Waiting For Lily Bloom by Jericha Kingston

hugged her.
    Lily knelt down and wrapped her arms around both of them.
    James went to the trio and placed his hand on Lily’s shoulder. “We’re sorry about your mother, girls. She was a wonderful person.”
    Lily raised her eyes to his, their golden depths shimmering with unshed tears.
    A sniffle rang out from the huddle.
    His chest tightened, and he squeezed Lily’s hand. Tomorrow would be difficult. “Let’s show the girls to their room.”
     
    ****
     
    Lily rose, ignoring the milk that curdled in her stomach. Whatever the night held, she’d endure it. The girls had a home now. That’s all that mattered.
    Ava and Elsa went to the outhouse, then readied for bed. James led them to their room and lit the lamp while Lily pulled down the top cover. The sisters took off their shoes and climbed into bed. Lily leaned down and kissed them both on their heads. When she stepped back, James placed his arm around her shoulder. The warmth and weight of his arm settled on her upper back. Her heart galloped.
    “We’re glad you’re here, girls. Let me pray for us.”
    Two heads bobbed.
    Lily closed her eyes.
    “Father, thank You for Your love and protection. Watch over us as we rest. Give us courage and strength. We need You, Lord. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
    His voice thickened. “Be with Ava, Elsa, and the other children tonight. Comfort Henry, and provide work for him. Thank You for protecting us in the storm. Should You grant another day, cause us to rise with thankful hearts. We especially thank You for Jesus. In Him we pray, Amen.”
    Lily opened her eyes.
    Ava breathed deeply, her chest rising and falling.
    Elsa’s lips turned up a bit at the corners.
    How sweet that he should soothe the girls with his words. The rich timbre of his voice gave her goose bumps. “Do you need anything else?” James questioned.
    “N-no, sir. We’ll be fine.”
    “All right. You know where the outhouse is.” He reached for the lamp as the sisters nodded. A click plunged the room into darkness. James interlaced Lily’s fingers with his. “Sleep well.”
    “Th-thank you.”
    James guided her steps into the hallway. Her leaden feet dragged. Sweat gathered between her shoulder blades.
    “Would you like to get ready for bed?”
    She tripped over her feet.
    His grip tightened on her damp hand. “Whoa there. Careful.”
    She looked up at him. A hint of a beard trailed his jaw. His dark eyes, though tired, twinkled. Heaven help her. She swallowed and pulled her hand from his. Turning away, she wrung her hands. What could she do?
    “Lily.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, and she jumped. He gently turned her to face him, shook his head, and kissed her forehead, the same as she’d kissed the girls. He took her hand once more and led her down the hall.
    She pictured Abe Lincoln seated in Ford’s Theatre. Marie Antoinette facing the guillotine.
    James came to a room and released her hand. He walked inside and lit a lamp.
    Dim light illumined the space. Sweet Heavenly days. The bed appeared to glow.
    He leaned over and pulled the covers down.
    She placed her hand on her throat.
    He grabbed a pillow, tucked it under his arm, and walked back to her, sporting a grin that caused her heart to hammer. The light softened his outline, casting a lustrous sheen on his copper hair. He stopped in front of her at the doorpost, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and then raised her chin to meet his gaze.
    What did he see as he studied her? He stood so near that his breath tickled her cheek. His eyes were the darkest silk, framed by enviable lashes. His grin faded to a half-hearted smile, and then disappeared altogether when he gazed at her lips. “I should’ve known it was you,” he whispered, lifting her hand to his chest. “Thief.”
    Heat radiated against her palm. His spicy, male scent pervaded her lungs. Not unpleasant. Not dangerous, but not safe. She shivered. If she were a bird, she’d fly