Shade's Fall (The Last Riders #4)

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.”