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11

LIAM

PRESENT DAY

The momentI stepped out of my truck and shut the door, I listened for it.

Mere seconds passed before the sound hit my ears and sent pools of warmth moving through my chest.

The sound of my family’s laughter and conversation floated through the air and beckoned me. It was one of the only things that could make me smile these days, so I moved away from my truck and toward the back of my parents’ house, needing to be closer to that sound and the people from which it came.

It was all I really had.Theywere all I had.

And even if they all believed differently—that I was more detached from them than I used to be—they were mistaken. I was anchored, tethered to them. It was just different now than itused to be.

I needed these people in my life in ways I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to express. If it hadn’t been for them, I wasn’t quite sure where I’d be.

Of course, I couldn’t necessarily blame them for thinking I’d checked out.

I was certainly much more reserved these days, thinking rather than leading.

But even if I spent more time observing now, I still enjoyed being with them and participating or celebrating all the milestones in their lives.

Rounding the back corner of the house, they all came into view.

My brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law were all in attendance. There was hardly any surface not being utilized, whether for the food, drinks, and desserts or to sit and be entertained. The water in the pool was crystal clear, waiting for what would, no doubt, be an afternoon of fun and games.

Being part of this family meant knowing how and when to celebrate, and today was no different. It was July 1st, which meant it was my brother’s birthday. And this one was extra special. Not because he’d reached some milestone birthday, though.

It was because this birthday was Cooper’s first as a dad. And not quite two months from now, we’d be celebrating his daughter’s first birthday.

As though she sensed me thinking about her, my niece’s eyes landed on me. She squirmed in her dad’s arms, so he eased her down to her bare feet in themanicured grass. Cooper’s eyes remained on his daughter as she took three or four unsteady steps in my direction. I remained put, feeling my heart swell with so much love and pride. When the walking became too much of a task, she lowered herself to her hands and knees and took off. If ever there was a contest for crawling babies, my niece would easily beat out the competition.

Only after I crouched down, placing the gift I’d brought for my brother on the grass beside me, and urged her on, did anyone realize I’d arrived. I heard my sister-in-law, Skye, make a declaration about it. “Liam’s here. My daughter is heading over to greet her uncle.”

Beyond hearing that statement, I didn’t pay attention to anyone other than the little girl headed my way, and when she was close enough, I scooped her into my arms and blew raspberries on her cheek and neck. Roselle’s giggles filled the air around us, and my heart exploded in my chest.

There was nothing better.

Nothing better than the sound of her laughter. It was the kind of thing I truly believed could heal a person.

After showering Roselle with some love and attention, I focused my gaze on the man in front of me. “Happy Birthday, Cooper.”

“Thanks, Liam.” He jerked his chin toward Roselle. “She noticed you before the rest of us did.”

The corners of my mouth tipped up. “What can I say? I’m her favorite uncle.”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head, a smile playing at his lips. “That’s because you spoil her.”

“And you don’t?”

Cooper hung his head with mock shame. “I guess I can’t argue that one.”

Roselle’s tiny hand landed on my cheek and squeezed as she babbled away. “What is it, Rosie? Are you excited to celebrate your dad’s birthday? I hope there’re a lot of presents here for you instead of him.”

On that thought, I crouched again and picked up the gift I’d gotten for my brother and handed it to him.

“Thanks.”