Chapter 187: ***

Maria Styles

Flashback contd

I stand outside Liam's hospital room with Joseph beside me, my fingers loosely intertwined with his as we watch through the small glass panel on the door. Inside, Liam quietly folds the few clothes the nurses have brought him during his stay, while Malcolm carefully places the rest of his belongings into a worn travel bag.

Neither of them speaks very much. Seeing Liam meticulously smooth every crease in the hospital clothes before placing them neatly on the bed makes my heart tighten, because no child his age should be worrying about leaving a room tidier than he found it after everything he has survived.

Joseph breaks the silence first.

"Are you sure about this?"

he asks gently, keeping his voice low enough that the boys cannot hear through the door. I turn to look at him, immediately recognizing the concern in his eyes rather than hesitation.

He squeezes my hand before continuing.

"Maria... if we take this step, we can't treat it as something temporary. We have to be certain. We can't let him believe he's finally found a family only to change our minds later. That would hurt him more than anything he's already endured."

I lower my eyes for a brief moment, thinking carefully about his words. They are fair questions, and if our positions were reversed, I know I would ask him exactly the same thing. I look back through the glass, watching Liam zip the travel bag before checking it twice as though making absolutely certain he has forgotten nothing.

There is such quiet discipline in every movement he makes that it almost hurts to witness. A child should be excited about leaving a hospital, not preparing himself like someone expecting to fend for himself.

Joseph gently brushes my shoulder.

"I just need to know," he says softly.

"Is this because you miss our son so much? Are you trying to fill the space he left behind? Because Liam deserves to be loved for who he is, not because we're searching for someone to replace."

His question hangs between us.

I take a slow breath before answering.

"No."

The single word surprises even me with how certain it sounds.

I continue watching Liam through the window, a small smile finding its way onto my face.

"Our son will never be replaced," I whisper.

"No one ever could. He'll always be my little boy, and there will always be a place in my heart that belongs only to him."

Tears gather in my eyes, but I smile anyway.

"This isn't about replacing anyone. It's about a little boy who has lost almost everything, and somehow our paths crossed when both of us needed someone. I don't know how to explain it, Joseph... I just know this feels right."

Joseph studies my face quietly.

"I don't feel pity when I look at Liam," I continue. "I feel... peace. I look at him, and my heart tells me he's supposed to be part of our family. Maybe God brought us together for a reason. Maybe this is simply where his path and ours were always meant to meet."

I laugh softly through the emotion threatening to overwhelm me.

"I don't want to love him because I lost a child. I want to love him because he's Liam."

Joseph's expression softens completely.

He wraps both arms around me, pulling me gently against his chest before kissing the side of my forehead.

"You know," he murmurs,

"there isn't much in this world I wouldn't do if it meant seeing you smile again."

I chuckle quietly and give his arm a playful shove.

"You still have time to back out."

He raises an eyebrow.

"I'm serious," I insist with a smile. "If you have even the smallest doubt, tell me now. We both have to want this."

Joseph turns toward the hospital room again.

He watches Liam helping Malcolm straighten the room before they leave, thanking one of the nurses who walks in to collect a chart. The politeness comes so naturally to him that it is impossible not to notice. After a long moment, Joseph smiles.

"I don't have any doubts."

I tilt my head.

"I have a feeling," he says thoughtfully, "that this boy is the missing piece we never knew we were waiting for."

My heart warms instantly.

“We have to come up with a name, though. I’m thinking Ethan, Ethan Styles.”

“Damn it,” Joseph swears playfully, “There goes my plans for Joseph Jr.”

I laugh, my voice shocking me a little. “Please no.”

"So," he says with a grin, "shall we go meet our very stubborn young man?"

I nod.

Together, we open the door.

Both boys immediately stop what they are doing.

Liam stands respectfully, his travel bag resting beside his feet.

"Have you packed everything?" I ask gently.

He gives a short nod.

"Yes, ma'am."

I glance around the room once more.

"You're sure nothing's been left behind?"

"I checked twice."

That answer earns a quiet laugh from Joseph.

"I believe him," he says.

Liam reaches for the handle of his bag before looking at both of us.

"Thank you," he says sincerely.

"For everything you've done."

"You don't have to thank us,"

Joseph replies almost immediately.

"We're not helping you out of obligation."

"We're doing this because we want to," I add.

Liam lowers his gaze.

"I'll do my best not to disappoint either of you."

"You don't have to earn your place with us," Joseph says gently.

"I'll study hard."

"That's good."

"I'll listen."

"We appreciate that."

"I'll try not to be a burden."

The last sentence makes my heart ache.

Such a little boy.

Such heavy words.

I walk over until I'm standing directly in front of him. Slowly, I place a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Liam," I say softly, waiting until he looks up at me, "children aren't burdens. They aren't expected to repay kindness or prove they deserve to belong. If we become your family, then you'll already belong. Not because of anything you do... simply because you'll be our son."

His guarded expression falters ever so slightly. For the first time since meeting him, I see something flicker behind those cautious eyes.

Hope.

"I can't promise life will always be easy," I continue. "But I can promise that you'll never have to face it alone again."

For several quiet seconds, Liam simply looks at me.

Then, so faintly that someone else might have missed it, the corners of his lips lift into the tiniest smile.

Instead of speaking, he extends one small hand toward Joseph.

Joseph blinks.

"A handshake?" he asks with an amused laugh.

Liam nods once.

"If we're starting over... I thought we should introduce ourselves properly."

Joseph chuckles warmly before clasping the boy's hand with both of his.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ethan Styles."

The little smile grows just a fraction wider. Then Liam turns toward me and offers his hand as well.

Unable to stop smiling, I gently shake it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, too," I say softly, already knowing in my heart that this quiet, brave little boy is about to become one of the greatest blessings our family will ever receive.