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Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

After three days of not hearing from Chloe, Liam was worried. Instead of calling her, he needed to speak to someone who wasn’t emotionally involved in what was happening in either of their lives.

Steve was the closest friend he had in Sapphire Bay. He understood what was important and could usually burrow down into what was really going on inside of Liam’s brain. But in this case, it was his heart that needed a stern talking to.

This afternoon, Steve was bent over his workbench, welding two pieces of twisted metal together, sparks dancing like fireflies. The rhythmic clinking of tools and the hum of the air compressor took the edge off what was worrying Liam.

“Hand me that clamp, would you?” Steve asked, not looking up.

“Sure thing.” Liam handed him the tool, then stepped away.

Steve secured the metal pieces and lifted his welding mask, revealing a satisfied grin. “Thanks. This piece is finally coming together.”

Liam admired the emerging sculpture—a blend of reclaimed wood and metal shaped into an abstract representation of a soaring eagle. “It’s incredible. Is it for your studio or for a commission?”

“A client commissioned it,” Steve said, wiping his hands on a rag. “He’s building a home in the mountains outside of Vail in Colorado. It’ll overlook seventy-two acres of pristine land.” He studied the dark circles under Liam’s eyes. “How are things with you?”

Liam shrugged, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. Trixie looked up from the workshop floor, her big brown eyes focusing on him. He petted her, then looked at Steve. “I’ve been busy. The first edit on my book is almost finished, and we’re finding more information about Eleanor each day.”

“Did all the publicity about the hidden room at the old steamboat museum help?”

Liam nodded. “Pastor John and Percy have been taking lots of calls from people who had relatives living in Sapphire Bay in the 1920s. The Historical Preservation Society has received donations and loans of old diaries and letters. We’re hoping we can use that information to piece together what happened to Eleanor.”

Steve turned off the compressor. “Have you found any relatives of Eleanor or the guy who became the president of The Great Northern Railroad?”

“Not yet, but Chloe’s friend at the Smithsonian is hopeful her team will come up with something.”

“I hope they do. It’ll make your job a lot easier for the next book.” Steve started putting away his tools. “Eden said she saw you and Chloe at Oscar’s Christmas play on Saturday night. How did that go?”

Liam smiled at the memory. “Oscar was great. He played an elf and sung like a superstar with all the other kids. He was thrilled to have both his parents there.”

“Both his parents?” Steve echoed, his eyes narrowing. “So, Chloe’s ex-husband showed up?”

Liam nodded, his gaze drifting to a collection of metal scraps on the table. “Yeah, he was there.”

“How was that?” Steve asked cautiously.

“It was... interesting,” Liam admitted. “He hasn’t seen Oscar in more than a year. From what Chloe said, they haven’t had much contact with him for a lot longer than that.”

Steve crossed his arms. “What did you think of him?”

Liam took a moment before responding. He didn’t want what he knew about Paul to color his judgement. But it was hard not to be concerned after everything Chloe had told him. “He seemed like an okay guy. He was polite and friendly. Oscar was over the moon to have him there.”

“That must’ve been tough,” Steve remarked.

Liam frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“Well, you’ve gotten close to Chloe and Oscar. I can’t imagine it’s easy seeing her ex-husband re-enter the picture.”

Liam sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s complicated. I want what’s best for them, but I can’t help feeling uneasy. Especially since Chloe hasn’t said much since she saw Paul.”

Steve gave a sympathetic nod. “Have you talked to her at all?”

“Not really,” Liam admitted. “Apart from seeing her last Saturday, she’s been pretty quiet. I texted her on Sunday to see how she was, but that’s it.”

“Do you think she’s pulling away?”

“I don’t know,” Liam confessed. “Maybe Paul’s return has made her reconsider things. He said he’s thinking about transferring to Denver to be closer to Oscar. But I’m worried Chloe could be thinking about moving back to D.C.”

Steve frowned. “Do you think she’d do that?”

“Honestly, I have no idea,” Liam said, his voice tinged with frustration. “Paul seems to be making an effort. He even joined them for lunch the other day. Chloe’s worried that if he sees more of Oscar, he might want joint custody. And I think she misses her job at the Smithsonian more than she says. Moving closer to Paul would make her life a lot easier.”

Steve rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “That could complicate things. But from what you’ve told me, living in Washington, D.C. was too expensive. That was one of the reasons she moved here.”

“I’m hoping that’s enough reason for her to stay, especially if her ex-husband moves to Denver.” Liam leaned against the workbench. “If she wanted to go back to D.C., I could go with her, but Buffalo was big enough for me. With the holidays coming up, everything feels... uncertain.”

Steve’s eyes lit up as if remembering something. “Speaking of the holidays, did you get an invitation to Owen and Harper’s wedding?”

Liam nodded. “Yeah, it came in the mail last week. Chloe and Oscar were invited, too. She asked if I’d like to go with them.”

“Well, that’s a good sign,” Steve pointed out. “She wouldn’t have invited you if she didn’t want to spend more time together.”

“Maybe,” Liam conceded. “But with everything going on, I’m not sure where I stand.”

Steve sighed. “Relationships are messy. Especially when exes are involved. But from what I can see, Chloe cares about you.”

Liam met his friend’s gaze. “I care about her, too. A lot. I just don’t want to overstep or make things harder for her.”

“Have you told her how you feel?” Steve asked pointedly.

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, the way 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 drove toward 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.

As she busied herself at the counter, he took in the cozy surroundings—the festive decorations, Oscar’s drawings taped to the fridge, and the gingerbread men cooling on the counter.

“How have you been?” he asked.

She glanced over her shoulder. “Good. Busy with holiday preparations and keeping up with Oscar. Kathleen is desperately short of gingerbread men, so I said I’d make some this afternoon. Thanks to finding the tunnel and hidden room, the café has been frantic.”

He nodded. “That seems to be happening all over town. Mabel said she’s constantly telling people how to find the old steamboat museum. Percy’s even had to limit the number of people coming into the preservation society’s library. How’s Oscar doing?”

“He’s great,” she said with a smile. “He’s been talking non-stop about the snowman we built the other day with Paul.”

“Sounds like fun,” Liam said, his heart sinking at the mention of Chloe’s ex-husband.

She handed him a steaming mug. “Here you go. Oscar’s playing with Richard’s son at the moment. They’re both dinosaur crazy.”

Liam took a sip of the coffee. “Oscar will enjoy that.”

“He will,” she replied, stirring her drink. “Are you still able to go to Harper and Owen’s wedding with Oscar and me? If you’re too busy, we’ll understand.”

He met her gaze. “I’d love to go.”

“That’s awesome. Oscar was hoping you’d say yes, too.”

He took another sip of his drink and thought about what he’d say next. “Chloe, I wanted to check in with you. I know things have been a bit... hectic lately.”

She sighed softly. “That’s an understatement.”

He hesitated before continuing. “I was a little worried when I hadn’t heard from you.”

Her expression grew apologetic. “I’m sorry. It’s been a whirlwind with Paul showing up. I needed some time to talk to my lawyer and process everything.”

“How are you feeling about it all?” he asked gently.

She looked down at her mug. “Conflicted. Paul’s making an effort, and Oscar’s thrilled to have him around. But I can’t forget what happened between us.”

“I don’t blame you,” Liam said. “You don’t have to make any decisions right away.”

She met his eyes. “I wish that was the case, but we have to work out what we’re doing about Oscar’s custody arrangements.”

Liam frowned. “Was Paul serious about moving to Denver?”

“Apparently. It would make it a lot easier and cheaper if he lived there.”

“So, you aren’t thinking about moving back to Washington, D.C.?”

Chloe’s eyes widened. “Why would I do something like that?”

“I thought you missed your old job,” Liam said hesitantly.

“I do, but I’d never move back,” Chloe told him firmly. “I have a wonderful job at the café, I’ve made more friends since I’ve been in Sapphire Bay than I ever did back home, and Oscar loves it here. There’s also a certain someone with a four-legged friend that’s stolen our hearts, too.”

Liam breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad you said that. I thought… I hoped you weren’t joining Paul in D.C.”

Chloe tilted her head to the side. “I thought you realized that was never an option.”

“I must have missed that part of our conversation.”

Chloe held his hand. “How about we plan a day out? Just the four of us.”

His eyebrows rose. Was she including her ex-husband? “The four of us?”

She blushed. “I meant you, me, Oscar, and Trixie.”

“Got it,” he said with a relieved grin. “I’d like that.”

“Me too.” Chloe checked the time. “I have to pick Oscar up in twenty minutes. Do you want to walk to Richard’s house with me? The weather is about as good as it’s going to get.”

“I’d love to.” The earlier tension Liam had felt disappeared. Perhaps things weren’t as uncertain as he feared.

Chloe grinned. “I’ll grab my jacket and boots, and be back in a couple of minutes. Help yourself to a gingerbread man. They’re delicious.”

Liam reached across the counter and took one off the cooling rack. Life didn’t get much better than crunchy Christmas cookies and knowing Chloe wanted to be part of his life.

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