His Unwanted Presence

rfume filled the backyard. It was supposed to be a p

sound she saved for company. Her hand rested on my cousin Liam' s arm. He was leaning in, whispering

g the kind of effortless success that always seemed to elude me. Liam

uy flipping burgers.

with wide, adoring eyes. He had just finished a story, probably a

ck again?" Chloe asked, her voice full of a

smooth and charming. He ruffled Max' s hair.

new my marriage was a shell. I knew Olivia looked at Liam with a light in her eyes she never had for me. He was the

s were hungry, and I didn't want to interrupt their fun. I would just bring the food out, make sure everyone had what they need

er to the p

nounced, my voice sounding

m. "Oh, great. Ethan, can you make sure mine is well-d

ed," he said,

urse, I

anded like a punch. She never

s and ran back to Liam' s side. Chloe follow

ey," I offered, rea

"No, I want Uncle Liam to

tic glance before he took the plastic knife.

ce by piece, right in front of my eyes. And

e squares for Chloe, a soft, approving smile on h

onestly, it' s one simple list." Her voice was low, sharp, meant only for m

scene I had created but wasn't a part of. I went back into the hou

new. I wasn't their father or their husband. I was just