Begin Again novel Chapter 226

Liam never thought he'd survive two weeks in hospital.

But he did. With lots of patience, tons of reports and proposals to keep him sane and an endless supply of meds to ease his pain.

Before he knew it, the dreaded family fun day, months in the making, finally snuck upon them. However, Anderson Logistics' big day coincided with his hospital release and their first check-up with Dr Emily.

Eden was highly strung, anxious out of her wits when she came to pick him up.

"There's so much to do today," she wrung her hands as they watched James scoop Aiden up and grab Liam's travel bag. It was amazing how much stuff he had managed to collect over the past couple of weeks. His duffel bag was now heavier than it was when Eden first dropped it off.

"Tell me what's wrong," Liam said as he wheeled himself around the room and paused in front of her. He didn't need the wheelchair now, but he found it very comfortable, way better than sitting on the stiff bed.

"So, what's wrong?" he pulled her down on his lap and rubbed her tummy.

"I'm in charge of the refreshments stall at the picnic and, of course, I need to make sure Lydia's on her best behaviour. It's her first appearance as the company's spokesperson. Clara's also signed me up as her partner in the two-legged race. And we have the doctor's appointment."

"Hey, stop that," Liam scolded her when she began to scratch her hands. "Here's what we'll do. You'll tell Clara I've pulled you out of the race. You cannot be running around in your condition. Matt and I will handle the stall. And Julian will keep a close eye on Lydia."

"Why Julian?"

"They are the same. One has a dick and the other—"

Eden quickly covered his mouth with her hand to stop him from saying anything crude.

"I was going to say the other has lady parts," he smirked at her. "But they are essentially two peas in a pod."

"And that's exactly why we can't pair them together. We don't know what mayhem they'll cause."

"Stop stressing and wheel me out of here," Liam nudged her and pointed at the wheelchair.

"No!" Eden refused. "You can walk, can't you?"

"But I like it when you push me."

"If you don't hurry up, I'll push something of yours."

"I don't mind," he chuckled as he followed her out of the room, his discharge documents and the neatly typed wound care notes tucked under his arm. "It's been a while since we did any pushing. The doctor gave me a clean bill of health and said I'm ready to get on the saddle again."

"If I remember correctly, Dr Knight said no strenuous activity," she reminded him.

"Sex may be strenuous for other people, but not for this guy, right here," he pointed at himself proudly. "So if strenuous means sex, I'm pretty sure the doctor's orders don't apply to me."

"Right!" Eden laughed and pulled him along.

"I like the ribbed strawberry flavoured ones, by the way." She added, blushing like crazy as she suddenly looked at everything but him.

"Well, well," he smirked, "You discovered our secret stash!"

"Why would you panic buy condoms though, Liam, when I'm pregnant?"

"In my defence, I didn't know at that time, and well, you know, in case there's a pandemic, and we have to quarantine together. We have to stay sane somehow."

"Through sex?"

"Do you have a better way?" He asked, his eyes shining with amusement. "I'm all ears."

"What am I going to do with you for the rest of my life?" She groaned as she helped him inside the car beside Aiden, already in his car seat. Brenda was in the other car with Jace and Aaron.

Since it was a Saturday, the roads were practically empty, and they were at Van Holt Industries in a jiffy. They left Aiden with James in the car and headed inside the building.

"Isn't there a GP in our building?" Liam asked when they called the elevator to the 4th floor.

"Too many eyes there," Eden explained. "Besides, I found out from Dr Waylon I was expecting Aiden, and I was hoping he'll be my doctor this time around as well. But he passed away a year ago, and his daughter took over the practice."

The way her eyes fell when she mentioned her old doctor, Liam figured she liked the guy, and she was still shaken up over his death, so he pulled her close and held her.

"Ahem!" Someone cleared his throat from behind them, and Liam turned to see a familiar face.

"I thought it's you!" Levi Van Holt drew him in a bear hug and patted his back hard. "Long time, no chat Anderson!"

Liam winced but did his best to cover up his pain with a huge smile as they pulled apart and shook hands. "What the hell happened to you? You missed a few poker games."

Levi glanced at Eden, and Liam remembered his manners.

"Van Holt, meet my fiancée, Eden!" Turning to Eden, he carried on. "This is Levi, heir to Van Holt Industries and CEO of Chassis studios."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Eden," Levi smiled as he took her hand. Liam stepped in before he could kiss it, though.

"None of that shit Van Holt!" he warned him playfully.

His friend held up his hands and laughed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well," Eden murmured and then proceeded to tell him she worked for him for three months two years ago.

"You mean you worked for my father," Levi corrected her. "I don't have anything to do with the family business. My gaming studio keeps me busy enough."

"Then what are you doing here? Have you worked things out with the old man?" Liam asked, mild intrigue flashing in his eyes.

It was an open secret in Rock Castle's upper crust circles, Levi and his father hated each other's guts, and the less they saw of each other, the better.

"I'm meeting him and his investigators. There's a new lead on Colleen's case."