Chapter 37

RAINA

Every day, I stayed by Liam’s side, watching over him, speaking softly as he recovered. And every day, Nathan was there too, a constant presence that steadied me when everything else felt overwhelming. Letting me know that he was here to stay.

One afternoon, as Liam dozed peacefully, Nathan reached for my hand. His touch was gentle, almost hesitant, like he was asking for permission.

“You’ve been running on fumes,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “I don’t think you’ve stopped to breathe in weeks.”

I glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at my lips despite my exhaustion. “Mothers don’t get breaks,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

He didn’t laugh. His expression was serious, his dark eyes boring into mine. “I’m not just talking about today, Raina. I see how much you carry—your kids, your past, even the guilt that shouldn’t even be yours to bear.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the weight of his words.

“I care