Collide (Impact Book 2) | h.s. | complete

20. Fireproof

IT'S BACK! Vote and comment and I'll post a new chapter <3

~Tori~

After a few days, Liam had to leave so that he wouldn't raise suspicion from everyone back at home. He was gone for a few, long, uneventful weeks before I finally got a call from him on the cell phone he had purchased for me. He was the only person who had the number and I only answered it for him.

"I just got off the plane and I'm getting a car, I should be there in a few hours." Liam said.

"Okay," My voice was hoarse and I rubbed my eyes. I had fallen asleep in the rocking chair in the nursery next to Cici who was sleeping soundly in her crib.

"Are all of your things packed?" He asked and I nodded, looking around the room at the boxes and sparse furniture. I was sad to leave this little place and I felt bad that Tanner had decorated it all with such care and compassion and we were just going to leave, but Liam had a plan and he was the captain of this now seemingly sinking ship.

"Yea, except the crib, I'm going to put Cici in her carrier so that we can pack it up."

"Alright, well I should be there soon, and so should the movers, keep an eye out." I heard the sound of a car door open and close, and then heard Liam thank someone before the engine roared to life. "And you're sure you don't just want to ditch Tanner?"

"Liam..." I scolded standing and walking to Cici, brushing a few whipsy hairs away from her face. "He's like a father to Cici."

"But Tori-"

"Harry never will be Liam."

"You didn't even give him the chance." Silence on both ends of the line.

"I didn't want to."

"I know," Liam exhaled, "I'm sorry, I know and I completely agree with what you've done I think it's what's right."

"Thank you,"

"Tori, there's something I wanted to speak to you about today. Why don't you have Tanner take Cici in his car and you and I will drive to the new place together,"

"It's not something Tanner needs to know about?" I asked, glancing at the open door and instinctively lowering my voice.

"Not in the slightest. It's nothing awful, just...sensitive and I don't want him to sway you."

"Okay, sounds good, drive safely Li, I love you."

"Thank Toe, I love you too." I smiled and dropped my phone into the deep pocket of my long cardigan.

"Okay Princess CiCi, time for a change of scenery." Her eyes fluttered and she reached towards me, so I reached down to lift her to my chest. "Tanner will you bring the car carrier please?"

"Sure, babe." He appeared moment later in loose fitted dark jeans and a black t-shirt, sweat speckling his forehead. "The mover's have started packing the truck, can I take down the crib now?" He asked, taking Ciella from my arms and placing her in her car seat that doubled as a carrier.

"Sure, thanks." I said, watching him start to work. Since Liam had first arrived there had been a strange shift in Tanner. It was almost as if competition was in the air and the two boys both felt it. Before, I could sense that Tanner was getting tired of caring for me and a child that wasn't even his, and the money was running out. His worry showed on his face and I knew that he didn't want to abandon us but it was slowly becoming too much. Now, however, with Liam's support in keeping us hidden and keeping us alive and healthy, he had relaxed slightly, but also dove straight back into fatherhood. "I'm going to ride with Liam in his car if it's alright with you to take Ciella with you?" I said and Tanner stopped unscrewing the varnished wood of the crib.