Page 7 of Lily's Shadow

“I don’t know, maybe a few kisses, some tame pda. Like holding hands. Spend time together.” He looks away while answering before looking back at me.

“I can do that but there is another thing, The bitch is going to notice I’m not wearing a ring.” I state, holding up my hand.

With that Austin jumps up from the table. “Wait right there.” he takes off so fast I swear I can feel a breeze. Moments later he is back with a lock box in his hands. Setting it on the table he gets out his keys and opens it.

“I don’t know why I never gave this to Erica. Maybe some part of me knew she was all wrong.” Pulling something from the box he walks over to me and gets down on one knee.

“Lilyanna Harris, will you be my fake fiance until my ex-wife leaves town? This was my Grandmother’s engagement ring and I would be honored if you would temporarily wear it.” He looks at me, waiting for an answer.

Loki picks that moment to lick Austin’s face. I can’t help the laughter that bubbles out of me at the surprised look he gives my dog. “Loki said yes, will you?” He grins at me.

“Yes Austin, I will help you through this.” I can’t help the huge smile I give him in return.

Chapter 3

Lily

I’m staring at the coffee pot waiting for the first cup while looking at the ring that is now sitting on my finger. When Austin put it there last night, it was my exact size. For some reason it feels like it belongs there.

Trying to shake away those thoughts, I fix my cup the way I like it and head outside to the balcony to call my dad.

Surprisingly, for a politician, he took it really well when I decided that I wanted to be a tattoo artist. He’s always been my biggest supporter regardless of what it was I wanted to do. He will even take up for me against those in his high class circle who put the profession down.

It’s just been the two of us since my mom, Marta, passed away from breast cancer. She was an artist too but in the conventional way. Most of her paintings are still hanging in my dad’s house. They used to sell for thousands of dollars but dad refuses to let any more of them go.

“Hey sweetheart! I wasn’t expecting you to call today. Is everything alright?” He answers a few minutes later.

“I’m okay, everythings good here. Loki and I miss you though.” I smile.

“I miss both of you too. You’ll have to come for a visit soon. I’d come there but Frances has me booked up with speaking engagements for the next month.” He grumbles about his secretary but we both know she is the one that keeps him organized. She was around when mom passed and was a godsend during the funeral.

“If you could keep up with yourself, she wouldn’t have to schedule everything for you.” I laugh while he huffs in my ear good naturedly.

“So what’s going on Pumpkin?” He can always tell when I am calling for something.

“I was wondering if you know any really good family lawyers. A friend of mine has got themselves into a mess with a golddigger.” I state, matter of factly.

“Ah, one of those. Yes, I do know of one. He’s from Alaska but can practice law in Montana. He’s a really good guy and a great lawyer too. I’ll have Frances text you his contact information.” He trails off as I hear someone in the background saying something to him.

“Do you need to go?” I ask.

“Yeah, Frances has just informed me that we are late. I’m always late.” I laugh at his grumbling.

“Okay, Dad, I love you.” I say.

“I love you too kiddo. I’ll get Frances to send you that information.”

“Thank you daddy. I’ll talk to you later.”

“You’re welcome. Bye sweetheart.” He says as he hangs up the phone.

A few minutes later, my phone dings with a text from Frances with the lawyer's name and phone number.

Austin

Lily and I talked with the lawyer her dad recommended for us. Mr. Taylor Burns is supposed to be coming to town within the next few weeks.

I really can’t wait for him to get here and give us some clarity on what we should do about Erica. The bitch is driving me crazy.

---