97 Claiming His Family
97 Claiming His Family
Liam’s POV 1
“I know exactly what we need after this morning’s drama,” I announced, holding the door open. “Ice cream.”
Hazel’s tired eyes lit up as we entered Haven Harbor’s most popular ice cream parlor, Scoops & Smiles.
“Ice cream!” Leo bounced excitedly, tugging at my hand. “Chocolate, please!”
Noah chuckled behind us. “The kid knows what he wants.”
I lifted Leo onto my shoulders, making him squeal with delight. After the unexpected confrontation with Hazel’s aunt this morning, we all needed something sweet to lift
our spirits.
“Welcome to Scoops & Smiles!” The teenage girl behind the counter greeted us cheerfully.
“What flavor would you like, buddy?” I asked Leo.
“Chocolate! With sprinkles!” Leo declared, patting my head.
Hazel smiled softly. “I’ll have strawberry, please.”
“Vanilla for me,” Noah added.
“And I’ll take cookies and cream,” I said, setting Leo down.
As we waited for our order, I caught Hazel studying me with a thoughtful expression.
“What?” I asked, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“Nothing. It’s just…” She hesitated. “You handled everything so well this morning. With my aunt, with Leo…”
I shrugged. “Nothing to handle. Your aunt was out of line, and Leo is-
“Here you go!” The server interrupted, passing us our ice cream.
We found a table by the window, watching Leo attack his chocolate scoop with
117
enthusiasm. Chocolate smeared across his cheeks as he grinned.
“Someone’s enjoying himself,” Noah remarked, snapping a photo with his phone.
I leaned closer to Hazel. “You okay? That scene with your aunt was pretty intense.”
“I’m fine.” She licked her strawberry cone. “Actually, I feel relieved. Like the last bit of my old life is finally behind me.”
I squeezed her knee under the table. “Good. Because I’m much more interested in our future.”
Her cheeks flushed pink, matching her ice cream. “Our future, huh?”
“Absolutely.” I held her gaze, making sure she understood how serious I was.
The bell above the door chimed, but I barely registered it until I heard a familiar voice that made Hazel freeze beside me.
“Well, look who it is. The slut and her bastard.”
I turned sharply to see a blonde woman standing just inside the door, her eyes fixed on Hazel with pure hatred. Two equally snooty-looking women flanked her, smirking.
“Jessica,” Hazel whispered, her face draining of color.
Leo looked up, confusion clouding his features at the sudden tension.
I stood immediately, positioning myself between this Jessica person and my family. Yes, my family.
“You need to leave,” I stated coldly.
Jessica’s eyes widened as she took me in, then narrowed calculatingly. “And who are you? The latest sucker she’s trapped?”
Noah stood too, moving closer to Leo. The few other customers in the shop were now watching the scene unfold.
“I’m Liam Sterling,” I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous tone. “Hazel’s boyfriend and soon-to-be husband. And you’re leaving. Now.”
Jessica laughed, cruel and sharp. “Oh my God, she’s got you fooled good. Did she tell you that kid is yours? Because Hazel spreads her legs for anyone.”
12:20
217
97 Claiming His Family
Hazel gasped, one hand going to Leo’s ears too late.
Something primal surged within me. “You have exactly five seconds to walk out that door before I call security and have you removed.”
“You can’t do that,” one of Jessica’s friends challenged.
I smiled coldly. “I own this building and three blocks around it. Try me.”
The door swung open again, and a disheveled man stumbled in. His bloodshot eyes found Jessica first, then locked onto Hazel.
“There you are!” he slurred. “Jessie said you were trying to steal me back.”
“Ethan, you’re drunk,” Hazel stated flatly.
My fists clenched at my sides. So this was the ex-boyfriend who had betrayed her.
“Mr. Blackwood, you’re not welcome here,” the shop manager said firmly, appearing from the back. “I’ve told you before-”
“Shut up!” Ethan snapped, weaving unsteadily. “I’m talking to my ex.”
“Ex is right,” I said, stepping forward. “And she has nothing to say to you.”
Ethan blinked at me in confusion. “Who the hell are you?”
“I’m the man who’s going to throw you out if you don’t leave willingly,” I replied evenly. “Hazel and Leo are with me now.”
Jessica sneered. “She told you the kid is yours? Classic Hazel, trying to trap rich men.” “Leo is my son,” I declared firmly, the words feeling right despite the technical untruth. “And Hazel is my woman. So I suggest you both take your miserable lives elsewhere.” Hazel stood now, moving to my side with dignity. “Jessica, Ethan, please just go.”
“You bitch,” Jessica hissed. “You think you’re so much better than me with your fancy new boyfriend.”
“No,” Hazel replied calmly. “I don’t think I’m better than you. I just moved on and built a life I love. Maybe you should try doing the same.”
Ethan lunged forward suddenly, but Noah intercepted him with surprising speed.
317
97 Claiming His Family
“Don’t even think about it,” Noah warned, firmly gripping Ethan’s arm.
“Security is on their way,” the manager announced, phone in hand.
Jessica grabbed Ethan’s other arm. “Come on, let’s go. She’s not worth it.”
“That’s right,” I said coldly. “Walk away. And don’t come near my family again.”
Jessica’s face contorted with rage. “Your family? That kid probably isn’t even yours!”
“He is in every way that matters,” I replied firmly. “Now get out.”
They finally left, Jessica practically dragging a stumbling Ethan. The bell chimed as the door closed behind them, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.
I turned to find Leo with tears in his eyes, chocolate ice cream forgotten.
“Hey, buddy,” I crouched down to his level. “You okay?”
He nodded hesitantly. “They were mean.”
“Yes, they were,” I agreed. “But you know what? Mean people don’t matter. Only the people who love you matter.”
Hazel’s eyes met mine, glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she whispered.
I pulled her close. “No one talks to my family like that. No one.”
“I heard what happened at the grocery store,” the manager said, approaching our table. “Mr. Blackwood has been banned from several businesses in town. I’m sorry you had to
deal with that.”
“The grocery store?” Hazel asked.
I nodded. “Mr. Collins mentioned it when I stopped for gas this morning. Said Ethan accosted you yesterday.”
“You knew?” Her eyes widened.
“I was going to talk to you about it later,” I admitted. “Wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Noah cleared his throat. “Maybe we should head back?”
“Good idea,” I agreed, seeing Leo’s distressed face.
197
I paid for our ice cream and added a generous tip. Outside, I lifted Leo onto my shoulders again, hoping to restore his smile.
“Look at you up there, buddy!” Noah said cheerfully. “You’re the tallest one now!”
It worked. Leo giggled, his momentary sadness forgotten.
Back at Hazel’s parents’ house, we found them waiting anxiously.
“Mrs. Henderson called,” Hazel’s mother explained. “She was at the ice cream shop and saw everything. Are you all okay?”
“We’re fine,” Hazel assured her. “Liam handled it perfectly.”
Her father clapped me on the shoulder. “Thank you for standing up for our girl and grandson.”
“Always,” I replied simply.
Later that evening, back at Hazel’s apartment, I helped put Leo to bed while she talked with Chloe in the kitchen.
“Will you read me a story?” Leo asked sleepily.
I sat on the edge of his bed, selecting his favorite book from the nightstand. As I read, I watched his eyelids grow heavy.
When Hazel appeared in the doorway, her expression soft as she watched us, I knew I was exactly where I belonged.
After Leo fell asleep, we joined Noah and Chloe in the living room.
“Leo’s completely out,” I announced.
Hazel leaned against my chest as we settled on the couch. “Today was…”
“Eventful,” Chloe supplied. “But I heard you were quite the knight in shining armor,
Liam.”
I shrugged. “I just stated facts.”
“Like declaring yourself Leo’s father?” Noah raised an eyebrow.
“In every way that matters, I am,” I replied without hesitation. “And I intend to make it official as soon as possible.”
12:30 C
517
97 Claiming His Family
Hazel tilted her head to look up at me. “You’re serious about this.”
“About you. About Leo. About us.” I kissed her forehead. “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.”
She stood suddenly, pulling me up with her. “Stay tonight,” she whispered.
“What about your guest room situation?” I teased, gesturing to where Noah was sprawled on the couch.
“I wasn’t suggesting the guest room,” she clarified, her cheeks flushing.
Chloe grinned. “About time.”
“I’m taking Leo to daycare tomorrow,” I announced.
Noah sat up straight. “No way, man. That’s my job now.”
“I’m his future dad,” I argued.
“I’m his cool uncle!”
EERA
“Boys,” Chloe interrupted, laughing. “Sort it out tomorrow. Go to bed.”
I looked at Hazel, her green eyes reflecting nothing but certainty as she took my hand and led me toward her bedroom.
Together, we were building something beautiful. Something unbreakable. Something I would protect with everything I had.
