Lily’s POV.
“Exactly what it looks like.” Ryan says as I go to stand near him and he wraps his arm around my shoulders.
“But dear you should have told us about it before revealing it to the media like that.” Heather says.
“Mom, I was-” Ryan goes to say but Richard interrupts him.
“You answer to me first, Ryan. You got Lily pregnant, is that why proposed to her?” Richard says with anger burning in his eyes.
“No. He proposed to me because he loves me just like I do. He didn’t even know that I was pregnant when he proposed to me.” I say in Ryan’s defence, “Look, why don’t we all sit down and discuss this calmly. Please.”
“Lily is right, Richard. We should sit down and talk about this. Don’t go ballistic before knowing everything.” Heather says and Richard runs his hand through his hairs and takes a seat on the sofa and Heather joins him.
“Tell me.” Richard asks as Ryan and I take the opposite chairs available for us.
Ryan tells him everything about when we started dating and how we moved in our relationship and so on and also who was responsible for creating some problems between us and why he has to tell them about us and the baby like this. Richard hears everything in silence while Heather is shocked.
“I wanted to tell you about us during afternoon lunch so we could have a triple celebration at night. But Freya ruined everything and I had to change my plans and tell you like this. I wanted to reach the media before her and make sure she doesn’t taint Lily’s name and also ours too for her advantage. If this all still doesn’t seem right to you then I am sorry, Dad. I never wanted to spoil your special day. But I really do want to be with Lily and our little bun.” Ryan says as he comes to stand behind my chair.
“Little bun? Seriously. You are calling my first grandchild that.” Richard exclaims.
“Oh please, Richard. We were not better either.” Heather says.
“But we called him sweet pie. It is much better than a bun.” Richard says in defence and I look at Ryan.
“Is this the reason you don’t like me calling you that?” I ask with a teasing smile.
“Yes, it’s awkward and embarrassing too.” Ryan says.
“Not embarrassing as a bun is going to be.” Richard says with a roll of his eyes.
“You are calling it bun. Does that mean it is…” Heather doesn’t complete the sentence.
“Yes. We are having a boy, Mom.” Ryan says and Heather gets up to hug him.
As they laugh through tears and embrace each other, I get up and sit next to Richard, who is looking anywhere but at me. I take his hand in mine and wait till he gives me attention. He finally looks at me with mixed emotions.
“Why did you hide it from me, Lily? What was the need?” Richard asks.
“I didn’t want to. Believe me, every time I lied to you I really didn’t like it. I wanted to tell you but I was… I was so enjoying having that privacy for our relationship. I wanted to spend time with Ryan without any judgement or rush. I know that you are hurt because of us as we hide things from you. But are you not even a little bit happy that I could officially be your daughter. I know I am. And I also am very happy that my son would have you as his Pop-pop as you would always be there for him.” I say as he looks at me.
“I am happy too.” Richard says as he finally looks at me with concern in his eyes.
“So why don’t you seem so? Why are you behaving like you would like Freya more to be your daughter in law then me? Am I not good for Ryan?” I ask.
“No. It is the other way around.” Richard says as he glares at Ryan who rolls his eyes at him.
“Whatever. We are already in love and engaged.” Ryan says.
“I know. Do you have to fall in love with him only?” Richard asks me and I nod.
“Richard! I think Ryan could not have chosen anyone better than Lily.” Heather says.
“That in fact is true.” Richard says and takes me in his embrace.
“So we are forgiven?” Ryan asks.
“She is forgiven but not you. Not until I see my grandson.” Richard says with haughtiness.
“Well, I have a solution for that too. Here.” Ryan says as he takes out a picture from his coat’s pocket and gives it to Richard.
I got up so that Heather could take my seat beside Richard and look at the picture of my sonography. As they gush over the picture and shed some happy tears, Ryan takes me in his arms.
“Hey, you all. Let’s go out before anyone gets suspicious.” Theo says as he enters the room and we see Noah hovering behind him.
“Yes, dear. But look at this, your nephew and my first grandson.” Heather says in excitement.
“Let me look at it.” Noah says and pushes his way before Theo to take a look at the picture.
“Do not tear it in a tussle. I am going to put it in my study.” Richard says in warning.
After a while, we went out for the party. Richard and Heather introduce me to some of their friends and I dance a bit with Richard, Theo and Noah and Lucas. But when it is Ryan’s turn, I am too exhausted to stand anymore.
“Looks like I have to wait till we get married to have my first dance with you.” Ryan says as I sit down.
“I am sorry but I promise that I will save my first dance for you from now on. Can you please give me something to eat? I am getting very hungry.” I say as I hold his hand.
“What do you want to eat?” Ryan asks.
“I want some spaghetti and also vegetable soup. And definitely that chocolate truffle cake.” I say and stop him as he leaves, “Bring the cake more.”
“Okay, my Madam.” Ryan says and leaves after kissing my hand.
Emma and Lucas are dancing on the floor with Kathy and Vance. Heather is busy talking with some of her friends with a big smile on her face while Richard is having drinks with his friends. Theo is busy rocking some good music and Noah is in a corner with Viola.
“Looks like you won this round too.” Freya says and I look at her.
“This was never a game for me, Freya. Unlike you, I actually love Ryan and do not consider him a money making machine.” I say.
“Whatever. You are not married to him yet. So who knows what would happen next?” Freya asks with a sly smile and I feel furious.
“Firstly, you will depart from here right now.” Ryan says from behind her.
“What?” Freya asks.
“Yes.” Ryan says as he puts the tray of food in front of me then stands beside me to continue, “And don’t even think about creating a scene. I just made you a hero in front of others. But unless you want to tatter your own image, go ahead.”
“Fine. But I will be back soon.” Freya says after a few seconds.
“Well, for that you have to go through many security details. Now bye bye.” Ryan says as he waves at her with a smile which others might think is friendly but I know better.
Freya lightly stomps her feet and leaves after that. Ryan grins at her moving figure and celebrates it by making me eat the cake. I smile at him and have dinner. Soon the party comes to an end and Ryan and I go to our room to sleep when I get tired.
Next day, we all went out to have a fun day. We spend the day on the other side of the island then in the evening have family dinner including Andersons, Scotts, Williams and Carter’s. We think of deciding the things related for marriage later in September but before that Ryan and I have to look for a good date and venue.
On Friday morning, after breakfast we go back to New York. But as Heather and Richard wanted to spend one more week there, they didn’t come with us. Theo, Noah, Kathy and Vance would be taking another chopper while me, Ryan, Lucas and Emma and kids take another one.
I bid adieu to my family after we dropped them in our car. As I am not working today, I decided to stay with Ryan. We go to his company and he attends some meetings while I relax in the private room below his office with juice in hand.
We have to discuss things related to our wedding next Sunday with our family. Ryan has left it to me to choose everything as he said he would be busy choosing something else for us, like honeymoon.
After Ryan finishes his work, we go back to the apartment. I get changed into one of his blue t-shirts after shower and go down to make some nice dinner for us while Ryan is busy with some work he has to catch up.
Our maid already bought everything for us as Ryan called her in the morning to do so. Lia makes pumpkin soup and vegetable spaghetti while I make corn and zucchini fritters and for dessert we will have cheesecake.
As we have dinner later Ryan asks, “So when do you think we should get married? Before or after the baby?”
“Before.” I say as I have my dinner.
“Really. I thought you would want to wait, so you can have
a perfect wedding.” Ryan says and I raise my brows at his words.
“And why do you think I will not have a perfect wedding before my delivery?” I ask.
“Because then you can’t wear a satin wedding gown as our baby would be showing.” Ryan says in a way not to hurt me.
“Are you telling me that I would look fat or that people would say we got married because of the baby?” I ask as I look at him with impatience.
“I don’t care what people say and no not because you will look… big. It is just that… I thought you would get tired and then it is not necessary for us to get married before having a baby. We could do it after the baby is born.” Ryan says as he takes my hand in his.
“But what is the problem? At least this way our baby won’t complain he is not in the picture.” I say.
“But wouldn’t he be in the picture after that? And that way he won’t complain that he doesn’t believe us as his face would be right there.” Ryan says with a smirk and I pout.
“Very smart.” I say as I shake my head.
“I just want you not to feel that just because we have to give our child Anderson name, we should get married before he is born. I just want you to remember our special day and enjoy it to the fullest like you always wanted.” Ryan says and my heart melts.
“Okay. We will get married after the baby is here.” I say and give him a small peck on the cheek.
“I also know the date which would be good to get married.” Ryan says as we get back to dinner.
“Really, which date?” I ask as I eat cheesecake.
“Your birthday.” Ryan says with a wink.
“Aww.” I say and kiss him.
“That way it would be easy to remember both events.” Ryan mumbles but I hear it.
“Ryan!” I exclaim and lightly punch him.
“I was just joking. I am sorry…” Ryan says and tries to placate me.
After dinner, we go to bed and he placates me with his seductive voice and touch. I can never deny his touch and now I crave for it with my every being. As we lay on the bed entwined in each other’s arms, I went to sleep with a peaceful smile on my face.