“Someone needs to have a baby for Calla to play with,” my mom said with a wink directed at Luke, then she turned to embrace Jane. “Jane, honey, I’m so glad to see you. You’re just in time for dinner. What brings you over?”

“I have something for Ben. From Will. I opened the family safe deposit box. It’s in my bag.” She patted her big purse.

“Well, put that bag down, for now, darling. You can show Ben when he gets here. In the meantime, let’s go have a glass of wine and catch up. Dinner is almost ready, nibbles are out, it’s time to relax.” They headed into the kitchen arm in arm, leaving me with Luke. I watched him snuggle Calla. I saw her totally at ease in his arms as she patted his face and babbled at him. At that moment, everything that had been weighing on me floated away, and my heart smiled.

I beamed up at Luke. “That went well. I think Jane will be okay with all of this. Let’s take Dylan to the park tomorrow and tell him. Then I can put the ring back on, and we can have a big ol’ party and tell everyone else, or just tell my mother and let her spread the word.” I couldn’t help it; I was bouncing on my feet just like Mikey had been earlier. I was excited. I was happy. I’d just had great sex, so much great sex. I was still tingly, I felt awesome, and it would happen again—it would happen often.

Luke smiled down at me as Calla tugged on his beard and giggled. “You got it, baby. How about a picnic in the park? I’ll pick up lunch and meet you and the kids there.”

“Perfect. I’m so happy, Luke. I almost can’t stand it.”

He leaned down and kissed me. That intense, on a mission look was back in his eyes.

“I’ve been dreaming of you for so long, Lily, I’m not sure I’m awake. I love you.”

“Love you back, Luke.” Then I pinched his behind and grinned when he jumped. “See? We’re awake, even though this feels like a dream come true.” I watched his swift intake of breath, his shoulders tense and relax as he nodded and grinned back at me.

23

Lily

I watched Jane jump in her seat at the kitchen island as my dad’s booming voice shouted hello from the living room. She turned to me with a nervous giggle.

“Want me to come with you to show him the safety deposit stuff?” I asked through a mouthful of cupcake. My mother hadn’t been lying about the “nibbles,” food was everywhere.

She nodded and we got up to greet my dad at the door.