He turned, glancing at Leo, who jerked his head toward the running woman. Liam jogged toward her, then sprinted as his heart sped up at the sight of her crying.
She mouthed something as she ran, but his ear protection voided out her voice. He held out his arms as she slammed into his chest.
Addy babbled, and he pulled her by the shoulders to peer at her.
“Hold on,” he said. “I can’t hear you.”
Addy lowered the protection and spoke in his good ear.
“I’m sorry, Liam. I couldn’t let you leave without telling you I love you. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Liam let go of her, tugged her farther down the tarmac, away from the noise. He lowered the headgear and gazed at her.
“What did you say?”
“I said I love you,” she said a bit louder. “It’s a helluva time to tell you, but I can’t let you leave without you knowing I’m waiting for you.”
Liam crushed her to him. “I love you, Addy.”
“Stay safe. I know we have things to work out. You’re right. It’s time I let Sam go. He’s my past, but I’m choosing you as my future. Will you forgive me?”
“I don’t know how long we’ll be gone,” he said. “I’ll call you when I can. Ask Bear for a code, and I’ll clear it with Leo. I don’t want to take Sam’s place. And I’m not asking you to forget he existed. I’m asking for a chance.”
“You’ve got it,” Addy said, peering at him. “Hurry home. I’ll miss you.”
“Damn it, woman. You’ve made my day. Hopefully, this mission will go fast. I’ll call you as soon as I can. I love you, Kitten.”
“Kitten. I love it. I love you,” she said, hugging him tightly. “Come home to me.”
Reluctantly, he let her go. “I have to go.”
“I know. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you return,” she reassured him.
Liam grinned, his chest feeling lighter. He turned back toward his team and boarded the plane.
The entire team broke out in applause.
“Good job, newbie,” Leo said. “Best damn way to start a mission. Now get your head out of your ass and let’s focus on this mission. Then we can all get home.”
“Yes, sir,” he replied as he sat beside Cole. He glanced back to see Apollo secured in his crate.
The plane slowly began to take off. He gazed out the window, seeing Addy waving frantically and smiling. He couldn’t help the grin spreading across his face.
“I think we have a new nickname for Liam,” Taco called. “That scene came right out of the movies. He’s a superstar, straight out of Hollywood.”
“All in favor,” Shadow called out. Hands rose in the air as Liam hung his head, chuckling. Feeling the team’s camaraderie, he accepted his cheesy name.
“Hollywood it is,” Leo pronounced him. “Let’s get down to business.”
The team turned their chairs to face each other as Saint passed out folders. They went over the plan and backup scenarios. Liam listened, but his heart fluttered at Addy’s gesture. He started out the morning feeling like shit over their fight.
Shaking his head, he focused on what Leo said. In the end, it boiled down to spinning up, getting out, and coming home to his new future with Addy.
CHAPTER 22
Catherine pulledinto the hospital parking lot and lifted Grace from her seat.
“What’s the rule?” she reminded her toddler.
