Noah POV :
Gradually opening my eyes, I rolled over in bed and came face to face with Lily, although her steady breathing told me she was still fast asleep. Her golden hair was spread out beneath her on the pillow, and the duvet cover was pushed down to her waist. Reaching across, I brushed a strand of hair that had fallen over her forehead and tucked it behind her ear, smiling when she groaned and unconsciously shuffled closer.
Glancing at my watch, I saw that it was already past eleven in the morning, meaning we were probably going to get woken up any minute. As if on cue, I heard light footsteps from outside the bedroom door. Laughing softly to myself, I put a hand on Lily’s arm and shook her awake, receiving a groan and a swear word in the process.
Wake up honey, I whispered, kissing her on the forehead as her eyes opened sleepily. Someone’s coming in to wake us up, and do you know who gets the waking up duties in this house ?
Lily groaned and wiped her eyes, staring at me drowsily. I’m guessing it’s JJ, she smiled. Right ?
I nodded and threw my head back against the pillow as the door handle slowly turned. Reaching down, I grabbed the edge of the duvet and pulled it up over both of our heads, so we were completely hidden. Turning towards Lily, I put my fingers to my lips to signal for her to be quiet. She nodded, a look of understanding passing her eyes as she put her hand over her mouth to stop from giggling. We both held our breath as the door squeaked open.
YOU HAVE TO WAKE UP NOW ! JJ’s shouted, before he laughed and jumped on the bed, bouncing in between Lily and I.
Looking at her, I winked, and we both burst from the covers, surprising JJ who shouted and dived towards the pillows, still dressed in his Spiderman pyjamas. I burst out laughing as Lily ruffled JJ’s hair and kissed the top of his head that at that moment was right up against her shoulder, like he was trying to hide.
Uh oh, Lily laughed. Did we scare you ?
Of course we scared him, I grinned, wrapping an arm around his small waist and rolling him over so he was on his back. Didn’t we JJ ? We got you good. Big bro rules all !
I wasn’t scared, he argued, sitting up and folding his arms across his chest defiantly. I was pretending.
Not quite sure if I believe that little man, I smiled. What do you think Lily ? Was he pretending, or did he almost pee his pants ?
Oh I think he was pretending, Lily nodded, smiling when JJ scooted closer to her. He’s too brave to fall for one of your stupid pranks, right JJ ?
Yep, he said, bouncing on the bed excitedly before crawling to the edge. Well you have to come down now, sis and Rich are in the kitchen having breakfast. And dad made me come and get you.
Lily glanced at me with a worried look on her face, and I knew what she was thinking. I can’t go downstairs in my pyjamas, she said, confirming exactly what I thought she was going to say. My hair’s flying every which way and I’m wearing sweats and a vest top.
I think you look pretty, JJ said suddenly, barely audible from the side of the bed.
Hey, I laughed, jumping out of bed and pulling on a white t-shirt. You stole my line little man, that’s exactly what I was going to say.
Well thank you JJ, Lily smiled, climbing out and standing up before running her fingers through her hair. You’re a charmer, just like your brother.
He’s not charming, JJ grinned. He’s funny looking.
I sighed as Lily burst out laughing, earning a proud smile from JJ. Watching my brother acting so comfortable around her was something that still amazed me. And it reminded me how special Lily truly was, gaining my brothers trust in just one day when no-one else had been able to earn it. Smiling to myself, I just watched as Lily walked over and bent down to JJ.
I agree with you buddy, she nodded, holding her hand out for a high five which JJ happily responded to. He is goofy looking.
Hey ! I whined, lunging forward and swooping JJ up in my arms. Respect your elders young one.
He wriggled and squirmed, laughing as I kept a tight hold of him. After a minute, he stopped fighting and just went limp. I want Lily to carry me, he said, reaching his arms out to her.
Really ? I whispered, my eyes widening as I glanced at her. But don’t you think you’ll be too heavy for her little man, you’ve gotten a lot heftier since I was last here, and I can barely hold you.
Well you don’t have the strength I do, Lily laughed, holding up her arm and flexing her non-existent muscles. JJ knows it, don’t you buddy.
He grinned and nodded as I set him down. My eyes followed him as he jumped up in to Lily’s arm and she sat him on her hip, a proud smile on her face as he wrapped his legs around her. The familiar thought that had been at the back of my mind since yesterday appeared again ; seeing Lily being so good with JJ made me realise that she would make a great mother some day. Taking a deep breath, I exhaled and shook my head slightly, wondering why the thought kept coming back.
Breakfast time ! JJ cried happily, interrupting my train of thought as I stared in to space. Otherwise dad will tell you both off and make you sit on the the naughty step.
We best get going then, eh ? I smiled, waiting for Lily to pass.
As she did, she stopped in front of me and looked up. You ok there college boy ? She asked, kissing me briefly on the lips whilst simultaneously balancing JJ on her hip. It was like you spaced out or something ?
I nodded, putting my hand on the small of her back and guiding her in front of me. I was just thinking, I said, shutting the door as we stepped out in to the hall.
Walking down the stairs and in to the hallway, the smell of bacon caught my nose and my stomach rumbled, making me realise just how hungry I was. That smells awesome ! Lily said in front of me, smiling over her shoulder.
Mum made bacon sandwiches, JJ said, wrapping his arms around Lily’s neck. I already had one with ketchup on it.
Stepping in to the kitchen after Lily, my eyes caught sight of my parents sitting at the big wooden table with Jackie and Dick, who were currently in the middle of what appeared to be a heated discussion. Hey guys, I waved, stepping up to Lily’s side as she stopped.
Jackie, Rich, she said happily. It’s so good to see you again.
They all glanced up from the table and immediately everyone’s eyes fell on JJ and Lily. I looked down at the floor and smiled, knowing they all couldn’t believe what they were seeing, my little brother sitting on my girlfriend’s hip like he was completely comfortable which to mine and everyone’s amazement, he was. After a brief silence, I cleared my throat and stepped past, taking a seat opposite Jackie and Rich.
Morning mum, dad, I smiled, pouring some orange juice as she passed me a cup. And guys. How’re you both feeling ? Getting married tomorrow, you must be feeling the pre-wedding jitters right about now, am I right ?
Lily took a seat next to me and put JJ on her lap, who sat there happily as the silence continued. Releasing a breath, I snapped my fingers in front of Jackie’s face and smiled when she blinked her eyes and glanced in my direction.
Sorry, she muttered, her eyes drifting back to Lily. I just saw JJ letting Lily hold him and it just…
It’s great, Rich nodded, looking equally perplexed.
Well he didn’t just let her hold him, did you little man ? I smiled, reaching over and patting his shoulder. He specifically requested it.
Yep, he nodded. Lily’s my new friend.
Amazing, my father muttered to himself as he buttered some toast. Utterly amazing.
So, Lily smiled, wrapping her arms around JJ’s waist and scooting the chair forwards. Are you guys excited ? I can’t believe the wedding is tomorrow. Seems like only yesterday you guys were visiting us back in California.
Almost like it was at the flick of a switch, the mood shifted from quiet contemplation about JJ’s seemingly impossible progess to anticipation for the upcoming wedding. We’re not nervous, are we honey ? Jackie smiled, reaching over and taking Dick’s hand. Everything’s sorted out and Rich has written his vows, right ?