Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  Her eyes widened. “Omigod, use of a villa in Tuscany for two weeks. I hear it’s beautiful there, and very romantic.”

  “It is. So, maybe in the summer when Chelsea’s out of school?” He leaned forward and kissed her. “You make me so very happy.”

  *

  The plane glided along the runway and slowed, pulling up to the gate at the private airport.

  Beau stood by the door while his passengers exited.

  Chelsea stopped and looked up at him. “That was fun.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed the ride.” His face softened, and he ruffled her blonde curls.

  Lily shook her head. What a little flirt.

  When Lily reached the exit, Beau took her hand. “I’ll see you on Saturday. I’m very happy for you, Lily. A little sorry for myself, though.”

  “Thanks, Beau.” She stretched on her toes and kissed his cheek. “And thanks for collaborating with Rick on the Champion Cove project. It means a lot to me.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  A limo waited for them. The driver, with the assistance of Wally, loaded their luggage into the car. Rick carried the garment bag holding Lily’s dress and his tux.

  “It’s much warmer here than I expected.” Lily removed her jacket.

  “Welcome to sunny Florida.”

  When the limo pulled up in front of the house, the front door opened and a woman with short gray hair and a striking figure stepped outside. Rick exited the car first. “Hi, Mom.”

  Liz Gardner hurried to the car. She hugged her son and then opened her arms to Lily. “Welcome to the Gardner family, Lily. And you must be Chelsea.”

  The child squinted up at her. “I’m Chelsea Champion. ’cept my new name’s gonna be Gardner.”

  “I know. And I’ll be your grandma.”

  “I sure have a lot of those lately.”

  Lily laughed. “I’ll explain later. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

  Rick and the driver carried the luggage into the house. Chelsea dragged her pink backpack behind her.

  Liz put an arm around Lily. “I can imagine this is overwhelming. Come and meet Paul, Rick’s dad, then I’ll show you to your room. You can take whatever time you need to relax. I want you to think of this as your home.”

  Lily stopped. “Liz, I can’t tell you what this means. I don’t know if Rick told you, but I lost my mother when I was just a child. I know how much she would’ve looked forward to my wedding.” Her chin quivered.

  “Oh, honey. It’s an honor to do this for both you and Rick.” Liz hugged her. “I hope I’ve planned a wedding to meet your dreams.”

  “Your son’s already made my dreams come true. He’s a wonderful man. You should be very proud.”

  “I am. Now, let’s get in there before the men eat all the lunch I prepared.”

  *

  Joyce, Cliff and their kids arrived later in the day. They’d booked rooms at a hotel nearby. Helen and John arrived the following morning, with reservations at the same hotel. Beau sent the jet to Norfolk to pick up Lily’s father and brother.

  On Friday afternoon, Liz took Lily and the other women to the country club to meet the decorator. When Lily walked into the room being prepared for her wedding, she gasped. “Oh, this is beautiful.” She looked at the empty chairs covered in white fabric, soon to be filled with family and friends.

  “They’re putting on the final touches, but I wanted to make sure it’s what you want.” Liz took her hand and guided her up the aisle. “Of course, there will be the standard white carpet for you to walk on. I think Heather and Chelsea will be adorable in their matching dresses. Lily, I know you were disappointed about not having a church. I could hear it in your voice. If you waited a week, we could…”

  Lily shook her head. “No. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

  Joyce came up beside them, her hand on Lily’s arm. “Mom, can I borrow Lily for a minute?”

  “Sure. I need to check in with the chef. He’s not too happy about the menu I requested, so I need to stroke his ego a bit.”

  Joyce tugged on Lily’s hand. “C’mon, Sis. I want to talk for a minute.”

  At being referred to as “sis,” Lily smiled and followed. She sat across from Joyce at a patio table.

  “Okay, so not everyone takes their five-year-old along on their honeymoon. Here’s what I’m thinking. You and Rick become invisible. Chelsea will be fine with us. I’ll have your cell number, if I need it. I tried to talk Rick into taking you away and leaving Chelsea with us, but he didn’t think you’d go for it.”

  “He knows me too well. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just…it’s been just me and Chelsea for so long.”

  “If she misses you, I’ll call. Okay?”

  Lily nodded. “She’ll no doubt be fine. It’s me. Joyce, I always wanted a sister.”

  “Well, be careful what you wish for. I’m glad you’re marrying my brother. You’re good for him.” She looked past Lily. “I think Mom and Helen are ready to go. Shall we?

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Lily wakened the next morning, a smile already tugging at her lips. I’m getting married today. She looked at Chelsea, sprawled on the other side of the bed. After using the bathroom, she unzipped the garment bag and stared at her dress, running her fingers over the smooth satin bodice.

  The rehearsal dinner the night before had turned into quite a party. Within an hour, it was one big family affair. Her father had taken her aside and told her he was happy for her. His eyes had filled as he said her mother would’ve been very proud. Lily had clung to him and cried, until Mason interrupted for a dance.

  Lily cinched her bathrobe and stepped into her slippers. She closed the door quietly and followed the sounds of laughter. Joyce sat at the dining table with her father while Liz prepared breakfast. “Anything I can do to help?” Lily asked.

  “Yes. You can take a cup of coffee and sit down and relax. This is your day.”

  Pouring a mug of coffee, Lily joined Joyce and Paul Gardner at the table. “Good morning. Is Rick up yet?”

  “Up and gone,” Joyce said. “He’s been shipped to my hotel room. Bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. Were you able to sleep?”

  “I did. I haven’t danced like that in a long time. I was exhausted. If Chelsea kicked me, I never knew it.”

  Joyce nodded. “A kicker, huh? Heather’s like that when she’s overly tired. Dad, you want a refill on the coffee?”

  “No, thanks.”

  Paul Gardner looked much older than his wife—the result of illness, Lily supposed. He sat in a wheelchair and kept a small oxygen tank at his side. He looked at Lily. “I haven’t seen my son so excited about anything in a long time. His mother and I were afraid he’d be a lifelong bachelor.” He reached for Lily’s hand. “I don’t know how long I’m going to be around, but I’m glad I’m here for this.”

  Lily bit her lip and squeezed the old man’s hand. “I hope you’ll be around for a long time yet.”

  Placing a plate of cut fruit on the table, Liz bent and kissed her husband’s stubbled cheek. “Is this old coot telling you he’s going to die any day now?”

  “Uh…he…uh…”

  Paul patted his wife’s hand. “Now, Lizzie, don’t put the girl on the spot. I’m here today. That’s all that matters.”

  Lily imagined herself and Rick thirty or forty years from now. Would they be this happy, still? Would they be gathered for a family wedding? Perhaps for Chelsea’s wedding anniversary? She smiled, realizing she could believe in forever after—at last.

  *

  When Lily stepped from behind the privacy screen wearing her wedding dress, the other women in the room stopped talking and stared.

  Helen walked over to her. “Oh, honey, you look beautiful. What a stunning dress.”

  “Thank you.” She looked into the full-length mirror, at the satin strapless A-line dress, accented with embroidery and an elegant side-draped design.

  Her father knocked on t
he door. “Is the bride ready?”

  She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “I’m ready.”

  As they moved to the entry way, Liz Gardner handed Lily a bouquet. She stared at the white roses, interspersed with lilacs. “How did you…?”

  “They’re imported. I knew it was important to you. Your mom’s with you today, you know. I’d better get to my seat so we can get you married.”

  Lily nodded and linked a hand through her father’s arm. Heather and Chelsea lined up behind Helen and Joyce.

  Her father patted her hand. “I never thought I’d get this opportunity. Thank you, Lily, for letting me be a part of this.”

  Lily’s eyes filled when she inhaled the scent of lilacs. When she and her father started up the aisle, Lily locked eyes with Rick. The smile on his face drew her forward. Rick took her hand and looked into her eyes. They exchanged their vows and rings, and kissed. Applause drew her back from the kiss.

  Lily and Rick entered the reception room to cheers. Beau made his way through the crowd, slapping Rick on the shoulder. “Nice going, old man. May I kiss the bride?”

  Rick looked at Lily. “I think you’d better ask her that.”

  Lily offered her cheek, and Beau gave her a quick kiss. “If this guy gives you any trouble, call me.”

  She smiled. “I think I can handle him, but thanks.”

  Lily and Rick waded through the congratulatory crowd. They took their seats at the head table, and the wait staff began to serve dinner.

  Following the ceremonial cutting of the cake, a disc jockey set up to provide music for dancing. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?”

  The room grew quiet and everyone looked up.

  “I’d like to ask you to join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gardner to the dance floor for the first dance.”

  Applause urged Lily and Rick to the floor. On CD, Eva Cassidy sang a heart-wrenching version of Somewhere, Over the Rainbow, and Rick took Lily in his arms. They danced through the first verse and chorus, then Rick stopped, dipped her low and kissed her. The guests broke into applause. When he pulled her back up, he smiled and looked across the room to where Chelsea sat with Lily’s father.

  Rick motioned for Chelsea to join them. She stepped onto the tops of his shoes and danced between them. Lily met her father’s gaze and smiled through a blur of tears, remembering a similar scene with him and her mother.

  The song ended, and Rick lowered his head to meet Lily in a kiss. Chelsea giggled. When they parted, he reached down and lifted Chelsea, twirling her around the floor as the next song began.

  Lily joined her father, Mason, and Julie at their table.

  “I’m happy for you, Lily. And proud.” Her father patted her hand.

  “Thanks, Dad. I’m proud of you, too.” And she was. She knew more than most what it had taken to survive loss, to embrace humility and accept help. To claim her life. He’d had to do the same. It had just taken him longer to do it.

  Her brother, Mason, stood and reached for her hand. “How about a dance, Sis?”

  “I’d be honored.”

  He guided her around the dance floor. “So, what do you think of Julie?”

  “She’s wonderful. I’m not sure you deserve her, so don’t screw it up. Okay?”

  He laughed. “I’m trying not to.” He gazed into her eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t do more to protect you when we were growing up.”

  “You were just a kid yourself.”

  “I’m not sure we were ever kids, especially after Mom died. We had to grow up fast and pretty much on our own.”

  “We had Aunt Natalie, at least for a while.”

  “Where is she, anyway?” he asked.

  “Uncle Jeffrey’s still too sick to travel from the chemo treatments. She didn’t want to leave him. But I talked with her, and Rick promised we’d visit, maybe next year.”

  Rick tapped Mason’s shoulder. “May I cut in?”

  Releasing Lily, Mason said, “She’s all yours.”

  “You’ve got that right.” Rick pulled her close and she rested her cheek against his chest. “Are you having a nice time, Mrs. Gardner?”

  “I’m having the best time, Mr. Gardner.”

  “Ready to say your goodbyes so this dashing, handsome, brave knight can whisk you away for our honeymoon?”

  “Why, yes, m’lord.”

  “Sir Rick will do.” He smiled and whirled her around, her dress sweeping across the floor.

  They made their way from table to table, saying their goodbyes. Lily knelt in front of Chelsea. “Are you sure you’re okay going with Joyce and Heather? You know Daddy and I will be at the same hotel.”

  “I’m okay. Auntie Helen told me married people are s’posed to be alone for a while so they can get to know one another better.” She grinned, ear to ear.

  Rick roared with laughter. A flush warmed Lily’s face. “Okay, then. Well, you have a good time with Heather, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay. You have a good time, too, Mommy.”

  Rick scooped Chelsea up. “Don’t you worry about that, Princess. I’ll see to it.”

  “I’m going to change.” Lily picked up the hem of her gown and headed for the foyer.

  “I’ll come along and help you with your dress,” Helen said, still chuckling.

  Helen unzipped the gown and, when Lily stepped out of it, hung it in the garment bag. “It was a beautiful wedding. You have a nice family. The Gardners are good people.”

  “Thanks, Helen. By the way, I have something for you.” Lily removed a card from her purse.

  Helen read the card and her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Lily. I can’t accept such a gift. You can’t possibly afford this.”

  “My dad sold the house. He gave me a check for one hundred thousand dollars. I just wanted to do something for you, for a change. I want you to enjoy this cruise with your cruise mate of choice.” She grinned. “John looks like a man who’d take to the ocean.”

  “Oh, he does, does he? We’ll see about that. Now, I think your new husband is eager to start the honeymoon. I’ll talk to you when you get home.”

  Rick met Lily as she exited the dressing room. “Let’s go and get to know one another better, Mrs. Gardner.” Lowering his head, he pressed his lips to hers. He reached into his inside pocket. “But, first, I have your wedding gift here.”

  “What is it?”

  He handed her a long, flat box wrapped and tied with a narrow ribbon. “Open it.”

  She eased the ribbon from the box and tore open the paper. Lifting the lid, she separated the tissue paper and removed a folded document. “What is this?” She unfolded the sheet of paper. “Rick! Oh, my God. Is this what I think it is?”

  “It’s the deed to your house. Now you know why I discouraged you from using the money your dad gave you toward the purchase. I wanted to surprise you.”

  “I own a house?”

  “You own your house.”

  She smiled at him and then kissed his cheek. “You are such a sweet man.” She frowned. “But, I’m moving into your house.”

  “You can choose to do with it whatever you wish—keep it, sell it, rent it.”

  “I can’t sell it. It’s my wedding gift.” She stared again at the paper. “I own my own house. And I just married my prince.”

  “What happened to your brave, dashing, handsome knight?”

  She pressed against him. “You’ve been elevated.”

  “You always have that effect on me.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Six months later

  Lily looked up to see the woman struggling with a baby in one arm and a diaper bag sliding off the other shoulder, while she grasped the hand of another child. The woman popped change into the parking meter. She reclaimed the child’s hand, turned and headed for the front door of the realty office.

  A riot of dark, curly hair sprung around a young face with tired-looking eyes. “Go ahead, Robbie. No one’s going to bite you.�
�� She ushered the child ahead of her and readjusted the baby on her hip.

  The boy, who looked to be about four years of age, wore faded blue jeans and a stained gray sweatshirt. Brown hair spiked out from his head. He tugged at the front of his jeans and squirmed. “I have to pee.”

  “Wait just one more minute.” The woman stepped around him and walked to the counter. “Hi. I need to rent a house or an apartment. Something cheap.”

  Lily leaned over the counter and smiled. “I’m Lily Gardner. Do you want to take him to the restroom?” She nodded to the door to her right. “I can hold the baby for you.”

  “Oh, okay. Thanks.”

  Reaching over the counter, Lily took the infant in her arms.

  The woman dropped the diaper bag to the floor and took the little boy’s hand. “Come on.”

  Her voice sounded tired. Lily remembered moments like that. The baby whimpered and Lily bounced him in her arms, straightening his stained shirt. “Aren’t you a cutie? Your mommy will be right back.”

  The infant looked at her with dark, watery eyes—and spit up.

  “Oops.” Lily turned and grabbed a few tissues, wiping the baby’s mouth and dabbing at the dribble on her blouse.

  The restroom door opened and Robbie, obviously relieved, bounced out. His mother followed with less bounce in her own step. Her eyes locked on the wet spot on Lily’s blouse. “Oh, no. I’m sorry. I should’ve warned you. He’s a spitter.”

  “Not a problem. I’m used to it.” She passed the baby back to his mother. “Let’s go into the back office where we can sit. My husband’s out right now, but I can get the information we need and see how we can help you. Can I get you a cup of coffee or soda?”

  “I wanna soda. I wanna soda.” Robbie tugged at his mother’s pant leg.

  Lily smiled. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that out loud without asking you first. They always want a soda.”

  The woman gave an exhausted sigh. “I suppose it won’t hurt.”

  “Go ahead inside and have a seat. I’ll be right there.” Lily went to the fridge for the soda and picked up a straw. She grabbed a legal pad from her desk on the way into Rick’s office. “Here you go.” She handed the soda to the woman. “Now let me get some information. First of all, what’s your name?”