She was determined to become stronger, both physically and emotionally. Every day she would work on it until she was as strong as Beth, Winter or anyone else other than herself. Her dream goal was really to be as strong as Sex Piston, but she didn’t want to set an unrealistic goal for herself.
Once they got back, Lily spent the rest of the day doing her coursework on the computer, finally pressing submit when she finished.
Shade and the other men had spent the afternoon working in the basement. They had packed out the burnt furniture and workout equipment. The cleanup had been completed and new drywall painted. All that was left was to replace the destroyed items and get new carpeting.
At dinner, the women decided that Evie and Ember would go into town tomorrow and replace the furniture; Viper had already ordered the workout equipment.
Lily ate, listening to everyone making plans. Going into the kitchen afterward, she stood at the counter as Rider and Train argued over the size of the television that would replace the one downstairs. She had never understood the need for men to have such large televisions.
Jewell caught her amused gaze, correctly deciphering its cause. “It’s like their dicks, they think bigger is always better.” Lily had taken a drink of water and almost choked on the snide comment.
When Train and Rider went to the couch off the kitchen, continuing the argument, Shade and Viper joined them as the women congregated in the kitchen.
“I think bigger is better, too,” Bliss said, grinning while stacking the dishes in the sink.
Beth came to stand next to Lily at the counter. Beth’s phone gave out a tiny ping and she reached into her pocket, pulling it out. Lily looked over when Beth started laughing.
“Sex Piston and Stud eloped this morning. They’re on their way to spend their honeymoon on Knox and Diamond’s island.”
The whole group of women were happy for the couple. No one was surprised that Sex Piston had eloped. That woman would have a hard time being romantic and giving vows of love in front of a crowd.
“I would never elope. I want a big summer wedding with all the bells and whistles. It will be so big that it would take two years to plan,” Raci said dreamily.
“I want a quiet wedding with a short dress and just a few guests,” Evie said, pouring herself some tea.
“I loved my wedding,” Beth said with a soft sigh.
“Me, too,” Winter added. “I loved having it in the backyard.”
“I’m not getting married. I’m having too much fun.” Stori grimaced at the other women’s dream filled expressions.
“What about you, Lily?” asked Jewell.
“Me?”
“Oh, Lord!” Beth shook her head at the other women, giving Lily an affectionate glance.
“What was that?” Winter asked, looking back and forth between the two sisters.
“Do not get Lily started on her fantasy wedding,” Beth warned.
The other women turned to look at an innocent Lily. The girl never spent a dime on herself if she could help it; they were having a hard time believing that she’d want something elaborate.
“Dream wedding?” Evie asked curiously.
“Lily is a hopeless romantic. She’s planned it since she was sixteen and saw a wedding on television.”
“There was a wedding in December and it was snowing just a little bit. They got married in the backyard of a tiny church. It was beautiful,” Lily breathed with dreams in her violet eyes for once.
“What kind of dress?” Evie egged her on.
“My mother’s. I have it packed away. It’s stunning with long sleeves made of lace, but they’re off the shoulder, and it has a long lace veil.”
“How do you know it would even fit?” Raci asked.
“Oh, it fits. I wanted to wear it, too, but I couldn’t get my big butt in it. It fit Lily perfectly,” Beth replied.
Lily playfully swatted her sister for telling she had tried on the dress.
“I would have thought you would have wanted a spring wedding,” Jewell said thoughtfully.
“No, I love winter. I love seeing snow on the ground, and when it’s snowing, I don’t think anything is more beautiful,” Lily breathed.
“I know of one thing,” Beth said softly to Lily, taking her sister’s hand. Lily was grateful when she changed the subject, turning to Evie. “I’ll go into town with you tomorrow and check on the carpet I ordered for the house. I want to move into the house next weekend if it’s delivered on time.”
The women agreed, eager for any reason to shop.
Beth didn’t release Lily’s hand. “Let’s go look at my house. You can tell me what you think.” Beth then tugged Lily out the door to the path.
They walked up the steps to the small porch and Beth opened the door, flicking on the lights.
Lily was amazed at how much the house suited Beth. It was much larger on the inside than the outside made it appear. It had a sizeable kitchen, and while she hadn’t wanted a large living room, she had extra space off the kitchen with a family area and a fireplace. It was a house that, even without carpet and furniture, was very homey.
Beth led her down a hallway into the four bedrooms. The master bedroom had its own private bath and Lily could see that Beth and Razer would be very happy there.
“It’s beautiful, Beth. You and Razer have built a home to be proud of.”
“It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Lily, I’m sorry I haven’t let you see it before now. I was so afraid about you finding out about the club that I didn’t show you so I could protect you.”
Lily nodded, still a little hurt, but she understood. Beth had wanted to avoid hurting her. Besides, Lily was aware she hadn’t taken it well when she had found out.
“You should have put a shower in like Shade has in his bedroom,” Lily said, staring at her sister’s small shower.
“I haven’t seen it,” Beth said curiously.
“It’s the bomb. Of course, it’s too late now with all your tile-work laid, but his should be in a magazine.”
“Really?”
“Yes!” Lily enthused.
They walked back to the clubhouse where the women members were still in the kitchen; the men were drinking beer and relaxing in front of the television after working on the basement all day.
“I’ll be right back,” Beth said, going down to the basement.
Razer gave Lily a curious look. She shrugged back, giving him an innocent expression. She knew what was going to happen. That shower was freaking awesome.
Winter’s cell phone went off with a text message. A look of surprise crossed her face before she put it back in her pocket and went downstairs. This time, it was Viper giving her a questioning glance. Lily shrugged again, taking a few nuts out of the bowl sitting on the counter. It didn’t take long. Both Razer and Viper’s cell phones went off next with text messages. Reading the messages, both men went down to the basement with grim looks on their faces.
“What’s going on?” Evie asked.
“I told Beth about Shade’s shower,” Lily confessed.
“Uh-oh,” Evie moaned. “Do you know how long it took for her to pick out that tile?”
Lily shook her head. “I told her it was too late.”
“What’s going on?” Shade asked, coming up behind her.
“She told Beth about your shower and then Beth told Winter. Winter’s wanted to redo the bathroom in Viper’s room. Want to bet he’s going to be shelling out some cold hard cash?” Evie answered.
Shade looked down at her and Lily couldn’t resist giving him a mischievous smile.
“You’re not causing trouble, are you?” His arm went around her shoulder.
“Can I help it if that shower is a work of art?” Lily said jokingly.
Winter and Beth came back upstairs with determined expressions on their faces. The men, on the other hand, sent accusing looks toward Lily who tried to hide her laughter. She didn’t want to speculate how much it would cost to put in a shower l
ike that.
“I can’t blame them. That shower has given me many pleasurable moments,” Jewell joked.
“Me, too. That rainfall showerhead is gold-plated,” Evie agreed “Shade designed it himself when he moved to the basement after Beth moved into the club.”
“I love the music that plays to the beat of the water,” Dawn shuddered.
Lily stiffened at the second comment, and by Dawn’s comment, Lily pulled away; all her amusement had died.