Liam squeezed her waist, enjoying the quiet closeness between them.“And you’re okay with them staying?”
She leaned into him, the faint scent of wine and flowers drifting between them.“They’re happy—that’s all I ever wanted.The move to New Zealand works for Kitto and me, but I understand that the change might’ve been too much for Mama, Papa, and my older brothers.They’re more cautious than I am.I came here because it felt right for me—because you’re here.”
Liam brushed a strand of hair from her face, warmed by the honesty in her voice.
“Liam!”Saber’s shout cut through the music as he approached with Emily in tow.“Sorry to interrupt, but I needed to catch you before the evening got away from us.”
They stopped dancing, though Liam kept his arm around Sienna’s waist, as the band launched into a rocking fifties number.
Saber said, “I’ve been asking around about jobs.Nothing local, I’m afraid.But what if you set yourself up as a general contractor?Farm work, maintenance, maybe some construction.You’d learn new skills while waiting for the right opportunity.”
Liam paused, shoulders tight.Six months ago, this would have crushed him.Now, he considered it.
“Honestly,” he said, “I’d rather stay in Middlemarch than chase some perfect farm job elsewhere.It’s not the work—it’s being here, with the people I care about.”
Saber raised an eyebrow.“Good to hear.You remember Henry Anderson?He and Maia are here tonight.Henry said he and Gerard might have some work for you.”
He nodded toward the refreshment table.Henry stood with his usual frown, though a little softer tonight.Maia was mid-story, hands moving as she talked.
“Henry runs a security business,” Saber added to Sienna as they walked over.“They’re expanding.Part-time work.Not farming, but worth a look.”
“Henry, Maia,” Saber called.“You remember Liam?This is his girlfriend, Sienna Teague.”
The introductions were warm and immediate.Henry had a firm handshake and a direct gaze, while Maia’s sunshiny enthusiasm was infectious.
“Saber mentioned you’re looking for work,” Henry said.“Security isn’t for everyone, but if you’re interested in learning something new, Gerard and I could use someone reliable.”
“What kind of security?”Liam asked.
“Mostly residential and small business.Some event work during the tourist season.It’s part-time to start, but there’s room to grow if you like it.”
“I’m interested,” Liam said after a glance at Sienna.
“Excellent.Actually,” Henry continued, “Saber also mentioned you two might be looking for accommodation?”
“Possibly,” Liam said, his hand tightening around Sienna’s.
Maia jumped in.“I have a house to rent—three bedrooms, fully furnished, great location.I’ve had some interest, though.”
“Could we see it?”Sienna asked, eagerness lighting her smile.
“How about tomorrow morning?Does that work for you?Fair warning—we have another couple viewing it in the afternoon, and the housing market in Middlemarch is pretty tight right now.Good places don’t stay available for long.”
Liam and Sienna exchanged a look, and he saw her excitement reflected in her eyes.
“We’d love to see it,” Liam said.“What time works for you?”
“How about ten?”Henry suggested.“I’ll give you the address.”
As Henry scribbled down the details, excitement surged through Liam.A house.A proper home.Together.
They spoke with Henry and Maia for a few more minutes before the couple excused themselves to mingle with other guests.
“Actually,” Liam said once they were alone, “I booked a room at the new motel in town.I was hoping we’d have something to celebrate tonight.”
Sienna’s cheeks warmed, and he caught the spark in her features.He let his hand brush hers, just enough to make the contact linger.
“That was optimistic of you.”
