by T M Morris
“What does Eric have to do with it?”
“That’s what I said. It’s plain stupidity on Dusty’s part, Dad. Apparently, Eric told all the boys at school they weren’t good enough for me and to keep their distance, or they’d have to answer to him. Dusty doesn’t want to go against his best friend.”
“You’re right. It’s pure stupidity.”
Dusty stood with his arms akimbo and his mouth agape. She left. She really left. The only woman he would ever love just rode away. He slowly walked to his truck and got in. He sat there for who knows how long in disbelief. Would she ever come back? Was there anything he could do to get her back?
Why hadn’t Eric answered any of his emails? He knew he was in the hospital in Germany. Surely, he had access to email. He shook his head. Apparently, he wasn’t going to answer him. He lost Lilly. He turned the key, and the engine roared to life. Slowly he turned his truck around and drove home.
Chapter Thirty Four
Dusty paced around the baggage claim area looking for a place to sit. It would figure that Eric’s commercial flight from Savannah, Georgia where he went to after Germany, would be late. It was New Year’s Eve’s Eve; everyone was trying to get back home. He spotted a seat and strode toward it. When he was within ten feet, he noticed an older lady walking toward the seat as well as a young man with a Mohawk that was wilting. It looked like Shamu’s dorsal fin.
He stopped and watched as the young man cut in front of the woman to claim the seat. Before he could sit down, Dusty said, “Let the lady have a seat.”
Mohawk looked at Dusty and smirked. “Hey. I got here first.”
“Actually, I did. But I saw her walking this way, and I decided I would let her have it. Be a gentleman and let her sit down.”
The old woman shook her head and said, “It’s okay. I’ll find somewhere else to sit.”
Mohawk smirked at Dusty making his blood boil. “No ma’am. He should respect his elders and be a gentleman.”
She patted him on the shoulder. “It’s too late, hon, his mama didn’t teach him and no one else is going to be able to.”
Dusty glared at the young man. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Mohawk made a rude gesture and told Dusty what he could do with himself causing him to lunge toward him. The lady grabbed Dusty’s sleeve and said, “Leave him. You don’t need to get hauled off to jail on a count of him.”
Dusty allowed the woman to pull him away even though he was chomping at the bit to pound Mohawk into pulp. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I thought you should be able to have a seat.”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind standing. Besides, I probably have more stamina in my little toe than that boy has in his entire body. I’m Melba Bigby, by the way.”
“Miss Melba, I’m glad to meet you. I’m Dusty Meadows.”
Melba took a step back and studied him for a minute. “You’re Hannah Finch’s grandson. I thought you looked familiar.”
Dusty raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “Yes, ma’am. You know my grandma?”
“Sweetie, she and I were in diapers together. I’m your—hmm, let me think. Hannah and I are first cousins on her mother’s side. That would make me your first cousin twice removed, I believe. What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to take my best friend home, and of course it’s late. He was in Iraq and was injured. He’s coming home.”
“Are you talking about Erik Caldwell?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I hear he’s a hero. I heard he saved a bunch of his fellow Rangers. It’s a shame he was discharged. Of course, I understand why the Army Rangers can’t have a soldier with a bunch of replacement parts. But, I can’t see why they wouldn’t keep him behind a desk or something.”
Dusty chuckled. “I don’t think Erik would have been able to tolerate a desk job.”
“All the same—”
“Is that you, Meadows?” Dusty turned to see his best friend in his dress uniform rolling toward him in a wheelchair, his crutches tucked by his side. He ran to meet him.
Dusty bent and pulled Erik up into a bear hug. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you. We were all so worried about you.”
“I’m glad to be back. I just wish I was in better shape.” He eased back into the chair. “At least this thing is temporary.”
Melba pushed past Dusty. “Young man, you are a hero, and I thank you for your service.”
Erik bowed his head. “I’m no hero, ma’am.”
Dusty cleared his throat. “Erik, this is Melba Bigby. Apparently, she’s my grandma’s first cousin. We ran into each other here,” he turned to her, “Who are you waiting for Miss Melba?”
“I’m waiting for my granddaughter and great-grandchild. They’re flying in from Washington State. Terrible thing, her husband died in a boating accident. It seems he was on a crab boat or some such. I don’t know the exact details.”
“I’m sorry to hear she’s been through a rough time. What’s her name?”
“Willow. Y’all remember her?”
Dusty and Erik exchanged a look. Dusty replied, “Yes, ma’am, we do.”
“Well, it was good to meet you, and I hope they get here soon.” Dusty gave her a brief hug.
“Ma’am.” Erik nodded.
“Go on, you two. I’m sure we will run into each other some time or another. It’s a small world.” She waved as she walked away.
Dusty looked down at Erik. Erik smiled sadly. “Willow’s coming back?”
Erik shook his head. “Rebel Creek’s going to get real interesting. She was a hellcat.”
“I can’t tell you how much I have missed you.”
“I hear Beth is back in town and has a kid,” Erik said looking across the baggage claim area.
“Wow. You get straight to the point,” Dusty paused, “Yeah, she does, and his name is Luke.”
Erik looked around the crowded baggage claim area. “I need a drink. Let’s get my stuff and get out of here.”
“Sure thing. Do you want that drink before or after we stop by the hospital and see your mom? She told me to bring you straight to see her.”
“How is she? Is she going to be okay?”
“She’s going to be fine. Lilly’s bone marrow is doing its job. She should be able to go home in a few weeks. She’s still in quarantine, but she wants to see you.”
“I want to see her too. There’s my bag. Now all we have todo is find the place where I leave this wheelchair. How’s Lilly doing with Dad?”
“Man, I have a lot to tell you on that front.” Dusty lifted Erik’s duffle from the carousel. “You aren’t going to believe half of it. You might want a second drink after you hear it too.”
Dusty sat across from Erik watching him shred a paper napkin. “Are you okay?”
“I can’t believe that S.O.B. could believe Mom cheated on him. My mom. The sweetest, most loving and loyal woman I’ve ever known. Explains a lot, though, doesn’t it? I mean, he was always so awful toward Lilly and yet she came out of it okay. Didn’t she?” He looked to Dusty for confirmation.
“Yes and no. Lilly has always been feisty and strong willed. She always goes for what she wants. I mean; what kind of strength she must have to leave home at fifteen to go to New York? She made a success out of a very bleak situation. She’s beautiful and strong. She’s kind. She knows what she wants and goes for it. She’s smarter than you and me put together. She always stood up against your dad. She—”
“When are you going to ask her to marry you?” Erik asked before tipping his beer bottle up to get the last drops out of it.
“Well. I. You see.”
“No. I don’t see. What is taking you so long?”
Dusty began to tear his own napkin into bits. “I was waiting for you to get home. You haven’t answered any of my emails or Skype requests.”
“I was out in the field, and then I was incapacitated for several weeks. But I don’t see what I have to do with anything.” He caught the waiter�
��s attention and motioned for another round.
“I don’t want to go against you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Thanks,” Dusty nodded to the waiter as he set two more beers on the table. “You told all of us guys when we were in high school we weren’t good enough for Lilly and to leave her alone.”
Erik laughed. “Hold up now. You’re dragging your feet on a count of something I said in high school?”
“Well, yeah.” Dusty was confused. “I, man, you’re my best friend. Lilly’s your little sister.”
Erik sat back in his chair. “You are the biggest idiot I have ever known. Dusty, I wasn’t talking to you. Of all the guys in Rebel Creek, you are the only one I would want her to date. Why do you think I always had you and Lilly tag along with Beth and me?”
Dusty didn’t have a real answer. He guessed, “Chaperones?”
Erik took a long swig of his beer. “You are the biggest idiot if you let my sister get away.”
“Finish your beer. I gotta go.”
“Where?”
“New York.”
Chapter Thirty Five
Dusty leaned against the wall staring at the nondescript gray door with seven deadbolts. He listened to the thumping of the bass through the walls. He checked his phone for the time. Two minutes to midnight. He had two minutes. At least he knew for certain Lilly was in there. George, the doorman, was nice enough to tell him. Though he did make Dusty wait for what seemed like forever for him to say she was home.
One minute.
He pushed away from the wall and pressed the bell. If anyone had heard it, he would have been surprised. He knocked. He waited and knocked again. On the third knock the door swung open. Dusty was greeted by the same surfer dude wannabe.
“Dude. It’s you. Come on in. The party is rocking. You are kind of late, though. It started at nine.”
Dusty acknowledged Wannabe and asked, “Where’s Lilly? I need to talk to her.”
“She’s over by the refreshments. D’you see her?” He pointed.
Dusty nodded and clapped the young man on the shoulder. “Thanks, man.”
Dusty checked his phone. Thirty seconds. Surely he could get across the room in time. He began to shove his way through the crowd offering apologies as he went.
“Fifteen seconds.” Someone shouted, and the countdown began. He was only half way through the crowd.
Fourteen.
Thirteen. Dusty redoubled his efforts.
Ten. The ball in time square began to drop on the television. Nine. Eight.
He shoved past a very handsome man who exclaimed, “Pardon me.”
Dusty nodded back at him, “Sorry, man. This is important.”
Five. Four.
Dusty tapped on Lilly’s shoulder getting her attention.
Three.
“Lilly,” he gulped for breath, “I’m not too late?”
Two. Lilly stared at him in disbelief.
He dropped to one knee and yelled over the din as the clock struck midnight, “I love you. I always have. Please say you’ll marry me.”
“Lilly? What is this? Who is this? Do I need to throw him out?” The handsome man asked.
Lilly with her mouth agape shook her head ‘no’. She looked down at Dusty as the crowd began to shout and sing Auld Lang Signe. As if in shock, with her mouth still hanging open she nodded.
Dusty rose to his feet, pulled her into his arms and kissed her with the full force of the love he’s held for her ever since he realized she was more than Eric’s little sister. As he pulled away from her to catch his breath he fished around in his pocket and pulled out a ring.
He kept one arm around her and rested his forehead against hers. “I hope you like it. If not we can exchange it.”
She took it from him and slid it on her finger. “No. It’s perfect. I love you, and I will marry you.”
Handsome shoved his way into their tete a tete. “This calls for champagne and a toast. I’m Josh, by the way, this is my apartment, and I’m the host of this soiree,” he handed them the glasses and retrieved another one for himself. “Listen up, everybody. Listen up.” He waited for everyone to grow quiet. “First off, Happy New Year. And second, I want to announce the engagement of our very own Lilly to this gentleman—” he leaned over to Lilly and whispered, “What’s his name?”
Lilly laughed. “This is Dusty Meadows. I’ve told you about him.”
“Dusty Meadows, everyone. To the happy couple.”
While everyone in the room applauded and shouted Happy New Year and Congratulations, Dusty pulled Lilly close and kissed her. When he pulled away, he whispered, “I love you, Filly Lilly. I always have.”
Lilly kissed his cheek and smiled. “Me too. I’ve loved you since forever—”
Dusty kissed her again. “I have loved you since forever and I will love you until the stars fall from the sky.”
Thank you so much for reading Lilly and Dusty’s story. I sincerely hope you enjoyed it. Now, can I ask a favor? If you would, please leave a review. The more reviews a book has the more visibility it will have on the sales sight. Also, with more reviews, I will be able to put the books on certain advertising/promotional emails. That way you would be helping others find and enjoy the Caldwells of Rebel Creek.
I thank you in advance.
Before you go, here’s an unedited sample from Book 3 due to release in 2017:
A Long Way Between Somewhere and Here
“No. Oh no. No. No. No!” Claire wailed as she banged the side of her fist against the door to her apartment. She thumped her head against its red paint blistered surface and whimpered, “No.”
“What’s wrong? Is there anything I can do to help you?” A deep bass voice asked as a hand gently touched her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Claire turned to face her neighbor. He had never said a word to her before even though they had passed each other several times on their way to the parking lot. She felt her face redden as she looked up into his mossy green eyes. She sniffed. “I’ve locked my keys in my apartment. I have to get to Knoxville before ten, nine-thirty preferably. I thought they were in my purse. I already closed the door and was going to get them out to lock the deadbolt and they’re in the house. I’m going to be late for the MCAT.”
By this time she was crying and she didn’t care if this super tall, super shy man saw her. She was going to be late for the most important test of her life up to this point. Just the thought of being late and getting locked out of the exam made her tears flow even faster. “I’m sorry to have bothered you. I have to get to Knoxville and now I can’t because I’ve locked my keys in the house.”
Mr. Super-tall reached behind him and pulled out his wallet and plucked a library card from it. “Maybe I can help.”
Claire gave him a dubious glance. “You’re going to check out a book on lock smithing for me?”
“No. Watch. Excuse me.” He tried to reach the door but she was standing in his way. When she backed away he wedged the pliable card into the gap between the door and the door facing. He wiggled it around trying to work it down to push the latch in to open the door. “Dang it.”
“What? What happened?” Claire peered around him.
“My card is now laying on the floor inside your apartment.” He scratched eyebrow. “I don’t think I have another card that flexible.” He pulled his wallet out once more to rummage through its contents. “No. I don’t. Do you have anything pliable that we can try?”
She began to dig around in her purse and after a few seconds she pulled out her wallet and opened it. “Here’s my library card. You can try it.”
He took it from her and began the process again. This time when the card slipped through the crack into the apartment without unlocking the door Claire cried, “I’m going to miss the MCAT. I’m going to have to pay all that money again. My dad’s not going to be happy when he finds out I missed the test because I locked myself out of my apartment and it’s not the
first time I have locked myself out of the house on an important day.” She swiped at her eyes.
Eli Caldwell stood at a crossroad. Should he offer to help this beautiful young woman who scared him out of his wits or should he just wish her luck and be on his way. It surprised him that she would be going into the medical field. She didn’t look the type. He had an appointment himself, but her tears and vulnerability tore at him. He scratched eyebrow again as he stammered, “I—I’m going into Knoxville. If you want I can take you to the testing center.”
He watched her big blue eyes widen and she looked up at him in surprise. He rushed to continue, “You see I’m going to the medical center to visit my aunt, she’s sick, and I thought since I’m going that way anyway maybe you could let me take you and then we can deal with your door when we get back.”
“I’m not so sure. I don’t know you. It’s too much to even ask. I mean,” she stammered. She didn’t know whether to accept his most generous offer or to politely thank him thus giving him the impression she thought he was a serial killer.
He stretched out his hand. “I’m Elijah Caldwell from Rebel Creek. Everyone calls me Eli, though. We’ve lived next door to each other for nearly two years. I’m in my second year of medical school and I want to specialize in family practice. I attend church regularly and I have never even so much as had a speeding ticket. I’m headed to Knoxville. You are going to be locked out of the exam if we don’t get on the road now. So what’s it gonna be? Are you going to stand here and get locked out or are you going to take a chance on me?”
As she stared at him for several heart beats he grew extremely uncomfortable what was she thinking? Is she going to laugh in my face? Is she going to thank him for the offer and then decline? He wished she would just answer him. He cleared his throat. “Well. I guess I’ll be on my way. I don’t blame you for not trusting a guy you don’t know. I’ll see you around.”
He was turning to go when she reached out and grabbed his sleeve. “Wait. I haven’t said anything, Eli. You can’t assume I’m not going to accept your offer. I am gratefully going to and I’m going to repay you this evening for all your help by fixing you supper. That is if that’s okay with you.”
