A/N: Sorry guys that it took so long to update. This chapter was much harder to write that I originally thought and not at all what I was expecting. Plus I've started co-writing a story with -note.book.paper-20 called Changing directions on her account. Feel free to check it out if you wish. Yes I'm shamelessly advertising here. If you're not into that relationship I totally understand people have the right to their own opinions. Anyway enough rambling here's the chapter:
Lilly stood staring at the closet full of clothes. She didn't have a clue what was going on so she couldn't decide what to wear. The smile Robbie Ray had given her earlier made her believe this was to be one of those nights she wanted to remember. Going through her clothes for the third time she still could find nothing that stuck out.
Turning to the swing in the corner she spoke to her sleeping son. "What should I wear little one? I have a feeling your dad is up to something and I wanna look just right. To bad I don't have a wardrobe like Miley's. Of course that's it."
She quickly ran across the hall and into Miley's room. Hurriedly explaining the situation to Miley the two girls began going through the Hannah closet trying to find just the thing for Lilly to wear. After trying on several outfits, and mixing and match several more they decided on one they both liked. It was simple and casual enough that it wouldn't stand out, but it was nice enough it that it would fit in a classier place as well.
Jackson stood at the bottom of the steps waiting for Lilly to come down. He was feeling quite nervous at the moment. He wasn't sure what her reaction was going to be to his little surprise. After spending a few hours doing what she had been doing on a daily basis he felt the need to let her have a break and to spoil her a bit. As soon as his dad walked in the door that night, the two began hatching a plan to do just that.
Feet appeared on the top of the stairs and began to slowly descend. He watched as if in slow motion as Lilly made her way down. His breath caught as he stared at how beautiful she was. Her hair fell around her face in soft waves. Her outfit hugged her body just right to show off the curves he loved. She was stunning, and tonight she was all his for the first time in a long while.
"You look absolutely beautiful." Seeing her smile he walked over and gave her a light kiss on the lips. Pulling back he stared deeply at her trying to convey all he was feeling in a single expression. She smiled again, seeming to read Jackson's face.
The spell was broken when everyone heard a small wail through the baby monitor on the end table. Lilly started to turn to head back up the stairs when Robbie Ray stopped her. "I got him, you two go have fun. You deserve a night off."
"But…"
"No buts darlin' I got it. I've raised two children. I'll be fine for a couple of hours. Miley will be here too. We have your cell numbers and we know how to dial 911. Now quit worrying and get going."
Lilly couldn't believe it. It was like he read her mind. Leaving him with Jackson was one thing, he was the dad. But leaving RJ with Robbie Ray was kinda like leaving him with a babysitter for the first time, even if he had been there since the day he was born.
"Should we go then?" Jackson asked hesitantly.
"Um…I guess. Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise."
Jackson slowly pulled a reluctant Lilly out the door and to the car. Opening the car door for her, he rushed over to the driver's side and hopped in. It wasn't long before he was pulling into the valet parking of a very nice hotel.
Looking up Lilly noticed where they were and questioned him on it. "A hotel?"
"It's not what you think. Well I did have to make room reservations but only so we could eat in their restaurant. It's supposed to be one of the nicest around. We can just leave after dinner if you want, or we could hang out, whatever you want."
"Ok."
Leading the way into the dinning area, Jackson gave the host their name, who quickly got them seated. Looking the menu over Lilly couldn't believe the prices. The food must be fabulous as much as it costs. She thought some more on that.
"Jackson, this food is awfully expensive. Plus with the room reservation it must be costing a fortune."
"Yeah I was hoping you wouldn't notice. Dad's helping pay for it. When I told him I wanted to give you a night out he insisted on helping. We decided you needed a little bit of spoiling."
Smiling at that she went back to looking over her menu. Everything looked so delicious she couldn't decide. When she made mention of that to Jackson he suggested she pick her to favorites and they'd split both of them. The thought made her laugh out loud. Neither one of them were very into the concept of sharing food so to have a whole dinner based on that seemed ridiculous.
Jackson agreed with her on that thought but told her it was her night and she could do whatever she wanted. Putting his menu aside he in delight as she read each item over and over again until she could finally settle one two that sounded the best.
While they waited for their food to arrive they talked and laughed just as they had when they first started dating. Lilly kept thinking how good it felt to be like this with Jackson again. Without having to fit in the baby and work schedules. They night was theirs alone.
She had to admit to herself though that she missed RJ deeply and wouldn't trade him for anything. Jackson noticed how excited she got when she spoke about their sons. The smile on her face clearly showed how much she loved the little boy.
Their food came and Jackson scooted around the table closer together. They started off each just taking bits of whatever they wanted but soon they were feeding each other and laughing like little kids.
Once they had finished that they waiter came over and asked if they wanted any dessert. They got a piece of chocolate and smashed in each other's faces. Both claiming that they were simply practicing for their wedding reception.
After paying the check, Jackson went to just the restroom while Lilly pulled out her cell phone and made a call home. Miley assured her that everything was fine and that RJ was sleeping like the baby he was. He had been fed and changed and not to worry.
Although she did voice her surprise that she waited that long to call. Which lost her the bet she had with her father. She was sure Lilly wouldn't last more than 20 minutes after they left before calling.
Jackson came back just as she was putting her phone back in her purse. Hand in hand they walked through the hotel's garden. They chatted quietly about the wedding and what progress had been made. Mostly due to Miley's Hannah contacts were they able to get things running so quickly. They still just about two months before they wedding but most everything was taken care of.
Weighing the pros and cons they decided against a Honeymoon at least for the time being, until RJ was a little older. They talked about maybe going on one for their first anniversary. By then they'd be a little more settled and able to enjoy themselves better.
After making a quick and third call home to ensure everything was fine, they decided to check out the room since they had it anyway. Taking the nearest elevator up to level five they walked the halls until they found the room they were looking for.
Walking in, Lilly had to wonder what their suites looked like if a regular room was this beautiful. It was large and spacious with a nice king size bed placed in the middle. An electric fireplace angled across one corner with a cozy looking love seat couch face it. Next to a fairly nice entertainment center sat facing the bed. The bathroom was nice and big as well, with a fairly good size jet tub.
Leaning back against the headboard of the bed, they flipped through channels finally settling on a movie. As it progressed Lilly snuggled more and more into Jackson until they were touch from head to toe.
Flipping off the movie Jackson turned to look deeply in Lilly's eyes. Placing his hand on her head, he began running it through her hair. They just stayed like that for several minutes neither daring to talk. Hating to even breathe, afraid that it would break this magic spell that has come over them. It was if they were communicating without even having to utter a word.
She placed her hand lightly on his chest without ever breaking eye contact. Feeling he heart beat underneath she felt the slight change as it began to speed up, sure that hers was doing the same.
His hand moved from her hair down to her cheek as it lightly caressed her. Capturing it lightly he began closing the distance between them and then he kissed her.
