Page 25 of The Knotty Clause

As she handed him the plates to put on the table, their fingers lingered together longer than necessary. His touch sent sparks through her that had nothing to do with the hot griddle.

When they finally sat down, Liam immediately drowned his stack in syrup and took a huge bite, smearing syrup over most of his face.

“These are the best pancakes ever!”

“You’re supposed to eat them, not wear them,” she teased, ruffling his hair.

“I suspect another bath may be in order,” Yede said solemnly and Liam grinned cheerfully.

“It’ll be worth it.”

It all felt so right that it was easy to imagine this was their new life. Breakfast together, laughter and love filling the house. She glanced at Yede, wondering if he felt the same. He was looking at her, the same warmth in his eyes.

But when they finished, he rose from his chair as he always did, his big body casting a shadow across their breakfast dishes. She wanted to pull him back down beside them, but she curled her fingers into her palms instead.

He collected their plates slowly, as if he too wanted to draw out their time together.

Liam’s face fell. “Do you have to go?”

“I do.” His expression softened as he looked at her son. “But I’ll see you both later, okay? Time for some lessons!”

She nodded, trying not to worry as he walked away.He isn’t running away, she told herself.He still has work to do.She pushed back from the table and went to get Liam’s workbooks rather than watching him disappear down the corridor as he hadso many times before. The morning felt incomplete somehow, like a song cut short before its final note.

“Can’t we make ornaments with Yede?” Liam asked, his lower lip jutting out.

“He has work to do, baby.” She ruffled his hair, trying to ignore how empty the kitchen felt without Yede’s presence. Their cozy breakfast might be over, but its sweetness lingered like honey on her tongue. “Let’s practice your letters this morning and then we can make ornaments this afternoon.”

Liam sighed but bent over his workbook. They worked together for an hour and then she left him coloring and padded quietly down the hall towards the workshop.Just to make sure he’s okay.

As she passed his office she heard a muffled thump from inside and peered through the open doorway. Her breath caught in her throat. The room was in the process of being transformed. His desk had been pushed beneath the shelves on one wall, leaving room for a sturdy wooden bed frame on the other side. His equipment had been removed from the shelves, leaving room for some of Liam’s favorite drawings and toys.

He looked up from where he was adjusting one of the bed legs. His eyes met hers, a hint of uncertainty in their depths.

“I thought…” He cleared his throat. “The boy should have his own space. Something that’s his.”

She went to join him, running her fingers along the smooth wooden frame. “You made this?”

“Yes” He stood, brushing dust from his knees. “It’s big enough for two, if you want to stay with him, but…” His voice dropped lower, rougher. “I hoped you might share my bed instead.”

CHAPTER 14

Yede waited anxiously for Gemma’s response, searching her face for any sign of her reaction. His hands twitched at his sides, fighting the urge to reach for her. This had to be her decision.

“Are you sure about this?” she asked gently. “Because if you’re not?—”

The question hung in the air between them, but instead of the familiar panic rising in his chest, he felt a deep sense of calm settle over him. The doubts that had plagued him for so long dissolved like morning mist.

“I’ve never been more certain.” He finally closed the distance between them, reaching for her hands. “I started building this two days ago. Every time I picked up a tool or measured a board, I kept thinking about how right it felt to make a place for him. For both of you. It’s time to stop hiding.”

She nodded slowly, unshed tears sparkling in her eyes.

“I know you’re still afraid,” she whispered, squeezing his hands. “And I know it’s not something you can just decide to stopfeeling.” She lifted her hand to his face, cupping his cheek. “But we’ll work through it. Together.”

The word hung between them, heavy with meaning. A reminder that she understood his fear and wouldn’t push him to overcome it on his own.

“Together,” he repeated, and she smiled up at him, then went up on tiptoes to brush her lips against his. The kiss was brief, gentle, but it sparked something primal and powerful deep within him.

“Yes,” she whispered against his mouth.