Page 93 of The Lake House

Declan and I laugh. Memories from the last time it rained fill my brain, and I can’t help but love the rain even more than I already do. Declan felt so good, owning my body that day.

“Leave it, Daddy!” she screams.

He turns around to face her. “This? Really, baby girl?”

She nods a few times. “Yes! I love Taylo Swiff!”

I chuckle lightly at her pronunciation.

Declan turns his attention back to me as Lily sings along to the song. He tilts his head; his lips so close to mine. “Can you believe I’m forced to listen to this?” His smoldering look causes a pool to form in my center.

I bite down on my lip for just a second, then I turn to face Lily and burst out singing to the song as well.

“Oh, my God,” Declan says, as the light turns to green and he steps on the gas. “What the hell have I gone ahead and done?”

* * *

Lily waves to us from the airplane ride as she swoops around each time. She’s beaming.

I wave back and then lean against the banister. “She’s loving this ride.”

Declan waves as well. “It’s probably one of her favorites. Every time we come to the fair, she always asks to ride this one first.”

He turns to face me and then tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “How did I ever get so lucky?” He pulls me to him, and I stand in between his legs as his arms wrap around me.

“I think we both got pretty lucky.”

He chuckles and then kisses me lightly. After we pull away, I turn around so that I’m facing the ride and he stands behind me; his arms still wrapped around me.

Lily comes around again, laughing and waving.

“Does she ever ask about her mother?”

I feel Declan suck in a breath. “She has… it’s always hard for me to explain to my four-year-old why her mother didn’t want to stay around and raise her.”

I nod. “I can’t even imagine.”

“It was tough, but I just explained to her that her mother had to go away for a while. I told Lily that her mom knew there were so many people that loved her and would be there for her no matter what.”

“That’s not a lie,” I reply.

He squeezes me tighter. “It’s not, but had there not been anyone around for Lily, I think Claire would have still taken off.”

“It’s sad.”

We move to the gate as the ride comes to an end. “It is, but because Lily doesn’t remember her, I think she’s been okay. I’m sure once she gets older and understands what really happened, she will probably feel differently about her. Right now, she doesn’t know any better.”

Lily comes racing toward us. “That was the best! Can I go again? Please, Daddy! Please!”

Declan lifts Lily up into his arms and places a kiss on her cheek. “Of course, baby girl. Let’s get you back in line.”

* * *

After Lily had ridden the airplane ride a gazillion times, we head toward the games.

As we reach the one of them, I kneel so I’m looking at Lily in the eye. “How about we play this one?” I say, pointing to the one where you have to pop the balloons attached to the wall.

“Yes! Let’s play!” she shouts.

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