Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  “Okay. Rick, we can have fudge swirl.”

  “We sure can. Lily, can we bring you something?”

  “No, thanks. You two have fun.”

  He helped Chelsea into her jacket. “All set?”

  “Yup.” She reached for his hand.

  Lily watched until the two of them disappeared from her view. Her heart gave a stutter as she realized that, for the first time in her life, she was in love. With Rick. And there wasn’t a thing she could do about it. He would, no doubt, break her heart. And she could only wait for that to happen and hope Chelsea survived unscathed. Because she could not imagine walking away from him now.

  A phone call from Suzanne changing the date of their meeting heightened Lily’s anxiety. “I’m sorry, Lily. But it’s a family emergency.”

  “I understand. I hope everything works out for the best.” As Lily ended the call on her cell, the office phone rang.

  “Is Rick available?” Beau asked.

  Available? Hell, I don’t know. One minute, he’s playing daddy and the next… She gave herself a mental shake. “I’m sorry, he’s out of the office. Can I take a message?”

  “Let him know my investors are very interested in the Hart Street project. I need to meet with him to go over the plans.”

  “Got it.” She wrinkled her forehead. “I don’t recall doing any paperwork for the Hart Street property. Isn’t that a warehouse?”

  “Yeah. Rick and I are collaborating on plans for that property. So, you free for dinner?”

  “You expect me to have dinner with you after you snitched on me?”

  He chuckled. “Snitched? What are we—fourteen? Lily, I did what I thought was best to keep you out of trouble. And I think you know that, too. But, we could talk it out over dinner.”

  “My life is chaos right now. Maybe when things settle a bit more.”

  He sighed. “You’re killing me, Lily. I thought you and I clicked.”

  Lily closed her eyes, remembering the feel of his mouth on hers, the heat his kiss had generated. But before she could respond, Beau said, “Unless you’re seeing someone else?”

  She thought of Rick’s touch, his sweet, sure kiss.

  “Lily?”

  “No, um, not seeing anyone. Look, I have to get to get back to work. But we’ll talk soon.”

  “Okay. Tell Rick to call me as soon as possible to set up a meeting.”

  “I will.”

  “Bye, Lily.”

  “Goodbye.” She wanted to be angry with him but couldn’t summon up the energy. He was right. Rick was right. It seemed everyone was right except Lily.

  Rick and Chelsea returned to the office, both laughing.

  “Mommy, Rick got me extra cherries on my sundae.”

  “That’s nice, sweetie. I hope you didn’t eat too much.”

  “I got her the small sundae. It was mostly cherries. You okay?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

  “Yes. We need to discuss something. Chels, if I put your video on, will you watch the office for me while I talk with Rick.”

  “Me and Grilla can watch it together.”

  Lily settled the child in front of the TV and nodded for Rick to follow her into his office. She closed the door. “My attorney called while you were out. She had a family emergency, so the meeting is rescheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving. I get a reprieve.”

  “And too much time to think and worry.”

  “I’ll try not to. I just wanted you to know. I hope Tyler doesn’t decide to show up at my house again on his own, or worse, with his parents in tow.”

  “If you’re worried about that, you and Chelsea can stay at my place.”

  She widened her eyes. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea. I want to show them I’m a responsible parent.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting anything untoward. Just offering a place where he wouldn’t look for you. If you’d be more comfortable, we can trade houses for a few weeks.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not going to put you out like that. I need to face the situation, like you said. But thanks for the generous offer.”

  “That’s what friends are for.” His steel blue-gray eyes locked on hers and she couldn’t move. Mercifully, the phone rang, pulling her out of the trance. “I’d better get that.”

  While she answered questions for the caller, her mind staggered around the idea of staying at Rick’s house. Dammit, Lily. Focus. He’s just a nice guy—nice eyes, nice arms, nice lips…

  She stared at the phone message she’d taken from Beau. She typed the warehouse address into the database. It came up as a pending sale to Beaumont Enterprises. She carried the note to Rick’s desk. “Beau called while you were out. He left this message.”

  Rick glanced at the note. “Thanks, I’ll call him.”

  She remained standing beside his desk. “I don’t recall doing the paperwork on that contract.”

  “Oh, you were busy, I guess. I must have done that one myself.”

  “You and Beau have been meeting on a regular basis. He said something about the two of you collaborating on a venture with this property.”

  “Did he? Maybe he was confused. I sell property; he buys and builds.” He didn’t meet her gaze. “Would you close the door when you leave? I need to return this call.”

  He was hiding something, for some reason. “Be happy to.” She pulled the door behind her, causing it to slam.

  Those two are up to something, and I’m going to find out what that is.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The day before Thanksgiving, school dismissed early. Lily picked up Chelsea at one o’clock and brought her back to the office. When Lily returned from the restroom, Chelsea was nowhere to be found. Voices emanated from Rick’s office.

  “Are you and Mommy cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving?” Rick asked.

  “Nope. We were s’posed to go to Auntie Helen’s, but she has the flu. Me and Mommy are going out to eat.”

  “Really? What would you say to having dinner with me and my sister’s family. She has a little girl almost your age.”

  “I have to ask Mommy.”

  Lily stood in the doorway. “Ask Mommy what?”

  “Can we go with Rick for Thanksgiving?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.”

  Rick smiled at her. “I’m sorry. I should’ve asked you first. I’m driving up to my sister’s house in Cleveland. I’m only going for the day, and I’d enjoy the company.”

  “I’m sure your sister will be thrilled to have two more mouths to feed, and at the last minute.” But inside a voice was screaming, Yes, say yes!

  “She’ll love it. It’ll be Joyce and Cliff, their three kids, and Uncle Henry. You’ll love Uncle Henry. Just don’t let him walk behind you.”

  “I don’t know…” Lily hesitated.

  “Please, Mommy? I want to go. They have a little girl, too.” Chelsea’s lips spread into a smile, exposing the gap where her front teeth had been.

  “Please, Mommy?” Rick grinned at her as well, his pearly whites intact.

  “Just for the day?” she clarified.

  “We’ll leave at eleven a.m., and I promise to have you home by midnight at the latest.” Rick sobered and crisscrossed his fingers over his heart.

  “Okay. Please ask your sister what I can make to bring along.”

  “I’ll call her right now. Got any special dishes you want to make?”

  Lily felt a blush spread up her neck. “I’m not much of a cook. I’m praying she declines my offer.”

  “I won’t plead too hard for you. We’ll take wine. I’ll pick it up.”

  “Chels, come on and let Rick make his phone call. You need to clean up your things. It’s almost quitting time.”

  Rick soon stepped out of his office. “Joyce is very happy you’ll both be joining us. We’re on for the wine. I’d better run out now and buy it. See you at eleven. Bye, Chels.”

  “Bye, Rick.”

  Not wanting to show up empty handed, even th
ough Rick was buying wine, Lily stopped at the store and bought ingredients to bake pumpkin cookies. I have a recipe. How hard can it be?

  After dinner, the aroma of spices filled the house. Lily checked the cookies every minute to make sure they didn’t burn. She lifted each one from the tray and eased it onto a cooling rack. They looked perfect. Tempted to taste them but wanting to keep an even three dozen, she packed the cooled cookies in a round holiday tin.

  *

  Rick rang the doorbell promptly at eleven the next morning.

  “I’ll get it,” Chelsea called out.

  When Lily descended the stairs, Rick sat on the sofa, trying to pay attention to Pepper while keeping the cat out of his lap.

  “Chelsea, don’t set Pepper in Rick’s lap. He’ll get covered with cat hair.”

  Rick stood and smiled at Lily. “You look nice. All ready to go?”

  “Thank you and, yes.” She smoothed her hands over the gray wool slacks she’d chosen with a powder blue silk blouse and short jacket. “I just need to get something from the kitchen.” Lily gave the cat fresh water and filled his food bowl. “Chels, get your jacket.” Lily grabbed the tin of cookies and returned to the living room.

  Chelsea appeared with her jacket, backpack, two Barbie dolls, and a book. “I’m ready.”

  Lily shook her head. “You’re not taking all of that stuff.”

  “Why not? Maybe Heather will want to play.”

  “Heather?”

  “My niece. She’s six,” Rick said. “I’m sure Heather has Barbies because I bought at least two of them.”

  “But I want to play with them in the car.” Chelsea stuck out her bottom lip.

  Lily sighed. “Okay, but when we get there, you leave it all in the car.”

  “Okay.”

  Rick held the cookie tin while Lily locked the front door. “What’s in here?”

  “Pumpkin cookies.”

  “You didn’t have to.”

  “I know, but I wanted to make something.”

  “Are they good?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t taste them. But I followed the recipe.”

  Lily belted Chelsea into the back seat, then sat in the front. She looked out the window at the thickening clouds. “Are we supposed to get snow?”

  “They always predict snow for Thanksgiving, and we never get any. I wouldn’t worry.”

  His response wasn’t reassuring to Lily. She glanced back at Chelsea who had already spread her dolls and several outfits on the seat.

  “We should be there by one-thirty. Dinner’s at three.”

  “Tell me about your sister.” Lily attempted to fill up the space with conversation.

  “Joyce is thirty-five. My big sister by three years. Her husband, Cliff, is a computer programmer. They have three kids: Heather is six, Danny is four, and Quentin is seven months.”

  “Wow, she’s got her hands full.”

  “She was working again until Quentin came along.” He looked over at Lily. “You ever think about having more kids?”

  “I guess, some day. Like, after I’m…” She glanced back at Chelsea, then whispered, “Married. Which I don’t plan on any time soon.”

  “Any prospects?”

  “For marriage? Nope. You?”

  He shook his head. “Have you heard from what’s his name?”

  “Nothing new, which I think is a good thing.”

  He reached over and covered her hand with his. “It’s going to work out.”

  Lily felt the presence of his hand long after he’d removed it from hers. Warmth spread up her arm. She imagined his hands on her back, pulling her against him. It was as though they were both trying to forget their shared kiss.

  “I’m sorry. Is it too warm in here?” Rick reached for the temperature control. “I can turn down the heat.”

  Not likely. “What? Oh, no. I’m fine.”

  “You’re beet red.” He adjusted the temperature control. “I don’t suppose you’d consider letting me sample one of those cookies.”

  “But there’s an even three dozen.”

  “No one’s going to count them. Trust me, once the kids dive into that tin, you’ll be counting crumbs.”

  “I suppose you can have one.” She reached to the backseat. “Chelsea, please hand me the cookie tin.”

  “Can I have one, too?”

  “Just one.” Lily popped open the tin and handed Chelsea a cookie. She offered the tin to Rick.

  Rick bit into the cookie. He chewed and squinted one eye, puckering his lips.

  “Is something wrong?” Lily asked.

  “You followed a recipe?”

  “Yes. From the Betty Crocker cookbook. What’s the matter?”

  “I think you got your salt and sugar mixed up. Here. Taste.” He held out the cookie and she broke off a piece.

  The cookie dissolved in her mouth, followed by an overwhelming taste of salt. “Eeww. These are awful. Chelsea, don’t eat that cookie.”

  “I’m not, Mommy. It tastes yucky.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. Good thing you brought the wine.” She took the cookie and the one Chelsea held. She dropped them back into the tin, closed the lid and tossed the container onto the floor behind her seat, mortified.

  Rick glanced at her. “Don’t worry. You have other redeeming qualities.”

  They arrived in Cleveland, and Rick drove toward Shaker Heights. Snowflakes dropped onto the windshield and melted upon impact. Heavy gray clouds blanketed the sky.

  Lily focused on the droplets. “It’s starting to snow.”

  “Just a few flurries. We’ll be fine, Lily. We can leave right after dinner if you want.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll try not to worry.”

  “You’ll be in the middle of utter chaos in about three minutes. You won’t have time to worry.” He parked in the driveway of a modest-sized colonial. An inflated turkey wearing a Pilgrim’s hat and holding a musket bobbed on the front lawn. “We’re here.”

  Lily turned in her seat. “Chelsea, put your things away now.”

  “I want to take one Barbie with me. Just one. Please?”

  “All right, but the rest stay here.”

  Rick chuckled.

  “What?” Lily asked.

  “You’re so easy.” He grinned, got out and opened the back door.

  “Oh, and you’d be any better?”

  “Heck, no. I’d let her take it all inside. Who can resist that killer smile?”

  Chelsea was the first to reach the door and press the doorbell. The door opened and a little girl with sleek brown hair hanging halfway down her back grinned at Chelsea. When Rick stepped inside, she opened her arms to him. “Uncle Rick.”

  He stooped and hugged the child, then kissed her cheek. “How’s my favorite niece?”

  The child giggled. “I’m the only niece you have.”

  “I guess that makes you special.” Rick introduced Chelsea and Lily to his niece. Heather led Chelsea off to see her room.

  Lily inhaled the smells of turkey and pumpkin pie. A memory erupted from deep in her consciousness: her mother, wearing an apron, basting a turkey and humming an unidentifiable tune. This place smelled like home.

  “Hey, little brother. Glad you got here before the snow.” A woman Lily’s height, and with a baby on her hip, walked through the living room. The resemblance to Rick was striking—same brown hair, gray eyes, and warm smile.

  “Good to see you, sis.” He kissed his sister’s cheek and patted the slobbering baby on the head. “Joyce, this is Lily Champion. Heather already whisked Chelsea away, so you’ll have to meet her later.”

  Joyce extended a hand to Lily. “It’s nice to meet you.” A crash reverberated from somewhere upstairs. “Oh, God. Here, would you take Quentin. I’d better see about that.” She held the drooling child out to Rick.

  “He’s all slobbery.”

  “I’ll take him.” Lily reached out for the baby. Quentin looked at her uncertainly, then gr
inned, exposing gums and the bumps of first teeth. Lily tickled his cheek with the tip of one finger. “Hey, Quentin. Aren’t you a cutie?” She held him against her and breathed in the scent of baby lotion and powder. Her lips brushed his downy-soft head.

  “Want to take off your jacket?” Rick asked.

  “Yes. Here, hold him for a minute.” She passed the baby to Rick. With one hand under each of the infant’s arms, he held him in mid-air.

  Lily hung her jacket on the coat tree and turned back to take the baby. “You hold him like he’s explosive.”

  “He is. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. Something’s always coming out of one end or the other. Sometimes both ends at once.”

  “You were so good with Nicky, though.”

  “I was trying to impress.” He handed the baby back to her.

  A tall man with sandy brown hair and wearing an apron that announced he was The Chief Chef leaned around the corner. “Hey, Rick.”

  “Hi, Cliff. I see you’ve been fully domesticated.”

  “Very funny. Real men cook these days.” He nodded to Lily. “I’m Cliff, the brother-in-law.”

  “Lily.”

  A timer dinged in the kitchen. Cliff waggled his eyebrows. “My stuffing’s calling. Nice to meet you, Lily.”

  The infant snuggled under her chin as Lily followed Rick into the living room and sat down. The warmth, the smell, the feel of the baby in her arms caused an ache in her. Even though she’d been young and ill-prepared to be a mother, she’d loved every minute of her pregnancy and mothering Chelsea. She looked forward to someday having another baby.

  Joyce returned, assuring them no one had been injured and property remained intact. “Your daughter’s beautiful. All those blond curls. I’m envious.”

  “Thank you. This little guy’s a sweetheart. A sweetheart with a full diaper, I think. Where can I change him?”

  “I’ll take him,” Joyce said.

  “I don’t mind. Just point me in the right direction.”

  Joyce directed Lily to a changing table in the den. Lily cleaned up the squirming baby and put him in a fresh diaper. She returned to the front room to hear Joyce say, “She’s lovely, Rick. Your taste in women is improving.”

  “Yes, she is. But we’re just friends,” he responded.

  “That’s too bad. I really like her.”