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“If you're not ready to let Bishop know about your feelings for him, then wait a little while longer. But, babe, don’t keep quiet forever, not if it’s going to hurt you more than risking the chance of your friendship. I’ve seen how you hurt over Toby. I don’t want to see that happen again over another boy. You deserve love. Take it. If they can’t give you what you're worth, then they’re not worthy of you.”
“Thanks, Mama.” I smile, sitting up and giving her a hug.
“I don’t want to put my nose where it doesn’t belong, but I wouldn’t write off Bishop having feelings for you.”
“Did he say something to you?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
She says nothing, just gets up and walks toward the door. “Come on, let’s go see if your mom needs help with supper.”
“He said something, didn’t he?!” I rush after her.
“I can’t wait. We’re having your mom’s cheesy baked chicken.”
She’s deliberately avoiding the question. I smile, a surge of hope filling me.
When we get to the kitchen, Mom is peeling potatoes. “Hey, Mom.” I give her a hug from behind.
“Hi, Lillypad. How was your week?”
“It was good.” I grin, remembering what Bishop and I did. The goat is still at the hockey house. I’ve forgiven the little asshole, but I still won’t go near him. I look around to make sure none of my dads are around. When I see the coast is clear, I grin over at them. “Did Jax say anything about what the hockey players did?”
Mom snorts. “You mean taking that damn goat again?” She grins, shaking her head. “Oh, yeah, your dad was ranting all about it. But he’s going to pretend he knows nothing because of what that team did to that poor boy.”
My heart drops at the mention of Rodney. I hope he presses charges against those monsters. I can’t believe they would go as far as to physically harm him.
“Well, I helped Bishop take him.” I giggle.
“You did what?” My mom spins and gapes at me. “Lillianna Tatum!”
“Nice going, kid,” Rain laughs. “Was it fun?”
“Yeah.” I grin back. “The thrill of getting caught... there’s nothing like it.”
“You are too much like your dads and mama.” Mom shakes her head, but she’s grinning as she goes back to prepping supper.
“And you say that like it’s a bad thing.” Rain rolls her eyes and wraps her arms around Mom. Mom closes her eyes and leans back into Rain’s embrace as Rain kisses her neck.
“You two are grossly adorable.” I sigh heavily. “I’m going to find the guys.”
I want what my parents have. The kind of love that seeps into your soul, making you wild and crazy for your person. The kind of love that makes you unable to function without the other, like you're each other's air to breathe. That you would die if they weren’t there.
It’s not healthy at all, and yes, I did say I didn’t want Toby to be my whole world. But if someone felt the same about me, then I’d make an exception. Because I grew up with that raw, powerful kind of love, I watched my dads and mama treat my mom like the world was made for her. And in return, she’s loved them with everything she has.
When I find the guys, they’re hanging out in the living room with my little brothers. Bennett is on the couch on the other side of the room, far away from Toby. Toby watches him with this crushed look on his face. It hurts. I hate this.
“Lilly!” Bennett jumps up from his spot and rushes over to me, hugging me tightly. “I missed you.”
“Missed you too, bud. Come hang out with me?” It’s not that I don’t want to hang out with the twins, but they’re screaming at the TV, deep into their game.
“Always.” He grins up at me.
Bennett and I head down to the game room and play a few rounds of foosball before it’s time for supper.
Speaking of supper, it’s awkward, to say the least.
Both Toby and Bishop's attention stay on me the whole time. Brody is eyeing up the guys like he wants to kick their asses, and the twins are talking about gross boy stuff. Sometimes, I wish my mom had another kid after them, giving me a little sister. Too many boys in this house.
“You ready to go?” Bishop asks me, giving me a knowing look when we’re done eating.
