Read Online Waiting For Lily Bloom by Jericha Kingston - Free Book Online

freckled face. “M-Miss Lily, don’t feel bad. Just k-kiss it better.”
    Lily straightened and released him, but he held fast, his scowl replaced by a grin.
    “Well, now. It’d be a shame to disappoint the girls, wouldn’t it, Mrs. Bloom?”
    The rapscallion.
    Elsa clapped her hands.
    Ava giggled.
    She inhaled, leaned forward, and pecked his bruised cheek. Her lips tingled at the contact, his unshaven face warm and prickly.
    “Hurray!” Ava’s approval merged with her sister’s lively applause.
    Elsa ran into the room and picked up the overturned alcohol bottle. She tilted her head, squinted, and peeked into the opening.
    James hopped up and extended his hand.
    Lily gripped it, air hissing past her teeth.
    He released her palm, and then lifted her at the waist instead.
    She stood, her hands resting on his forearms.
    “We still have to…”
    His eyes were the color of Miss Edna’s apple butter. Back home, there was nothing finer. In Pauls Valley, it suddenly took second place. Sculpted cheekbones and a strong jaw enhanced his full, curved lips. Lush eyelashes blinked at her.
    “You OK?” His brow wrinkled.
    She closed her mouth, nodding. What was wrong with her?
    “So whaddya think?”
    Oh dear. What had he said? She nibbled her lower lip.
    “Elsa thinks we should try again.” He turned to the little darling, took the alcohol bottle from her hands, and mussed her hair. Then he faced Lily. “How ‘bout it, Slugger?”
    Ava shook her head. “D-don’t do it, Mr. Bloom!”
    “Don’t worry, girls.” He gripped the alcohol bottle, planted his feet, and blocked his face with his free hand. “This time, I’m prepared.”
    Ava dissolved into laughter.
    Elsa bounced on her tiptoes.
    Lily sat again and took deep breaths.
    Apparently, James had enough alcohol left in the bottle to burn the flesh off of her other hand. He circled, as though sizing up his opponent. “I can’t get too close, girls. She might clock me again.”
    Lily’s cheeks warmed. The beast.
    “Yay!” Ava cheered.
    “Are you gonna hit him again, Miss Lily?”
    Elsa. The imp’s face shone with glee, her silence broken.
    Ava’s lips formed a perfect O .
    James beamed as he turned to Lily. He placed his right hand on his stomach, his left hand behind his back, and bowed.
    Not bad. For a man.
    Lily raised her fists and scowled at him. He feigned fright and jumped back. The girls howled.
    What a ragtag bunch we are.
    She’d never been happier.
     
    ****
     
    After supper, James read to his family from his father’s Bible.
    Lily held the Bloom family Bible, which he’d updated with their names and marriage date.
    Ava sat on Lily’s left and Elsa on her right.
    He read the account of Joseph in Egypt, pausing to watch Lily point at each word, Ava’s brow furrowing as she studied the print. Elsa rested her head on Lily’s arm. The girls listened intently, but before long, Elsa rubbed her eyes and Ava stifled a yawn. He marked his page and closed the book.
    “Ready for bed?”
    Lily straightened.
    Ava stood and led Elsa to wash her face. When they finished, they walked to their room.
    He followed Lily down the hall, entered the girls’ room, and lit the lamp. “Did you like the story?”
    “Poor Joseph,” Elsa sniffled. “His brothers are mean.”
    “They sure were.” He folded his arms as Lily tucked in the girls and kissed them on their heads. “Even though somethin’ bad happened to Joseph, God took care of him. Tomorrow we’ll find out if Joseph’s dreams came true.”
    “I-I know, I-I know!”
    “Don’t go spoilin’ the endin’ for your sister. We’ll read about it tomorrow.”
    Ava’s eye’s twinkled. “O-OK.”
    “I mean it. No squealin’.”
    Both girls giggled.
    “Let’s pray.” He offered his hand to Lily.
    Lily searched his eyes and lifted her hand, palm up, displaying her blisters.
    “I’ll be gentle.”
    She bit her lower lip, and then accepted his hand.
    That’s my girl. He held her fingertips,