The mood at the table shifts. Liam’s smile fades, replaced by a frown. “Not you, too, Logan.”
“I’m just saying,” Logan continues, his deep voice rumbling, “you’ve turned down more eligible women than most men meet in a lifetime. Remember that princess you rejected because her tiara was ‘gaudy?’”
Liam’s cheeks flush. “It was hideous. And she wore it everywhere. Even to bed.”
“At least she didn’t wear medals,” Lucas quips, ducking as Liam throws a napkin at him.
“The point is,” Logan presses on, “you’re looking for perfection in an imperfect world. No one’s going to tick all your boxes, bro.”
Liam’s knuckles turn white as he grips his fork. “I’m not looking for perfection. I want someone who fits.”
“Fits what?” I ask softly. “Your life? Or the fortress you've built around your heart since Mom died?”
Liam opens his mouth, then closes it. For once, no quick joke comes to his rescue.
“See?” Logan says. “You're so busy protecting yourself from loss that you're missing out on love.”
Liam stares at his plate, shoulders hunched like he's taking physical blows. “I get it, okay? I'm a workaholic with walls higher than the Great Wall of China. Happy now?”
“No,” I say, reaching for his hand. “We want you to give yourself permission to feel something real again. Even if it scares you. Especially if it scares you.”
The table falls silent, the weight of the conversation settling over us.
“What if you threw a Halloween party? It’s next month,” I say.
“A Halloween party?” Liam repeats, confusion clear in his voice.
“Think about it,” I explain, warming to the idea. “It’s perfect. You can invite a bunch of people—including eligible singles—but there’s no pressure because it’s a party. Everyone’s in costume, so there’s built-in conversation starters. And if you hit it off with someone, great. If not, it’s just a fun night with friends.”
Ava nods.
Liam considers this, his brow furrowed in thought.
“Plus,” Lucas adds, “you can invite some of your work contacts. Mix business with pleasure. That way, even if you don’t meet anyone, you can still consider it a productive evening.”
“That’s not a terrible idea,” Liam admits.
“I’m in,” Logan declares. “I’ll even wear a costume.”
We all turn to stare at him.
“What?” He shrugs. “I can be fun.”
“Now I know we’ve entered the Twilight Zone,” Sloane mutters, but she’s smiling.
“So, what do you say, Liam?” I press. “Will you do it? Throw a Halloween bash to remember?”
Liam looks around the table, taking in our hopeful expressions. “Alright, I’ll do it. But I’m not dressing up as anything ridiculous.”
“Define ridiculous,” Lucas says, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“No animal costumes, no superheroes, and absolutely nothing inflatable,” Liam lists off.
“Spoilsport,” I tease. “But fine, we’ll find you something dignified. A vampire? You’ve already got the whole ‘sucking the life out of everything’ vibe down pat.”
“Ha ha,” Liam says, but there’s a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
This could be exactly what Liam needs—a chance to let loose, have fun, and perhaps meet someone who can match his impossibly high standards.
