“Can I keep it?”
“Of course you can,” Chloe told him. “It can be your lucky charm.”
Oscar beamed and stuffed the rock into his pocket before dashing back to the shoreline with Trixie.
As they resumed their walk, Liam glanced at Chloe. “Do you think Paul has changed?”
“I honestly don’t know. Part of me wants to believe he can change. But after everything that happened, I’m not sure he’s capable of being a better person.”
“Whatever happens, a lot of people are here to support you, including me.”
Chloe’s smile was good to see. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
As they continued along the path, the sun dipped closer to the tops of the trees around the lake. Liam felt a deepening sense of connection—not just to Sapphire Bay, but to the woman walking beside him.
“I’m glad you asked if Oscar and I wanted to come for a walk,” Chloe said. “I feel better knowing I can talk to you.”
He reached out and held her hand in his. “Even when I’m not here, I’ll only be a phone call away.”
Chloe’s smile disappeared. “I’ll miss you when you leave.”
Liam felt a pang in his chest. He cared about Chloe more than anyone he’d met in a long time. “Maybe I don’t have to leave so soon,” he said softly, searching her eyes.
Chloe looked up at him, surprise and hope flickering across her face. “What do you mean?”
He took a slow breath. “I’d like to spend more time with you and Oscar, and be here for the Christmas events everyone’s planning.”
“Are you sure you can stay?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, his gaze unwavering. “It wouldn’t be for forever, but it’d give us a chance to spend more time together.”
She smiled, the worry in her eyes giving way to something brighter. “I’d like that.”
Liam brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin. “Since I met you, Sapphire Bay has felt like home.”
Chloe’s eyes glistened as she met his gaze. “Does that scare you?”
“More than I thought,” he admitted. “After my last relationship ended, it was easier to keep moving. That way, I didn’t have to risk getting hurt again. But I don’t want to live like that anymore.”
Chloe’s hands tightened around his. “I felt the same way after my divorce. I didn’t think I’d be able to trust anyone ever again. But then I met you, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
Liam’s heart pounded. “Chloe,” he murmured, taking a small step closer.
She didn’t move away. Instead, she tilted her head, her eyes reflecting the same mix of emotions he felt—hope, affection, and a hint of vulnerability.
Summoning his courage, Liam leaned closer, giving her every chance to pull away. When she didn’t, he closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips gently against hers. The kiss was soft and tender, a quiet promise shared between them.
After a moment, they parted, both of them smiling shyly.
Liam tightened his hold on Chloe’s hand. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with you.”
She leaned forward and kissed him again. “So am I.”
“Mom! Liam! Come look at this!” Oscar’s excited voice rang out from ahead.
They turned to see Oscar waving energetically, Trixie wagging her tail beside him.
Liam grinned. “We’d better see what treasure he’s found this time.”
