Page 50 of Aiden & Lily

Penny nodded, a look of relief flooding her face. “And if you guys are dating anyone, you’re welcome to bring them.”

A knowing smirk filled her face, but she was looking solely at Lily.

Did she know something?

Shoot.

Aiden didn’t want anyone close to Mathew to be aware. It would definitely get back to him.

Her heart tripped, then flopped, when Jasmine dug her elbow into Lily’s side. She startled and looked to her twin, who gave her a pointed look.

That was when she realized Penny had asked her a question.

When she didn’t answer, Jasmine spoke for her.

“Yeah, Lily is seeing someone, but he’s really private. He’s not going to want to come to a big family event.” Then she leaned closer to Penny. “Honestly, any guy who would want to insert himself into this fiasco is probably a walking red flag. No offense.”

Penny stared at Jasmine for a moment, then snickered. “You’re probably right. How would you explain what happened with Royce and me?”

Lily shrugged. “That it’s a real-life Romeo and Juliet story, but with an alternate ending.”

This time, both Penny and Jasmine gave her strange looks.

“What?” Lily demanded. “It kind of is. The whole Montagues and Capulets thing? That’s the Meyers and the Taylors, right? A feud as old as time where two families are always at each other’s throats?”

Jasmine gave small nod, but Penny looked thoughtful before murmuring, “Yeah, I see what you’re trying to say. Thankfully, no poison was needed to make a point.”

Then she held out another list toward Jasmine. “This is the shopping list you requested. The party will be next week. And Mateo Palmer has already offered his place as neutral territory. Make sure to invite everyone we know. The Bakers. The Keagans. And the Callahans.”

“Technically, they’re not Callahans anymore,” Lily mused as she went down the list of invitees to make sure everyone was accounted for.

“You know what I mean. I want this to be one big event.”

“Doesn’t sound like a baby shower to me,” Jasmine said with a laugh. “Sounds like you’re trying to make people feel better for missing your wedding.”

Penny shrugged, but the small smile on her face said it all.

Her eloping meant she didn’t get the dream wedding. Lily didn’t think she regretted the way things worked out, but there was probably some small part of her cousin that still wanted that piece of her story.

Lily gave her twin a little shove. “Penny can have whatever kind of baby shower-reception thing she wants. You don’t get to judge.”

Jasmine’s expression faltered.

They exchanged a knowing look.

Neither one of them had to voice the fact that Jasmine wasn’t interested in getting married. She just wanted kids. But there was no way their father would put up with her attempting to raise children alone.

To Jasmine, that was the problem with having a father who was still incredibly old-fashioned.

“We’ll let you know if we have any questions.” Jasmine held up her list. “You don’t have to worry about anything.”

They left Penny’s place and headed for town. Lily drove while Jasmine went through the list.

“Cookies. A gender reveal cake. Balloons. Party favors. Games. Sheesh, Penny thought of everything.”

“Did you expect anything less?” Lily asked, peeking at her. “Penny has always been detail oriented. You remember how surprised we were to find out she eloped. That was definitely not on my bingo card for the year.”

“Neither was you dating someone you refuse to let me hang out with.” Jasmine angled toward her. “How is Christopher these days, hmm?”