“Better. Much better. We’re talking, and I think I’ve finally gotten past some personal crap.”
“The shit with your own parents?”
Wayne nodded his head then realised his friend couldn’t see him. “You could say I’ve been awakened.”
“That’s good. You’ve been married to Lily for awhile now. You needed to finally wake up to what you’ve been missing,” Richard said.
“And you’ve done that already?” Wayne didn’t see his friend slowing down.
“I don’t have as many hours, and when I’m close to retiring, I will be. I don’t need the money, and I do it for pleasure. Scarlet and the kids are my reason for living. It’s nice to know you’ve found that same kind of happiness.”
Wayne felt happier for talking to his friend about his decision. “I want to take Lily out on a date.”
“A date?”
“Yeah, you know, the roses and flowers kind of date. We never got the chance to date, and I want to do something special with her before Christmas. She took me skating. I loved it.” Wayne couldn’t believe he was asking his friend how to date his own woman. It was ridiculous.
“You did rush the marriage proposal. Wow, I haven’t skated on the ice in years. I think I’ll take Scarlet out later. You could take Lily to the movies.”
“The movies?”
“Don’t mock it. I didn’t mean a movie theatre. I meant a drive-in. If she didn’t get out much when she was younger I bet she never made out at the back of a drive-in movie theatre. Take her out and show her a good time in the back of your car.”
Wayne considered it and decided it would be good for them. He didn’t know where they’d find the time. With Tony and Richard away they couldn’t rely on them to babysit. He finished his call with Richard then put a quick call in to her father.
“What have I done to have my son-in law get in touch?” George asked.
“Nothing. I want to know if you’ll watch the kids. I want to do something special for Lily, and I was wondering if you’d watch the children for me.”
There was silence on the other end. Wayne waited for an answer finding his temper growing. “You’d help Lily if this was reversed.”
“You’re not my daughter, Mr. Brown.”
“No, I’m your son-in-law, and I love your daughter. I want to do something special for her. Please, look after the children for me. You’ll be here for Christmas, and I want to make this work.” Wayne pleaded with the man and realised he really wanted to make it work.
“Seriously? You’ve never been into Christmas. I don’t think you’re going to start now.”
“I’ve changed, George. Give me a chance. The same chance your daughter has given me.”
“You leave her again and I’m getting a shotgun,” George said.
“You won’t need to come chasing me. If I leave her again I’ll bloody shoot myself. Is that a yes?” Wayne asked.
There was a sigh followed by some rustling. “When do you need me?”
“Friday night. I think it will be perfect to take her out on Friday.”
“I’ll be there. Do you want me to take the kids back home with me, or do you want me to stay over there?”
Wayne thought about it for a few minutes and decided on the latter. “Then we can discuss what’s happening around Christmas.”
George agreed and then hung up. Wayne smiled then made a tea to go wake up his little star.
Lily was still asleep. He put the cup of tea on the dresser and then climbed on the bed. The moment he settled over her, she began to stir.
Her eyes opened. She stretched, and her smile lit her whole face up like a Christmas tree.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Good morning. What time is it?” she asked.
“A little after ten.”
“What?” She jerked up in bed almost knocking him out. “Why didn’t you get me up? I need to get the kids ready and everything.”
He pressed down on her chest pushing her to the bed.
“Wayne, stop it. We can’t fool around.”
“Stop worrying, baby. You don’t need to worry. The kids are at school.”
“You took the kids to school?” Wayne nodded his head.
“Did you remember to feed them?” she asked.
“Stop being a minx. I fed them some cereal and toast. I don’t think they liked it, but I think they liked riding in daddy’s car.” He leaned down and kissed her neck. Her scent invaded his senses making him moan with wanting.
“You mean to say, we’re in this house all on our own?”
“Yes,” he said.
“All alone and you’re only just getting me up now.” She caught his tie and began pulling him down.
“I had some stuff to take care of. Also, I have a surprise for you Friday night.”
“A surprise? Do I get to see it now?”
“Stop tempting me.”
She pouted. Wayne chuckled.
“Well, if I don’t get to find out what my surprise is, can I at least get something else?” She raised her eye brow while her hand moved to his crotch.
“You’re a little wanton vixen.”
“And that is exactly why you love me.”
She pulled him down to her, and Wayne went willingly.
****
Lily was excited. Wayne had told her to dress casually, and she’d seen him in a pair of blue jeans and black shirt. He looked so damn hot. Wayne always looked so good to her. She pulled out her nicest pair of jeans that moulded to her curves in all the right ways. Lily grabbed one of his white shirts. She folded the arms then tied the end strips of the shirt.
A quick glance in the mirror and comb through her locks and she was ready. Her father was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.
“What do you think?” she asked, giving him a twirl.
“You make me wish I could go back in time and change the way I treated you.”
She saw the tears in George’s eyes. “Dad, you don’t need to be like that.” Lily went to him straight away. Her arms circled his neck as she pulled him in for a cuddle. “Stop worrying. I’m happy.”
“He’s treating you well?” he asked.
Lily recalled the way he’d made love to her the other morning. Wayne set her body on fire with so much need she didn’t know how she managed to get through. “I’m happy, dad. Wayne is perfect. Thank you for watching the kids,” she said.