He blinked, then a small smile crossed his face, and he clapped his hand onto my shoulder. “Love you too.”
Lily was crying again when she said, “We’re all going to be okay.”
Chapter 34
Lily
Never had I been happier to pull into the driveway of my parents’ house than I was today. I saw my family running out of the house as I hopped out of Luke’s truck and ran straight into my mother’s arms. I hugged her, but over her shoulder I searched for Dylan. He stood on the front porch, next to Violet, who cradled a sleeping Calla in her arms. Tears streamed down his little face, and I ran to him. I scooped him up and held him, absorbing his sobs into my body while wishing I could take this whole day away and erase it from his memory.
“Luke told me you’re my little hero,” I whispered into his ear. He squeezed my neck and continued crying. “You saved my life, Dylan. I am so, so proud of you.”
“I love you, Mommy,” he said through his tears.
“I love you too, little bug.” He wiggled for me to put him down, so I did.
He ran down the drive to Luke who picked him up and hugged him.
Tears filled my eyes once more as Rose wrapped her arms around me from behind. Violet leaned in, and I kissed Calla’ssweet little cheek. “Thank you for taking care of her,” I murmured. Violet nodded at me with a smile.
“Lily.” Rose’s voice broke on my name as tears streamed down her face. I turned and hugged Rose tighter while Violet and Gram moved over to one of the porch swings and sat down near Finn and Nick.
Trevor and his kids came out the front door. Mikey and Maddie crashed into my legs. I leaned down and kissed their cheeks. Trevor kissed the top of my head and told me goodbye, and he would see me tomorrow. I did not want to tell Trevor the things Jeff had told me about Tara, but I would, because he had to know. He needed to protect Madison. That girl was his, even if she wasn’t. Now was not the time though. He led the kids to his car, and they took off.
Luke, with Dylan in his arms and Rocky jumping around his feet, made his way up the walkway to the porch steps followed by Liam and my mother.
Dad and Cade had gone back to the station to bust the bad guys or do whatever they did after they arrested people.
Asher came out of the front door bearing an ice pack, which he handed to me after hugging me. I pressed it to my sore face with my sore hand and held it there. Mark and Mara were with their other grandparents. I would see them this weekend. I was sure my mother would be doing something extra for Sunday dinner.
Levi and Jude were up next, followed by Finn and Nick. I hugged them all and suddenly missed Holly. It had been almost a year since I’d seen my baby sister.
But then she appeared, walking out the front door like the blond goddess she was. She ran into my arms. She had to lean over because like almost everyone else in my family, she was way taller than me. We hugged, then she cradled my face, gentle with the bruises and swelling that had arisen along the side where Derrick had hit me, and studied my eyes. “I just gothome a few hours ago. Walked through the front door to find the house was full and everyone going nuts. I have been so worried, Lily.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Holly,” I said, and she laughed.
“Typical Lily. You get kidnapped, yet you are apologizing because I worried about you. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Luke and Dylan had come up behind me. Dylan ran around me to one of the padded couches on the porch and sat down. Rocky hopped up beside him and cuddled into his side.
“Hey, Luke. It’s good you’re finally back. I missed you,” Holly said.
He smiled and wrapped her up in a hug.
Luke let go, and Liam greeted her. “Hi.”
I saw Liam see Holly, and I saw Holly see Liam, andwhoa. This would be interesting. Mom noticed it too, because she gave me big eyes from Liam’s side.
“Liam, this is my sister Holly. Holly, Liam is Luke’s B-F-F.” His eyes never left her face.
“It’s nice to meet you, Liam. I’m going inside to crash. I’ll catch up with you later, Lily.” Holly jogged off.
Mom stood up and announced, “Everyone is staying here tonight. My nerves won’t be able to take it if anyone goes home.” For once, I agreed with her. A night with everyone under the same roof sounded perfect to me.
“Liam, your room is ready. Come on, honey, and I’ll show you where everything is.” Liam followed my mother into the house. He was staying here tonight as well, instead of going back to Luke’s house.
“Good night, kids. I’m going home, but it’s just right over the garage, so I think your mama can handle that.” Gram winked and took off. Violet handed Calla off to Luke, then headed inside. One by one, everyone trickled in afterher until it was just Luke, me, Dylan and Calla, and, of course, Rocky, left on the porch.
