She stood with the car door open, leaning down to look at him. “Thanks for everything. I’ll see you at the office.”
“See you.”
*
Chelsea walked over and stood beside Lily as she worked at the computer. “Mommy, can I have a birthday party?”
“I think that could be arranged. What do you have in mind?”
“I wanna have a cake with Ariel on it. And Sebastian, and Seahorse, and Prince Eric. And I wanna invite Amy and Tracy and Missy. Can they sleep over?”
Lily grinned. “You’ve given this a lot of thought. We’ll ask their mothers if they can stay overnight. And I’ll call Auntie Helen and see if she can come, too.”
“Yes. And Rick.”
“We’ll see.” She turned and pulled Chelsea into her lap, hugging her. She buried her nose against her soft neck, drawing in her sweet just-bathed and shampooed scent. “I can’t believe my baby’s going to be five years old.”
“I’m not a baby.”
“You’ll always be my baby.” Lily kissed her neck. “Let’s go upstairs and get you tucked in. It’s past your bedtime.”
Chelsea was asleep before Lily turned the page on the book she read aloud. She tucked the sheet up around the child’s neck and leaned to kiss her forehead. “I love you bunches.”
Lily returned to the computer. The sticky note on the corkboard above the monitor drew her attention. A phone number, no name attached, stared back at her. She’d saved her father’s phone number, even though she had no intention of ever calling again. His voice rumbled through her memory. She didn’t notice the tear until it fell onto the keyboard with a soundless splatter. Wiping the moisture from her eyes, she ripped the note from the board and crumpled it, tossing it into the wastebasket beside the desk.
The phone rang, startling her. She crossed the room and snatched it from the cradle. “Hello.”
“Lily, I’m sorry to call so late.”
“Helen, it’s not that late. I was going to call you about Chelsea’s birthday in three weeks. I’m planning a party and….”
“Lily, I saw Tyler. He asked for your address.”
Her chest tightened. “You didn’t give it to him.”
“No, but I did ask why he wanted it. He said he wants to see his daughter. He knows about Chelsea. His parents are after him to push for partial custody. They want to see her, too.”
Lily’s legs turned to rubber and she dropped onto the sofa. “Oh, God. I’ll bet they saw the notice in the local paper there.”
“They did. Tyler told me his mother already contacted their attorney. It didn’t sound like Tyler was much in favor of a legal battle. I think he just wants to see Chelsea.”
“After almost five years? Yeah, right.”
“I hate to tell you this, but I thought you should hear it from me before you get a call from your attorney. That’s the only contact information they have right now. But you’re in a small town. I’m sure he can track you down.”
“I’ll call Suzanne Waters first thing in the morning and give her a heads up, see what she can do.”
“Keep me posted, honey. I’ll do the same, if I hear anything more on this end.”
“Thanks, Helen. Talk to you soon.”
Lily hung up the phone and wrung her hands together. The thought of seeing Tyler again released a swarm of hornets in her stomach. But the idea of explaining him to Chelsea made her heart quake.
Sleep eluded her, and she stared at the alarm clock, reaching over to slide the switch before the annoying buzzer sounded. She dragged herself from bed and set up the coffeemaker before returning to waken Chelsea. Standing over the sleeping child, she stared at the blonde curls and long lashes that shaded eyes exactly like Tyler Dixon’s. Lily bit her lip and caressed Chelsea’s arm. “Time to get up, sweetie.”
“Mmm.” The child stirred and stretched.
“I’ll get breakfast ready. Don’t go back to sleep.”
Chelsea rubbed her eyes and yawned. “I won’t. Mommy, can I wear my new shoes today?”
“You sure can. I’ll see you downstairs.”
In the kitchen, Lily poured a cup of the strong coffee and took a swallow. She moved on lead feet, gathering cereal, milk, and a bowl for Chelsea. Her own appetite evaded her.
*
After dropping Chelsea at school, Lily sat in her car behind the realty office and dialed Suzanne Waters from her cell phone.
“Legal Aid. May I help you?”
“Yes. This is Lily Champion. I need to speak with Suzanne Waters as soon as possible. It’s urgent.”
“I’m sorry. Ms. Waters isn’t in this office today. I can leave a message and have her return your call.”
“Please. It’s very important I speak with her as soon as possible.”
The receptionist took Lily’s contact information and assured her she would pass the message on to Suzanne.
Lily stood at the file cabinet in Rick’s office when he walked in. “Good morning.”
She turned to look at him. “Morning.”
“Oh, bad morning. You look like you didn’t sleep last night. Is Chelsea sick?”
She shook her head.
“You sick?”
Again, she shook her head, fearful that if she tried to speak, she would break down.
“Okay. Um, any messages?”
Relieved to shift the focus, Lily slid the file drawer closed and turned. “Two calls. The notes are on your desk. They’re from mortgage companies. I guess they have a few new foreclosure homes for you to swoop in and snatch up.”
“Lily…”
She brushed past him. “I’ll have the updated list of this week’s showings in about an hour.” She returned to her desk and sat, staring at her cell phone. Why was she mad at Rick? Well, she was mad and had to direct it somewhere.
When her cell phone rang an hour later, Lily jumped. “Suzanne?”
“Lily, I’m sorry I couldn’t call sooner. I was in court.”
“I’ve heard from a friend in Lakewood. It’s Tyler. He wants to see Chelsea.”
“I know. His parents’ attorney already contacted me. They want to push for visitation rights as the grandparents. It’s unclear yet what Tyler wants to do.”
“How do we fight this?”
“I think the first question is do we fight this?”
“What do you mean?”
“We need to think about what’s best for your daughter. I have questions about why Tyler’s coming out of the woodwork now to see his child. His parents claim they never knew about her, or they would have been more involved in her life sooner.”
“His parents disapproved of Tyler seeing me. They probably threw a party when he told them we’d broken up. I doubt he mentioned the baby. His folks would not have agreed with his plan for an abortion. His mom’s on the pro-life committee in her church.”
“Lily, I have to get back to court soon. Here’s what I’m suggesting. We set up a meeting with Tyler. Not including his parents or their attorney. Just you, me, and Tyler. Find out what he wants.”
“But…do his parents have a right to force things, even if he doesn’t want to?”
“They can petition for rights as grandparents. It will involve DNA tests.”
“Oh, God. Why didn’t I leave well enough alone?”
“Was Tyler ever abusive to you?”
“No. He was great, until I told him I was pregnant. I think he got scared. But, hell, so was I. We were both just eighteen.”
“Can you come in and meet with me on Thursday at eight a.m.? We’ll figure out a course of action.”
“I’ll be there. Suzanne, thank you.”
“Try not to worry. I think the fact that Tyler clearly knew about the baby and has had no contact, made no efforts to see her or to be financially supportive, will work in your favor.”
“Not worry? That’s easier said than done. I’ll see you Thursday morning.”
At lunchtime, Lily stuck her head into Rick’s office. “I’m going out for a
bit, get some fresh air.”
“Okay.” He looked up from his desk. “Lily, is there anything I can do?”
“No. Thanks.”
She walked down the block to Starbucks and bought a muffin and latte. She crossed the street to the park and settled on a bench facing the pond. Suzanne’s questions had thrown Lily back six years to when she first dated Tyler. She recalled the few times Tyler had taken her to his house. His mother had been polite enough but made it clear she thought Lily was beneath her son. She would take every opportunity to remind Lily that Tyler had plans for his future—college, graduate school, a career—plans that didn’t include the daughter of the town drunk.
A few pigeons gathered near her feet to grab up crumbs from the muffin she picked at. Her stomach burned from stress, too much coffee, and no food. She broke off a bite and popped it into her mouth, but it tasted like sawdust.
A shadow drew her attention to her right. Rick sat down on the opposite end of the bench. “It’s a nice day for lunch in the park.”
“Are you following me?”
He turned, resting an arm on the back of the bench. “I am. Want to tell me what’s going on?”
“Does it seem like I want to tell you?”
He frowned. “No. But if you tell me, I may be able to help.”
She crumbled the last of the muffin onto the ground and watched the flurry of activity as birds fought for the morsels. “It’s Chelsea’s father. Tyler’s parents have an attorney. They’re filing for visitation rights to see Chelsea. Helen talked with Tyler, and he wants to see Chelsea, too.”
“Oh.” He slid closer and squeezed her shoulder.
The touch was more than she could bear. She hunched over and folded her arms together. “Why does there always have to be a crisis? Why can’t I just live my life, make a home for my daughter?”
Rick put his arm around her and pulled her against him. “I’m sorry, Lily. Do you have an attorney?”
“Yes. She wants to talk about what’s best for Chelsea. But Tyler’s parents aren’t what’s best. They always thought of me as something Tyler tracked in on his shoe. I won’t have them look at Chelsea that way. I’ll take her some place where they won’t find us first.”
“What can I do to help?”
She sat up and fumbled in her purse for a tissue. “Nothing. There’s nothing you can do. I’m meeting the attorney on Thursday. I’ll be a little late for work, but I’ll make up the time.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it isn’t. I agreed to meet Suzanne at eight a.m., but I can’t drop Chelsea at school before eight.”
“So, I can help. I’ll come by and take Chelsea to school on Thursday morning.” He smiled.
Lily took in a shuddering breath and let it out slowly. “Thank you. I could call Vicki and see if Chelsea could stay over with Amy, but I don’t want to get into this with another person, have to explain it.”
He rubbed her shoulder. “Then don’t. I’ll be there at seven thirty. Have the coffee ready.” He stood. “I have some showings across town, but I’ll be back at the office around three. Call my cell if you need me sooner.”
She nodded. “I’m going to sit for a minute longer.” She watched him round the pond and cross the street. Except for Helen, Lily couldn’t say she had a true friend. She had friends, but not the kind who were there for her, no matter what. Most women her age were single and living an entirely different life than Lily. She marveled at the ease with which Rick had slipped into her life, made himself at home. She tossed her empty cup into the trash bin and trudged back to the office.
*
“Mommy, where are the cookies?”
“Cookies? You can’t have cookies for breakfast. Finish your cereal and get dressed. Rick will be here any minute.”
“Not for breakfast. For my class.”
Oh, crap. The cookies. “Chels, I forgot. I’ll send a note to Mrs. Higgins and explain. I’m sure you can take them another day.”
“No-oo! It’s my turn. Everybody knows it’s my turn. If I don’t take cookies, they’ll be mad at me,” Chelsea wailed.
“I’m sure they won’t be mad.” The front doorbell rang. “That’s Rick.”
Lily slid the deadbolt and opened the door.
Rick held up a white paper bag. “Hope you haven’t eaten. Fresh donuts.”
“I was hoping that was two dozen cookies.”
“Why? Who eats cookies for breakfast?” He followed her to the kitchen. “Hey, Shortstop. How are you this morning?”
Chelsea looked up at him, her lower lip pouted out. “Mommy forgot my cookies for school.”
“Aahhh. Well, I can solve that problem. We’ll leave five minutes early and stop at the bakery on the way.”
Her lips curved upward into a broad smile. “Okay. I’ll get dressed.” She slid off the chair and ran up the stairs.
Lily poured a cup of coffee and set it in front of him. “You are a godsend. I can’t believe I forgot to bake her cookies.”
Rick extracted a donut and slid the bag across the table to her. “Not like you haven’t had other things on your mind. Don’t worry about getting to the office. I’ll forward the calls to my cell. I’m going to be showing a commercial site this morning.”
“Thank you.” She looked at him, her throat tightening. Kindness was more than she could bear right now. “It’s good of you to do this, especially after the fuss I made about Chelsea not getting too attached to you.”
“I’m glad to help. By the way, I think I have a buyer interested in this house.”
“Oh, God. Not now. Not one more thing.”
“There’s good news. The guy lives out of state. He wants it as a rental property. So, you can stay.”
“But I won’t eventually own the house.”
“Well, who knows? This guy may decide it’s more hassle than it’s worth to be a landlord. In any case, you won’t have to worry about moving right now.”
“When does he want to see it? I’ll need to know, so I can tidy things up.”
“He doesn’t. I mean, he’s out of state. He trusts me, so I’m handling it for him. It’s a done deal.”
Lily’s uncertainty about this suddenly simple solution was interrupted when Chelsea skipped back into the kitchen, the cat bouncing on her shoulder. “Rick, I got new shoes. Look.” She extended her foot, balancing on one leg, showing off her new pink sneakers with ruffled white laces.
“Those are lovely. They’re so you.” He got up and, on his way to the sink to deposit his coffee cup, ruffled the cat’s ears. “Good morning, Pepper.”
“I have to get going. Here’s a key to lock up when you two leave.” Lily handed the key to Rick, then bent and kissed Chelsea’s cheek. “You be good and have fun in school today.”
“Okay. Bye, Mommy.”
Lily grabbed her purse and car keys, heading for the door.
“Bye, Mommy,” Rick echoed.
Lily stopped and looked at the two of them. Warmth washed over her. For a moment, she imagined a normal morning, with a normal family. Maybe, one day.
Chapter Seventeen
Lily walked out of Suzanne Waters’ office with a plan—and her own back-up plan. They’d agreed Suzanne would stall the Dixons’ attorney while they set up a meeting with Tyler. The problem was neither of them knew how to contact Tyler directly. Suzanne would have someone in the Lakewood legal aid office try to track him down. Lily hadn’t voiced her back-up plan. All she knew was it would involve getting out of town before the courts could issue an order. Maybe she’d go to Norfolk, where her brother had settled.
Of the seven messages waiting for her, two were from Rick wanting to know how her meeting had gone. She smiled, pleased by his concern, as she dialed his cell phone.
“Rick Gardner.”
“It’s Lily. Is this a bad time?”
“Just one minute.” He mumbled something and then returned to her. “How’d it go?”
“We have a plan.” She filled him in, fa
iling to mention her own plan B.
“Sounds like you have a good attorney. You must feel better.”
“I do. At least I don’t feel like I’m in this alone.”
“You’re not. I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“Rick.”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not firing me by now. For caring.” She hung up and settled the phone back into the cradle.
*
The phone rang, summoning Lily from the supply closet. “Gardner Realty.”
“Lily, it’s Beau. How are you?”
Confused by the shift in her feelings, Lily hesitated before replying, “I’m fine. And you?”
“Good. But I’ll be better if you agree to dinner on Friday.”
“Sorry. I…uh…I have previous plans.”
“Saturday?”
“I’m tied up for the weekend. I’m sorry.”
“Next weekend, then?”
“Can’t. My daughter’s birthday party.”
“A party? I like parties.”
Lily laughed at the thought of Beau sitting at a table surrounded by eight kindergartners. “I don’t think this will be your type of party. Just for the kiddies.”
“I was a kid—once.”
Lily paused, weighing her words. “Beau, you’re a nice guy, but….”
“You’re killing me here, Lily. Not the dreaded ‘but.’”
“I have a lot going on right now. It’s just not a good time for….”
“For fun? When’s it not a good time for fun?”
His pressing attitude irritated her. “When you have a child to care for.” She caught herself before she spilled out all that was going on.
“I have to fly to New York this evening for a short meeting. Want to come along? I promise to have you home by eleven. Maybe good old Rick can watch the kid.”
Lily bristled at his tone. “The ‘kid’ is named Chelsea. I have to go, Beau. A customer just came in. Have a nice flight.” She was caught in a wrestling match between her heart and her head. Beau could change, become more sensitive to Chelsea. But her heart told her one could not learn sensitivity. Other parts reminded her of the way he’d kissed her.
*
Lily stood in the kitchen, watching fat raindrops splat against the windowpane. The weather nixed the outdoor party. Pepper appeared, slinking around her legs and purring loudly. Lifting him with her free hand, she nuzzled her face against his head. “You want your breakfast?” The phone rang as she reached for the can of cat food. “Hang on, Pepper.”
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