Page 23 of Forever, Finally

“We have approval from this front, too,” she said as she put her hand on her stomach.

Jake started the car. “We’re married now. I don’t want you to worry about anything. No matter what, I’ll be here for you. I promise.”

She knew exactly what his promises meant. Jake would change the tide if it was necessary to keep his word.

“Thank you. I want you to think the same about me.”

“I do.”

She sighed in contentment. I do. Two very simple words that changed everything.

* * *

“Are you sure you don’t hate me?” Lily asked anxiously.

Nadia Stone cupped her face and smiled. “I have one thing to say to you. What took you so long? You and Jake have been friends for years. I always thought—where there’s so much friendship, there must be love.”

Lily stiffened slightly. Love? She hadn’t taken things so far in her mind. Did she love Jake? Was it possible he loved her?

Before she could try to figure it out, Nadia continued.

“People change. They see things differently. For you and my son, this is your time. So be happy. You have always been a part of this family because of your heart. So now you’re one of us by marriage. The bonds grow deeper. This is good, right?”

Lily smiled. “It’s wonderful.”

Nadia released her and waved at the groaning buffet that filled her dining room.

“Now we eat.” She clapped her hands to get the rest of the family’s attention. “Get food. All of you. We eat and then we toast the happy couple.”

The entire family spilled into the room. Lily had been more than a little nervous when she and Jake had arrived, but so far everyone had made them feel welcome.

Catherine came up and hugged Lily. “You look like you’re still in shock.”

“I am. Plus I know this was a big thing to spring on the family.”

Jake’s sister shook her head. “We’ve been waiting for it forever. You two have been playing at being friends for a long time while the rest of us have been waiting for one of you to notice the sparks. Thank goodness you came around at last.”

Lily blinked at her. Sparks? She and Jake had sparks?

“Plus now we get to be sisters for real,” Catherine said before stepping out of line and chasing after one of her kids. “Danny, you get back here, young man.”

Teresa, Jake’s youngest sister, moved up next to Lily.

“I made sure we had a bottle of sparkling cider for the toast,” she said quietly. “Plus I have an extra bottle of champagne for you to save until after the baby is born. Then you’ll have two things to celebrate.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I wanted to. We’re all so grateful that Jake married you. Some of the women he’s brought around…” She shook her head. “It was frightening.”

One by one the members of the family welcomed Lily. Her sense of belonging grew until it practically spilled over.

“Having a good time?” Jake asked as he joined her at a picnic table.

“The best. Everyone is being terrific.”

“They love you.”

“And I love them.”

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