Authors' note: We just wanted to ask that you guys please take a moment after reading the chapter to let us know what you think. It's important for us to get feedback and we do take your comments to heart. We have some exciting stuff planned---especially with Neville and Cho and Harry/Hermione. These storylines will be coming up soon and we hope that you will enjoy seeing the old couples come back to the forefront. We know you review a little more when something BIG happens and not as often with the fluffy chapters. We rely on your feedback and yes, we DO appreciate constructive criticism. We just don't take well to the people who complain and whine and don't offer anything helpful.
Liam Thornhart was hanging on by a very thin thread. His mother had been staying with him for the past few days and he would catch her in the kitchen crying when she thought no one was looking. He found her starting letters to his father, but balling up the parchment the moment he came into the room. The idea that she would actually want to go back to that man after all he had done frustrated Liam beyond belief.
It did not help matters that his brother knew their mother was in town, but so far, he had not made one effort to come and see her.
"Mum," Liam said as he came in the kitchen and caught her sobbing over a cup of coffee and another letter. "You need to stop this."
Fiona quickly wiped at her eyes. "Oh, Liam. Good morning, son."
"Why are you still moping over him?" Liam asked impatiently.
Fiona did not answer her son. She stood up and walked over to the cupboard and grabbed a coffee mug. Liam watched as she poured him a cup of coffee. "What would you like for breakfast?"
"I don't eat breakfast," Liam said.
Fiona shook her head. "William. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I can make you porridge. You used to love that when you were little."
"I'm not little anymore," he said coolly. "And I have to go to work."
"Of course," Fiona said frowning.
"I'll see you later," Liam muttered.
Liam grabbed his briefcase and cloak and headed out of his flat before his mother could say anything else. He had a couple of hours before he had to be at the office, but he wanted to stop by Gringotts to see his brother. The goblin at the front desk looked as if he couldn't be bothered.
"Conor Thornhart," Liam said firmly.
"He's not in," the goblin said, looking down at him from slanted red eyes.
"Where is he?" Liam demanded.
"Not here," the goblin repeated.
Liam sighed and leaned forward on the desk. "I'm his brother. I have to see him."
The goblin eyed him suspiciously. "Wait here," he grunted.
Liam glared at him. "Thank you."
He waited impatiently while the goblin loped away. His brother was here- he was never late nor missed a day of work.
A few minutes later, Conor came out with the goblin and looked genuinely surprised to see his brother.
"Liam," Conor said, nodding at him.
"Conor," Liam said coolly. "We need to talk."
Conor shrugged. "Liam, I'd love to catch up, but things are really crazy here."
"This is important," Liam snapped. "I don't have time to catch up either."
Conor motioned for his brother to follow him. The goblins eyed him suspiciously as Liam followed Conor through the double doors that led to the offices.
"What is it?" Conor asked. "I've got a mountain of work to do today."
"Did you get my owls?" Liam asked. "About mum?"
"The post is over there," Conor motioned with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Liam sighed. So his brother was doing what he had always done. Ignoring things and hoping they would go away on their own.
"What is it you want, Liam?" Conor asked, barely looking up from the stack of parchment on his desk.
Liam explained to his brother about their mother's unexpected visit and how she'd been staying with Liam the past couple of days.
"I'm really worried she's going to go back to him," Liam said. "She's crying and writing letters to him."
"Then maybe you should let her," Conor said. "If that's what she wants to do."
Liam could not believe his brother was saying this. After all they'd been through these years, Conor had the nerve to say something like that.
"Look," Conor looked up. "I love Mum, you know I do. But I can't deal with her anymore. Not when it comes to Dad."
"So, it's up to me, is it?" Liam asked angrily.
"You let her stay with you," Conor pointed out.
Liam stared at him. "What was I supposed to do? She showed up at my practice."
"I've tried to help her before," Conor said. "I even offered to pay for a flat for her to live in. But she didn't want it."
Liam tried to explain to his brother that this was the closest their mother had come to taking a stand. She had never once walked out the door, but now she had. "If we don't do something, she might go back to him, Conor. I think if you and I come together for this, she'll see she doesn't have to."
Conor sighed. "When?"
"Tonight?" Liam suggested. "She's going to make dinner for Darla---"
Conor looked at his brother. "Who?"
Liam turned a bit red. "She's... she's a friend of mine."
For the first time since he'd seen his brother, Conor smiled. "Friend, eh?"
"Yeah," Liam looked away. "She's coming over around seven. Can you make it?"
Conor looked like he was about to make up an excuse. To Liam's surprise, Conor nodded. "Yes."
"You will?" he asked. "Really?"
"I might be a little late, but I think I can make it," Conor said quietly.
Liam smiled at him. "Thanks, Conor."
Conor looked at his younger brother. "I'll see you tonight, little brother."
"Thanks," Liam said again before leaving his brother's office.
Liam felt a little more optimistic as he left Gringotts and set off for his office. He'd been pleasantly surprised that his brother had agreed to come over tonight.
He headed into the office, hoping he wasn't too late for his first appointment.
Liam tried not to think about his mother and what she might be up to, but he couldn't help thinking that she might be writing a letter or ringing his father. His father was probably playing the poor, pitiful victim and his mother would eat it up like she always did.
"Hi Liam," Lizzy greeted him. "How are you?"
"Sorry, I'm late,' Liam said to her. "I'm good---how are you?"
"Tired," Lizzy admitted. "The triplets decided they didn't need sleep and wouldn't go to bed last night. They had Josh and me up until half past two this morning!"
Liam winced. "That's not good."
"It was pretty bad," Lizzy said.
"They're at that age," Liam said thoughtfully. "You know when they get to be our age, they'll enjoy sleep and recognise how great it can be."
"And value it?" Lizzy asked with a grin.
Liam nodded. "But, you can't tell them that now, can you?"
"Of course not," Lizzy replied. "Here's your roster for today."
Liam took the files from her. "Thanks, Liz."
"You look a little tired too," Lizzy commented. "How are things with your mum?"
Liam shrugged. He had not told Lizzy too much about what was going on with his mother. For all Lizzy knew, his mother was just visiting. The only person he'd let know the truth was Darla. "Fine. She's making dinner for my brother and me tonight."
"I'm sure that will be lovely," Lizzy smiled at him.
Liam sure hoped so.
A few streets over, Darla was going over some arrangements with the caterer for Saffron and Andrew's wedding.
"No," Darla said. "Francois---we do not want that. The bride doesn't want red meat. No---she specifically asked..."
Drew made a face. "Why are we going with him again?"
Darla covered the receiver of the phone with her hand. "He won't let me bloody finish a sentence. Now he's speaking French..."
"Hang up on him," Drew waved her hand.
"Francois?" Darla tried again. "Yes, well, you can forget about us ever using you again. Goodbye!"
Drew applauded as her sister slammed the phone down. "Good job, Dar."
"Pretentious git," Darla said shaking her head.
"I've got a few other caterers in mind," Drew grabbed her thick address book. "I'll owl them right now for quotes."
"Thanks," Darla said. She looked at her calendar and smiled as she saw "Dinner with Liam, 7 p.m."
"What's that look for?" Drew asked.
"Hmm?" Darla asked, looking up.
"You got that little smile on your face," Drew said. "That's your happy face."
Darla blushed. "It's nothing..."
"You're seeing Liam later, aren't you?" Drew asked.
"Yes, but it's dinner with his mother is all," Darla said.
"Meeting the parents," Drew said. "Pretty big deal."
Darla crumpled up a piece of parchment and threw it at her sister.
Drew laughed and began to write her letters to the caterers.
Darla rolled her eyes. Drew had no idea what she was talking about. Tonight was just an innocent, platonic evening. Besides, his mother was going to be there. Rafe would be, too. And Liam mentioned seeing if he could talk his brother into coming.
Thinking of her son, Darla went over to the pram to check on him.
Rafe was awake and staring up at the ceiling. Darla grinned and gingerly lifted him out of the pram. "Hi, little guy."
Rafe smiled at her.
Drew looked up from her work and laughed. "Look at that face."
"He's my handsome boy," Darla kissed her son's soft forehead. "I bet he's hungry."
"He is a Weasley," Drew said.
"Aye," Darla got him a bottle and sat back down at her desk.
"You know," Drew said. "I think we should use the same caterer that we used for Maddie and Ethan's wedding."
Darla nodded. "They did a great job, and they'd be working in the same setting."
"I'll contact them first," Drew said. She laughed. "Merlin, Dar. We're planning little Saffron Potter's wedding. Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday, Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione were bringing her home."
"Makes me feel old," Darla nodded. "When did she grow up?"
Drew laughed. "Right before our very eyes."
Darla shook her head and guided a bottle to her son's mouth.
"Someday, you might be planning that little one's wedding," Drew said fondly.
"I don't want to think of that," Darla said. "I'd love it if he always stayed like this."
"That's what I said about Chloe," Drew said.
Darla looked down at her son as he drank contentedly.
He was everything in the world to her and he was the best parts of her and Hans.
Darla kissed his forehead and he stopped sucking on his bottle to smile at her.
"Charmer," Darla grinned at him.
"So," Drew said after she'd sent off her owls. "What's new with the good healer?"
Darla looked at her sister. "Quit fishing, Drew."
"I'm just asking," Drew replied.
"He's Liam," Darla replied setting her son back in his pram.
Drew gave her sister a look.
"Speaking of which, I should bring something to dinner tonight," Darla said. "Any ideas?"
"Some wine?" Drew suggested.
Darla did not think that would be a good idea given the history with Liam's father. "Maybe a cake or something?"
"Oh," Drew nodded. "Good idea."
Darla smiled. "I'll stop by the O'Leary Bakery."
"You know you'll get something good there," Drew said.
Darla made a note to stop at the bakery. She hoped that tonight would go well. She knew things were strained between Liam and his mother, but family was very important and she knew that his mother needed him.
They worked the rest of the afternoon on Andrew and Saffron's wedding and Darla found exactly what she wanted at the O'Leary's bakery.
She arrived a few minutes early at Liam's flat. Fiona gushed over Rafe the moment Darla carried him inside.
"Hi," Darla said to Liam. "I brought dessert."
Liam smiled at her. "You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to," Darla replied, taking off her cloak. "Just a little something."
"Thanks," Liam said taking her cloak. "I'm really glad you came."
"Wouldn't have missed it," Darla replied as Fiona carried Rafe into the kitchen.
Liam told her that his brother was coming.
"I'm sure your mother is thrilled," Darla said.
"We'll just see if he shows up," Liam said. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Just some pumpkin juice would be lovely," Darla replied.
"Coming right up," Liam smiled at her. Darla followed him into the kitchen.
"Mrs. Thornhart, dinner smells delicious," Darla said.
"Thank you, dear," Fiona replied. "I do love to cook."
Liam poured Darla a glass of juice. Darla watched him and thought about what her sister had said earlier.
She blushed a bit when he handed it to her. "Thank you."
"This little guy gets more handsome every time I see him," Fiona said looking down at Rafe.
"He's a little flirt too," Darla said. "Just like his father." she bit down on her lower lip when she realised what she'd said.
Fiona looked sympathetically at her. "If there's a chance, you should try and work things out with him---Rafe's father, I mean."
"I have," Darla replied. "But... he cheated on me. And he lives in New York now, and won't consider moving back here. I've already filed the divorce papers."
"Mum," Liam cautioned.
"Just a bit of advice," Fiona said. "I'm sorry if I've overstepped my bounds."
"You weren't to know," Darla reassured her.
"Conor should be here soon," Liam said. "We can eat once he arrives."
Rafe reached for Liam.
Darla smiled as Liam took Rafe into his arms. "He really likes you, you know."
Liam made a goofy face at Rafe. "We're mates. Aren't we, Rafe?"
Rafe grinned at him.
Liam laughed. "Have you been taking care of your mum?"
Darla grinned too. "He's my boy."
Fiona excused herself to check on the stew and Liam motioned for Darla to follow him into the sitting room.
Darla followed Liam and her son. "How was work?" she asked.
"Fine," Liam replied sitting down on the sofa with Rafe. "Nice distraction from what's been going on here."
"How's it been?" Darla asked softly.
Liam shrugged. "About as well as can be expected, I suppose. She cries and tries to hide it from me and she's been writing letters that I don't know if she's sent or not. I'm afraid she's going to back to him, Darla."
"Isn't there anything you can do?" Darla asked. "Like... I don't know... prove that he's drinking and have him arrested?"
Liam shook his head. "No, but hopefully Conor and I can convince her tonight."
"I'll help any way I can." Darla said.
Liam smiled at her. "Thanks, Darla."
Darla put a comforting hand on his arm. "Tell me about your brother."
"Conor," Liam said shaking his head. "When we were growing up, all we had were each other. I looked up to him, but as we got older, things changed."
"Not so close anymore?" Darla asked.
Liam shook his head. "But, maybe things will change. Maybe we'll be close like you and your brothers someday."
"That would be really nice," Darla nodded. "I love that we're all so close."
Darla was startled when a man suddenly appeared in the fireplace. He dusted himself off and Darla knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was Conor Thornhart. He was an older, taller version of Liam.
"Conor," Liam said. "I'm glad you made it." He handed Rafe back to Darla and stood up to greet his brother.
"Liam," Conor said shaking his brother's hand.
"This is my friend Darla," Liam introduced. "And her son, Rafe."
Darla stood up with Rafe. "It's nice to meet you, Conor."
"Hi," Conor said, gazing at the pretty redhead.
Fiona came in from the kitchen. "Liam, I thought I heard---Conor!"
"Hello, Mum." Conor said, the smile fading from his face.
Fiona approached him hesitantly. "I'm so glad you could come. I've missed you."
Conor nodded. "Liam wanted me here."
Fiona wanted to hug him, but she had a feeling he would not reciprocate. "Why don't we eat? Dinner's ready."
"I'm starved," Darla said, hoping to ease some of the tension.
Fiona smiled gratefully at her.
"The stew smells fantastic," Darla said.
Darla carried Rafe into the kitchen where Fiona had set up his carrier. Darla kissed her son's soft cheek before she set him down.
"He's a cute little one," Conor said to her.
Darla smiled at him. "Thanks. He's a little charmer."
"I see where he gets it from," Conor winked at her.
Liam glared at his brother. "So---what can I get you to drink?"
"Coffee would be great," Conor replied.
"I'll get it," Fiona said. "You sit down."
Conor took the seat next to Darla, much to Liam's dismay. What was his brother doing?
Liam reluctantly took the seat across from Darla. Darla smiled at him.
He felt better at the look on her face. At least with Darla, he didn't have to feel second best to his brother.
Fiona handed her oldest son a cup of coffee. "How are things at the bank, son?"
"Great," Conor replied. "Things really couldn't be better these days."
Fiona beamed at him. "Your father and I are so proud of both our boys."
"I don't care what Dad thinks," Conor replied.
The smile on Fiona's face faltered.
"Mum," Liam said. "I just think you're better off without him. Conor does too."
Fiona turned away. "You don't understand."
"Tell us then," Conor replied.
Fiona shook her head. "You boys don't understand what a great man your father is. He's just---he gets stressed out and he drinks, but he's always sorry afterwards."
Liam sat back and crossed his arms. "And when he says those things to you--"
Fiona let out a choked sob.
"He's just not worth it," Conor said flatly. "I won't see him, and now Liam won't either. If you want to be part of our lives, you can't be part of his."
Fiona turned and looked at him. "Conor, please..."
"That's how it is," Conor told her.
"He needs me," Fiona tried to reason with him.
"And what about us?" Liam asked cutting her off. "Did you think we might have needed you when he was cutting us down? Telling us we were worthless?"
Darla tried to look inconspicuous as the brothers continued to try and talk some sense into their mother. She didn't think she needed to hear what was being said, but she knew her presence was good for Liam.
"It wasn't him," Fiona said in her husband's defense.
Liam groaned in frustration. "Mum..."
"It's torn him up inside, you know," Fiona continued. "He knows he's hurt all of us."
"Yet, he keeps oin doing it," Conor said bluntly.
"You two just don't understand," Fiona said stubbornly.
Conor laughed bitterly. "We don't understand? We understand perfectly that your husband is more important to you than your two sons."
"I never said that, Conor," Fiona replied.
"You didn't have to," Conor said pushing back from his chair.
"Where are you going?" Fiona asked. "You don't have to leave--"
"That's right," Darla chimed in, unable to stay silent any longer.
Both Conor and Liam looked at her in surprise.
"Come on," Darla said. "Your mother's cooked a nice meal and you both need to catch up and I'd like to hear about how things really work at Gringotts."
Conor looked surprised. "You would?"
"Absolutely," Darla said. "My Uncle Bill works there, of course, but he never tells me anything---"
"Bill Weasley?" Conor asked.
Darla nodded. "Yes."
"Wild Bill Weasley," Conor laughed. "It is a small world. He trained me, actually."
"Did he?" Darla asked as Conor relaxed and sat back down.
Conor nodded. "He travels a lot now, as you know, so I don't get to see him as much, but he's a great bloke."
"Yes he is," Darla nodded.
Fiona patted Darla on the shoulder. She was grateful to the girl for salvaging the evening.
Darla smiled reassuringly at the older woman. "Can I help you get anything?"
"Would you help me with the plates?" Fiona asked.
"Of course," Darla checked on her son quickly before following Fiona into the kitchen.
Conor looked at his brother. "What just happened here?"
"Mum needs us," Liam replied. "I know we want her to get away from Dad, but perhaps we should just be more supportive of her."
Conor nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, maybe you're right. That's---that's some girl you've got there."
"She's a friend," Liam said. "And married."
"That why you shot daggers at me when I was flirting with her?" Conor asked.
"She's married," Liam said again.
Conor clapped him on the back. "Uh-huh."
Liam shook his head. "Are you hungry?"
"Starved actually," Conor replied. "Come on."
"I will say this," Liam said. "Mum's still the best cook I know."
Conor followed his brother into the kitchen where Fiona and Darla had set out the plates of stew.
"Dig in," Darla said. "It smells and looks delicious."
Conor winked at her. "You can be quite persuasive."
"Well, I think the food speaks for itself..." Darla said, looking past him to Liam.
Liam smiled at her. "No one can turn down Darla."
"You flatter me," Darla said dryly.
Conor shook his head as he watched his younger brother. He might not have seen Liam in awhile, but he could still read him like a book.
Darla excused herself when she heard Rafe begin to cry. "What a lovely young woman," Fiona said.
"She's brilliant," Liam said softly.
"You don't say," Conor leaned back in his chair.
Liam broke out of his reverie. "What?"
"You fancy her," Conor said plainly.
Fiona smiled at her youngest son. "Oh, William!"
"I do not," Liam denied. "She's my friend, a good friend. And she's married."
"She told me she's filed papers," Fiona said.
"And she's not interested," Liam said. "In anyone. She's been through enough."
"So, you wouldn't mind if I asked her out, then?" Conor asked.
Liam glared at his brother.
Fiona sat down, glad that her sons were interacting and happy that Darla had managed to get both of them to stay.
"Just leave her be," Liam said to his brother.
Conor held up his hands. "I was only teasing, mate."
Darla came into the kitchen and sat back down. "Sorry about that."
"How's Rafe?" Liam asked. "Okay?"
"Yes," Darla replied. "He's fine. Just had to change his nappy."
"Let's eat," Fiona said.
The four of them started to eat and enjoyed a companionable silence.
"So," Conor asked his mother. "How long are you going to be in London?"
"I don't know..." Fiona replied.
"You're welcome here," Liam said to her. "For as long as you want, Mum."
"Thank you," Fiona said softly.
Conor nodded. "Perhaps it will be good for you to take some time to think."
"Just do what you think is best," Darla offered. "I know you love your sons."
Fiona nodded. "I do."
"We love you too, Mum." Liam said. "And we just don't want you to hurt anymore."
Fiona looked back and forth between her sons. "I love you both, too. So very much and I'm sorry that I didn't stand up for you when you were younger. I should have..."
"Let's not worry about the past," Conor said.
"Right," Liam agreed.
After dinner, Conor volunteered to take Fiona for a walk around the neighbourhood. Liam knew what his brother was trying to do, but Conor sent him a know-it-all grin as he led their mother out of the flat.
Darla patted her stomach. "I am so full. Your mum is a great cook."
"Does she beat out Molly?" Liam asked her with a grin.
"She's close," Darla said.
"High praise indeed," Liam waved his wand at the dirty dishes.
"I think you got through to her," Darla said thoughtfully.
"I hope so," he said. "My father is really toxic."
Darla stepped forward and gave him a hug. "I'm proud of you."
Liam put his arms around her and closed his eyes to enjoy the moment. "Thanks, Dar."
"And your brother's not so bad," Darla said pulling away to look at him.
"He's pretty full of himself," Liam replied.
"Maybe a little," Darla laughed.
Liam smiled and let her go to finish cleaning up the kitchen.
Darla watched him and thought about how nice it was to hug him.
"We'll dig into your dessert when they get back," Liam told her. "I can't wait to try it."
"We could sneak a bite," Darla said conspiratorially.
Liam laughed. "I knew you couldn't hold out."
"We'll split a small piece," Darla said.
"I don't want any part in this," he teased.
Darla nudged him. "Well, then, you can't have a bite then."
"I'll wait," Liam replied, nudging her back.
"Chicken," Darla said walking over to the cake box. She opened it and smiled. "Look at all that chocolate..."
"Looks good," he nodded.
Darla grinned at him. "You know you want it."
Liam bit his tongue so he wouldn't say something he'd later regret.
"Just a little taste," Darla said cutting into the cake.
"I guess a bite couldn't hurt," he relented.
Darla let out an evil laugh. "At last! I have corrupted the good healer!"
"You are strange," Liam took the bite of cake she offered him.
"Yes, but you love me for it," Darla said before taking a bite herself.
Liam looked at her a long moment. "Sure do..." he managed to say casually.
Darla turned and studied his face.
"What?" he asked her.
"Um," Darla stammered.
"Are you all right?" he asked concernedly.
Darla let out a nervous laugh. "Yes, of course."
"You look sort of pale all of a sudden," he said. "Are you sure?"
Darla nodded. "Yes. No worries."
Liam smiled at her. "I'm glad you came tonight. I know it had to have been awkward earlier..."
"I was happy to be here for you," Darla reassured him.
"You've become one of my best friends," he told her truthfully.
"Is that all we are?" Darla asked him, surprising both of them.
"Well... yes." He said, shocked at her question. "I mean, you're married, and I'm... I'm just too busy for a relationship."
"Oh," Darla said quietly.
"Why do you ask?" he questioned.
Darla shrugged. "I guess I thought---"
She was interrupted when Fiona and Conor came back into the house.
Liam cursed under his breath.
Darla was so embarrassed; she excused herself to check on her son. What on earth had she been thinking?
Fiona looked at her youngest son. "Is everything alright?"
"Fine," Liam muttered.
"Let's have dessert then," Fiona said.
"I see you've already gotten into that," Conor said. "You always did have a sweet tooth."
Liam ignored his brother. "I'll---I'll be right back."
He went into the sitting room where Darla was holding Rafe in her arms and patting his back soothingly.
"Darla," Liam said softly.
"It's near Rafe's bed time," Darla said. "I should really get going. He's a bit cranky."
"What were you going to say earlier?" Liam asked.
Darla shrugged. "Not worth worrying about."
Liam studied her for a moment. Why had he answered the way he had? "Let me help you..."
"I'm fine," Darla said. "Really, Liam. Don't worry about me."
Liam picked up Rafe's carrier and set it beside Darla. Darla didn't look at him. "Darla?"
Darla looked back at him. "Yes?"
Liam touched her hand. "That's not all we are."
Darla shook her head. "I can't go doing anything like this. Despite what Hans is up to, I'm still married to him. He hasn't signed the papers, and we haven't even figured out custody."
"I just didn't want you to think that you were alone in this," Liam said.
"I'm fine," Darla looked up at him and smiled.
Liam smiled back at her. "Maybe---maybe when things are finalised with Hans, we can figure things out."
Darla didn't say anything. "It was a nice evening, Liam. Thank you."
"Thank you," Liam said. "For everything."
She stopped in the kitchen to say goodbye to Conor and to Fiona. "It was lovely to meet you," she said to Liam's brother.
Conor winked at her. "The pleasure was all mine."
"Come over any time you please," Fiona told her. "And bring this little man with you."
"I will," Darla said smiling at her. "Thanks, Mrs. Thornhart."
"I'll walk you out," Liam told her.
Darla nodded.
Rafe was already nearly asleep as Darla put him in his carrier and went outside.
"You saved the evening, you know?" Liam asked her.
"I didn't do anything special," Darla replied.
"Yes, you did," Liam told her.
"Your mum just wants you both to be there for her," she replied.
"We will," Liam said.
"Good," Darla said. "I'll see you soon."
Liam nodded and looked down at Rafe who was sitting happily in his carrier. "Good night, mate."
Rafe grinned up at him.
Liam grinned back. "You let your mum get some sleep tonight."
"He's good about that," Darla said. "Good night, Liam."
"Good night," Liam said softly.
He watched as Darla headed down the pavement and out of sight.
Conor clapped his brother on the back. "Alright?"
"Fine," Liam replied. "How's the cake?"
Conor smiled. "Delicious."
"Good," Liam went back inside with his brother. "I should get to bed. I'm on call tonight and I have to be at hospital around three."
Conor nodded. "I should go too. I'll talk to you both tomorrow."
"Leaving so early?" Fiona asked in dismay.
"I'll be in touch," Conor promised. He stepped forward and gave his mother a hug. "It'll be okay, Mum. I promise."
"I'm glad you were here," Fiona said. "Come by again soon."
"I will," Conor said. He looked over at his brother. "Good night, Liam."
"Later," Liam nodded. "I'll stop by the bank soon."
After he said goodbye to his brother and a good night to his mother, Liam walked into his bedroom. What a night this had been, he thought
His mind wandered to his short conversation with Darla. What was going on with her?
The truth was, he had real feelings for her that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. Yes, she was still married and he was a workaholic with a messed up family.
"Great start to a relationship," he muttered, changing into a t-shirt and boxers to sleep in.
She was worth it, though, Liam thought. He remembered how well she had handled things tonight when it was so tense and awkward. If she hadn't been there, the evening would have ended before it even had a chance to begin.
She was a good influence on his brother and his mother- and on him too. The only time he felt really happy these days was when he was around her.
He had meant what he had said to her. When her divorce was finalised maybe they could sort things out.