“Alie, this isn’t over,” he mutters.
“Yes, it absolutely is. You need to leave.” She demands.
I’ve had enough.
Knocking on the door frame dramatically, I stroll into her office, and I see Aaron standing by the window with his back to me, Alie behind her desk. And Sera’s sitting on the floor coloring.
The air shifts immediately.
Alie looks up first, and relief floods her face.
“Liam,” she gasps.
Sera spins around. “Daddy!”
She drops her crayons and runs straight to me.
I scoop her into my arms instantly, burying my face in her hair, breathing her in.
God, I missed this.
“I missed you so much,” I murmur.
She kisses my cheek dramatically. “You gone long.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I had to work.”
Only then do I look at Aaron. And whatever calm I had left from camp evaporates.
He folds his arms, cool and controlled, like he didn’t just try destroying my life.
“Back early,” he says with disgust.
“Looks like I’m right on time, actually.”
Alie moves closer to me.
“Aaron was just leaving.”
She wraps her arms around my waist, and I bend my head to kiss her. It’s not the kind of kiss I had pictured on my way here, but it’ll have to do for now.
“Mommy, Daddy kiss!” Sera claps her hands.
“Why are you even here?” I ask him.
He doesn’t move. Because of course he doesn’t.
“I represent one of the rookies,” he says smoothly. “I have business here today.”
“You don’t have business in her office, and we just got back. So no. You don’t.” I snap.
Aaron’s eyes flick to Alie. “She asked me to stop by.”
Alie gasps. “I did not!”
I set Sera down gently. “Can you color a picture for me?”
She looks at Alie.
