Page 85 of The Lake House

Lily beams. “Thank you!” Then she tugs on my pant leg. “Daddy!”

I chuckle. “Yes, princess?”

“Did Auntie Cherrie call you yet?”

I furrow my brows and fish my phone out of my pocket. “No, sweetheart. I have no missed ca—”

As soon as the words leave my lips, my phone rings and it’s my sister.

“That’s her! That’s her! Pick up!” Lily demands.

“Okay, okay.” I hit the button on my cell and answer. “Hey Cher. Yeah, it was good. Sure, I’ll send some pics. What? Oh. She did, did she?” I gaze down at Lily, who’s beaming up at me with a smile from ear-to-ear. And then I notice she’s holding Giules’ hand, while the two of them are chuckling. What is going on here? “Okay, yeah. That’s fine. If that’s what she wants.”

“Yes!” Lily shouts.

I look down at her with a smirk. “I had a nice night planned out for us, but if… oh, okay. Alright, I’ll see you soon. Bye.”

I hang up the phone with Cheryl and look back at Lily. “So you called your auntie, huh?”

Lily smiles at me, showcasing every single one of her teeth. “I did! I did! I want to sleep over after we leave the wedding.”

I chuckle, and then my eyes meet with Giules, who’s smiling as well. Looking back at my daughter, I ask, “You know we’re going to be here at least another four hours?”

She nods. “Yes, Daddy! I can’t wait to dance!”

I laugh. “Okay, sweetheart. I will drop you off at Auntie Cherrie’s after we’re out of here.”

“Yay! Yay! Yay!” Lily bellows and runs off. Before she’s too far away, she shouts, “Bye, Daddy… and Giules! Have fun and kiss!”

Giules and I stare at one another, laughing.

“With pleasure,” I say, bringing her close to me once more and then placing a sweet kiss on her lips.

Once we pull away, I add, “Well, I guess this changes things a little.”

She furrows a brow. “Oh, yeah?”

I nod. “Yeah. Looks like I’m yours for the rest of the night.” I pull her in close to me once more as our chests smack into one another.

“I really like the sound of that… more than you know,” she coos.

Her warm breath against my ear causes goosebumps to form on my flesh. I love my best friend dearly, and I’m so happy for him and Rachel, but I really can’t wait to leave with Giules and spend the night with her once more.

I pull her hand just as the DJ’s voice booms through the speakers. “Come on, pretty lady. It’s time to dance.”

* * *

Giuliana waits in the car as I drop Lily off at Cherrie’s. The poor thing was exhausted after spending the entire time dancing her little heart out. I carry her to the porch where Cheryl is waiting.

“Thanks, Cher,” I say as she takes Lily from my arms and holds her while she sleeps.

“Pfft. It’s nothing. I love having my niece over. You going home now or do you want to stay over, too?” She asks.

I shake my head. “Nah, I’m good. I didn’t drink much and I’m not really tired. I’m probably going to head home.”

She offers me an all-knowing smile. “Yes, I’m sure you are.”

I tilt my head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

---