This woman has been through so much worry because of me. It’s time she know her eldest son will be alright now that Lili be by his side.
I catch the happy tears in her eyes. Leaning down, I place a kiss to her hair, making her pull back and look up at me.
“What was that for?” She asked awestruck.
“What? I can’t do that anymore?” I say dumbly and tighten my hold on her. She has the look she is about to burst into tears. “Awe, don’t cry mom.”
Fucking hell. I’m messing this up. It’s supposed to be a joyous day, not one filled with crying.
She sniffs then laughs lightly, “they are happy tears.” She swipes one that escaped, “it is good to see my boy finally coming home. After all these years, I’m getting my son back.”
“I was only gone for a time. I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.” I confirm to her and rub her arm as if to warm her.
My dog takes that moment to prance over, his mouth yet again covered in dirt, tongue hanging out, and dare I say, a knowing glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes.
*Sigh* “Hank, what is grandma going to do with you?” Mom laughs then pats his head.
Hank is quick to take off running when the group of children call for him to come and play. He loves fetch and will no doubt be one happy tired pup later given all the attention he’s had today.
“I’m pretty sure I owe you a trip to the greenhouse for more flowers.” I give her a sheepish grin and wait for her scowl.
“That and you’re going help me plant them mister. After all, your dog made the mess.” The crease in her brow softens as she relents, “but you know I love him to pieces.”
Should I tell her Hank’s shenanigans are nine times out of ten only ever done at her house? I think I’ll keep that one a secret. She’d rescind her agreement for Hank to stay tonight, and any other night thereafter.
“You pick the day and I’ll be over, mom.” She’s been pestering me about my landscaping, best not get on her bad side. There will be hell to pay. I better get this in my calendar as well.
“What are you two jabbering on about over here?” My sister butts in the conversation at the right time.
I could sense Lili before words were spoken. My body knew her. The scent of soft lavender petals blew in on a light breeze, enveloping me and sending a forethought through my mind; the taste of her lips still lingered on mine from our stolen random kiss on the front porch earlier.
Mercy woman.
Lili didn’t know it yet, but she owned me.
“Rena, Scott and his family are heading out.” Dad calls out, mom giving me a side hug before releasing her hold.
“Be right there dear.” Mom responds then turns to her children, “I’m off to mingle.Behave you three.” Mom sent me a knowing glance as she backed away, quickly finding purchase at my dad’s side.
My arms come around Lili’s waist, and I breathe in her intoxicating scent. The slight flush to her face makes me wonder if her thoughts are mirroring my own, or if it’s from all the sun she received today. Either way, I love that look on her, more so, I love her wearing my hoodie.
“I’m cold and it’s getting late,” my sister mentions, a little annoyed, “Wyatt and I are about to take off. Unlike you, some of us have to work in the morning.”
Wyatt mimics my stance behind his wife, wrapping his arms around her possessively. I send him a tilt of my chin in greeting, one he silently returns.
“You ready to head out then?” I ask Lili, her eyes meeting mine and I notice the storm that is usually there is chased away, all that is left is a deep-sea pulling me in. Might I drown in their depths? It’s possible. I’d welcome it.
“Let’s give our goodbyes,” her voice lowers as she eyes me cheekily, that Scottish flare telling me she’s relaxed being here, “the mistress has a plan she’s dying to enact.” Her lips tilt in a grin.
Is she reading my mind?
“I like the sound of that.”
Needless to say, we gave a quick shout goodbye to everyone and raced out of there.
We have somewhereveryimportant to be.
The second the door to my house slams behind me Lili is tugging at my shirt as we make our way up the stairs to my bedroom, a littering of clothing left in our wake.