son's

as he drove me to Aunt Hilda's house. Aunt Hilda was the

ked at him and nodded. Though I had once told Stefan about Scott

r Liam, who was two years old at the time, became captivated by his book. Liam didn't know how to read, but as long as there were lots of pictures, he'd love it. I still

rd time?" Stefan asked

car. "I guess he's always the reason for that sad look on your face,"

didn't want to hear his name. Stefan was right-Scott always brought sadness to

llison," Stef

ave to apolo

ng. We got to Aunt Hilda's house,

said, huggin

p from school. Work was hectic," I sa

. She prepared my favorite food, and we watc

TV series; he can watch it for days. "T

while you're at work," Aunt Hilda said, and I smiled. When I suggested having a nanny

" Liam said, rushing to him. Stefan, on the other hand, wel

ou, Liam?"

aid, and Stefan ruffled his head with a

do in California, t

em. Since Liam didn't have a father-or should I say, since I deprived him of having a father-he was always so exc

nia without bringing lots of storybooks for you. I wrote a

as if he were a pro at reading. But I don't blame him. He

ometimes I would get mad at him when he dedicated his entire attention t

e out of my thoughts. It's crazy how everything reminds me of Scott. It wasn't like this for

ilda asking about Stefan's well-being. It was so obvious she loved Ste

eat. Stefan, who is always fond of complimenting other

l where I left it earlier. Liam was already asleep before

ks, S

ere," he said with a smile. I returned the smile

will you be h

uickly?" Stefan teased. I fr

onference meeting lasts... maybe a week or more

ced him as my fiancé in front of Sco

front of your ex," Stefan interrupte

t -- I lied to him, saying I was engaged, and you were the on

's fine, Allison. I clearly understand why you d

pologized again,

y said it

at, doing his best to understand me. "So now that you're in California, are you

want me to stay

likes teasing me, and I would be a liar if I sa

out you

driving me home. You showed up at the rig

hance, insert a tracker on me?" I asked, teasing him back, and he lau

for an answer. "I called Bonnie, and she was the one who told me

ed me instead. It m

o you, nothing feels like too much effort. You know

ding his question, as I normally do. Stefan, as

eady to love again. The last time I open

r you, no matter how long it take