Chapter Thirty-Five

Lily

 

Scott stayed at Nathan’s house on Friday night, while Parker stayed over with Lily. Bodhi fell asleep on the couch during a movie, so Parker carried him in to bed—he had gotten far too heavy for Lily to lift these days, but Parker managed it with ease. Seeing how good she was with Bodhi made Lily happy, and Bodhi seemed to really adore her too.

“He’s sound asleep,” Parker said, returning from the bedroom, and Lily was relieved.

“Great. Let’s snuggle in bed,” she said, leading Parker to the bedroom. Parker went to the bathroom and came out, then climbed into bed straight away. Under the covers, they found each other, and Lily began kissing Parker. “I love you,” she said for about the millionth time that week. She’d never thought she’d feel such emotions again and was so happy she did.

“I love you too,” Parker said, kissing her. Lily moaned, and Parker’s hands starting tugging on the elastic of her pyjama pants. Lily helped her to manoeuvre them, and then moved toward the elastic of Parker’s pyjama pants. She gently tugged on them and then noticed them pulling on something.

“Is that…?” Lily looked questioning at Parker and then realised Parker wore a strap-on.

“Is that okay?” she asked. “I should have checked, but I wanted to surprise you.”

“Yes! Let’s do it. It will be fun again.” Lily enjoyed it so much the last time, and though she didn’t want to only ever do it with toys, she was excited to try again.

After kissing and touching some more, Parker was inside her, and Lily, who had chosen to sit astride Parker, cried out in pleasure, arching her back. Parker started to gently thrust her hips, but soon Lily took over, grinding down on Parker. She was feeling sexy—Parker made her feel that way—and a little silly. She lowered herself gently so that her breasts dangled in Parker’s face. Parker’s eyebrows raised in excitement, surprise and pleasure—Lily would always remember that face!—and Parker reaching up to touch her, and kiss her. After a bit of playfulness, they got a rhythm going, and soon they were moaning in unison, feeling connected and in love, before falling asleep happily in each other’s arms.

*****

 

The next morning, Lily and Parker began discussing the family celebration. “Reckon your family would come to Canberra for it, or is it a little premature? I’d love to meet them.”

“Really? I hadn’t thought about it, but Mum and Dad are always up for a road trip, and I guess it depends on Briony and Nick, what they’re up to. I can always ask. Should we wait and discuss plans with the boys?”

Lily paused for a moment, then said, “Let’s make it a big thing. Your family, mine, Nathan’s, and Scott’s.”

“What about Megan’s family?” Parker asked gently. Lily thought it over.

“Maybe I should talk to them. It could be quite confronting for them. But I definitely should tell them about you. I’d hate for them to see us out and about and be caught by surprise. I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before now.”

“Yes, probably a smart idea,” Parker agreed.

 

*****

 

Thankfully, the guys agreed with the plan, and text messages and phone calls were made, planning an afternoon barbeque the following weekend. Parker’s family could stay at Parker’s house, and all the other families were local. That left one last phone call. To Megan’s parents.

“Hello, Betty,” Lily said nervously. Ringing Betty and Tom was not unusual—after all, they played a very active role in Bodhi’s life and still visited her and Scott regularly—but somehow this felt different.

“Hi, Lily. How are you? How are things?”

After general chatter, Lily finally told her. “Betty, Scott and I are having a little celebration next Saturday evening, and we’d love you to come if you’re keen, but before you say anything…” She rushed to continue, hoping Betty wouldn’t answer before she had a chance to tell her—that could be awkward if she then changed her answer. “Before you say anything, I want you to know, well you already know how much I love Megan. How devoted to her I am. But recently I met someone…”

She heard Betty suck her breath in, and for that moment, she felt like the worst person in the world. Then Betty spoke, sounding so caring and warm, “Oh, darling. That’s lovely news. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m surprised because it has been so long now, but I’m happy. I know it doesn’t take away from what you and Megan had.”

Lily grinned, but tears were forming in her eyes. Not for the first time since Megan’s passing, she thanked her lucky stars for Betty and Tom. “Thank you,” she said in response. It was all she could say.

“Anna told me Scott’s met someone recently too. Unless she got it mixed up, and she meant you?”

“No, she got it right. Scott and I are dating two friends actually. His boyfriend’s name is Nathan. He’ll be there on Saturday. Anna and Frank are coming too,” she said, referring to Scott’s parents. Suddenly it became very important to her to have Megan’s parents there.

“And what’s your friend’s name, darling?”

“Parker. She’s great, Betty. Very different from Megan, on the outside anyway, but I’m sure you’ll love her when you get to know her.”

“Let me talk to Tom, but I think we’re free. I’d love to meet Parker and Nathan. I’ll get back to you.”

Within the hour, Betty and Tom had confirmed they would be attending the party.