Page 72 of Moose

“I know. But like I said, shit happens. Ain’t my first rodeo with this shit.”

I sighed and pulled her into me while looking up at Thor and Beckett.

“Why don’t you guys head home? We'll be okay.”

They nodded and headed out. Lily and I headed up the stairs. When she turned to open her door, I grabbed her hand and dragged her to my bedroom.

“I’m never fucking leaving you alone again. Get your pretty little ass in the bed right now.”

Lily laughed as I opened my door. She placed her wineglass down and stripped down, finding one of my shirts and slipping it over her head.

“You can’t follow me forever, Moose.”

“Yes, I fucking can.”

Lily sighed as she climbed into bed. “No. I just have to be more careful. That’s all. I thought I was safe... I can’t be putting your kids in harm's way.”

I got undressed and climbed into bed next to her.

“Listen to me, princess. I love you and you won’t be leaving. Do you understand me?”

Lily looked up at me, and I could see a tear forming.

“You love me?”

“Yup. I fucking do. I don’t care if it’s too early to say it. But I know what I want and that’s you. You don’t have to say it back but-”

Lily grabbed my face and kissed me before pulling back. “I love you. I love you so fucking much, Jacob.”

I smiled as she laid down on my chest.

“I’m scared…”

“What are you scared of, baby?”

She sighed. “All of this. The shit that happened today, falling in love with you and the kids, fucking everything!”

I caressed her back as I turned her face to look up at me.

“I promise you, princess. I will never hurt you. You’re fucking it for me. It’s crazy, and I never expected this, but I can’t stop my feelings.”

“And to think you hated me.”

We both laughed, and I ran my finger down her cheek.

“I never hated you Lily. You drove me up the fucking wall and I’m sure you still will…”

Lily laughed, and I just smiled down at her.

“You better count on it, big boy. You want to lock me down? Get ready to deal with my shit forever.”

I leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.

“I plan on it, princess. Now get some sleep. You had a long day.”

“You need sleep too, Moose.”

I stroked my fingers through her long hair. “I will, baby. As long as you’re here, I’ll sleep perfectly fine.”

---