“We’ve already hired Shannon for the tour.” Avonna refers to the middle-aged nanny we hired a couple months ago. “She’s based in LA too. Ready to go full-time if we move. This is a perfect setup. Detached living space, pool, office for Linus, studio out back. It works beautifully.”
Liam scrubs his scruff. “My parents are gonna be sad.”
“You’re not cuttin’ them off,” I say, steady. “You’ve come a long way these last two years. Rebuilt the relationship. They’re not going anywhere.”
Liam watches Sloane toddle toward him, her chubby fists punching the air. “I know. It’s not them I’m worried about.”
I wait. Let him get there.
“It’s Padraig.” He snatches Sloane up. “He’s impossible to read lately.”
“He’s definitely been quieter.” I pluck Quinn and settle her against my shoulder.
“When he’s tryin’ to convince himself something’s a good idea, he deflects important conversations.” Liam pauses. “Mara, for instance. I get she’s excited about being pregnant. She’s also romanticizin’ bein’ on the road with us.”
“She still wants to come on tour?” Avonna raises her eyebrows.
Liam huffs out a breath. “She essentially declared as much to Padraig. Apparently, she wants to ‘nest backstage’ and write about it for some lifestyle site. She already ordereda custom tour jacket. Black satin. Gold thread. ‘Road Wife’ embroidered across the back.”
I bark a laugh. “Please tell me it has rhinestones.”
“On the collar.” He shakes his head grimly. “And shoulder studs. She showed me a picture the other day.”
I choke back bile. “I threw up in my mouth a little.”
Avonna snorts from a few feet away. “Please keep her away from our wardrobe trailer.”
“It’s not about the jacket. Or the baby.” Liam’s smile fades. “I think he’s goin’ through the motions.”
“Shit.” I smooth Quinn’s hair as she sleepily nestles into the crook of my neck.
He shrugs. “Well, if he’s anythin’ like I was, he’s scared he’s not ready.”
“Or…”
Liam laughs nervously as the three of us move outside to the play area. “I’m more scared he’s realizin’ he’d rather quit the band. We’ve taken so much time off already.”
“I know how he feels.” I set Quinn down and Sloane follows her to the swing set. Sloane falls in the mulch and Quinn sits beside her like it’s a performance piece. “I’ve missed so much of their day-to-day lives. Somethin’ needs to change.”
He meets my eyes. “So let’s buy this place so you can stop missin’ it.”
Avonna slides her hand into mine, fingers squeeze. “I love this house. It can be home base for all of us. Then you’ll be closer to your brother. I think you need some time to reconnect.”
Liam looks between us, then at the girls.
“They’re almost two.” He bites his lip. “How the fuck?”
“We blinked.” I kiss Avonna’s temple.
A silence settles amongst us. Not heavy. Full.
“You think this place can hold all of it?” Liam asks.
“It think it already does.” Avonna takes his hand.
He nodsonce. Then again.
Liam takes her hand and pulls me in with his other arm. “Let’s do it.”
