Destined To Be A Dad (Welcome To Destiny Book 9) by Christyne Butler Read Free Book Online Page A

grew—
    “Missy?”
    Liam’s husky voice broke into her memories, but it was his heated touch on her arm that jolted her out of the past.
    She jerked away, refusing to look at him or accept the wild beating of her heart. Thankfully Elise was still going on about the design of the apartment, and her daughter was so enthralled with the description neither one of them had noticed how she had zoned out.
    Liam had. Of course he had. He knew exactly why she was about to refuse his mother’s generous offer.
    “Us dropping in unannounced like this isn’t fair to Liam...or to your family.” Missy prayed her words didn’t sound as distressed as she felt. “We really don’t want to put you to any trouble.”
    “Oh, it’s no trouble, dear. We were expecting a visit from friends of Alistair’s for the rodeo, but they had to cancel at the last minute. The place is ready with fresh linens and a fully stocked kitchen.”
    “It sounds perfect.” Casey offered a pleading look. “Please, Mum?”
    It was late and the constant memories were draining, both emotionally and physically. Besides, after all this time, what did it really matter?
    Hating the lump of desperation in her stomach at that thought, she forced a smile. “Thank you. We appreciate your hospitality.”
    Elise smiled and handed a key ring to her son. “Here, perhaps you should take them around through the backyard. There’s still a group of people in the living room. We’ll see you both in the morning.”
    His mother gave Casey a quick hug, which her daughter easily returned, surprising Missy again. She’d be hard-pressed to remember the last time she saw
her
mother exchange affections that way with Casey.
    After the woman went back inside, the teen hurried to the stairs, grabbing Missy’s two small suitcases along with a duffel bag she recognized as belonging to her daughter.
    “Blimey, Mum...only two cases? I thought you took a whole store full when you departed for California.”
    “Most of which is still in LA,” she quipped, joining her daughter after getting her purse. “I only brought enough clothes for a weekend trip.”
    “But we aren’t—”
    She lightly tugged at her earlobe—a familiar gesture between them that had the desired effect of stopping Casey from arguing. For the moment, at least. Her daughter’s expression said she was clearly gearing up for round two.
    Oh, a tub full of bubbles was sounding better all the time.
    “Here, you take the key and let me carry those.” Liam relieved Casey of the luggage and gestured for them to head down the stairs first. “Let’s get you two settled. Casey, you know the way.”
    As she followed her daughter, Missy wondered what Liam meant by that last statement.
    “We came home earlier for dinner,” Liam said, falling into step beside her as they strolled down the lighted stone path that led around the side of the house. “Dad barbecued and then everyone headed back to the rodeo.”
    Missy nodded, a bit mystified that he’d known what she’d been thinking. “Everyone but you.”
    “I had a business emergency to deal with.” His voice turned low. “And I was waiting for you.”
    A pang of...something she didn’t wish to label hit her right in the chest. She wrapped her arms across her middle against the chill that danced over her skin, raising goose bumps. The silky blazer and tank top she wore underneath were perfect for southern California in August, but the nights were cool here in Wyoming.
    Yes, that had to be the reason for her body’s reaction to Liam’s words.
    “Don’t worry, it doesn’t look anywhere near the same.”
    Again, meant for her ears only, and she knew exactly what he was talking about. “It’s fine.”
    “A lot has changed since you were here—”
    “Yes, of course, it has.” She secretly hoped the attic space had been redone as extensively as Elise Murphy described. “As I said, it’s fine. Wait—what is—” She stopped short and pointed at the dark