Dominic wasn't sure what hit him harder—the raw emotion in Liam's voice or the way his small hands clung to his shirt like he was afraid Dominic would disappear the moment he let go.
He had spent years convincing himself that staying wasn't an option. That he had nothing to offer. But Liam's words had cracked something inside him, made him realize that leaving might hurt more than staying ever could.
Nathan cleared his throat behind them. "Well, looks like you're not going anywhere."
Dominic exhaled, looking down at Liam. "You sure you want me here, kid?"
Liam nodded fiercely. "Yes."
There was no hesitation, no doubt. Just a boy who wanted his father.
Dominic swallowed the lump in his throat. "Then I guess I'm staying."
Liam's face broke into a relieved smile, and for the first time in a long time, Dominic felt like he belonged somewhere.
But staying meant facing Camille.
And that was a battle he wasn't sure he was ready for.
Camille's Walls
Camille paced her kitchen, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Isabel sat at the counter, watching her with a knowing expression.
"So… Dominic's staying?"
Camille shot her a look. "I don't know."
Isabel smirked. "Liam knows."
Camille's stomach twisted. She had always known this day would come, the day Liam would question the choices she had made for him. But she had hoped—selfishly, maybe—that she would have more time before she had to answer for them.
"Maybe it's not the worst thing," Isabel said carefully.
Camille stopped pacing. "Are you seriously taking his side?"
"I'm taking Liam's side." Isabel leaned forward. "And you should too."
Camille sighed, rubbing her temples. "You don't get it, Izzy. Dominic and I—there's too much history, too much hurt. I don't know if I can let him in again."
"Maybe it's not about you letting him in." Isabel's voice was softer now. "Maybe it's about letting Liam have the father he's always wanted."
Camille hated how much those words hit home.
Before she could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
Her heart stuttered.
She already knew who it was.
A Conversation That Changes Everything
Camille hesitated for a moment before finally opening the door.
Dominic stood there, hands in his pockets, the porch light casting sharp shadows on his face. He looked tired, but there was a quiet determination in his eyes—one she recognized all too well.
"We need to talk," he said.
Camille exhaled. "I know."
She stepped aside, letting him in.
This conversation had been a decade in the making.