Chapter 48

Tank

After the shit show that was Brit was over I decided it was the perfect time to take Lilly for a ride. I wrapped my arms around Lilly’s waist. “ Come with me sweetheart. I have a surprise for you.” Lilly squealed in excitement “ A surprise for me. What is it?” I laughed, “ It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.” “ Let’s go then. I can’t wait. Come on Harley. Tank has a surprise for us.” “ Lilly, hold on. I have arranged for Goof to take Harley for us. He is meeting us there.” Lilly nods but I can see she is unsure. “ Sweetheart, I'm taking you to your surprise on the back of my bike. Harley can’t ride yet. But he will be there when we get there. And Harley likes Goof.” “ Ok. I trust you.” With that settled I had Harley over to Goof and lead Lilly out to my bike.

I have thought long and hard on how to get Lilly on the bike safely. After all she can’t just throw her leg over and mount up. Maybe after some practice she will be able to but not for the first few times. After some brainstorming with Viper we came up with the best way to get her on. I stand beside the bike holding Lilly’s hand. “ Lilly, I’m going to help you on the bike first. I need to do what I say.” Lilly nods. I position Lilly so that she is facing the front of the bike. “ Lilly, we will work on getting you on the bike another time but for today I’m just going to pick you up. When I do, I want you to straddle the bike.” I put my hands on her waist and lifted her. When I was satisfied she was steady I let her go and hook a helmet on her. “ I’m going to get on.” Told her so she wouldn’t be shocked when the bike moved. I got on and told Lilly “ Give me your hands.” I grab them, pulling her to my back. “ Keep your arms around me at all times. And don't be afraid. I have got you.” I feel her nod against my back.

I crank up the bike and take off out the gate slowly. I want to ease Lilly into riding so she won’t be scared. I increase my speed in short intervals so I can test her reaction. When I get on the straight away that is the last two miles to our house I gun it. I feel Lilly tighten her grip on me but I don’t think it is in fear. I love the feel of her pressed against my back while I feel the rumble of the bike between my legs. The air rushed past us as we glided down the road. This is freedom. This is what life is about. Me, my bike, my girl and the open road. It doesn’t get much better than this. But I’m going to try at our stop.

I pull in the driveway, put the kickstand down and climb off. I stretch out then get Lilly. After removing her helmet I left her off. When I put her on her feet I notice she is wobbly. I hold on to her until she is stable. “ Don’t worry you will get used to it over time and the jelly legs will stop.” Lilly holds on to me and smiles “ So I take it you plan on taking me on rides more often.” she asked. I gave her a quick kiss and said “ If you liked it. We can go as much as you want.” Lilly smiles up at me. I do love those smiles. “ I loved it.” “ Good. Now hold my hand. It is time for your surprise.”

I lead Lilly to the porch where Goof and Harley are waiting for us. I help up the two steps when Harley comes over to us. I help Lilly grab his harness then go to the door. When I unlock it I turn to Lilly “ Through this door is why I brought you here Lilly. I hope you like it.” I’m nervous. I’m scared she won’t like it. Or she will think it is too soon. With Harley’s help I got her through the door. “ Welcome home Lilly.” Lilly turns to me “ I don’t understand. Who’s home is this?” I hope it didn’t fuck up. Please Lilly like this place. Please don’t be mad. “ I bought this place. For us. This is our home Lilly.”

“ You bought us a house? When? Why? I have so many questions.” Lilly rambles. I take her hand in mine and make sure she is facing me.“ Yes, sweetheart. I bought us a house. I wanted to prove to you how serious I am about us. I wanted a place that was just for us. No bunnies. No brothers. No wild parties. A place to relax. Somewhere to have barbecues maybe. A place for us to build a life together. A future.” I see tears slide down her face. I didn’t want her to cry. It is too much. I pushed her too far. “ Lilly, don't cry. I will sell the house. Or we can put off moving in together for as long as you need. Or we could rent it out until you are ready. Whatever you want to do.”

I’m trying to come up with anything that will stop Lilly crying. “ Nick, stop. These are happy tears. I swear. I just can’t believe you did this. I’m shocked. This is the best, sweetest thing you could have ever done. But Nick you didn’t have to do this to show me that you are in this with me for the long hall. You did that when you asked me to be your ol’e lady.” I blow out a breath with a whoosh. I’m relieved. “ So you are really ok with this? You're not mad?” “ No Nick. I’m not mad. I’m ecstatic. Most girls get flowers, jewelry, and candy. Maybe love notes. But I get a whole freaking house. You gave me something I haven’t had in a long time. A home. And that is the best gift you could have given me.” Lilly pulls me down for a sweet but short kiss.”So how about you show me our new home.”

I showed Lilly around our home, going over everything in great detail. When we get done with the first floor I help her up the steps. I explain the extra bedroom that for now remains empty. Then I led her to the master bedroom. This room is fully set up for us. I have two night stands on either side of our California queen bed. I have a dresser and vanity for Lilly as well as a dresser for me. I have the walk-in closet laid out one side for me the other for Lilly. I even had shoe racks installed. Thanks to Anne the bed is made with dark blue sheets and a comforter.

The bathroom was next. I told her about the tub, the side by side sinks. The shower was the last on the tour of the inside of the house. It was large enough for Lilly, Harley and me could fit in it and still have room. There is a bench seat in the corner. I had a safety bar installed. It was encased in glass. A feature I like since I could watch Lilly in the shower if I wasn’t in it with her. The part I think Lilly will enjoy the most four massaging shower heads. Lilly caresses the shower wall. “ You and I are going to have a wonderful friendship.” she says. I think for the first time in my life I might be jealous of a shower.

I take them outside to explore the backyard. Harley is having a blast running around carefree knowing I am looking after Lilly. The last stop is the garage at the back of the yard. I open the door and let Lilly go in. “ Lilly this space is all yours. I had help from Lug Nut and the guys in the band. We set a practice studio for you. We had all the instruments brought over and set up. There is even enough room for you and Connor to practice your dance moves.” Lilly gasps “ Nick just when I think there is no way you could possibly get any sweet you go and prove me wrong by doing something like this. I don’t know what to say. “ “ You don’t need to say anything. I just want you to stay here with me and be happy. If you can do that. That is all I need.” “ I can do that now and forever.” Lilly says.