They say money can’t buy happiness, but it sure helps give me peace of mind. Without Liam there is no way I could afford a nanny, the thought never crossed my mind.

Before Liam, I couldn’t even think about money as a solution to my fears because every cent I earn goes towards keeping me and Jack fed and housed, frivolous expenses like a jet are not even in my imagination.

As I sit wrapped in his arms, somehow my tears stop falling and it hits me how much better he makes me feel. Even against my own wishes my body feels centred when he holds me.

“Why are you so calm about all of this?” I ask. Through everything over the past three months there has not been a moment where he has wavered. I have been teetering on the edge and Liam has been a pillar of calm and strength that I am fighting to rely on because nobody has ever supported me. Liam doesn’t gain anything from me, he should think I am ruining his life.

“Because you are my family.” There is conviction in his voice and his eyes as he looks deep into my eyes making sure I am hearing what he says: “I have to be strong for you.”

“Do you regret taking me home that night?” I feel him freeze beside me. I didn’t realise it until I said it out loud, but it is one of my biggest fears. I know Liam is here because of his duty as a good man who is about to be a father and not out of love, but I wonder deep down if he would take it all back.

“Never. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.” His voice has so much conviction that I almost melt into his embrace fully, but my doubts surface anyway.

“But now you’re tied to me forever, you’re going to be out there trying to date as a dad with a baby momma as baggage.” His body shakes against mine slightly, so I pull my head from its resting point against his neck to see him trying to bite back a laugh. I raise my brows at him in question.

“I don’t think about that… besides, being tied to you forever doesn’t sound so bad. Come on Ellis, we aren’t sworn enemies. We have it better than most,” he admits with a kiss to my forehead. That one little kiss, a small sign of affection, pulls together some parts of my shattered soul that lay in shards around us.

“How do you do that?” I ask.

“Do what?” he asks, mimicking our interaction from way back in December.

“Make me want to kiss you,” I say tentatively.