LillyWe danced in silence until the song ended when Rick stepped in.“Can I cut in?”“You already have,” Jonathan grumbled.I just chuckled and took Rick’s hand just as Daughtry’s song “September” came on. “Not exactly a dance song.”“That’s ok,” he told me, putting his arms around me. “We can just slow dance.”Our bodies in sync, we danced slowly, just as we did back in our college years. So much has changed. Almost two decades, time wasted on my late husband. Catch twenty-two though, because if I regretted those years, I wouldn’t have my daughters.Opting not to think about Jack, I focused on the words of the song. And damn if that wasn’t just as bad. The words tore at my chest and fragile heart. Since songs never made me tear up before, I mused. This self-revelation would be the death of me.An ache bloomed in my chest, remembering moments with Chance, like snapshots for perfect moments. Damn hormones. Tears burned the backs of my eyes, the ache traveling through my veins to my he

LillyI rushed out of there like the devil was at my heel.Rick trailed behind me. “I don’t know how I’ll survive seeing him every day,” I whispered as I glanced over my shoulder.Chance’s intense gaze remained on me, the heat of it burning through me with promises of passionate nights, rustle of the sheets and filthy words against my skin.I shook my head, hoping to clear the images creeping up my mind. “I should have said a million per night, per room.”“He would have paid it,” Rick declared confidently. “Maybe it’s good that he is here. You can decide if you want to go after him.”I glared at him. “Did he look alone to you? Did you not notice that seriously gorgeous redhead next to him?”“I did.” He shrugged casually, tucking his hands into his pockets. “But I also noticed he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were on you the entire time.”“That’s because he wants to talk about the pregnancy. When that man gets something in his head, he doesn’t let go. I’ve seen him in negotiations.”

LillyTonight’s dinner. At my favorite restaurant. With people I loved.I loved him. He was part of me, just as my girls were.Chance’s words playing in my mind. Over and over and over again. Marry me. Just like that? God help me, I wanted to, but I wanted his love even more.“Look, Mommy... we are beautiful!” Saoirse exclaimed, pulling me away from my thoughts. I caught her watching herself in the mirror, not an ounce of modesty on her face.“Girls, you’re going to turn vain if you continue looking at yourself in the mirror.” Then because I couldn’t resist, I smiled. “And yes, you look beautiful.”My little ones whirled around one more time.“Ok, lovebugs,” I murmured while hugging them. “Go play.”I smiled as they disappeared and I went to get myself ready. A quick shower, even quicker blow-dry, some mascara, and I was ready. My hair had gotten longer and even thicker with my prenatal vitamins. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at my image in the mirror, the move reminding me of

LillyBright light streaming through the window woke me, and I slowly opened my eyes, blinded by it. I hadn’t felt this relaxed in weeks, and I smiled to myself. I went to move and felt strong arms wrapped around me. I remembered last night.Too much emotion burned.I swallowed and turned to see Chance’s handsome face. My heart swelled at the sight. I brushed my fingers over his dark hair, the words from last night dancing through the air. I loved him. My body nor my mind would ever want anyone else. He was it for me.My eyes roamed the space. We ended up in my bedroom last night.He said he loves me. My pulse fluttered remembering his words.I slowly shifted out of his arms, ensuring I didn't wake him. I got up and tiptoed around the room grabbing my clothes out of the closet, as quietly as I could, and went into the bathroom to pee. As I shut the bathroom door behind me, I exhaled and leaned against it. My reflection stared back at me, the mirror reflecting a dreamy smile and thorou

CHANCE - THREE YEARS LATERThe moment my driver passed through the gate, I couldn’t help the smile curving my lips. The immaculate lawn wasn’t so immaculate anymore. The quiet estate wasn’t so quiet anymore. The home wasn’t a lonely place to lay my head.Lilly and my home boomed with laughter, loud voices, occasional tears and arguments, but it was all worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.“Seems the kids had a good day, sir,” my driver remarked.He was right. If the driveway marked with chalk full of colors, bikes, and a kiddie pool were anything to go by. I still didn’t understand the need for a kiddie pool when we had a perfectly functioning real pool, but Lilly insisted it was better.So we went with it. She dragged me to Target and picked out the cheapest pool she could find. I’d do anything to keep her happy. If she wanted me to drain the Olympic size pool, so be it. As long as she continued smiling.The car came to a stop, and I grinned. Lilly sat at the doorstep of our m