Liam hesitated. “Not in so many words.”
“Well, maybe it’s time you did,” Steve suggested. “Clear the air. Let her know you’re there for her, no matter what she decides.”
Liam considered this, his mind replaying the moments he’d shared with Chloe—the laughter, the quiet conversations, theway her eyes lit up when she talked about her work. “She already knows I care about her, but it wouldn’t hurt to remind her.”
Steve picked up a small metal star and handed it to him. “I’m making some of these for the studio. Take this home as an early Christmas gift. It might bring you luck or at least remind you that things have a way of working out.”
Liam studied the intricate craftsmanship. “Are you sure? It must have taken a long time to make it.”
“It did, but you’re worth it. Owen and Harper’s wedding is in a couple of weeks. That gives you plenty of time to sort things out. You could use the wedding as an opportunity to talk to Chloe.”
“Maybe,” Liam agreed. “Assuming she still wants me to go with them.”
Steve gave him a skeptical look. “Why wouldn’t she?”
Liam sighed. “I don’t know. Like I said, she hasn’t been very communicative lately. I’m just worried that Paul’s return might change things.”
“Just because he was here doesn’t mean Chloe wants to get back together with him.”
“True,” Liam said. “But they share a child. That bond is strong.”
“Yes, but so is the bond she’s formed with you,” Steve pointed out. “Don’t sell yourself short.”
Liam offered a small smile. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Anytime,” Steve replied. He picked up his welding mask. “Now, unless you want to help me finish this sculpture, I suggest you go talk to her.”
Liam smiled. “That’s subtle.”
“I’m nothing if not direct,” Steve said with a grin.
“All right, I’ll take the hint,” Liam conceded. “I’ll drive by Chloe’s cottage and see if she’s home.”
“Good man,” Steve encouraged. “Let me know how it goes.”
“Will do. Come on Trixie. Let’s leave Leonardo to his masterpiece.”
Steve grinned as he slid his welding helmet back on.
As he walked back to his truck, Liam realized he hadn’t been this nervous since he’d started his first job. Steve was right. The only way to find out what was happening with Chloe was to ask her, but that was easier said than done.
As Liam drovetoward Chloe’s cottage, his thoughts were a complete jumble. He rehearsed what he’d say, how he could express his feelings without adding extra pressure during an already complicated time.
Pulling up to her house, he noticed her truck parked on the street. At least she was here and not working. Taking a deep breath, he clutched the small metal star Steve had given him for reassurance.
Trixie was excited to be here. With her tail wagging furiously, he approached the front door and hesitated before knocking. The sound of Christmas carols coming from inside brought a smile to his face.
The door opened to reveal Chloe, her eyes widening in surprise. “Liam! Hi.”
“Hey,” he said, his breath forming a small cloud in the chilly air. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” she assured him, stepping aside. “Come in. It’s freezing out there.”
He entered the warm cottage and wiped his boots on the doormat. Trixie bounded across to Chloe with her tail wagging enthusiastically.
“Hi, girl.” Chloe gave Trixie a friendly pat. “Can I get you something warm to drink, Liam? Coffee? Hot chocolate?”
“Coffee sounds great,” he replied, following her into the kitchen.
