The paramedics made quick work of loading Liam up in the ambulance. Luke turned to me. “I’m going with him. Can you take care of Rocky and get someone to fix the door?” He handed me his wallet and the keys to his truck. “Credit card is in there. I’ll pay for the door. Use my truck.” He kissed me hard and short. “Love you. I’ll call you.” Then they were both gone, and I was standing in the broken doorway with Rocky.

“Love you too,” I whispered, then patted Rocky and got down to the business of securing Liam’s house.

It was hours later. I had called and texted Luke several times with no answer. I was getting frantic. It took some time to get someone to secure the door. Then embarrassingly have Rose pick me up because I was too short to drive Luke’s truck. I’d locked it up and left it in Liam’s driveway. Rose and I dropped Rocky off with my mom, then I decided to make the drive to the hospital and check on them myself.

I finally made it to Liam’s room and peeked in the doorway. He was lying in bed, his eyes opened when I stepped through.

“Lily. I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“Liam, there is nothing to be sorry for. I’m just glad you’re still here.” I crossed to him and took his hand. “I don’t know you that well yet, but I know enough to say I would miss you if you were gone.”

He smiled at me. I squeezed his hand.

“Is Luke still around here somewhere? He hasn’t been answering his phone.”

Liam’s eyes showed concern. “No, he left about an hour ago. He didn’t call you? He said he was going to.”

I shook my head.

“Go to him, Lily. He might try to push you away. Don’t let him. You take care of him, no matter what he says.”

I stood straighter. “He won’t push me away. I’m done with that. Any idea where he went?” Liam shook his head. “He said he was going to find you. Try his house.”

I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re not alone, Liam. You’re family. You are Uncle Liam now. Don’t forget it,” I whispered.

His body jolted back with surprise, then a small smile lit his face. “I won’t forget, Lily. Find our boy,” he murmured.

I nodded at him, then headed out.

20

Lily

I drove as quickly as I dared to Luke’s house.

I ran to the front door and pounded on it. No answer.

I tried the doorknob. Locked.

I stepped back to kick it in like Luke had done earlier, then reality struck me. No way could I kick in a door.

I pounded again, then rang the bell.