Unclaimed Regrets

by Stacy M Wray

  Trey gets home and he’s still acting strange. “Hey, I need you to get your shoes on. I want to show you something.”

  “What? Where are we going?” I say, a little irritated.

  “Please, Addie, just get your shoes on.” He’s starting to pace and I hate it when he does that so I get my shoes on.

  He ushers me out the door and into the truck. Tension fills the cab as we drive along a road that is close to the shores of Lake Champlain. I’ve not been in this area before though. I didn’t even realize there was access out here.

  He pulls up to a beautiful area that overlooks the lake and the Adirondacks act as a backdrop. The stunning scene never gets old.

  He gets out and comes to my side to help me out. Taking my hand, he walks me about thirty feet and stops. I must have a puzzled look on my face and Trey laughs at it.

  He takes my face between his hands and kisses me passionately, which surges my hormones into high gear. He ends the kiss and looks into my eyes. Finally, he says, “Snowflake, I have loved you for so many years, even when I didn’t know where you were or what you were doing. I could never give my heart to anyone else but you. You owned it from the minute I saw you in the office of Northfield High.”

  He gets down on one knee and all I can think about is the fact that it’s muddy as hell from the winter thaw and the knee of his pants are probably a mess. Then it hits me when I see him reach into his pants pocket and pull out a ring – the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.

  “Adelyn Winters, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife? You are the one thing in this world that I cannot live without.”

  My head is spinning and I realize he’s waiting on an answer. “Yes,” I squeak out. “Oh, Trey…I had no idea.” He slips the ring on my finger and I stare at it in awe.

  He stands up to meet me and says with a grin, “You weren’t supposed to.” I wrap myself around his neck and start crying. Here I thought we were drifting apart and he’s been planning this proposal. I feel like such a heel.

  “Hey,” he says, “it’s okay, baby.” He holds me tight and whispers to me, “I love you so much, Addie. I’ve always dreamt of this day.”

  I pull back and look at his beautiful, green eyes. “I love you back.” Tears are still streaming down my face. “I’m sorry I’m such a mess. This whole time I’ve been a wreck because a couple of weeks ago you took the afternoon off… I came looking for you and you never told me where you went…I thought you were hiding something from me…”

  “Whoa, slow down, Addie,” he tells me, wiping my tears. “I took that afternoon off to go see your dad. I wanted his blessing to ask you to marry me. I’m so sorry that you found out about that afternoon.

  “I know you’ve been acting off lately and I wasn’t sure why. I’ve kind of been a mess myself.” He kisses me to try to calm me down and it works. He pulls back and says in a soft voice, “Look around you, baby. How would you like to wake up to this view every morning?”

  Chills run down my spine as I try to decipher what he means. “What?” I practically whisper.

  He laughs and says, “I’ve been sitting on this land for years, knowing I wanted to build a house here some day. Now is the time, Addie. This is for you and me and our future. This is where my team and I are building our next house. Right here, Addie.”

  I look all around me, in awe of what I see. One word slips past my lips. “Really?”

  “You should be surrounded by beauty that matches yours every day.”

  His words melt me as they sink into every pore of my skin. “Oh my God, Trey. You can’t be serious! How can you afford such a thing?” I can’t believe what he’s telling me.

  He chuckles at this. “Addie, we have a small fortune socked back. I think we can afford it.”

  I just look at him in astonishment, not being able to find any words.

  “I told you I’m a simple man who leads a simple life. I just happen to make a lot of money at my profession. And it’s not just mine, it’s yours now too.”

  I gather my thoughts and ask quietly, “How long will it take to build this house, Trey? You know I don’t like anything pretentious, right?”

  “I’ve already taken that into consideration. Nothing pretentious, I promise. Just a home that suits us and our future family.”

  “And how long will it take to build?” I ask again.

  “About eight months, give or take a couple of weeks.”

  I smile big and say, “Well, you might want to get right on that, Mr. Masterson, since your future family is on its way.”

  The look on his face is priceless, and I think his knees buckle a bit. His eyes move down to my belly and he asks, “You’re…you’re pregnant?”

  I nod and he kisses me fiercely. My hands go up to his face to hold him and I feel his warm tears beneath my fingertips.

  Looking at me, he says, “I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby. What if - ”

  “Don’t even go there, Trey. We will take this one day at a time. We are going to stay optimistic, okay? I don’t want this experience clouded with fear. We need to do this for each other.”

  He nods and I can see the determination in his eyes. “How far along are you?”

  “I’m about eight weeks along,” I tell him, cherishing this moment.

  “Shit! You’re right, we need to start immediately if we’re going to try to be in before the baby’s born.”

  “It’s okay, Trey. The cabin is small but we can make it work until it’s finished. Don’t panic about this.”

  He stands there staring into space, letting everything we have just discussed soak into his brain. His eyes meet mine and he says, “You being pregnant explains a lot.”

  I playfully hit him and ask, “Is that your nice way of telling me I’ve been over-emotional?”

  He shrugs and says, “Yes, it is. I couldn’t figure out your mood.”

  “I’m so sorry, Trey. When I thought you were hiding something from me, it made me crazy. I kept waiting for you to tell me about it.”

  Taking me in his arms, he squeezes me tight and says, “Everything’s out now and I couldn’t be happier.”

  I look at the exquisite engagement ring on my finger and let this sink in too. We are getting married. Husband and wife. I’m going to do it right this time. “Trey, this ring couldn’t be more perfect. I love it so much.”

  “I’m so glad, Addie. I had it designed just for you.” He kisses my ring and then my lips. I can’t believe this is my future – our future.

  *****

  The next day we head into Northfield to tell our families the news. We decide not to tell them about the baby yet until we our past the first trimester.

  We stop at my parents’ first to have lunch with them. Of course, they already know about the proposal, but I still can’t wait to share with them anyway. This past year has been so healing for me. I still feel pangs of guilt over what happened with my first marriage, but I’m trying to work through it.

  Mom had placed an order from my favorite Italian place in town for our lunch, and we are on our way to pick it up, leaving the men to discuss, well, men things.

  “Oh, Addie, I couldn’t be more thrilled for you two. I want you to be as happy as your dad has made me all of these years.”

  “I know, Mom. You guys have been great role models. I’m finally getting my dream.”

  We park the car and go into the restaurant. Mom gives her name and the hostess leaves to get her order.

  Of all people, I see Amanda walking towards me, and I find it odd that I’m not experiencing the usual dreaded feeling I always get upon seeing her. This ring on my left hand gives me the confidence I need to approach her.

  “Amanda, can I talk to you for a minute?” My question shocks her and she stops dead in her tracks and nods.

  We step outside and sit on a bench. My hands are in my lap and her eyes immediately go to my ring. She gets a despondent look on her face, saying, “He’s always loved you, no
matter what.”

  “Look, Amanda, I don’t want to talk to you about that. I want to talk about Jackson.”

  She shoots me a strange look and asks, “What about Jackson?”

  “I know how close Trey was to him and not seeing Jackson is killing him.”

  “That’s not for you to decide, Addie. I’m his mother.”

  “Than as his mother can’t you see that it would benefit all parties involved if they could pick up their relationship again?”

  She looks uncomfortable and says quietly, “Jackson really does miss him. I just figured he’d get over him but he really hasn’t.”

  “Do you think there’s any way we can make it work so the boys don’t have to lose their friendship?” I ask her. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I must truly love that man.

  She sits there quietly contemplating what I’ve just asked her and says to me, “If I were in your shoes, I could never do what you’re doing after everything I’ve done to you.”

  Believe me, I know this.

  “But I guess that’s why Trey’s with you and not with me,” she adds.

  “Listen, Amanda, I don’t want this to be about you and me. I want it to be about Trey and Jackson. Are you willing to make it work for them?”

  She thinks about this for a minute and asks, “How would we go about it?”

  “That’s between you and Trey,” I state.

  “You never cease to amaze me, Adelyn. I have to say I’m shocked you’re doing this.”

  That makes two of us.

  “Well, what do you say?” I ask, wanting this conversation over with.

  She thinks for a minute and says, “Okay. I’m only doing this because Jackson has been asking about him and I don’t know what to tell him. I just want him to be happy.”

  I nod and then say, “There’s one stipulation, Amanda.”

  She sighs. “What?”

  “You make one move on Trey, the deal’s off. And you just told me you want to see Jackson happy. Please don’t toy with his feelings.”

  She gets an irritated look on her face. “I’m not stupid, Adelyn. I know Trey wants nothing to do with me.”

  Where was that realization a year ago?

  “Fine. I’ll have Trey call you and set something up. Since we’re here today, do you think a meeting could be arranged?” I don’t even know what Trey will say to all of this but surely he’ll want to see him.

  “Today? Yeah, we aren’t really doing anything.”

  “I’ll have Trey call you.” I stand, letting her know I’m finished with this talk.

  Perfect timing - my mom comes through the door with our lunch order.

  I turn to leave with my mom and I hear Amanda say, “Adelyn?” I turn in her direction. “Thank you.” I give her a nod and then head to the car with my mom.

  She’s shocked and asks, “What on earth was that all about?”

  “Come on, I’ll tell you in the car.” I fill her in on the way home, praying I haven’t invited the devil into my relationship.

  *****

  After a wonderful lunch with my parents, we leave to head over to Trey’s parents, who don’t know anything at all.

  On the way there, I say to Trey, “Hey, before we get there can we stop off at our spot?”

  He looks over at me. “Why?”

  “I want to talk to you about something, and I don’t want to do it while you’re driving.”

  He gets a worried look on his face and asks, “Is everything okay, Addie?”

  “Yes, everything is fine. Can we go there?” I ask again.

  He thinks for a minute. “Everything’s still so muddy from the thaw. I’m afraid we might get stuck. Can I just pull over anywhere?”

  “Yes, fine.” I’m nervous about having this conversation, hoping I didn’t stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong.

  Trey pulls into the part of a parking lot that doesn’t have any cars around and puts the truck in gear, turning off the ignition.

  Turning his body to face me, he asks, “Okay, what is it?”

  I just dive right in. “I ran into Amanda today when we were picking up lunch.” His eyes get wide but nods for me to continue.

  “I asked her about Jackson and she told me he asks about you all the time.” I then see the sadness behind his eyes and it breaks my heart. This is such a complication in my life.

  “Addie, I - ”

  “Before you say anything else, I know how much you miss him and how guilty you feel for things not working out. It’s not fair to either of you, Trey, especially to him. He’s just a little kid who doesn’t realize how screwed up his mother is.”

  “I know.”

  “Amanda is willing to work something out so you guys can see each other, with my blessing of course.”

  “What? How did you do that, Addie? I know how much you hate to deal with her.”

  “Because that little boy shouldn’t be punished for his mom’s mistakes and, I didn’t tell Amanda this, but you were such a good role model for him, Trey. Every little boy needs one.”

  “Come here,” he says, pulling me to him. Wrapping his arms around me, he says into ear, “You are the most amazing woman, Adelyn Winters-soon-to-be-Masterson. I love you so damn much.”

  I tilt my head back so I can see him. “Don’t go praising me so soon. I still can’t stand her and I don’t trust her, but I trust you, Trey, and that’s what matters. I told her you would call her and set something up. You could even meet with him today.”

  “I can’t believe you did this, Addie. Thank you! This means so much to me because I know how much anguish Amanda has caused you.”

  “Yeah, well, she has her stipulations…”

  “How am I suppose to see him today if we’re going to my parents?”

  “We can tell your parents our news and I’ll stay there while you visit. You don’t have to make it long today, just let him know you’re still there for him.”

  He kisses me and says, “I’m so lucky to have you.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He kisses me again, and then we drive over to his parents’ house.

  I swear to God they already had it figured out – so not fair! The first thing Luke did was look at my left hand. Were we that obvious by planning a visit? Apparently so.

  Hugs and congratulations were given all around and we go inside to visit for a while.

  After we have been asked all kinds of questions and talked some more about his mom and dad’s retirement, I give Trey the go ahead with my eyes, and he excuses himself to make the phone call.

  I explain to his mom what’s going on when she gives me a questioning look. She looks at me like I’m mad but she understands.

  chapter twenty-eight

  TREY

  Stepping outside to call Amanda, I’m nervous all of a sudden, hoping this isn’t going to be some kind of cruel joke. I don’t really know how to act around her anymore, but unfortunately I’ve got to go through her to get to Jackson.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Amanda. It’s me, Trey.”

  “Hey. How are you?”

  “I’m good.” I pause. “Addie told me about your conversation. I have to say I’m pretty shocked by the whole thing.”

  “No more than I was.”

  “How is he?”

  “He’s good but he really misses you. I know you didn’t see him all the time, but you always called him and well…you know, it’s not like that anymore.”

  Swallowing my guilt, I ask, “Can I see him?”

  “Yes, he would absolutely love that.”

  “How is this going to go, Amanda?”

  She sighs heavily into the phone. “I’ve been thinking about that and I decided to put myself in Adelyn’s shoes. I’ve decided that you can take him for a bit and I’ll stay home. I think it’s for the best.”

  I let out a sigh of relief, not wanting to go around with Amanda and Jackson, while my fiancé is hanging out with my parents. That seems kind of fucked up to me. To tell yo
u the truth, that might be a deal breaker for me because I don’t know if I could hang out with Amanda. I’m not as amazing as Addie seems to be.

  “Thank you. Can I come get him now?”

  “Sure, we’ll be here.”

  “Okay, I’ll be there shortly.”

  “See you then.”

  We end the call and I go inside to find Addie. She sees me come in and is at my side in no time.

  “How’d it go?” she asks me.

  “Fine. I’m going to go get him now, but I promise I won’t be long. I’ll just take him to the park for a bit.”

  I see the hopeful look on her face and say, “Addie, I wouldn’t be doing this if Amanda insisted on tagging along.”

  She smiles, grabs my face and kisses me. “Yes, you would, but I love you for saying that.”

  I’m just thankful it didn’t come down to that. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

  Turning to my family, I say, “I’ll be right back. Luke, no flirting with my finance while I’m gone.”

  He raises his eyebrows, “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

  I get to my truck and take off towards Amanda’s house. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Jackson, and I admit to myself, that I’m a little nervous that he’s going to be angry at the fact that I’ve not been there. I have no idea what Amanda has told him about that.

  Passing the playground that we’ve been to often, I decide we can hang there for a while and get reacquainted.

  Pulling up, nothing seems to have changed. I get out and go knock on the door. Amanda answers and says, “Hey, come on in.”

  “I’ll just stay out here if that’s okay.”

  She rolls her eyes and yells for Jackson. I hear him running through the house asking, “What, Mom?”

  Smiling she says, “I’ve got a visitor for you,” and she moves back so he can get through the door.

  As soon as his eyes land on me, he gets the happiest look on his face that I’ve ever seen and runs for me. “Trey!”

  I wrap my arms around him and say, “Man, I’ve missed you. I’m so sorry I haven’t been around, buddy.”

  He lets all of that go and asks, “You want to see my remote control airplane?”