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“Coffee.” She points at the machine we’re blocking like she’s a caveman coming to claim hers. Sometimes mornings just aren’t her thing.
I laugh, trying to ignore her. “I’m busy.”
Liam kisses my forehead, then we pull apart. Sophie goes to the fridge and grabs the creamer, pouring it into her cup. She releases a sigh and smiles after she takes a sip. Moments later, Tyler and Mason enter the kitchen, chatting about the upcoming events. It’s then I realize Liam’s and my morning alone is short-lived. I don’t know why the hell they’re all up so early anyway. It’s as if the smell of coffee brewing summoned them all.
Mason volunteers to cook breakfast, and I can’t help but obsess over the fact that we only have mere hours left. Time is slipping between my fingers and there’s nothing I can do about it. Feeling chilled, I decide to grab a hoodie from my room, and as I’m walking into the kitchen, I overhear Tyler talking to Liam.
“After the fight, you’ll more than likely need to go to the hospital,” he tells him.
Liam asks why, and Tyler continues to explain that he’ll probably be messed up in some way and will need medical attention because he’s not going to walk away unscathed. Tyler says he’ll probably have broken ribs, black eyes, and be bruised. The visual my mind creates causes me to shiver with fear.
I sit next to Liam at the table, and the anxiety slowly takes over. It scares the shit out of me that something bad may happen, and he’ll return injured. As if he notices, he places his hand on my thigh and tries to calm me. Mason finishes cooking and sets a plate stacked full of French toast in the middle of the table along with a jar of Nutella and bananas. Sophie grabs the syrup and plates while I grab the silverware, then we all sit.
As we eat, I try to push my worries away, but it’s no use. My emotions are starting to bubble over. No one brings up the elephant in the room even though we all know what’s coming. Tyler and Liam will leave for Vegas, and no one knows what’s going to happen or when they’ll return. The air is thick as we chat about randomness. Once our plates are clear, we thank Mason for cooking, and although I offer to help clean up, Sophie says she’s got it. She gives me a small smile and tells me to go spend time with Liam instead.
Liam grabs my hand as we walk to the bedroom. After we’re inside, he shuts the door, then slams his lips against mine, kissing away all my thoughts. He cups my face, bracing us, and pours all his emotions into me. I wrap my arms around his bare waist and hold him as close as I can.
“Liam,” I whisper as a tear falls down my cheek. “I’m so scared.”
He leans back, gently placing his finger under my chin and forcing me to look into his eyes. Searching my face, Liam shakes his head.
“I’m coming home to you, Maddie. I know you’re thinking the worst, but things will be better after this, and we’ll be able to finally live without fear. It’ll all be over.”
“But until you come back to me, fear is all I’ll have,” I admit, hating how weak I sound because I wanted to be strong for him.
The look of sadness on his face is evident as he rests his forehead against mine, sucking in a breath. “I’m so sorry to put you through this, baby. I wish things were different.”
I let out a ragged breath, knowing the next forty-five minutes will pass by in a blink. “Just please be careful. Please.” I close my eyes as I beg him to stay safe.
“I will. Trust me, I’ll do whatever it takes to win that fight and put this nightmare behind us.”
We pull apart so Liam can finish getting ready. He grabs his duffel bag and double-checks what he packed, then adds extra clothes inside before changing. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I watch him. Once he’s finally ready, Liam turns to me and smiles.
“I love you,” he says, sitting next to me.
“I love you more, so much more.”
He presses butterfly kisses along my jaw before meeting my mouth. Together, we’re lost in the moment. I wish I could freeze time and keep him here with me forever. Unfortunately, it’s not an option. Eventually, we break apart, and Liam stands.
“Should probably get going before Tyler yells at me.” He’s not happy about leaving either. I can see the turmoil brewing in his eyes.
“Yeah, you don’t want to miss your flight.” I walk with him to the living room where Sophie, Mason, and Tyler are sitting around drinking coffee. Liam announces he’s ready to leave, and everyone stands, but Tyler runs upstairs. I plaster on a smile, but I’m dying on the inside as he wraps his arms around Sophie and gives her a big hug.
