One-short: Liam and Riley have a few reflections about their last seven years together.
Riley smiled softly as she watched Liam making his 34th birthday wish. For some reason, this tradition was more special to her than to Liam himself, but he liked to keep it alive, for her. Americans do have a few weird traditions, nevertheless he seems to be always ready to share the ones his Riles truly loved.
-Happy birthday, daddy! – a-not-that-little-anymore Eleanor hugged her father while looked him in the eyes. She didn’t have to say anything. Liam already knew.
-And the first piece of cake goes to… - Eleanor couldn’t believe he was even daring to think about giving it to someone else – My oldest and cake lover daughter.
Liam didn’t have a favorite child but we did feel like Eleanor was closer to him. Fabian and Roselyn always seemed to compete for their mother’s attention, while Ellie just sited down and asked her father to tell her again that story she loved so much.
It was fairytale about a prince who was ready to live a boring life without cake and adventures, but it changed when a Mystery Woman came to his life and fought a million of dragons by his side. Eleanor already knew the answer, but she was always asking: which one is the best part of his new life? and it makes him smile. Every time. It probably is the two beautiful princesses and the sweetest prince she gave him.
-Daddy! – Liam turned his head and saw his two years old little guy also expecting for the cake. Honestly, he didn’t even like cake that much, but he was always looking at Eleanor. What his big sister did, he wants to do the same. It was lovely how he truly saw his six years old sibling as a super hero.
Liam gave Fabian a small piece of cake and the boy smiled wildly. He was a little gentleman and definitely identical as Liam when he was his age. That boy was the sweetest and politest son. While Eleanor did look a lot like Liam, her personality…It was all Riley’s. It amazed Liam’s mind how similar they could be. Eleanor could have his blonde hair and blue eyes, but she was a mini version of his wife and it fullest his heart.
Their little Rose was that, too little to define something. Although she was their first kid to be born with Riley’s brown hair. Well, she does have Liam’s nose. But that’s it.
-How does it feel to be bonding with the middle thirty/forty guys? – Leo clapped his little brother shoulder and tried to high-five Fabian, who just looked up and extend his hand – Oh boy, this little guy needs someone to teach him how to have fun – Leo shook it anyway.
-Well, next year we can talk about that. You are the one who will be forty – Liam smiled and hugged Leo – May I ask you why are you so late?
-Oh, you know – Leo looked at Katie, who was talking to Riley and Lady Hana – Someone needed to found the perfect gift.
-Oh – Liam opened his mouth – How caring, I…
-The perfect gift for Riley – Liam and Leo busted out laughing while looking at their women. They really hadn’t idea of how much they would love each other.
Since they first met, Riley took care of Katie when it was needed to be at court and Katie was a great friend for Riley, all the time. The two couples always spend Thanksgiving together with Katie’s family. It is already a tradition and sometimes the only moment they see each other in a year. Liam was aware Riley could kill him if he asked her to not go to the Thanksgiving dinner this year.
-You know what? – Leo called Liam off and then pointed at his own children – The twins are giving us a lot of work. Maybe we should leave them with you for a week or two, I bet Madeleine and Bertrand will resolve our problems.
-Or the kids will drive them crazy – Liam chucked while he was looking at his nephews – Honestly, you need to stop bribing them with candy. They respect Katie for…You know, not being that flexible – Liam tried to use the best words his mind could think about. Leo never looked like the kind of men of would be a great father, but he loves his children. Maybe it is just time to grow.
-Darling – A calm voice called and both of the brothers turned back – Oh, I love how both my former finances know that I am the only one who call you that way – Leo always felt uncomfortable around Madeleine. He didn’t feel guilt, but they needed to have this conversation every time – Sorry, Liam. I appreciate your concern, but this time I wasn’t calling you.
Liam and Madeleine became something close of the word “friends” since she did become friends with Riley. Maybe even closer than the ladies would like to admit.
-So? – Leo arched an eyebrow while looked at Madeleine.
-Just checking you – She smiled – Glad you could make it – For a moment, Leo thought that there wasn’t any insult coming to his way – So don’t embarrass us.
Before Leo could reply, she winked and left.
-Can you believe her? – Leo turned to Liam – I mean, you are her former fiancée too.
-I think it’s funnier with you – Liam grinned and gave his brother a half hug – Now, I will look for my wife.
-I can’t believe Hana Lee is about to marry this woman… - Leo glanced at Madeleine that now was walking towards her fiancée.
Liam didn’t reply. It’s truth, he didn’t expect Hana and Madeleine to become a couple. Riley, otherwise, says she always knew the countess had feelings for her best friend. It was so strange to think someone would express their feelings by being mean or teasing. How someone couldn’t have that adoration and do not move mountains to bring the world to the feet of your loved one? An unsolved mystery for him.
-The most gorgeous woman in the world – Liam held Riley tightly and softly kissed her cheek.
Riley turned to him while adjusted little Rose in her arms.
-Is your birthday everything you wished? – She smiled while waited for her husband to reply.
-I hope you will be my last gift tonight – He smiled back at her.
Riley couldn’t believe they were already married for seven years. Seven years sharing all of her days with that gorgeous man, sleeping in his arms, arguing over random things, crying against his chest, ruling by his side and raising the most special kids with his help. She felt a very lucky woman simply for having him.
-I am lucky you chose me.
Liam laughed – Come on, let’s be honest with each other. In the end, you were the one who had chosen me.
Riley grinned, but it was bittersweet. She knows what he meant. She could be not Riley Rys, but Riley Walker by now.
Secretly, she looked behind Liam’s shoulder and noticed Drake and his whiskey. She could never regret her choice. But a small part of her still feel guilty for hurting Drake when she turned down his proposal. She knew it was also because of her that Drake and Liam spent years without really talking to each other. They could never be apart, but it wasn’t the same for a long time.
Not until they had the most honesty conversation a human could ever have.
A few years later, Drake swears he still single and happy, but his friends knew that the single part wasn’t exactly true. In his thirds, Drake found out his old not-friend Olivia Nevrakis could be more than a spoiled and rude warrior. Their relationship could have been just sexual in the beginning, but Riley knew in her heart it had changed. She knew her friends. She just wonders why the duchess was missing Liam’s party.
-I am very lucky – She mumble again while moved to gaze her husband eyes. And again, he was everything she could see. How she could look at anyone else in a room when he was around her?
-Mommy! Daddy! – Eleanor rushed over her parents while held tightly her little brother’s hand.
-Baby girl! – Riley laughed while watched the scene.
-It’s time for the family picture! – The blondie gave her best smile and asked for her parents hands.
-That’s right – Liam picked Fabian up and gave his hand to Eleanor – But we can do it in the garden.
Riley chose the Palace to host Liam’s birthday because of his mother’s garden. Beside his own childhood memories, it had a special place in Riley’s heart too. Playing maze-tag, swinging, sharing forbidden kisses, talking about their future…It was theirs.
-Thank you so much for doing it, Ana – Riley glanced sympathetically at the photographer, who was carrying lots of toys and sparkly stuff.
-We need the babies to look – She explained herself.
-I am in the middle! – Eleanor shouted while held even tighter her parents hand.
-Yes, my princess – Liam glanced at Riley and she knew what he meant. Eleanor would be difficult to handle, she was her mother’s daughter afterwards, nevertheless, their oldest child knew how loved she was and loved them back, immensely.
The family smiled to the picture. Liam felt his heart in peace knowing that they were just happy. They couldn’t be perfect, obviously, but he has the family he has dreamed with during his whole life. No. He had even more.
Liam has a wife he loves more than anything and that makes he feel so loved and desired. She gave him three adorable children that had so many opinions and dreams. Their little ones would be free to choose their own future, despite past interruptions. He didn’t want Ellie to feel like she needed to have the crown – even that, for now, she loves the idea of being the future queen. In the end of the day, he knew these four people were everything to him.
-Sleepy… - Fabian whispered against his daddy’s chest, stopping Liam thoughts and bringing him back to his reality.
-I think we can manage it – He kissed his middle child blonde hair and glanced at his wife – What do you think, love?
-Something tells me Fabian is not the only one calling it a night – Liam grinned at Eleanor slowly blinking her blue eyes.
-I will be sleeping with my lovey – Eleanor made a signal to Liam pick her up. And, of course, he did it.
-I am glad you can carry two children – Riley teased during the way back to their chambers.
It wasn’t difficult that night to put the three of them in their beds.The last kid they said goodnight was little Rose. Riley was turning on her night light and Liam stood in the door. Watching their baby fall sleep by the sound of her mother’s sweet voice.
-Be silent - Riley asked in a whisper.
-Yes, my queen - Liam touched her back - I am yours to command - He teased. He knew how much she loved to hear it.
-We need to throw parties more often – Liam said while closed the door of the couple’s room.
-So our balls-that-fix-anything aren’t enough? – Riley took away her shoes and threw herself in the bed.
Liam didn’t understand. What? They just attended necessary balls – What do you mean? – He has so confused. Poor man.
Riley laughed – Never mind.
-So… - Liam got closer to her in the bed and knelt by her feet – Aren’t you giving me a last birthday gift? – He glanced and touched her knee.
-Yes, my king, I am all yours - She made a quick pause - But... - She smiled - You’re mine to command.
gummygunk
blakekathryn
theartofmadeline
janainaart