“Thanks.” I didn’t know what else to say, so I let the silence stretch. Everyone around us seemed to be watching with anticipation except Liam, whose face was screwed up as though he’d smelled something bad.

“Anyway.” Aiden’s feet scuffed the carpet. “It sounds like you’ve been dealing with this stalking situation for a while, and it occurred to me that I might have come on a bit strong.” He flashed me a hesitant smile. “I’m sorry if I contributed to your distress at all. I can be quite forward when I want something, and I’m not good at hearing no.”

I studied him. At least he had the self-awareness to recognize his issues. “You should probably work on that.”

“I will.” He scanned the occupants of the room, visibly nervous. “I’m heading back to the U.S. in two days, and my regular scheduled visit with the therapist is next week, so it’ll be a good thing for us to cover.” He took a couple of steps backward. “That’s it. I wanted to apologize and let you know I’m leaving.”

“I appreciate you dropping by.” I raised a hand and waggled my fingers. “I hope your flight back goes smoothly.”

“I’m sure it will.” A little of his cocksure attitude returned. “I paid enough for it. Anyway, see you around. Or maybe not.”

He strode out, closing the door behind him. Almost immediately, Joel got up and locked it.

“Well, he seemed like a dick,” Joel said.

Everyone laughed, and the tension dissipated. I smiled. Finally, I was back where I belonged.

Chapter Fifty-Three

LIAM

I love you, and I’m going to tell you so every day until you beg me to stop. – text message sent from Liam to Kennedy, Saturday 21 January

The next morning, the house was blissfully empty. My family members had cleared out the day before, and Kennedy’s siblings had risen early to drive to Queenstown and were due back in the evening. I loved having family around, but it was nice when it was just us two.

I cooked brunch—eggs, toast, and bacon—and made an excellent brew so we could banish the taste of awful hospital coffee from our memories. We were eating at the round wooden dining table that had turned up from somewhere when somebody knocked on the door.

I looked at Kennedy. “Are you expecting anyone?”

“No. Maybe it’s your mom or Grace. They both said they might come by.”

I sighed. “I wish they had better timing. You stay here. I’ll be back in a moment.”

I got up and went to the foyer to see who it was. I opened the door and found a pair of strangers on the doorstep. The man, who had messy brown hair and light brown eyes, seemed to be sweating like crazy. His companion, a petite brunette, stuck out a hand.