her you’re serious, she’ll listen.”

Liam sighed again but seemed to be taking our advice to heart. “Yeah, okay. I’ll think about it.”

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