Page 113 of Rejected Heart
It was just a few days before Christmas, and for the first time in years, I was enjoying myself at the Westwood’s Christmas party. The last couple of months had left me feeling such contentment every time a special occasion popped up—Ava’s, Wyatt’s, Tate’s, and Skye’s birthdays, my own birthday, Thanksgiving, and now, Christmas. I’d always attended the functions, feeling compelled to celebrate with my family, but they hadn’tfelt like this. I didn’t sit in a chair feeling miserable or sulking. I was in the thick of it, taking part in every aspect of the celebration.
Tonight, that meant enjoying dinner before heading out onto the dance floor with Layla. And because I’d been so fond of recreating some of my favorite memories with her, I decided tonight should be no different. If I was going to make that happen, I needed dessert.
But my plan was foiled.
Or, at the very least, it was going to be delayed.
Because no sooner did I pick up a plate to load up with some sweet treats, my parents approached.
“Hey, Liam.”
“Hi, Mom. Dad. Coming to grab some dessert?”
My dad has his arm wrapped around my mom’s back, his hand resting firmly on her opposite shoulder. The two of them didn’t look like they were even remotely interested in dessert. But there was no question they’d come over here with a purpose.
“What’s going on?” I asked when neither of them responded to my initial greeting.
“You’re having a good time.”
It wasn’t a question. Merely an observation. Even still, I confirmed, “I’m having a great time.”
Mom smiled, tears filling her eyes. “I’m so happy.”
“Why are you crying?”
“She’s happy for you, Liam,” Dad explained. “We all are.”
Before I could respond, my mom stepped forward and touched her palm to my cheek. “My heart has beenbroken for years as I watched you move further and further away from being the guy who was the life of the party. And now you’re back. Because she’s back. Over these last few months, you’ve transformed. You’re alive now. You’re so much more social, and you even get up out of your seat to dance. I’m so happy for you, Liam. I’m so happy that you’re coming back to being the guy we’ve missed so much.”
I didn’t know what to say. It hadn’t ever been my intention for my breakup with Layla to impact my family the way it had. I’d tried my best to be present with them, to enjoy their company and celebrate those milestones with them over the years. Of course, it hadn’t been easy for me, and I knew they recognized I wasn’t myself, but they’d always been cautious about talking to me about it.
“Mom, I never wanted?—”
“Shh. I’m not upset with you. None of us are. If your dad had ever walked away from me, I know I would have been as devastated as you’ve been for years. I just wanted you to know how much of a relief it is to see you so happy again.”
I smiled and nodded at her with understanding, but I didn’t like thinking there could be some lingering resentment toward the woman I loved. Not that they’d ever treated her any differently than Rhea, Skye, Ava, or Marco. “Layla never meant for everyone to be so affected by her decision to leave. She’s apologized, and I’ve forgiven her. It would kill me to think that my family resents her for the mistake she made.”
A look of horror washed over my mom’s expression. “Oh, Liam. That’s not what I meant to imply by approaching you and saying all this. Nobody is holding a grudge against her. We can’t wait to have her and her mom joining us for Christmas dinner this year, especially now that Meredith has healed up so well and is getting around so much better following her accident. And we’re looking to have them both around for the holidays every year beyond this one. I simply wanted you to know how happy I am to see you with light in your eyes again. That’s all.”
My dad’s hand came down on my shoulder and squeezed. “We’re glad Layla’s back. We couldn’t be more thrilled. And we all adore her. We’re happy for you, Son.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Speaking of Layla, where is she?”
“Oh, uh…” I held up the dessert plate. “I told her I’d grab some dessert for the both of us. She stepped out for a minute.”
A knowing look washed over my dad’s expression, and he chuckled. “Alright, Liam. Enjoy the rest of your night.”
“I will.”
With that, my dad urged my mom out to dance with him while I turned and piled the desserts on the plate. Minutes later, I found Layla waiting for me by the elevator.
She looked exquisite, and the way her face lit up when she saw me coming toward her was a look that could bring me to my knees.
“Long line at the dessert display?”
I shook my head. “Not exactly. Sorry to keep you waiting. I think I got all your favorites, though.”
