Lily opened her mouth slightly, dying inside.
Jacob carefully placed the pancake on her tongue, withdrawing the fork quickly.
"There. Happy, Grandfather?"
"Wonderful! Now Lily's turn!"
Lily picked up her fork with trembling hands, speared a piece of heart-shaped fruit, and lifted it toward Jacob's mouth.
"Say 'ahh,'" she said weakly, wanting to disappear into the floor.
Jacob opened his mouth, his ears noticeably red, and accepted the fruit.
The moment felt like it lasted an eternity.
Across the table, Catherine's knife scraped against her plate with excessive force.
Richard cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"Beautiful! Young love!" Grandpa Henry clapped his hands together, absolutely delighted.
"Now, there's one more tradition," Grandpa Henry announced.
[Oh no,] both Lily and Jacob thought simultaneously. [There's MORE?]
"A morning kiss! For good luck!"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Jacob said immediately, standing up so fast his chair nearly tipped backward.
