One Year Later

“I can’t do this! I CAN’T do this!” Lily started to freak out as we pulled into the driveway.

I put the car in park and turned to her. She was breathing so heavily.

“Lilypad. It’s going to be okay. Just take a deep breath.”

I inhaled and exhaled loudly hoping she would follow my move. She started to follow my breaths but I could still see the fear in her eyes.

“What’s the worst that can happen?” She muttered and laughed nervously.

“Exactly. And remember. I will be here with you. I will protect you.”

“But my MOTHER.” She started to breathe heavily again.

“Don’t worry.” I looked at her.

She nervously showed her teeth. I opened the door and headed toward Lily’s door. She looked at me through the window and shook her head.

“Come on Lily. Stop acting like a spoiled Princess.”

“Do you even remember Christmas? With the mistletoe?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “We kissed under the mistletoe and your mom freaked out and turned into Holly the Bad Molly.” I rolled my eyes.

Luckily, I was a good liar and was able to bullshit my way through the whole situation. But, of course, Holly had to bring out the whole moving out discussion again. She was really a pain in my ass. Holly still didn’t know about Lily and me, even though I told my dad before we came home for Christmas last year.

Apparently, my dad had already known. He said we made it pretty obvious when he came back to get his phone and Lily had dish soap bubbles all over her ass and the whole Mexican restaurant dancing fiasco. I guess I should have given him a little more credit. He was an observant old man.

“OMG. Mindy. I’m going to kill her.”

I chuckled. “She might be a little crazy but she’s sometimes the only one that makes sense.”

Lily pulled down her tight shorts and a tank top to make her outfit more “appropriate” for her mother.

“You look... damn fine... when you wear tight clothes.” I gave her a little wink as I eyed her up and down.

“So, what do you think is going to happen?” Lily nervously started to play with her hair.

“She’s going to tell you to move out.” I laughed.

Lily pouted at me.

“What? You know it’s true.” We started to walk toward the house. “But remember, don’t let her get under your skin-”

“I know.” She pouted again and staring down her childhood home with an angry glare.

We walked in front of the door and knocked. But no one answered. They must be in the back.

“Hello?” I opened the front door.

“Mom?” Lily yelled trying to locate Holly.

I heard muffled sounds coming from the back yard.

“I think they started without us.”

I walked in front of Lily who was taking her sweet time. The sliding doors were already open.

“Happy Belated Fourth of July!” My dad yelled as he flipped a patty.

“I thought you were going to let me cook this year!” I gave my dad a big bear hug.

“You think because you went to culinary school for one year that you’re already a chef.” Dad teased me.

“Well, I have one more year left, so I’m half a chef?”

Holly gave Lily a hug but not without raising her eyebrows and staring at her outfit.

“So, how has work been going?” Holly asked.

“Really good.” Lily gave a short answer.

“Lily got a promotion.” I gloated for her. “She is now the Junior Design Lead for Advertising and Marketing.”

Holly looked over at me and then back at Lily. “That is amazing, sweetie. And only in a year.”

“Yeah, but she’s been busting her ass. Working overtime at home and at the office. There are days where I don’t even see her.” I gloated again. I couldn't help but to be extremely proud of my little Lilypad.

“Mr. Prime has also helped me a lot and giving me advice. I can probably make Senior Designer in about three years.” She shyly said.

“Honey! That is amazing!” Holly gave Lily another hug.

“Nate. Place these on the table. I’m almost done.” My dad handed me a plate of burgers.

I placed the burgers on the table and got comfortable in my seat.

“Belated Fourth of July Burgers are ready!!!” My dad yelled.

“Why are you yelling?” I chuckled.

“I thought it would be more exciting.”

I shook my head. The table was filled with hot dogs, corn on the cob, burgers, potato salad and more. We grabbed the food we wanted and began to eat.

“What. Is. That?” Holly pointed at Lily’s finger as she tried to grab the Ketchup.

Lily turned pale.

“It’s an engagement ring,” I spoke with food in my mouth.

“You're going to get MARRIED!” Holly shrieked. “I didn't even know you were dating anyone.”

“I was going to tell you today,” Lily said covering her ring.

“Who is the guy? When am I going to meet him? When did you get engaged???” Holly went into interrogation mode.

“I met the guy when I first got to Chicago. In a coffee shop.” Lily started to play with her potato salad. “We got engaged about two months ago.”

Lily answered all the questions except for one.

“When am I going to meet him?” Holly asked again in a colder voice.

My dad was just eating his burger and avoiding his wife’s eyes. I held Lily’s hand under the table. I wanted to give her a bit of confidence.

“Well, you already met him.”

Holly looked confused. She was trying to remember which guys she met from Chicago but she knew it was only Samuel, and me.

“You met him a few years ago. Last year. Last Christmas.” I wrapped my arm around Lily and stared her mom down. “And right now.” I gave Lily a little kiss on her forehead for the final punch of the sentence.

Holly’s jaw dropped her face went through so many expressions.

My dad let out a relieved sigh. “It’s about time. You know I can’t hold onto a secret that long.”

Holly darted her eyes to my father. “You KNEW!” She raged.

“Holly. Let’s go inside and talk.” My dad dropped his burger and headed toward the sliding doors.

If anyone could calm Holly down, it was him. My dad closed the sliding doors. I looked over at Lily who was turning red.

“That wasn't too bad.” I rubbed her shoulder giving her a mini massage.

“You know what.” She looked at me. “It wasn’t.” She started to chuckle.

“Well let’s just hope my dad has it under control.” I laughed. “You know. Regardless of what your mother says, we are getting married.” I kissed her quickly. “And you are NOT moving out.”

She gave me her sweet smile. “I know.”

“I’m the Frog and you're the Princess Lilypad.” I gave her one more kiss. “And the frog will always love the Lilypad.”

She rolled her eyes at my lame joke. She gave me a kiss and we began to eat in silence. The yelling started to simmer down, but there was still shouting coming from inside the house. My dad came outside first and then Holly followed up with her pouting face. It looked really similar to someone I knew.

“Alright. So let's dig in and enjoy our little visit. I mean you kids are only going to be here ‘til tomorrow.” Mickey went back to his burger.

Holly looked at Lily and me. I couldn't make out her expression anymore. Although, she did look a little happier. I was sure it was in there somewhere.

We sat in silence for a few minutes. Holly coughed she began to play with her potato salad, “So, when’s the wedding?” She said in an angry tone.

I could tell she was mad but she knew there was nothing to be done. She couldn't change Lily’s mind anymore.

A smile spread across Lily’s face. “May 6th.”

I knew things would work out. I grabbed Lily’s thigh from under the table and gave it a little squeeze. And to think if I didn’t ask her to live with me. I wouldn't be marrying the girl of my dreams. I wouldn't be marrying my little stepsister.

My Lilypad.