Page 69 of Claiming Lily

Rolling my eyes, I head to the door, shoulders tense until I hear Lily’s light and airy giggle. I exhale in relief. Well, thankfully, Lily isn’t miserable.

Despite my parent’s unannounced visit, a smile tugs at my lips. In all my scenarios about how they might react to learning about us and Lily, I never imagined it would be this easy. This accepting. When I brought Sierra home, Mom had been too polite. She’d made all the right noises, but I could tell she didn’t approve. Probably because Sierra had complained constantly about my job, my friends, the amount of time I spent with my parents. She’d wanted me to choose—her or everyone else I cared about.

But Lily fits. She barely knows them but already she talks to my parents like they’re old friends, answers Mom’s rapid-fire questions with patience and humor.

Dad glances at me as I stop in front of the truck. “All good?”

“Yeah,” I say with a nod. “Better than expected.”

We watch Hudson and Gage working on the oil change for a few silent moments before Dad clears his throat.

“Your girl’s something special.”

“Yeah,” I agree, looking at him. “She really is.”

“Good with your mom too.”

My smile widens a little more. “A hefty feat.”

He chuckles then gives me a stern look. “Don’t talk bad about your mother.”

I hold up my hands in surrender and his features soften instantly. He loves mom so much he’d defend her against the whole world. I’ve always wanted to find a relationship like what they have. My focus shifts to the house.

Maybe I finally have.

While Hudson and Gage wrap up the oil change with Dad supervising, I head inside to check on Lily. The familiar scent of fresh coffee greets me as I step through the front door. I follow the rich aroma to the back deck where Lily and Mom are sitting in the lounge chairs.

Steam curls up from their mugs while they chat like old friends. Lily’s face is flushed from laughing, her green eyes bright with whatever story Mom’s been sharing. The sight makes my chest tighten in the best possible way.

“Mind if I join?” I plop down beside Lily who grins at me, the smile full of pure fucking mischief. That look. Oh god. I know that look. My gaze cuts sharply to Mom. “You told her about the naked lawn mowing?”

“Of course not.” Mom’s face is the picture of innocence right before she bursts into laughter. Lily joins her, covering her mouth with both hands as giggles spill between her fingers.

I rub the back of my neck, heat crawling up from my collar. “In my defense, I was nine and I was sleepwalking.”

That only makes it worse. Both women dissolve into helpless laughter, Mom wiping tears from her cheeks while Lily doubles over. Her red hair catches the afternoon sunlight, and even though they’re laughing at my expense, I can’t remember ever being happier than this exact moment.

Dad appears at the sliding door, his weathered face softening as he takes in Mom’s tear-streaked cheeks and bright smile. He crosses to her with that same look of adoration he’s worn for as long as I can remember.

“Come on, honey, let’s leave these kids alone for a while.” He extends his hand to help her stand, then plants a passionate kiss right on her lips.

“Dad!” I complain, turning my head away. “God, I need to bleach my eyes.”

Lily wraps her arms around my waist from behind and rests her chin on my shoulder. “Oh please. They’re sweet.”

“You hear that?” Mom beams at Lily like she just found her new favorite person. “She likes me better than you.”

I breathe out. “That’s debatable.”

Dad threads his fingers with Mom’s and starts leading her toward the house. “Come on, sweetheart, we have plans. Or did you forget about our date?”

Lily and I follow them through the house toward the front door.

“Never,” Mom swears, giving everyone a wave. “Lily, I’m calling you this week. We have so much more to talk about.”

My stomach drops. “Mom, no.” There are too many more embarrassing moments from my childhood.

“Oh yes.” She winks at Lily. “I haven’t even gotten to the story about the time you got your head stuck in the banister.”