She was the only woman to love him for who he was and not what he could give her. The drive felt short to her, but she knew it was a good forty minutes to get home. The snow was falling thick. They pulled up into the driveway. He closed the gate then helped her out of the car.
“Come on.”
Her father was sitting at the dining room table wrapping presents. He smiled as they walked in. “Did you have a good date?” he asked.
Lily leaned her head against the door frame. “The best. What are you doing?”
“I’m wrapping my own presents. You guys have probably got enough for the kids to sink a small ship, but I wanted to bring something of my own.” Her father placed a bow on the centre of the gift.
“Hi, George,” Wayne said.
“Wayne.”
She watched her husband walk past her father into the kitchen. “How are things between you two?” he asked.
Lily took a seat next to him. He only had one more present to wrap. Wayne handed her a cup of hot chocolate. “I’m going to go and get ready for bed. Thank you for watching the kids, George. I’ll see you in the morning.” He lingered on her neck with his touch. She knew he would be up waiting for her.
“You both seem happy,” George said.
“We are. Very happy. He’s not going to leave me again, Dad. Will you cut him some slack?” she asked.
“I’ll cut him some slack when I know he’s not going to leave my daughter hanging around waiting for him to return. You were the one going through it, Lily. I saw how broken you were over him leaving. I won’t let him get away with it.” George took his glasses off to look at her. “You’ve forgiven him easily. I don’t want him taking advantage of that forgiveness.”
“I know he hurt me, and so does he. We’ve not had the best of starts like other couples. We’re learning along the way. Please, give him the same chance I did. I know Wayne has had everything handed to him. The money, business, and the reputation. He got me through helping you, but there is a side to him that you don’t know. I do. He’s a pain in the ass and domineering in his manner, but he does love me, Dad. He loves me and those kids. He’s learning. You don’t understand what he’s had to grow up with. I’m not saying I’m any better. All I know is that I’m prepared to give him a chance.”
“You’re too forgiving,” George said.
“And you’re not forgiving enough. Cut him some slack. I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
George smiled at her, and then she made her way up to their bedroom. Wayne was undressing as she entered.
He put on a pair of night pants. “I thought you like to go naked,” she said.
“Your father is in the house. I don’t think walking around na**d will be ideal for him.” He held up her black negligee. She hadn’t worn it since before the night he’d left. “Wear this for me?”
She took it from him then made her way into the bathroom. After a quick shower, she dried her body then changed into the negligee. She stared at her reflection in the mirror. It was a lovely night piece. She loved the feel of it against her skin.
Taking a deep breath she walked back into the bedroom. The light was off, and Wayne was sat in bed waiting for her.
“You look stunning,” he said.
“How can you see me? It’s dark.”
“I’ll always be able to see you.” She smiled at his corny response. Lily moved to the bed and lifted up the covers. Wayne began to lie down. She lay facing him.
“What did your father say?” Wayne asked.
“That I’m too forgiving. I should make you earn it all back. Yadda, yadda.”
“What did you say?” He stroked her hair over her shoulder and down her back.
“That he doesn’t forgive easily enough. I’m happy with our relationship, Wayne. I don’t need anything else.”
“I love you, too.” He leaned over, kissing her head. “Can I hold you tonight?”
“Yes. I’d love that.” She snuggled up close to him. His arms circled round her. She closed her eyes relishing the feel of the man she loved holding her. Nothing in the world could hurt her with him close to her.
Sleep came easily, and Lily was comforted in the knowledge that Wayne wasn’t going anywhere. He loved her, and he knew she was where she wanted to be.
Chapter Fourteen
The next few days went by in a haze of activity. Wayne left the house once to pick up his gift for Lily. George stayed for Christmas. They didn’t want him on his own at this time of year. Wayne spent as much time as he could bonding with his father-in-law. It was difficult because of his own relationship with his father. They never spoke.
While Lily was baking some sugar cookies and mince pies, Wayne took the kids out into the yard to make a snowman. George stood with him. They were both wrapped up in jackets and scarves. “This weather is a pain for my arthritis.”
“How are you feeling now?” Wayne asked.
“Better. You know I’ll hurt you if you hurt my daughter.” Wayne glanced at the man at his side.
“I’m pleased you care enough to threaten me,” Wayne said.
“I wasn’t the best father to her growing up, but I’ll be the best damn father to her now.”
“Then we’re both clear. We both want Lily to be happy, and for that to happen, we need to be happy with each other. I’m not going to mess up again, George. I promise.” Wayne waited for his father-in-law to respond. The older man kept his gaze straight ahead.
Suddenly, George turned toward him. “Fine, I’m proud to call you my son.” He held his hand out for Wayne to take.
Wayne shook his hand before pulling him against him for a bear hug. “Thank you for giving me a chance.”
“I’ll do anything for my daughter. I’ll even forgive you.”
“Good.” Wayne moved away with a happy feeling in his heart. He joined in making the snowman. When he looked up he saw Lily on the porch staring at them. She waved her hand toward him. He lifted his hand then went back to helping.
Once they finished, he went in search of refreshment for them. Lily was pouring the chocolate from the pan into each cups for them. “You’re a goddess,” he said.
“I know what my family need. The snowman looks adorable.” She finished pouring then handed him the tray. She added a plate of biscuits to the tray to finish it off.
“More adorable than I am?” he asked.