Page 52 of The Chef and the Countess

“Whatever you want, lad,” Liam said. “Talk to Timmy and Teddy first.”

Tommy jumped to his feet and grabbed his coat and scarf. “I’ll go tell them right away!” Then he ran from the room, slamming the door behind him.

Liam exhaled deeply, and his shoulders slumped, emotionally drained.

“You did well,” Celia offered.

“Except about the room. Thank you for smoothing that over.”

“It will get better. You and Tommy will become better acquainted, and in doing so, you will move your relationship from employer and apprentice to father and son. That will take time and patience. I know you can do it. And so can Tommy. He is a fine boy, you know. A credit to his mother’s upbringing.”

“Aye, he is. Molly did a fine job. I wish she had contacted me.”

“I know.” Celia stood and headed toward the door. As she turned the handle, Liam came up behind her and nuzzled her neck. “Thank you for listening. Thank you for being—a good friend,” he whispered, his voice husky. Celia’s insides turned to custard at the sound of his deep voice as his lips brushed across the exposed area of her neck. “And I thank Providence that you are—here.”

“Y-y-you’re welcome.”

Celia opened the door far enough to slip through. It was best she departed, or she would be tempted to stay all night. Already, her insides fluttered like mad. She rushed down the hall and stopped at her door, peeking over her shoulder to see Liam leaning against the doorframe, arms folded, watching her intently. The man was darkly handsome, enticing beyond words. With a sigh, she reluctantly entered her room and closed the door.

* * *

Liam did not sleep much last night.

I have a son.

How many times did he repeat that statement while he tossed and turned? Granted, Tommy had been at The Crowing Cock for close to four months, but he’d never truly accepted the familial bond until last night. Not that he doubted Molly Clahane’s word, far from it. All he had to do was face the lad, and he could see the resemblance. Liam could have claimed him in Bethnal Green then and there. But he remembered the stress and horror of living on the streets. As he said, he wanted to give Tommy time to adjust to his new surroundings and situation. Maybe Liam needed time to accept this change as well.

Tommy had taken to restaurant life like a duck to water, proving their blood connection, at least in Liam’s mind. As the weeks ticked by, Liam remained unsure of how to broach the subject. The specter of rejection hung over him like a storm cloud, exacerbating his deep-seated vulnerabilities. Yes, he possessed them. That had become apparent in his dealings with Celia.

But he had no time to wallow in doubt. Liam strode about the kitchen, giving orders. The kitchen was where he felt in control—and in command. He offered a light menu since it was Monday and the restaurant had shortened opening hours. Three large stockpots simmered on the stove, with Hannah and Timmy stirring them constantly to prevent the creamy seafood chowder from burning. Liam made the chowder with chopped potato, grated carrot, scallops, salmon, shrimp, onion, and celery. He took a spoon, dipped it in the pot, and tasted it. It had turned out rather well.

“Tommy! Is the soda bread sliced and the butter whipped?”

“Aye, Liam.”

“Line up the bowls and the trays of soup spoons and knives on the prep table.”

Enya stuck her head in the door. “There is quite a crowd outside, Liam.”

“Get ready!” Liam called out. “Celia, sandwiches!”

“Yes, Liam. Chicken salad, Cheese and pickle, and cucumber.”

“Is there any more chicken?”

“Chopped and ready in the larder,” Celia replied as she hurriedly sliced the cucumber into thin slices.

“Then go and fetch it as we will need it.”

Celia hurried away.

“Teddy. Come here, lad.”

The boy finished the last of the dishes from the free stew served earlier. “When you’re done with the dishes, I want you to deliver this pot of stew to someone for me.” Liam pointed to the nearby counter. “You must take a hansom cab to Duck Lane in Westminster.”

A shadow passed over Teddy’s expression.

“You know of the place?” Liam questioned.