Consolation (Consolation Duet #1)(64)

“A pony?” I say as I come into view.

“Oh, thank God. I was worried she was going to shit and I don’t have rope or tape.”

“There’s so much wrong with this situation.” I smile and walk toward them. If this is a glimpse of my mornings with Liam, I’ll be a very happy woman. He sits shirtless and I do my best not to ogle, but his body is hard to tear my eyes away from. His chest is broad and shoulders strong. I know what it feels like to have his strong arms wrapped around me.

In fact, I would like to have that right now. I saunter over, wearing his long t-shirt that I found on the floor. Remembering how much he liked me leaving in it the first time we fooled around, I figured he wouldn’t mind.

“Good morning,” he gazes at me as I stand in front of him.

“Morning.” I scrunch down and kiss him and then kiss Aara. “Morning, Princess.”

I lift her into my arms and make myself comfortable on his lap.

“My two favorite girls.” Liam wraps his arms around us and squeezes.

“Thank you for waking up with her.”

Aarabelle babbles on as I nestle her into my chest. She looks at Liam and her whole face lights up.

Liam shuts the television off and pushes the hair off my face. “I went for my run and when I got back I heard her talking in her crib. I must’ve worn you out last night,” he says with pride.

Rolling my eyes, I snuggle into his chest. “What time is it?”

“Ten,”

“Ten?” I yell out as I jump up. “You let me sleep till ten? What the hell?” I ask and look at Aara. “Did you feed her?”

“Yes, I fed her,” he scoffs. “I’m not a total idiot.”

“What the hell is on her face?” I ask, swiping the dark brown smear on her face. “Is this chocolate?”

Liam stands and ignores my question. “I’m gonna hop in the shower.”

“Liam! You gave her chocolate for breakfast?”

“Feel free to join me,” he says while walking up the stairs.

“You’re going to change every shitty diaper she has!”

“Love you!”

“Ugh!” I groan and look at her all happy and clueless. It’s hard to be mad at him since he let me sleep in, but still. He has so much to learn and hopefully he’ll be around for me to teach him.





“Don’t let her get too close!” I call out from my beach chair. Liam is letting Aarabelle play near the water and I can’t help but get a little antsy.

“Calm down. I know how to swim—well!” he lets me know in an annoyed tone.

I’ve gotten to actually enjoy the beach for the first time since Arabelle’s been born. I don’t know what to do with myself. Plus, I get to look at Liam shirtless. Really, I’m winning anyway you look at this.

My phone rings and I look at the number. California?

“Hello,” I answer.

“Natalie? It’s Catherine.”

“Cat! Hey!”

I haven’t talked to her in so long. Between her working insane hours and the fact that my life is nuts, we just miss each other. I do get to talk to her through Jackson though . . . I guess that’s something.

“Hey! I had a few minutes and was thinking of you. I think I’m going to come back east next time Jackson comes to Virginia and I’d love to see you.”

I laugh as Aara throws sand at Liam. “Yeah, that would be great.”

“You sound happy,” she notices.

“I am. I’m actually away until tomorrow. Liam and I came to the Outer Banks.”

She goes silent for a second. “Things are good then? With Liam?”

I sigh and the smile that forms is natural. “Yeah, things are really good. I’m content, Cat. He’s sweet and he loves Aarabelle and me. It’s strange and we’re adjusting, but I’m in love with him.”

“Oh, that’s amazing. Seriously! I’m so happy for you. And after finding everything out?”

Jackson and Mark found out about the affair, I assume through Liam or Quinn. Jackson pulled me aside and assured me they knew nothing. He and Mark were both angry, but they’ve also seen it so many times. Cheating isn’t uncommon in the SEAL community. I was grateful that I wasn’t the only person who was blindsided by it.

“It sucked.”

“Trust me, I know. I know it’s awful, but I promise you, in time, the affair can even become a blessing. When I walked in on my ex cheating on me with his whore, I didn’t think I could love again. It was the most horrific thing, but because of that . . . I met Jackson. Maybe Liam is your lobster.” We both laugh at the Friends reference.

“I think he could be. I’m taking things one day at a time, but you know. Oh,” I remember to tell her about Aara’s party. “In about a month, I’m going to have Aarabelle’s first birthday party. I know it’s a little early, but I’d love if you and Jackson could be there.”

“Oh, for sure! Jackson wouldn’t want to miss it. Okay, babe, I gotta run. I have a meeting in a few, but I’m glad we could catch up a little,” Catherine says, sounding rushed.

“Me too! I can’t wait to see you.”

“I can’t wait either. Kiss that precious little girl and we’ll chat again soon.”