“Good night, Lily. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. But I’m glad you’re home. You have to know that.”
He disappeared into the darkness. Lily sat on the porch swing, still wearing Wes’s coat, inhaling his scent. She realized what she had to do. She couldn’t keep this baby. That was clear now. She was going to call Dr. Amari and set up an appointment. Once she’d taken care of that, she was going to prove to herself that Rick was wrong. She was capable of being loved by someone good and kind. She knew she was. Lily knew what she had to do—she had to make Wes love her. Whatever it took, she would make that happen.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
ABBY
The alien invader was kicking up a fucking storm. That’s what first jolted Abby out of bed. But it was the smell of coffee and bacon that made her grab her robe and hurry out of the room. She needed to make sure Lily wasn’t freaking out about the photos. She made her way down the hall, expecting to find Lily and Sky in their room, but the door was wide open, the bed neatly made. Driven by anxiety, Abby picked up the pace, worried something had happened.
Abby rushed into the kitchen and stopped short. Lily was wearing their father’s faded “Kiss the Cook” apron and manning the griddle. Eve was cutting strawberries, while Sky stood on a stool beside her grandmother, watching with fascination. It was as if Abby had entered the twilight zone. She wondered if she’d slept for several days or even weeks, or if somehow the events of last night hadn’t occurred.
Eve saw Abby first and smiled reassuringly. “Are you hungry? Lily wanted to make us all breakfast before your grandparents left for the airport.”
“I’m starving. What can I do?”
A genuine smile spread across Lily’s face. She waved Abby over.
“You can butter the toast. Eggs are almost done.”
Abby took a place beside her sister. “Lily, we need to talk.”
“No need. I was so overwhelmed yesterday I wasn’t thinking clearly. But I can’t focus on the past. It’s always been about you and me, Abs. We’re good. No matter what.”
Abby couldn’t believe her ears. Lily wasn’t mad. Her sister didn’t hate her. Normally Abby hated displays of affection, but this morning she threw herself at Lily, wrapping her arms around her. “I love you so much, Lilypad. You have to know that.”
“I do, Abs. I love you too. More than you’ll ever know.”
Abby stood there, trying to read Lily’s expression. It was completely genuine. She had no reason to doubt her sister’s intentions, and relief flooded her. Lily squeezed Abby’s arm.
“C’mon, let’s eat before everything gets cold.
“Breakfast is served,” Lily called out as she made her way into the dining room to her grandparents’ applause. Sky followed giddily.
Abby cornered Mom.
“Does she know about the photos?”
“Not yet. I meant to tell her, but she’s in such a good mood.”
“Let’s wait.”
“Abby…”
“Just a little bit longer. Let’s not give him the power to ruin this day.”
“Okay,” Eve conceded.
She grabbed the jam and butter off the counter and joined the others. Abby couldn’t remember the last time her mother had agreed with her, but she’d take this win.
The family ate in the formal dining room. They hadn’t eaten at that table in years, but today everyone dug into heaping plates of eggs, bacon, toast and pancakes, and fresh berries. Abby almost couldn’t believe it. A family breakfast. Her family.
As they ate, they reminisced, regaling Sky with stories about her mother and aunt as children, double trouble. The realities of what happened to Lily lingered in the silences, but for today, everyone was willing to pretend this was an ordinary breakfast on an extraordinary day.
As the meal began to wind down and their grandparents headed off to pack, Sky happily joining them, Lily stared expectantly across the table at Abby and Mom. “I was thinking Sky and I could get haircuts and some new clothes.”
“Once all of the reporters lose interest, we will absolutely—” Mom began.
A flash of annoyance crossed Lily’s face. “No. Today. I want to go today.”
Abby couldn’t imagine why Lily would want to venture outside. Maybe in a few weeks, or months, once the madness died down. But now…
“Lily, it’s a mess out there. Your face is all over the news,” Abby said gently.
“Maybe if we wait a few days—?”
“I don’t want to wait. I…” Lily played with the long braid of hair she had draped over her shoulder, a look on her face. A memory, perhaps?
“He wouldn’t let me change my hair. Or wear anything that he didn’t approve of. I… I want to feel like myself again and I can’t. Not like this. Not looking the way he wanted me to look.”
Shit. Every time Lily mentioned Mr. Hanson, Abby fought to control her rage. She had to help Lily forget about him. Abby took out her phone and scrolled through her contacts.
“Remember Trisha?” she asked her sister.