CHAPTER 23
Eight Months Later…
Chloe carefully balanceda cake box in one hand while using the other to knock on the door of Liam’s new home. Oscar stood beside her, practically bouncing with excitement.
The door swung open and Liam smiled. “Here’s my two favorite people.”
“Surprise!” Oscar shouted, holding up a colorful handmade sign that said, “Congratulations!”
Liam chuckled. “What’s all this?”
Chloe grinned, lifting the cake box slightly. “We thought we’d help you celebrate finishing your book about Eleanor.”
He stepped aside to let them in. “You didn’t have to do that, but I’m glad you did.”
They walked through the spacious living room and into the kitchen. Trixie was snoozing on her favorite blanket, but when she saw them, she leaped to her feet.
Chloe smiled as Oscar gave Trixie a big hug. The two of them were inseparable and the best of friends.
As she set the cake on the kitchen counter, Chloe sighed. The large windows along the back wall offered an unobstructed view of the lake and the gorgeous mountains in the distance.
“Your home still takes my breath away, Liam.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist. “It’s even better now that you’re here.”
Oscar stood beside the counter with Trixie. “Can we cut the cake now?”
Liam ruffled Oscar’s hair. “Tell you what, why don’t you grab some plates and we’ll see what we can do.”
As Oscar busied himself in the kitchen, Chloe studied Liam. There was a contentment in his eyes that hadn’t been there when she’d met him—a peacefulness that matched her own. “I can’t believe we’ve been engaged for eight months.”
He kissed her and smiled. “And every day has been better than the last.”
She leaned into him. “I’m so proud of you. Finishing Eleanor’s story is such an accomplishment. Has your agent told you when it’ll be published?”
“It’s scheduled to be released in another year, but it could be sooner. I couldn’t have done it without you,” Liam admitted. “The research you did with the staff at the Smithsonian made a huge difference.”
Chloe smiled. “I loved every minute. Eleanor was an amazing woman.”
“It’s just a pity that she never married Samuel.”
“He married another woman a couple of years after Eleanor went back to Montana, so he must have been happy. I’m sure his fourteen children kept him busy, too.”
Liam grinned. “I couldn’t imagine having that many children in one house. It must have been crazy. Four would be more than enough.”
Chloe laughed. “Last time we talked about children, you thought two was a great number.”
Liam kissed her cheek. “I’m flexible.”
It was just as well Oscar chose that moment to return with the plates. “Ready!” he said excitedly.
They gathered around the island and Chloe opened the cake box. Chocolate frosting decorated the decadent cake, along with the words, “Congratulations, Liam!”
“Mom let me choose the flavor,” Oscar announced proudly. “It’s chocolate.”
“That’s my favorite,” Liam told him as he picked up a knife. “Who wants the first piece?”
“Me!” Oscar exclaimed.
