ChapterSix
The happiness isn’t gone
Lilly brought in another trash bag filled with plates, napkins, and cups. Stepping into the kitchen, she couldn’t help but smile at the scene before her.
Tallin had his dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He had a dishrag in hand and was busy wiping down the counters, his movements efficient yet quick. Riley was unloading the dishwasher, the first few buttons of his shirt undone as well, and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up his thick forearms.
His tie hung loosely around his neck as if he had gotten frustrated and yanked on it. Her boys were quite domestic when they wanted to be.
“Look at you two. Who domesticated you guys?” She laughed as she set the trash bag by the backdoor, amid the numerous ones already piled up.
Tallin looked up at her, his lips tilting at the corners, and shook his head. Riley glanced at her, winked, and went back to unloading the dishes. She just stood there for a moment, watching them as they did such mundane things.
She would never take anything for granted again, even if it was hanging out with the two men she loved the most as they cleaned the kitchen.
She walked into the living room to make sure she hadn’t missed any trash. She straightened a few things, then went over by the fireplace, and stood in front of it.
Lilly wrapped her arms around her waist and watched the flames. Her gaze traveled to the mantel where a silver-framed picture of the four of them sat. She picked it up and stared at it, the flames reflecting off the glass and making the picture seem to move with life.
The picture had been taken three years ago, right before she’d moved to Denver. The four of them had decided to take one last big trip.
They ended up going to California, driving instead of flying and making it one long road trip. She had hated that part of the trip, even in Tallin’s massive and roomy truck. It had been three days of cramps and aches, but once they had finally reached the beach, it had been well worth it.
She ran her finger over the glass. The four of them had posed for the picture, the men in the back in their trunks and her standing in front of them in her polka-dot bikini. She put the picture back, refusing to cry anymore today.
Lilly just didn’t have the energy or the strength. She felt big hands land on her shoulders. She closed her eyes and leaned back, enjoying the sensation of her muscles starting to relax.
“Here, sweetie.”
Lilly opened her eyes and saw Riley holding out a full glass of red wine. She took it, grateful for the small distraction. She let him lead her over to the couch and sat beside him. She curled her feet beneath her legs and took a sip of her wine.
She knew that if her senses weren’t so numb, the wine would have tasted exquisite. She stared at the fire for a moment but then got the distinct feeling of being watched. Lilly turned her attention to Riley, surprised he was staring right at her, an expression she couldn’t read covering his face.
“What?” Lilly chuckled, his features seeming of deep concentration. She lifted her hand and ran her finger down the bridge of his nose. He closed his eyes, and his hand came up and cupped her palm against his cheek.
“Can I hold you?”
“Oh, Riley.” Sympathy welled up within her, knowing he must be so torn inside. She set her wine down, moved closer to him, and snuggled into his hard, muscular chest as she wrapped her arms around him. “Everything will be okay.”
“I know.” He exhaled and started rubbing her back lightly with his hand. He whispered, “Everything will be okay now that you’re here.”
She didn’t comment, knowing that she knew she would never be able to go back to Denver. They watched the fire before she knitted her brows and sat up. “Where’s Tallin?”
“Shower.”
“Oh.” She laid her head back down on his chest, smiling when he covered them up with the throw that hung over the couch.
“It’s snowing pretty heavily out there. Why don’t you just stay the night? The roads are most likely horrible. I would feel better knowing you’re here and safe.”
“I have no intention of leaving tonight.” She didn’t, not because of the snow, although that was a big unavoidable factor, but because she just wanted to be with her boys.