Just Perfect (13 page)

“Are you sure?  Aren't you kind of old?”

“Jonathan!” Lily was horrified at her child's lack of
manners.

Sam chuckled. “Trust me, I'm young enough to date your mom. 
That okay with you?”

Johnathan's brow knitted in thought. “Well, yeah. I just
didn't know.  Mom's never been on a date.”

Lily started to fell uncertain.  Was this going to be too
much for her son?  What if it didn't work out?  Would Johnathan be confused and
uncertain about relationships?

“Johnathan, go ahead and tell Gramma we're ready.”  She
urged, wanting to put an end to the conversation.

“Okay, bye Sam.”

“See you in a bit.” 

When Johnathan walked away, she turned to Sam and nervously
licked her lips. “Sam-”

“No, Lily,” he interrupted “whatever is going on in that pretty
head, forget it.  It'll be fine.” 

He sounded so sure she decided to believe him for now. “What
are you doing here?”

“Sarah told Glen you were coming to check out this place.” 
He jutted his chin in the direction of the building.

She took a deep breath. “Yeah.  It has a decent apartment on
the top floor but it only has two bedrooms.  It has a kitchen downstairs to
bake in and a small walk in cooler.  I would be able to bake those wedding
cakes in the spring if we got this place.”

“What about Johnathan?”

“What do you mean?” She was confused by his question.

“You have to think about him.  Are you going to make him
share a room with you?”

Anger shot through her so fast her brain almost exploded.
“Of course, I'm thinking about him,” she hissed. “Johnathan and my mom are
all
I think about.”   Who the hell did he think he was?  Her situation was none of
his business anyway.  And he just stood there looking calm, like he didn't just
criticize her parenting.

“I have to go, Sam,” she just wanted to get away from him.
“Don't bother with the pizza.” She lashed.

“I'm bringing pizza.  I told Johnathan I was.  I do what I
say Lily and you’re acting like a brat.  The first time I say something you
don't like and you’re ready to call it quits.

“It's not the first time,” she snapped “you can’t seem to
help yourself from saying things that upset me.”

He laughed so suddenly and with genuine amusement, it caught
her off guard.  She blinked and her anger fled.  Her lips twitched with the
need to smile with him but she wasn't going to let him off that easy.

He took a step closer and gave one of her wayward curls a
tug. “I'll see you at seven with pizza.”

She didn't say anything.  Just stared up at his deep blue
eyes.  He was so attractive and when he laughed it warmed her insides.

“Okay, Lily?”

She let out a long sigh so he knew she was still irritated
with him “Okay.  Don't forget, I like mushrooms.”  She might as well get the
pizza she wanted.

“I'd never forget anything about you.”

Sam pulled into the farmhouse drive at seven sharp.  He saw
a familiar gray truck.  Glen.  Good thing he brought extra pizza.  As he
gathered the pizza boxes and drinks out of the backseat, he took a look around
the property.  This was going to be his new home.  He shook his head.  He
really needed to tell Lily.  But if he told her right now she'd lose her mind. 
There was no way she would think he bought her parents’ beloved farmhouse so
she wouldn’t have to leave.  As soon as he got a quiet moment with her, he'd
tell her.  Then let her blow off some steam.  The thought made him smile.  She
was hot as hell when she was blowing off steam.

His smile fled and fierce jealousy took its place looked
through the kitchen window and saw Glen's son, Jake, sitting at the island with
Lily smiling down at him.

He was through the door instantly without bothering to
knock.  Lily and Jack both jerked their heads towards him.  A flash of pleasure
in Lily's face and it made him feel a little less like murdering someone.  His
eyes left her and landed on Jake. 

“Sam? Are you alright?”  Sarah asked, but he was unable to
move his eyes away from Jake.  Jake's pale green eyes held Sam's steadily.

“Sam,” Jake greeted, “good to see you again.”

Jake still looked the same with dark blond hair and tall,
lean build.  He resembled his dad, Glen, in many ways.  But where Glen's eyes
had an open friendliness, Jake was more subdued and watchful.  In fact, in the
few times he'd been around Jake, he never saw him wear a genuine smile.  Until
today when he smiled at Lily.  His gut clenched.  She smiled at Jake too. They
looked good sitting next to each other.  Like a picture perfect couple. It made
Sam want to do real damage to Jake's handsome face.

Sam set the pizza boxes and drinks on the island and reached
over to shake Jake’s hand.

“Welcome home.”  He meant it.  He usually liked Jake, but
not right now.  No, right now he wanted Jake to disappear and never talk to
Lily again.

“Thanks, it's good to be home.”

“Hi, Sam!”  Johnathan ran into the kitchen.

“Inside voice please.”  Lily reminded as she walked around
the counter to Sam’s side.

He wanted to grab her and kiss her so thoroughly, no one
would doubt who she belonged to.

She gave him a stern look. “You got my mushroom pizza,
mister?”

He found a smile. “I wouldn't dare show up without one.”

“You can stay them.” She smiled and leaned slightly against
his arm as if testing how she should behave around her everyone.

“Sam's gonna date my mom,” Johnathan announced to the room
as he tried to open the pizza boxes no doubt looking for his pepperoni.

Sam ruffled his hair.  Good kid.

“Go wash your hands before you touch the pizza please,” Lily
said before getting the plates from the cabinet.

“I brought beer, juice and soda.”

“Wonderful.  Thank you, Sam.”  Sarah said and began to help
Lily set the table.

“I'll take one of those beers,” Glen said.

After grabbing a beer for himself, he handed one to Jake.

 Despite Sam’s initial irritation when he first arrived, the
evening was pleasant. After dinner, Lily excused herself to help Johnathan get
ready for bed.  Sam and Jake sat in the living room with a fresh beer while
Glen helped Sarah do the dishes.

“You going to drive for your dad, Jake?  Or you got
something else in mind?”  Sam asked one they were settled.

“I'm going to drive for him.  I don't think I can sit in one
spot long.  I'll probably do some local and regional loads.”

“You're welcome to work in the shop too.  We could always
use another set of capable hands.”

“Thanks.  I might do that.”  After a minute, he said, “Lily
and her mom are about the sweetest women I've ever met.  Have you known them
long?”

Sam's first instinct was to warn him off Lily but Jake
hadn't shown any interest in her other than friendly conversation.

“No.  I ordered dessert from Lily for the guys at the shop. 
That's how your dad met Sarah.”

Jake nodded. “My dad seems pretty taken with her.  He
deserves a nice woman like that.”

Lily appeared in the room and looked between the two of
them.  She seemed a little uncertain about what to do and her eyes found his. 
He held out a hand to her and without hesitation she settled on the arm of his
chair and rested against his shoulder.  Contentment washed over him.

“Johnathan didn't want to go to bed.  He thinks we're having
fun and he'll miss out.”  She smiled across at Jake, and it made Sam want to
growl.  He didn't want her smiling at anyone but him.  His jaw clenched with
the effort not to let the growl slip out.

“He's a good kid, Lily,” Jake commented. “You've done a
great job.”

“Thanks.  I didn't do it alone, though.  My mom and dad
helped.”

Sam noted the sadness in her voice.  She still missed her dad
a great deal.  He looked over at Jake to see if he heard the change in Lily's
tone.  Jake was studying Lily's face thoughtfully.  Sam narrowed his eyes,
jealousy made his body tight.  Jake needed to keep his eyes to himself.  As if
sensing Sam's anger, Jake jerked his eyes to meet his.

“Here we go.”  Sarah entered the room.  “Here, Lily, I
brought you a glass of wine.”

“Oh, thank you.”  Lily accepted the glass and Sam saw her
eye the other glass still in her mom’s hand.  She didn't comment on her mom drinking,
but he could tell she wasn't happy.  He put his hand on her knee and squeezed
until her eyes met his.  He gave her a hard look and she let out a quiet huff
before taking a sip from her glass.

“Well,” Sarah said as she and Glen settled on the couch. “Are
you glad to be back Jake?”

“It feels a little strange right now but I'm happy to see my
dad again.” He smiled good-naturedly.  “I was worried he was lonely, but I can
see he's doing just fine.”

Sarah blushed, and Glen chuckled.

Lily stayed silent and was intent on staring at her wine
glass.  She was uncomfortable with her mom dating and she didn't want to
comment on the happy couple. 

“Lily, those were the best red velvet cupcakes I've ever
had.  The chocolate ones too.  How in the world do you get them to taste so
good?”  He asked.

“Well..um..I know everyone has heard it before, but you have
to use the best quality ingredients.  Like real vanilla bean instead of extract
and fresh, organic eggs.  Every ingredient is the best quality we can afford. 
Even down to the flour.  It makes a huge difference in the taste and texture.” 
She shrugged. “No one would come to us for cakes if they can get the same thing
cheaper at the grocery store.  You have to have an edge.”  She took another sip
of wine. “That reminds me, Glen, Sam said the drivers that came in Saturday
didn't get any cupcakes.  I'll make another batch just for them.  Would you
make sure they get some?

“Sure thing.  That's very thoughtful.”  He shook his head.
“We just need to hide them from Dean.”

“What kind do you think they would like?”

“Carrot cake,” Jake answered. “I haven't had carrot cake for
a really long time.  My favorite.”

Lily smiled brightly. “Cream cheese frosting?”

“Oh, yeah.  Why don't I just order a whole cake for myself. 
Then I won't have to hurt Dean and risk pissing off Sam.”

“I'll set a couple aside for you and give them to Glen on
Friday.  You're in for a treat, carrot cake is my specialty.”

A while later she excused herself and went to the kitchen to
rinse out her glass.  Jake appeared at her side with her mom's glass and his
empty beer bottle. 

“Just set them here, I'll take care of it,” she instructed.

After doing what she asked, he braced his lean hip on the
counter and crossed his arms over his chest.

All of the sudden, she was nervous.  She went years without
being around men, now they were everywhere she turned.

“Your mom's a very kind lady.” 

Lily swallowed hard.  “Yes, she is.  Your dad seems nice
too.”  She added when Jake remained silent.

“Hi is.  He's the best man I know.  If fact, he's the best
man most people know.”

She just nodded for lack of anything to say.  She knew he
was getting something.

“You couldn't pick a better man to spend time with your
mom.”

“Except for my Dad.”  The words slipped out before she knew
what was happening.  Her shocked eyes went to his.  “I-I'm sorry...” She
stuttered.  What was wrong with her? “That was very rude, Jake.”

To her surprise, Jake's eyes were understanding, not angry. 
“It's alright.  I know it's hard to lose a parent.  People think it's easier if
you're an adult but it hurts all the same.”

Lily nodded, thankful that he wasn't offended.  “It's not
your dad.  I just never thought life would change like this.”  It felt good to
be honest about how she felt about her mom dating.  

“Just let them spend time together.  They look happy.”

He was right.  They did look happy.  “You sound like Sam,
he's bossy too.”

He gave her a questioning look.

“What?”

“Is John Burke Johnathan's dad?”

Her heart squeezed. “Did you know him?”

He nodded slowly. “Yeah.  He was a couple of years younger
than me in school.  I spoke to him before I left for basic training.” He paused
as if debating on what to tell her.

She waited patiently knowing he wanted to say more.

“He told me he met a great girl and her name was Lily.  He
was a good guy.  I was sorry to hear about his death when I came back on
leave.”

Lily blinked back tears. “Yes, Johnathan is his son.”

“His mom lived up by the lake.  Do you ever see her?”

Sadness filled Lily at the reminder of what she took away
from the poor woman. “No. After John died, she moved to Chicago to be close to
her sister.  I've sent her pictures of Johnathan but she's never seen him in
person.  She said it was too painful.”

Jake sighed. “Well, it's her loss.  He's a great kid.”

“Thanks. He's my whole world.”

“You have your mom and Sam too,” He said gently.

“What about me?”  Sam's deep voice vibrated through the
kitchen.

Jake straightened. “I was telling Lily her she's got a nice
guy, even if he's bossy.  I bet Dean's glad you've got someone else to
dictate.”  He winked at Lily. “Takes the pressure off.”

Sam put his hand around Lily's waist and tugged her close.
“I have strong suggestions.”

A startled laugh left her.  “Good thing I have suggestive
hearing.”

“You ready to go, Son?”  Glen asked, entering the kitchen
with her mom.  Looking closely at her, Lily noticed her cheeks were pink.  That
meant Glen must have snuck a kiss.  “Let's get out of these ladies’ hair.”

“Yeah, let's go.  Thanks for having us, ladies, I'm sure
we'll see each other again soon.”

“Are you leaving too?  She asked Sam.

“Do you want me too?”  He asked back for her ears only.

She shrugged lightly.  She didn't want to sound needy and
ask him to stay, but she wanted more time with him.

He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. “That's not an
answer.”

“I want you to stay for a while unless you need to get home,”
she whispered.

“I'll stay a while.”

“Okay.” She smiled.

She turned and followed her mom to the door to say their
goodbye to Glen and Jake.

“I'm off to bed you two.”  Her mom said once the door was
shut.

“Mom?”

Stopping in the kitchen doorway, she turned questioning eyes
on her.

“I'll be in the other room.”  Sam left them alone.

“I'm sorry, Mom,” Lily said after a few seconds of pondering
what to say. “I have no reason to stop you from seeing Glen.”  Except she was
afraid of losing her.

“Oh, Lily.” She wrapped her arms around her.  “That's all
you have to say.  Thank you.”  She pulled back and brushed a curl out of her
face. “You do know I would never leave you alone, don't you?”

No, she didn’t know that.  “Yes. I know.”

“Good.  Now go in there with that handsome man.  I'll check
on Johnathan before I go to bed.”

“Okay, goodnight.”

Finally, alone with Sam and she didn't know what to do.  He
looked big and intimidating when she was the focus of his attention. 

“Do you want to watch TV?”

“No.”

“Oh.  What do you want to do?”

He smiled at her and her heart skipped a beat.

“Come here.”

She settled herself next to him on the sofa.  “I didn't know
Glen and Jake were going to be here tonight.  I should have told you since you
were bringing dinner.  They showed up just a few minutes before you.”

“No problem.”  He slid an arm around her and lowered his
head to kiss her lips gently.  “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

She didn't want to talk.  More of his kisses sounded like
much more fun.  He must have read her mind because he chuckled quietly.

“My mom and dad are coming here for Thanksgiving.”

“Your mom?”  That was the last thing she expected him to
say.

“Yeah.  I
do
have one.”

She flushed. “Of course, you do. I didn't mean it like
that.”

“Anyway, I want you to meet them.”

“Really?”

“Of course,
really
.”

“Well, we would invite you here but I don't think we'll be
here.” 

“You'll be here.”

“No, really, Sam.  The closing is supposed to be in about
thirty days.  We have to be out of here and into another house by then.”

He stared into her eyes for so long she started to fidget. 
Finally, his arm squeezed her tight.  She felt tension in his body.

“Are you okay?”  She asked.

“I really like you, Lily.  I plan on this relationship
lasting.”

Pleasure filled her.  “I hope it lasts too.”