Page 136 of Burning Bridges Duet

“It seems so. I had it confirmed,” Frank says.

“He just wants to visit her, and there will be caretakers with him, right?” Liv asks, her tone softening.

I have to bite my tongue to hold back my reaction. It’s infuriating that Liam has put Liv through so much pain and continues to do so, yet she remains concerned about his mother. I struggle to comprehend how she can still show empathy and compassion towards someone who has caused her so much pain.

“That’s what it appears to be,” Frank replies with a sigh. “You never know with those wealthy folks, but I don’t need to explain that to you. Just be careful.”

“Okay, thank you so much for looking into this, Frank. Can you please keep an eye on the situation and let me know if there are any updates?” Liv asks.

“Of course,” Frank assures her.

“Great. I’ll make sure to send you compensation for your efforts,” Liv says.

“Olivia, you don’t have to,” Frank protest. “You know I’m here for you.”

“Consider it a Christmas bonus,” she quips.

“It’s October,” he retorts with a huff.

“Thanksgiving, then. Take care,” Liv says, ending the call.

“I don’t like it. I don’t believe for a second that he would only use his leave to see his mother,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

The thought of Liam potentially taking advantage of the situation to harm Liv weighs heavily on my mind. Liv lets out an exasperated sigh, clearly sharing my concerns.

“I don’t like it either, but what else can we do besides wait until Frank gets back to us? Maybe the leave won’t be authorized, or if it is, we can find somewhere else to stay until he returns to custody, but for now, he doesn’t seem like an immediate threat,” she explains, trying to rationalize the situation.

“Let’s not take any chances and treat the threat as if it is very real,” River adds. “No one goes out alone, and we need to keep our phones with us at all times.”

Ryder moves towards Liv, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

“And my baby is going to move in with us now,” he says with a smile, planting a gentle kiss on top of her head, but Liv shakes her head.

“Hold on. I have some things to take care of and I’ll need to pack my stuff. I’ll come over tomorrow with everything and then stay with you. Also, Gunner texted me earlier and said that he’ll be home tonight,” she says.

I want to say something when Chase tugs on my arm.

“We can give her one more night,” he says quietly, and I nod in agreement.

“All right,” I respond.

Liv stands up and moves past us, saying goodbye to each of us with a kiss.

“See you tomorrow,” she whispers in my ear.

With that, she’s gone, leaving us all feeling worried.

TWENTY-ONE

I let out a groan as I survey the chaos I’ve created in the kitchenette. I took a little detour to a grocery store to buy some balloons and everything I needed to make cupcakes. Despite our agreement not to go anywhere alone anymore, it was broad daylight and the store was crowded, so I didn’t worry too much. Frank’s update about Liam still being locked away provided me with some sense of security, although my heart ached for Madeline. I always liked her. Yes, she could be entitled at times, but she also had a gentle side.

Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s already eight pm. I’m relieved that I’ve packed all my stuff already, but I know the cupcakes I’m attempting to make are going to end in a disaster, so I decide to reach out to Gunner.

Are you any good at baking?

Gunner

Depends on what we’re baking…