Lily looked at him and nodded. "Outside with the driver."
All the men left the table and headed out of the kitchen.
"Why didn't you tell us you were coming home?" Violet asked. Her expression turned dark. "And, for that matter, why haven't you been in better contact with us? We've been worried."
Lily reached out to touch her sister's arm. "I'm sorry. I needed to work through some things."
"And it took you three years?" This time it was Cami that asked. "Although I guess I'm one to talk, eh?"
"True," Laurel agreed.
Lily smiled. She'd missed them more than she’d realized.
"Your timing is great though, since Cami and Josh are still here.” The blonde woman gave her a friendly smile.
There was an increase in noise as the men came back in with the luggage, but they bypassed the kitchen and went right upstairs.
"Where's Jessa?" Her oldest sister’s absence, when everyone else including her husband was present, concerned Lily.
"She's on bed rest," Laurel said.
"Bed rest?" Lily asked. "When did that happen?"
"She's been on bed rest for several weeks because of some bleeding, contractions and blood pressure issues," Violet explained. "Amy came to help out until the baby is born."
"And then Will fell in love with her, and the rest is history," Laurel added with a grin.
The blonde woman—Amy—blushed. "Yeah, guess I'll be sticking around for a bit longer."
"I'm sure Will's hoping it's for longer than just a bit," Cami said. "And I'm hoping you're around for longer than a bit, too, Lily."
Lily nodded. "I'm home for good."
The men came back into the kitchen before Lily could say anything more. Lance came over and gave her a hug. "You need to go upstairs and see Jessa. She's almost ready to come down here, but I can't let that happen."
Lily needed to see Jessa, too. She just hoped her legs would cooperate. When she stood, her legs shook a little. Sheglanced at Lance. "Will you come up with me?"
Lance nodded. "Sure."
Lily waited for Lance to join her. As they approached the bottom of the stairs, she reached for his arm with one hand as she grasped the banister with the other. Lance immediately stilled and looked down at her.
"What's wrong, Lily?" Concern was evident on his face.
"It's a long story. I plan to share it, but not right now. Most days I'm fine, but my body is reacting to the very long day it has just had. I need a little help."
His brow furrowed but even though he looked like he wanted to ask more questions, he just covered her hand with his and began to slowly climb the stairs. Lily was thankful for his understanding and patience. Once they reached the door of his and Jessa's bedroom, she eased her grasp on his arm, determined to make the steps to Jessa's bed on her own.
"Lily!" Jessa held out her arms as soon as she spotted her.
As quickly as she could, Lily moved toward her oldest sister and sank into her embrace, mindful of the mound of her belly. Lily’s tears flowed as she hugged the woman who had been as close to a mother as she’d had.
"I've prayed every day for you to come home." As she sat back from their embrace, Jessa took Lily's face in her hands, her thumbs grazing the wetness on her cheeks. "I've missed you so much."
"I have a lot to tell you, but not right now," Lily said. "I just want to enjoy being home."
"Come sit up here with me." Jessa patted the bed on the other side of her.
Lily settled down on the bed and placed her hand lightly on Jessa's stomach. "Another baby!"
