Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  “Hi, Lily. It’s Beau.”

  “Oh. Hi. Can you hold on a minute?” She walked to the kitchen and resumed the conversation. “How are you, Beau?”

  “I just spoke with Rick. Congratulations!”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry. I should have called you. I meant to.”

  He laughed. “Rick’s the right man for you—stability, family, all that good stuff. I wish you the best. Rick invited me to the wedding. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Mind? No, of course not. But…” She caught herself. She couldn’t tell Beau about her hesitation when she hadn’t talked it through with Rick. “Thanks for offering the use of your plane. That’s very generous.”

  “My pleasure. Okay if I bring a date along?”

  “Absolutely. Um, Beau, I have to go. Chelsea’s sick, so…”

  “Sure. Good to talk with you, Lily. Take care. I’ll see you in Florida.”

  She hit the End button on the phone and leaned against the wall. Sitting at the table, she covered her face with her hands. What is wrong with me? Why am I getting cold feet now?

  *

  Lily’s insides shook while she waited on Saturday afternoon for the Dixons to arrive. She jumped at the sound of a car door.

  Rick let himself in. “Am I early?”

  Lily flung herself into his arms. “You’re just in time. I’m about ready to crawl out of my skin.”

  “Everything’s going to be fine, Lily.” He hugged her, then called to Chelsea who stood at the top of the stairs. “Hey, Princess. You look lovely. You feeling better?”

  She raced down the stairs and into his open arms. “I got dressed up to meet my other grandparents.” She looked at the brown bag in his hand. “Is that ice cream?”

  “Sure is. I figured you were running low by now. Let’s put this in the freezer.”

  Lily took the ice cream to the freezer. Rick walked up behind her and set his hands on her shoulders. “You okay?”

  His breath on the back of her neck caused a shiver. “I will be.”

  “Are we okay?”

  She turned her eyes to his, then glanced at Chelsea. “We’ll talk later.”

  The doorbell rang. She dropped the dishcloth into the sink and dried her hands. “They’re here. You ready, Chels? Now remember, you don’t have to like them just because they’re your grandparents. I mean…just be yourself.”

  “I know.” Chelsea ran ahead of her to the front door.

  Seeing Tyler standing in front of his parents took Lily off guard.

  He looked at Chelsea and then met Lily’s eyes. “I hope it’s okay that I came along. I can’t stay, but I wanted to see Chelsea.”

  “Sure. I’m just surprised. Come in.” She pulled the door open, standing out of the way.

  Tyler stepped inside, a brightly wrapped package tucked under his arm. Judith Dixon moved in behind him, her eyes moist with tears when she looked at her granddaughter. Ray Dixon followed, his arms filled with boxes in Christmas wrapping.

  Lily put a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Chelsea, this is your Grandma and Grandpa Dixon. And this is Tyl…your father.”

  Judith squatted on her haunches to look into the child’s face. “It’s wonderful to meet you, sweetheart. Thank you for inviting us here today. We brought your Christmas presents a little late, I’m afraid.” She stood. “How about if your grandpa and I have a cup of coffee with your mommy so you and your father can talk?” She gave Lily a questioning look.

  “I want to talk with Tyler alone for a moment first. Is that okay with you, Chels?”

  “But I wanna open my presents.”

  Tyler traced his fingertips across the child’s blond curls. “I have something here for you. Let me talk to your mom first. Okay?”

  “Okay. Then I’ll show you my dollhouse.”

  “Sure.” He followed Lily to the kitchen.

  “Tyler, here’s the deal. That little girl in there is innocent. All she’s ever wanted was a daddy. We both know that can’t be you. But you’re her biological father. Still, you hurt her, I’ll come after you with all I’ve got.”

  He regarded her for a moment. “I don’t doubt that for a moment. It’s too bad you didn’t have someone like you in your corner when you were growing up. Maybe you’d have made a better choice than me.” He locked eyes with her. “I’m not here to screw things up any more than I already have. My parents will be good to Chelsea. And I won’t stand in the way of you and our daughter having a good life. I promise.”

  She bristled at his reference to “our daughter,” but let it slide. “Just so we’re clear. I’ll have your folks come out here so you and Chelsea can talk. But don’t think for a moment I won’t be listening.”

  Lily led the Dixons to the kitchen and motioned for them to sit at the table. Rick followed, glancing at her as he passed. She looked back at Chelsea and Tyler—mirror images of one another—sitting side by side on the sofa. She heard Chelsea ask, “How come you never came to see me before?” Lily didn’t stay to hear his answer. She’d let them work this out.

  Judith looked around the kitchen. “You have a lovely home.”

  “Thank you. You both know Rick.”

  Rick glowered at Ray Dixon. “Yes, we’ve met.”

  Lily served coffee and sat, nervously toying with her spoon.

  Judith broke the uncomfortable silence. “Tyler wasn’t sure he’d be welcome here. I hope you’re okay with his coming along. He has to get to the airport, but…”

  “This isn’t about what I’m okay with. Chelsea needs to know who he is, even if he’s not a part of her life after this. She…she asked me if I thought you’d like her.” Lily’s eyes filled. “She’s always been self-confident, and it kills me to think all of this is making her doubt herself.”

  The older woman put a hand over Lily’s. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. I can imagine this is confusing for her. I can assure you she’ll know she’s very much loved before we leave here. By both of us.” She leveled her gaze on her husband.

  Ray shifted in his chair, clearing his throat. “I apologize for my behavior at the law office, and I’m sorry for encouraging Tyler to have no contact with you or your…his child.” He stared at the table as he spoke, but his eyes flitted briefly to Lily’s when he’d finished.

  Lily pressed her lips together before she spoke. “It’s not me you owe an apology to. It’s your granddaughter.”

  Tyler and Chelsea appeared in the doorway. Chelsea ran to Lily to show her gift—a heart-shaped locket on a delicate gold chain and with a diamond set in the center. “Look, Mommy. I can put pictures in here.” She smiled at Tyler. “Can I have your picture?”

  “I’m not sure your Mom would like that.” He flushed and glanced at Lily.

  “That’s up to Chelsea. You’re her father.” Lily forced the words through the sandpaper in her mouth. “I’m sure she’d like to have a photo of you.”

  She slid a glance to Rick who sat stone-faced.

  “Mommy, look what else he gave me.” Chelsea handed her a folded slip of official-looking paper.

  Lily unfolded the document. “What is this?”

  “It’s a savings certificate. I’ve set up an account in her name that I’ll deposit into monthly. When Chelsea’s eighteen, she can use the money in any way she wants—college, travel—whatever.” Tyler had moved closer and rested a hand on his daughter’s head. “I have to be going now. I have a flight to catch.”

  He knelt before Chelsea. “I’m so happy I got to meet you, Chelsea. You’re a very special girl. You know that?”

  Chelsea threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you for the locket.”

  Tyler’s eyes shone, and he worked his lips together. “You’re welcome.”

  The emotion on his face stunned Lily.

  He stood and walked to Rick, extending his hand. “If Lily thinks you’re a good man, I trust that. I know you’ll take good care of both of them.”

  Lily thought she saw Tyler wince slightly as Rick gripp
ed his hand. “I will.”

  After Tyler said goodbye to his parents, Lily walked with him to the front door. Judith kept Chelsea occupied in the kitchen.

  “Lily, thank you. Not just for my parents, but for me, too. I wish things had been different. That I’d been different. I’m not proud of myself.” He looked away. “Rick seems like a good guy, but you know if Chelsea ever needs anything…”

  Lily shook her head. “She won’t.” She softened her tone. “Thank you for coming to see her. She needed that more than you can imagine.”

  He smiled. “She’s an amazing kid.”

  “Yes, she is. So… Good luck, Tyler. I mean that.”

  “You, too, Lily.” Before she could protest, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Be happy.”

  She closed the door behind him and took in a deep breath before returning to the kitchen.

  Chelsea sat on her grandpa’s lap, telling him all about her other grandfather’s visit. Judith smiled up at Lily and winked.

  Lunch went smoothly. When Judith and Ray prepared to leave, Judith hugged Chelsea and asked, “Maybe you could come and visit with us in Lakewood this summer? We could go out on the lake.”

  “On a boat?”

  Ray smiled at her. “On my boat. Would you like that?”

  “Yeah.”

  Lily intervened. “We’ll see about that when summer comes.”

  Judith pulled Lily into an embrace. “Thank you for inviting us and for letting us get to know our granddaughter. If you ever need anything, you let me know. And we’d love to have you come for dinner sometime.” She looked from Lily to Rick. “All three of you.”

  “I’ll talk with you soon, Judith.”

  “Mommy, can I open my other present now?” Chelsea asked.

  “I think your grandparents would like that.” She watched as Chelsea selected a box and stood between her grandparents, ripping off the ribbon and paper.

  Chelsea’s eyes widened. “Mommy, look. It’s a new dress.” She held up a soft pink dress with delicate lace around the neck and sleeves. “It’s pretty.” She turned back to her grandparents. “Thank you.”

  This time it was Ray who gathered her in a hug. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m glad you like it.” He stood and cleared his throat, appearing to fight back tears. “We’d better be going.”

  Rick put a protective arm across Lily’s shoulders and a hand on Chelsea while they watched the Dixons get into their car.

  “I’ll clean up in the kitchen and let you girls talk.” He pressed his lips against Lily’s temple.

  Lily sat down on the sofa with Chelsea. “Do you want to talk about the visit with your father and your grandparents?”

  “He said I could call him Tyler. And he promised to send me something from California. That’s where he’s going to live now. He said he’s glad Rick’s here to be my daddy, too. Just like in Rick’s story about the prince.”

  “That’s right. Do you think you might want to visit with your grandparents again some time?”

  “Yeah. They’re nice. I think they liked me.” She grinned.

  “Oh, honey. I know they did. They love you very much. And that’s a beautiful locket Tyler gave you.”

  “Can we put our picture in there? You, me, and Rick?”

  The irony struck Lily. “Sure we can. We’ll take a picture at…at the wedding.” In that moment, she realized she no longer had doubts about marrying Rick. She had fears about life becoming too secure, too settled. It was usually then that things fell apart.

  “Can I call and see if Amy can come over? I want to show her my presents.”

  “Sure, honey. Tell her mom that if she brings her over here, I’ll take her back home after dinner.”

  “Okay. I’ll call from upstairs.”

  Rick put the last of the dishes away. Lily walked over and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her cheek against his broad back. “Thank you for being here.”

  He turned until they faced one another. “Want to have that talk now?”

  “Nope. No need.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “What does that mean?”

  “It means I’m getting married at Easter. Unless you’ve changed your mind.”

  “I’ve never been so certain about anything. But I would like to know what was going on in your head that made you want to wait.”

  She sighed and leaned into him. “I’m used to having the ground move beneath my feet. I realized that, by marrying you, I was getting what I’ve wanted for a long time—love, stability, security. And, any time the ground has settled beneath my feet, it’s only been a matter of time before things fell apart. I don’t want us to fall apart. I’d leave things as they are before I’d tempt fate and have that happen.”

  He tilted her chin up and looked into her eyes. “Well, then, I’ll just have to see what I can do about moving the earth for you.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Lily emerged from the shower wrapped in one of Rick’s extra-large towels.

  He sat on the edge of the bed talking on the phone. “Yeah, Mom. She’s right here. Hold on.” He extended the phone to Lily. “My mom wants to talk with you.”

  Tucking the corner of the towel tighter, she put the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

  “Lily, it’s so nice to meet you, if only by phone. I can hardly wait to meet you in person. I wanted to discuss some things with you about the wedding.”

  “Oh, sure. Thank you for all you’re doing. I tried to tell Rick how much work it is to put a wedding together, but…”

  “But he couldn’t understand why?” Liz Gardner gave a throaty laugh. “That’s my son. He sees what he wants, and nothing is going to stop him.”

  Rick sat beside Lily on the bed and nibbled at her neck. She shuddered and shooed him away like an annoying gnat. “You can say that again.”

  “Well, I’m very happy for both of you. From what Rick tells me, you’re a wonderful person, and he’s obviously quite taken with Chelsea. He brought pictures. She’s a doll. Now, about the wedding. I know you were set on a church, but it seems impossible to arrange until after Easter Sunday. However, I’ve been able to obtain the use of our country club. I have a decorator who assures me she can create the perfect setting.”

  “Oh.” She hoped the disappointment didn’t register. She’d dreamed of a church wedding, even though she hadn’t attended church in ten years. “But, who will marry us?”

  “Rick’s cousin is a military chaplain. He’ll be home on leave.”

  “Mrs. Gardner, I’m sure whatever you plan will be perfect.”

  “You’re sweet. And you can call me Liz. I’m thinking of going with a spring theme for plants and flowers. Is that all right?”

  “Absolutely. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

  “Oh, my daughter called after meeting you at Thanksgiving. She said she hoped Rick had enough sense to hold onto you. I’m glad to see my son is finally maturing. Now, is there anything special you want for the ceremony?”

  Lily thought for a moment. Her throat tightened as a memory flashed before her—the image of her mother, smiling, eyes closed as she breathed in the scent of lilacs in their back yard. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but could we have lilacs? They were special to my mother.”

  “I’ll talk to the florist and see what he can do. Perhaps we can have them brought in from somewhere.”

  “Don’t go to any trouble or added expense. I just thought it would be nice.”

  “You leave it to me. I should tell you my son is a lot like me, so you can imagine my determination. Now, have you found a dress?”

  “I have. I was surprised to find something that required few alterations. And I’m sure both Joyce and Helen are grateful to choose their own attire, instead of those potentially awful bridesmaid dresses.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I have a photographer all lined up, too. The son of one of our neighbors. He does wonderful work.”

  Rick ra
n a hand down Lily’s arm and kissed her bare shoulder. She shivered, her voice quavering. “I-I appreciate what you’re doing, Liz.” She covered the phone and glared at him.

  “Lily, I’m so pleased that you trust me to arrange this wedding. Not many women would turn their wedding planning over to their future motherin-law. Especially one they’d not yet met. I’m so excited and happy for both of you. You take care, dear. I’ll see you in a week.”

  “Thanks, Liz. Goodbye.” She hung up the phone and turned to Rick. “What is wrong with you?”

  “I’m a man in love.”

  “That was your mother on the phone!”

  “Well, it’s not like she could see us. How much time do we have before you have to pick up Chelsea?”

  “Not enough.” She wriggled from his grasp and stood.

  He grabbed the towel to pull her back to him. The fabric fell away and she dropped, naked, into his lap.

  His hands caressed her ribs, and she yelped.

  He grinned at her. “I think you’re going to need another shower—later.”

  Laughing, she let him pull her back onto the bed.

  *

  Lily leaned over Chelsea to look out the window of the jet. Her heart thumped wildly.

  “This is it. You having any second thoughts?” Beau asked with a grin.

  Lily smiled. “Not a one.”

  Beau glanced at Rick who snoozed on the sofa across the aisle. “Gardner’s the best man for the job. I know when I’m out of my league.”

  Lily nodded toward the young Heidi Klum look-alike standing at the rear of the plane. “You seem to have made a swift recovery from your disappointment.”

  “She’s a nice girl. No expectations, not ready to be serious. I gave Rick a wedding gift for the two of you.”

  “I thought the use of the plane was the gift. You shouldn’t have done more than this.”

  Beau stood. “I’ll send the groom over here so he can tell you. Chelsea, want to see the cockpit?”

  “Can I, Mommy?”

  “Sure.”

  Rick dropped into the seat Beau had vacated.

  Lily kissed his cheek. “Beau said you have to show me something.”

  “He gave us another gift. Check this out.” Rick handed her the paper.