Lily's Story: The Complete Saga

by Christine Kersey

  We talked for a while, and when he got up to leave, I walked him to the door. “I'll let you know tomorrow what I decide. Is that all right?”

  “Yes.”

  I smiled as I watched him walk toward his car.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  After sleeping on Trevor’s invitation, I awoke with the desire to spend Christmas with Trevor and his family. Once the decision had been made, I dialed Trevor’s number, but when he didn’t answer, I drove to his apartment to see if he was there.

  Bronson answered the door.

  “Is Trevor home?” I asked.

  “I think he just got out of the shower.”

  Remembering my feelings of foolishness from the day before, I said, “Hey, I’m sorry about your car.”

  His eyes widened. “What?”

  “Oh, whoops. I thought Trevor told you.”

  Alarm filled his face. “What are you talking about?”

  Grimacing as if I’d made a terrible faux pas, I said, “He told me last night that he saw your car in the parking lot and that it was pretty banged up.”

  The alarm turned to pure panic, and he raced past me.

  I tried not to laugh too hard.

  He’d left the door open, and I called, “Trevor? Trevor, it’s Lily.”

  I heard a door open, then Trevor came strolling toward me, barefoot. Jeans hugged his narrow hips, and as he pulled a t-shirt over his head, I caught a glimpse of his washboard abs.

  “Lily,” he said with a smile. Then confusion descended over his face as he glanced around. “Where’s Bronson?”

  A giggle burst from my mouth, then I told him what I’d done.

  Trevor laughed. “He so deserved that.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “I have to leave for work in a second, but do you want to come in?”

  “Sure.” The moment I stepped inside, I could tell this was a bachelor pad—there were no feminine touches whatsoever. Dishes overflowed the kitchen sink, an empty pizza box sat on the coffee table, and the place had a closed-in smell.

  “Sorry about the mess,” Trevor said.

  “That’s okay,” I said, although I was thinking I didn’t want to be there too long.

  “What brought you by today?”

  The mess around me forgotten, I smiled. “I'd like to go with you to Vegas.”

  “Really?” His voice was filled with enthusiasm. “That’s great! I can buy your ticket right now!”

  At his tone, my smile grew. “Do you think there are any seats left on your flight?”

  “There’s only one way to find out.” He grabbed a laptop off of the coffee table and booted it up.

  The front door burst open, and Bronson stormed inside, his eyes tight with fury as he glared at me. “That was not funny.”

  “Chill out,” Trevor said. “It was just a joke.”

  Bronson’s gaze shifted to Trevor. “Were you in on it?”

  Trevor glanced at me, then smiled at Bronson. “Of course. And after what you told Lily about me yesterday, you deserved it.”

  The anger seeped out of Bronson’s face, and a half-smile turned up his mouth. “Maybe.” Then his gaze shifted to me. “You’re pretty gullible.”

  Trevor put his arm around my shoulders. “It’s called being trusting, dude.”

  I leaned against him, glad he had my back.

  “Now, beat it,” Trevor said to him. “We’re busy.”

  Bronson frowned and shook his head. “Whatever.” But he left us alone.

  A moment later Trevor said, “It looks like they have one seat left on my flight. I don't know if we'll be able to sit together, but we'll be on the same flight.”

  “That’s great,” I said. “I was sure the flight would be full.”

  He typed in his credit card number, then turned to me with a grin. “It’s full now.”

  My heart leapt with anticipation as I thought about going on this trip with Trevor. We would be able to spend so much time together. “You’re sure your mom doesn’t mind me coming?”

  “Believe me, she’s thrilled I have a girl I want to bring home. My parents have been hoping I’d find a nice girl for a long time. I think they were starting to give up hope.”

  His words warmed me, made me feel special. “I've never been to Vegas. I'm really looking forward to it.”

  A short time later we walked out to the parking lot together, and before Trevor left for work, he gave me a lingering kiss.

  “I can hardly wait for our trip.”

  “Me too,” I said as love cascaded over me.

  Two days later we flew to Vegas, and as the plane approached the airport, I saw that it was sunny and clear. The pilot announced that the temperature was a pleasant fifty-three degrees.

  As we deplaned, I held tightly to Trevor’s hand, anxious about meeting his parents. They were supposed to pick us up and I was afraid they wouldn't like me. It was very important to me that they approve of me. My parents were no longer around and I knew that whomever I married, that man’s parents would become replacements for my parents—at least that was my hope. Especially my future mother-in-law. I really looked forward to having a mother.

  “There they are,” Trevor said, squeezing my hand reassuringly.

  I tried to pick out his parents in the crowd, and when I saw a man and woman looking our way, and saw their friendly smiles, my body relaxed.

  Trevor pulled me toward the couple and I felt the warmth in their eyes.

  “Dad, Mom, I’d like you to meet Lily,” Trevor said, smiling broadly. “Lily, these are my parents, John and Marcy Caldwell.”

  “It's nice to meet you both,” I said, holding out my hand.

  John shook it, but Marcy stepped forward and pulled me into an affectionate embrace. “It's so wonderful to meet you at last, Lily,” Marcy said as she released me.

  “Thank you,” I said, a little overwhelmed by the woman's attention.

  Trevor laughed. “Don't mind her. I told you she’s ecstatic I'm finally bringing a woman home to meet her.”

  Marcy laughed along with him. “I'm sorry, Lily, but it's true. Please excuse me.”

  “No, no. It's fine.” I was just glad they were happy to meet me.

  We collected our luggage and followed the Caldwell's out to their car, and as we drove to Trevor’s childhood home, I listened to the family banter, enjoying the warmth they had for each other.

  Growing up, it had only been myself and my father, so our drives had usually been fairly quiet.

  “Are Scott and Chris coming?” Trevor asked.

  “Yes, they are. We'll have a houseful,” Marcy said.

  “You know you'll love it, dear,” John said.

  Marcy chuckled. “Yes, I will. All my boys together.”

  A short time later we pulled into the driveway of their modest home.

  “You'll be in the guest room, Lily,” Marcy said.

  I followed her down a short hall to a small bedroom, while Trevor carried my suitcase and set it on the floor.

  “I’ll let you get settled,” Marcy said. “I’m going to put lunch together.”

  “Thank you.”

  Trevor took my hand. “Let me give you the tour.”

  Any discomfort I'd felt at being in a strange place with people I'd just met was alleviated in the warmth of Trevor’s hand. He showed me where the bathroom was and then showed me his old bedroom. “This is where I'll be staying, in case you need anything.” He kissed me lightly on the lips.

  It looked the way I imagined a teenaged boy’s room would look. Blue walls with posters of different rock groups taped to the walls, a bedspread with dark stripes, and a television on the dresser.

  “Nice,” I said.

  “Thanks. It was a good place to live.” He smiled at me. “Of course I like having my own place a whole lot better.”

  I nodded. “I know exactly what you mean. There's nothing quite like being completely on your own.”

  Over the next few days Trevor showed m
e around his old haunts and I felt like I was getting to know him better and better. And growing to love him more. His parents were accepting of me and made me feel very much a part of the family.

  “So when are your brothers coming?” I asked him as we took a walk.

  “They only live about an hour from here, so they'll just come on Christmas day.”

  I was looking forward to meeting the rest of Trevor’s family—there was a distinct possibility that they would one day be my family as well, and I was excited to get to know Trevor’s sisters-in-law. I'd never had brothers or sisters and was delighted at the idea.

  “I've been meaning to tell you, Trevor, your Mom's a great cook. I don't know what you were talking about when you said she couldn't cook.”

  “Yeah, I noticed too. Maybe she's been taking cooking lessons since I've been gone.” He grinned.

  “Or maybe you were exaggerating just a bit.”

  I reached out to punch him on the arm but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me close, burying his face in my hair. “Lily, Lily,” he murmured. “I love you so much. When will you say you'll marry me?”

  His words warmed my heart. “Oh, Trevor, I love you, too. And I promise, I'll give you an answer soon. Please be patient with me.”

  He looked into my eyes as a gentle smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “I'm trying to be patient. I really am.”

  Then and there I gave myself a deadline.

  I’ll decide by Christmas.

  That gave me two days.

  In my heart I wanted so badly to say yes, but I knew it was a decision I had to be sure about. Over the next two days I thought about marrying Trevor constantly, mentally listing the pros and cons. My biggest worry was his tendency to want to drink excessively and maybe use drugs.

  But he’d promised he would stop and I desperately wanted to believe him. And I loved him so much.

  Finally, after much deep thought and introspection, I decided to accept his proposal.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  On Christmas morning I woke earlier than normal, more keyed up than I'd been in a long time. Besides meeting the rest of Trevor’s family, today was the day I would give Trevor my answer. I quickly showered and dressed, then went into the kitchen to see if I could help Marcy with anything.

  “I've got it all under control,” she said. “For now at least. But later I probably will need some help.”

  Trevor came out a short time later, already showered and ready for the day. He wrapped his arms around me. “Merry Christmas,” he said in my ear.

  Knowing I would be telling him that I would accept his proposal of marriage later that day, I thrilled at his presence. “Merry Christmas to you, too.” I smiled at him and he kissed me softly on the lips.

  After breakfast we went into the living room to open presents. Just as I'd hoped, Trevor loved the Broncos jacket I'd given him. He handed me a gift and I carefully unwrapped the paper. It was the latest eReader.

  “Trevor, it's perfect,” I said, leaning over and giving him a hug. “But it's so expensive,” I whispered in his ear.

  He grinned at me. “You're worth it.”

  John reached under the tree and pulled out a small gift. “Here, Lily. This one's for you.”

  “Oh.” I took it from his hand, pleasantly surprised that they’d given me a gift. It was a gift card for books to load onto my eReader. “Thank you, John. Thank you, Marcy. I love to read, so this is perfect.” I looked under the tree for the gifts that I’d bought for them once I’d decided to come and handed one to Marcy and the other to John.

  A ceramic dog for Marcy to set on a bookshelf, and a Denver Broncos book for John.

  “These are perfect, Lily,” said Marcy.

  John nodded as he chuckled. “I guess Trevor told you how much of a Broncos fan I am.”

  “That's right. And he told me that you like anything to do with dogs, Marcy.”

  “I'm so glad you could come, Lily,” Marcy said. “I've really enjoyed getting to know you.”

  Her words meant more to me than she knew. I looked over at Trevor. “I'm glad I came, too.”

  He took my hand in his.

  “Why don't you kids take off for a while?” Marcy said. “Scott and Chris won't be here with their families for another hour or so.”

  “Okay, Mom,” Trevor said, then he helped me stand.

  As we headed out the front door, I smiled at the lovely day—sunny and clear and pleasantly cool.

  “It's a good idea to enjoy some peace before all the kids get here,” Trevor said, leading me down the driveway.

  “How many kids do they have?” I tried to calm my heart, knowing this walk would be the best opportunity to tell Trevor my decision.

  “Scott has three and Chris has two. But sometimes when they're all together it can seem more like a dozen.”

  “I can hardly wait.” I meant it, too. It had always been so quiet at my house on Christmas that I was looking forward to the commotion a family would bring.

  We walked in silence, hand in hand, for several minutes. As we approached an elementary school, I led Trevor to a small bench that was near a playground. Other than a pair of boys riding new bikes on the path, we were alone.

  “Trevor, I need to talk to you. Let's sit down.”

  He followed me to the bench and looked at me expectantly.

  “I've come to a decision on your proposal.” I watched his face, and was not disappointed at the hope I saw in his eyes. “I would love to marry you.”

  His eyes glistened. “Really? Do you mean it?”

  “Yes,” I whispered. “I mean it.”

  “Oh, Lily, this is the best Christmas present I could have ever wished for.” He slid his arms around me and pulled me to him. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” I said, pressing my face into his neck.

  Security and warmth spread over me as I snuggled in his arms.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  We agreed to wait until after Christmas dinner to announce our engagement to his family, but as I looked at the perpetual grin on Trevor’s face, I wasn't sure he'd be able to keep our secret that long.

  Trevor had been right about his nieces and nephews—there was a lot of commotion with them around. I met Scott and Chris and their wives and everyone had been kind to me. I hadn't had much of a chance to visit with any of them—they were kept busy with their rambunctious children.

  I helped Marcy get the finishing touches ready for dinner, and when everyone found his place at the table, I thought of the contrast this meal and large group of people was to Thanksgiving when Trevor and I'd been by ourselves.

  When everyone had finished eating, Trevor stood. “I have an announcement to make.”

  All eyes were on him as he reached down to me and helped me to my feet to stand by his side.

  I felt extremely self-conscious as everyone's attention shifted to me. I looked at Trevor, waiting for him to take the lead.

  “Lily and I are getting married,” Trevor said.

  “Congratulations, little brother,” Scott said, standing to shake Trevor’s hand.

  Marcy came over to us and hugged me. “I'm so happy.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.

  After several minutes everyone settled back down.

  “Have you thought about when the wedding will be or where?” Marcy asked.

  I looked at Trevor then back at Marcy. “We haven’t gotten that far.”

  “I’d like to get married as soon as possible,” Trevor said, a grin on his face.

  I was pretty sure why he said that, but I was also pretty sure no one else had a clue. Everyone’s eyes swiveled in my direction and I wondered if they thought I was pregnant. The idea was the definition of ironic.

  When I said nothing, Trevor laughed, and everyone’s attention shifted back to him. “But I guess there’s really no hurry.”

  Everyone seemed confused, but I wasn’t about to say anything.

  “Well,” Marcy said, breaking the silence,
“I suppose we can discuss the details later.”

  We finished off the meal with pie and ice cream, then I helped Marcy clean up. I enjoyed the time I spent chatting with her and getting to know her better, but after a while she sent me away and told me to spend time with my fiancé. The sound of the word exhilarated me.

  I found Trevor with his dad and brothers watching a football game in the living room. When he saw me come in he motioned for me to sit by him. There wasn’t much room on the couch, so he pulled me onto his lap and nuzzled my ear. Waves of desire raced through me and I turned to face him, meeting his lips in a kiss.

  “None of that in here, you two,” Chris said, laughing.

  I laughed too, embarrassed to have been noticed, but I loved the feeling of being part of the group.

  After a few minutes, Trevor whispered, “I’ve had enough football.”

  He helped me from his lap and then he stood, and taking my hand, led me down the hall to the room where I was staying. He closed the door then sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him.

  I sat beside him with a smile.

  He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. “This is why I wanted to come in here.” He took my left hand and slid the diamond ring onto my finger.

  The diamond sparkled, and now that I knew we were going to be married, peace and contentment settled over me as I gazed at the gorgeous ring. “It's just as beautiful as when I first saw it.”

  He opened his arms and I eagerly went into them. “Do you have any idea how happy I am right now?” he murmured next to my ear.

  I smiled against his shoulder. “I think I have an idea.” Then I pulled back. “Do you think your parents think I’m pregnant?”

  “Why would they think that?” He looked perplexed.

  I laughed. “Well, when you said you wanted to get married right away, I could almost see the wheels turning in their heads. I mean, why else would you want to get married so fast?”

  “I guess you’re right.” He grinned. “But I’ll bet you know why I’m anxious to get married.” He smirked at me. “Unless you’re willing to change your mind.” His hands cradled my face as he pressed his lips to mine.