Chapter 35: Ben
The water washes over us, starting to cool as the hot water runs out. I'm so grateful to have her soft curves pressed against me, I couldn't care less about the rest of the world. The smell of her skin, the feel of her fingertips on my biceps, her tiny frame trembling against me. I'd give anything for her.
Lilah laughs softly in my arms. "We forgot the condom."
My head snaps up. Fuck. I can't believe I did that. I was so lost in her; it didn't even cross my mind. I run my hand over my face.
"Jesus, I'm so sorry," I say to her, searching her face for anger, but for all my concern she's completely relaxed, smiling sweetly.
"It's fine. Birth control is a wonderful thing."
"Oh," I reply. That's a relief, right? I should be happy. I mean, I am, but I have the briefest flash of Lilah, carrying a smiling baby on her hip and maybe I'm a complete dick, but I like it. We towel off and for a moment, I try to push the thought out of my head. But then I remember everything that happened today, and I decide; I don’t want to let that thought go. I want little babies with her green eyes. I want to put a ring on her finger. I want to spend every morning waking up with her in my arms… And I don't want to wait. Life is short and I don't want to waste another minute. Still, I know this has been one hell of a day. Maybe this isn’t the best time to walk Lilah though our new life plan.
I follow Lilah, wrapped in a towel, to my bedroom. I stop short and laugh when I see the mattress on the floor. I completely forgot we broke the bed. We collapse on the mattress, because at this point, it's the best option. Lilah is crashing hard. I can see the exhaustion pulling her eyelids down. The adrenaline and shock have worn off and we both just need to sleep. Lilah curls up in my arms, her back pressed against me as I pull the blanket over us.
"Love you," she mumbles sleepily.
She can't see the grin her words bring to my face, but I kiss the top of her head before smoothing her damp hair.
"I love you too," I whisper as I feel her body relax against me. I fight the drowsiness, listening to her breath and appreciating the feel of her.
***
I wake before Lilah, sneaking out of bed for some water. It's late afternoon and police cars still line the street, though the commotion has finally died down. The neighbors have gone home, now that there aren't any juicy details to witness. My car is still defunct in the driveway and crime scene tape flutters in the breeze.
"Fuck this," I mutter. No way are we staying here another night. Everything is broken or tainted by that little shit, Terrance. I grab my phone to make a couple calls but quickly realize those are going to have to wait because I have dozens of missed calls and messages from Lilah's family.
Maybe: Francine Donovan: This is Lilah's grandmother.
Olive Donovan: Our grandmother is freaking out. I told her Lilah needed to rest. Ignore her calls but have Lilah call when she's up to it. Please and thank you.
Donovan Automotive: This is Lukas. Can you have Lilah call me?
Maybe: Francine Donovan: I need to talk to Lilah, is she ok?
Maybe: Julia Donovan: Is this Ben? Lilah needs to get her ass over here. Gran is freaking out.
Maybe: Francine Donovan: Olive says Lilah was fine and that I'm being crazy.
Maybe: Francine Donovan: Fine, just call me when she wakes up.
Maybe: Francine Donovan: Is she up yet?
Olive Donovan: Seriously, Gran is fine.
I text them all back, letting them know Lilah is fine and still sleeping. I promise to have her call as soon as she wakes up.
Rubbing my hands together, I get to work. I make a few phone calls and call in a couple of favors. Maybe I can't fix everything while Lilah sleeps, but this much I can do.
***
It's nearly sunset by the time everything is in place and I am ready to get the hell out of here with her. They hauled away my massacred Jaguar an hour ago. In its spot sits our newly purchased Mercedes SUV, my bag and Frankie's stuff in the back. The dealer was all too happy to drop it off on short notice. Money will do that.
There's a soft knock on the door and when I open it, Olive steps inside with a grin.
"You're lucky we like you," she says by way of a greeting. "Gran wanted to storm the gates and take Lilah back to her house. We talked her down, but you two better be at the family dinner on time tomorrow night." She hands me a duffle bag. "Sally stocked her up and if I know Sally as well as I think I do, I'll just preemptively say 'you're welcome'."
I've heard enough Sally stories to be concerned. "Should I search it for illegal moonshine or Bon Jovi CDs?" I ask her with a grin.