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Liam reached out and squeezed Sophie’s hand. “I appreciate that, Soph.”
As Sophie walked away, Liam jutted his chin in her direction.
“That gal right there is some kind of wonderful,” Liam said. He shook his head, buoyed by Sophie’s heartwarming words. It helped to know that his family wasn’t an island. Thoughts, prayers and well wishes all helped him feel as if the whole fishing village was pulling for them. Somehow it served to ease the pain of his father’s actions. It let him know he wasn’t alone.
“She sure is,” Cameron agreed. “Whoever ends up with Sophie better treat her right.”
“Yep,” Declan agreed. “And if he doesn’t, he’s going to have to deal with us.”
They nodded in unison, knowing that no one better toy with Sophie’s heart. She was under their protection just as much as Honor. With a heart of gold, a pretty face and a sunny disposition, it would only be a matter of time.
“You know that we’re here for you, Liam. This can’t be easy,” Boone said, his eyes full of concern. “You grieved for Ruby for a very long time. I know your emotions must be all over the place. Joy. Confusion. Anger.”
Liam blew out a deep breath. Boone had hit the nail right on the head. So far, no one had really touched upon his feelings in all of this. Outside of being grateful and happy about Ruby’s return, there were a host of other emotions he was battling. And he really didn’t have an outlet. Between providing a strong foundation for Aidan, helping Ruby get her bearings, and taking care of his patients at the clinic, he really hadn’t had time to process everything.
“Thanks. Honestly, I think part of me is still in shock. And you’re right, it’s confusing. I don’t think that I realized how angry I was until Pops started pushing my buttons.”
“Who are you upset with?” Cameron asked.
Liam shrugged. “I don’t know. The whole situation, I suppose.”
Cameron, Boone and Declan shared a glance loaded with meaning.
“What?” he asked, looking around the table.
“It seems like you might be mad at Ruby,” Declan said. He held up his hands, as if to ward off Liam. “I could be wrong. Don’t shoot the messenger.”
Angry with Ruby? Why would he blame her for everything that had transpired two years ago? She was a victim. She had suffered more than anyone.
“No!” he protested. “That’s not it.”
“Give yourself a break, Liam,” Cameron snapped. “You’re human. Ruby worked in a dangerous field. I know you weren’t always comfortable with it.”
Liam’s shoulders sagged. “And the award for worst husband goes to Dr. Liam Prescott.” He shoved his hand through his hair. “On some level I suppose I am angry that Ruby went on the search and rescue when it was something we had argued about.”
“Don’t say that you’re a bad husband,” Boone chided. “You’ve been the most loving, faithful partner in the world. Because of the way you two honored and respected each other, you made me believe that maybe someday I could have a love like that. And then I found Gracie.” Boone’s voice softened. “So don’t ever say that...not when I’m around.”
Liam was touched. Boone had never told him before that his relationship with Ruby had inspired him. Despite their fractured upbringing, the Prescott siblings had always shared a tight bond. And they had all idolized Boone, who had been their hero. To know that he had been a source of hope for his brother made Liam feel ten feet tall. He had given something back to Boone to repay him in some small way for everything he had done for him.
Boone’s poignant words served to remind him of everything he should be fighting tooth and nail to preserve. So far he had been allowing fear to guide him. He hadn’t been giving it his all with Ruby. He was so afraid of being rejected by her again that he had lost sight of everything they had been to one another. Rather than focus on the love, he had spent too much time dissecting the things that had gone wrong between them.
“I’ve got your drinks. Waters for everyone and two frozen hot chocolates!” Sophie said as she returned and placed the drinks on the table.
“Did I interrupt something?” Sophie asked as she looked around at them.
“No,” Liam said, feeling humbled by Boone’s words and the support offered by Cameron and Declan. “Boone was just reminding me of how blessed I am. Sometimes we lose sight of it for different reasons, but my big brother just gave me a reality check.”
“That’s what big brothers are for,” Boone drawled. A wide grin broke out over his face.
Liam couldn’t stop thinking about Ruby. His sweet, beautiful wife. He had been so out of sorts last night that he hadn’t even allowed himself to rejoice at the fact that Ruby now had memories related to him. Real, tangible moments.
Despite their argument, Liam felt hopeful. There was nothing they couldn’t fix if they worked toward that goal with hope and faith.
“Do you guys mind if I bail on lunch? I have the afternoon free,” Liam asked as the germ of an idea began to percolate in his mind. “I think it might be nice to surprise my family at the Wildlife Center.”
“Good call,” Boone said with an approving grin.
“Better than sitting around with these two mugs,” Cameron drawled, earning himself a jab in the side from Declan.
