as much as liam wanted to be with Scarlett a year ago. As much as he would have loved for Scarlett to jump into his arms and kiss him and agree to getting back together right then and there.. He always knew deep down inside him, that that was not going to happen. And he understood. He had just been way too hopeful when he went that one afternoon to Scarlett’s house to talk about their kiss. And what could happen between them. But, he completely understood when she had declined.The kids have always been first for Liam too. And yeah, maybe Scarlett wasn’t ready… he probably wasn’t either, but he would wait for her as much time as she needs, because he knows she is the love of his life his best friend.
Before he knew it him and Scarlett were spending more and more time together. At first they were small meetings for play dates with Mason and Elena. Then their plans with the kids started to get more frequent than ever in the whole time they have been separated. So, when Scarlett asked him if she could stay the night to prepare for the morning of their daughter’s birthday, of course he agreed. He even wondered why she still asked him if she knew he would basically say yes to her if it meant spending time with her, even as friends. for their kids.
Liam’s job was to keep Elena from waking up too early and discovering Scarlett setting everything up for her birthday. Which to be honest, Liam could not be more grateful for. He got the easy part. Elena had snuggled into bed with him, which made his job even easier. He wrapped one of his arms around her and used his phone with the other. Just cuddling her as he waited for Scarlett’s cue. With a smile on his face, he looked as Scarlett and Mason had gathered on the bed to surprise Elena. ❝ We really do hope you’ll love it. ❞ he added
Scarlett had spent the past few years trying to redeem her relationship with her children, though Elena had been too young to recall the mess that her mother had left behind for about three years. The mistakes played in her mind often, reminding her of what she put her children through --- what she put Liam through. Since then, it was her goal to make things better for not only herself, but for her family. Thus, whenever occasions like this came around, she did her best to go above and beyond for everybody. She wanted to fill their minds with good memories, not the trauma that the past brewed. As long as she had her small family, there was practically nothing that could break her anymore.
Luckily, Liam was understanding. Scarlett was complicated. She dreamt of their relationship working. She envisioned their wedding, moving in together, maybe another kid but she couldn’t even truly think about that right now. The point is, she saw her future with Liam ( and Liam only ) --- but fear always held her back. Fear that he would realize things weren’t the same anymore, that he wouldn’t love her again ... but they were just resurfacing insecurities that she tried her hardest to push away. So for now, the focus was on the kids -- and the occasional intimate moments with the father of her children.
A smile on her face, she reached her arms out for her little girl to make her way into her arms, giving Elena the biggest hug when arrived. Mason, similarly, reached his hand out for his dad to follow. Elena giggled, “I’m so excited!” She squeaked, while Scarlett gave Liam a little wink. “Well, c’mon.” The brunette hummed, making her way towards the door, with Elena still in her arms. She made her way down to the kitchen, allowing Elena to walk on her own once they reached the bottom of the stairway, a little gasp leaving their daughter’s lips. Scarlett watched Elena excitedly run towards the kitchen, a laugh leaving her own lips as she glanced back at Liam, now reaching for his hand to interlock her fingers with his. “I think she does love it.”