Right ! he confirmed, nodding rather forcefully. And no we’re not nervous. I mean sure, getting married is a big day. Things are going to change, and I’ll have to do my vows in front of everyone. Oh jeez, I’m not nervous. Nope. No way !
I cocked an eyebrow at him as he glanced at me. He knew he was babbling, but he couldn’t seem to stop. Don’t worry, son, my dad said reassuringly, toasting him with his empty glass. You’re already our son in law, all you’re doing is making it official.
My mother nodded and got up from the table, placing her hands on Jackie’s shoulders. And what’s better than having the wedding at the Lakeside hotel, so close to the place you’ve always called home ?
It sounds like a perfect place to me, Lily said, helping JJ off her lap as he walked over to Sammy, who was lying in his bed in the corner of the kitchen. And I just wanted to thank you for inviting me. It means a lot.
Of course, Jackie and Rich said at the same time, smiling kindly at Lily. Well you’re practically family anyway.
That’s exactly what we said, didn’t we Pierce ? My mother said, glancing at my dad who nodded in confirmation.
Absolutely sweetheart, he said between mouthfuls of toast.
Reaching under the table, I took hold of Lily’s hand and entwined our fingers, squeezing her hand gently. I knew my parents were just being honest, but I also knew that they didn’t know how much their words meant to Lily. Glancing at her out of the corner of my eye, I could see the look of happiness on her face. Turning my attention towards my family, I nodded at them slightly, grateful that they had accepted her with out any doubts whatsoever.
Ok, so what’s the plan for today ? I asked, looking around the table as Lily let go of my hand and took a sip of her orange juice. I mean, is there anything in particular Lily and I can help with, or is everything fine and dandy ?
Actually, Jackie said. Things are good and there’s not much you can do. Don’t forget though, Rich, you and dad have to leave this evening and go and stay at our house, while me, mum and Lily stay here.
Oh, Lily said, setting her glass down. I didn’t know that was the plan.
Well it’s tradition, my father smiled, walking around the table and piling up the plates. The groom can’t see the bride before the wedding. And we just thought we’d extend it to the whole family. We’ll all go to Jackie and Rich’s house that’s about a twenty minute drive up the lake, and you ladies will stay here and do whatever ladies do ; wax your legs and get pedicures and such…
So we’ll be leaving tonight ? I asked, a little disheartened that I wouldn’t be spending the night with Lily. And then we’ll all drive to the hotel and meet them there for the wedding ?
That’s the plan, Jackie nodded, standing up to help dad carry the plates to the sink. Everyone will be at the hotel for 4pm, and then things will kick off from there. And FYI dad, women don’t just get pedicures and such. We tend to gossip about the men folk, including you.
It sounds wonderful, Lily grinned, winking at me. And if you like gossiping, I can spare a few details about Noah.
No ! I yelled, putting my head in my hands. You wouldn’t do that to me, you love me too much to do that.
Now that’s what I’m talking about, Dick laughed, rocking back in his chair. Gossiping’s funny when it’s not happening to me.
Calm down honey, Jackie smiled, putting her hands on his shoulders. Noah won’t be the only one being gossiped about.
Ha ! I laughed, a smug look passing my face as Dick grumbled in his chair.
Well listen up folks, my mother said, getting up from the table and tucking in her chair. Pierce and I are going to go to the store and get some food in, we’re almost down to nothing. Jackie and Rich, will you come with us ?
Of course, they both said in unison. After we’ve helped you with that, we’ll drive back to our house and I’ll gather up all my stuff and bring it back around here for tomorrow.
What about us ? I asked, throwing my arm around Lily’s shoulder. And JJ ?
Well I thought you two could look after him while we go out, my mother said.
Sounds good to me, Lily smiled, watching JJ as he stroked Sammy who was currently on his back with his legs in the air.
After a whole barrage of hugs and kisses everyone left for the short drive to the store, leaving me, Lily and JJ sitting in the kitchen. Glancing out the window, I could see that it was a beautiful day with the sun’s rays making the lake water glisten. An idea popped in to my head and I turned around, leaning past Lily so I could see JJ who was still strokinga whining Sammy.
Hey little man, I grinned, wiggling my eyebrows when glanced at me. Do you want to go swimming today ?
A huge smile appeared as he jumped up quickly and ran over to us, throwing himself on to my lap. I WANT TO GO SWIMMING ! He shouted happily, bobbing up and down with excitement already.
What about you gorgeous ? I asked Lily, who was already half way out the kitchen. Hey, where are you going ?
I’m going to get my swimming costume on, she grinned, running out of the kitchen as JJ jumped out of my lap and raced after her. Last one to the lake loses !
I’m gonna win, I’m gonna win ! JJ’s voice disappeared down the hall as he chased after Lily.
Laughing to myself, I walked in to the hallway and aimed for the airing cupboard underneath the stairs. Ever since I was a kid, all my swimming stuff was kept in there. Rooting around quickly, I found a pair of grey swimming trunks and quickly pulled off my sweats, slipping on the trunks before either of them came charging down the stairs. Throwing my sweats and t-shirt in to the cupboard, I shut the door and wandered out to the garden.
Walking down to the dock, my eyes fell on the water rippling against the edges. Unlike yesterday, there was no breeze and the day was still. The sun was boiling hot, beating down with such ferocity that sweat began to break out almost instantaneously. Wiping my forehead and standing on the edge of the dock, I turned around when I heard a squeal of delight from behind me.
My eyes landed on JJ as he ran down the garden, a huge grin on his face that I had been waiting to see for a long time. Ever since I could remember, JJ’s favourite thing was swimming. Of course, he was still too young to be in the water on his own and he couldn’t swim as often as he wanted too, so this was a real treat ; to have two people in the water spending time with him. As he ran at full speed, his blonde hair flew backwards and his blue eyes were filled with anticipation. The red swimming trunks he was wearing rode low on his hips as he picked up speed. They were obviously way too big, as he kept having to pull them up as he ran, almost falling over twice in the process.
Woah there little man, I laughed, holding my arms out as he almost crashed in to me. Patience. We still have to wait for Lily.
But I wanna go in now, he whined, trying to wiggle past.
Patience buddy, I smiled. We’ll go in when
But my words faded as Lily stepped out in to the garden with Sammy trailing lazily beside her. She was wearing a light blue costume that showed off every curve of the body that had caused many dirty dreams. The costume rode high on her hips, showing off her long legs. I could feel my heart beating faster as she walked closer, a small smile on her face. Her hair was plaited over her shoulder, falling almost to her elbow. JJ pulled impatiently on my swimming trunks and sighed loudly, trying to get my attention.
Lily’s here now, he said, stating the obvious and pointing at her. We can go in.
I just nodded as Lily walked along the dock and stood in front of me, the sun making her squint slightly. You took your time, I whispered, my voice barely coming out as my eyes travelled down her bare legs.
Mmm, she mumbled, her focus on my bare chest.
I grinned and leant over, placing my lips next to her ear. It’s a shame really, I whispered so JJ couldn’t hear. If we were on our own, you wouldn’t have needed the costume.
Kissing her cheek lightly, I pulled back and was amused to see a blush creeping in to her cheeks. She just blinked at me as I stepped back and put my hand on JJ’s shoulder as he stood there impatiently, practically dancing on the spot as he waited to go in.
You ready buddy ? I smiled, lifting him up in to my arms.
Yeah ! He nodded excitingly, as I lifted him higher and threw him in to the water barely a second later.
Lily and I watched as he came to the surface, his hair plastered to his forehead. The arm bands he was wearing kept him safe and I smiled at him as he looked up at the both of us, looking extremely happy. Are you coming in ? He asked, water droplets falling down his cheeks.
How about you two swim for a while while I watch you, Lily said, putting her hands on her hips and drawing my eyes down to her legs without even realising it. I’ll sit on the edge of the dock and get in, in a little while.
Nope, I said, shaking my head. That just won’t do, right JJ ?
Yeah, he mumbled, swimming out a little further. We all have to be in so we can play.
Chuckling softly, I turned to Lily with a mischievous grin, my arms outstretched. Oh no, she mumbled. I know that grin.
Lunging towards her, I swept my arms out and scooped her against my body, just like I had done at the fountain a few weeks ago. But the only difference was ; this time she didn’t even put up a fight. Wondering why, I looked down at her and cocked an eyebrow.
No squirming ? I asked. Or trying to wriggle away ? That’s not like you honey.