Moving On (Ghost Of The Past Book 1)

by Trisha Grace

  Once she’d freshened up, she bounced down the stairs. “Ty?”

  “In here.”

  She followed his voice, finding him in the kitchen. He’d started preparing their lunch, chopping up mushrooms on the granite countertop. “We’re really doing this?”

  “Were you hoping that I hid Marianne in the trunk?”

  She moved over. “I didn’t know you were funny.”

  “I don’t have a favorite food. My favorite color used to be blue, but now it’s green, like your eyes.”

  “What can I do?” she asked, smiling at what he’d just said.

  “Boil water? We’re having spaghetti.”

  “Do you know how to make the sauce?”

  “There’s readymade sauce in the fridge”

  It didn’t take long for her to find a pot and accomplish her task. She poured in some oil and a spoonful of salt before taking a seat on a chair across from Tyler. She leaned her head on her hand and watched him work.

  “If there’s ready-made sauce, why are you still chopping up mushrooms?”

  “Because Ryan says women love men who can cook. I can’t do any serious cooking, so I pretend that I can by chopping up mushrooms and dumping them into readymade sauces.”

  “Someone is in a good mood.”

  “I’m here with you.”

  “Aw …” She got up from her seat and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “That’s sweet.”

  It didn’t take long for them to cook up a meal with the ready-made sauce, but they took their own sweet time finishing up their meals. After more than an hour of eating and chatting, Tyler cleared the plates and washed up while she wiped them dry.

  “We work well together,” Tyler stated.

  “And?”

  “Nothing, I just like to state the obvious.”

  Once they were done, they went out to the lake. Tyler stepped into the boat, stretching out his hand for Kate. She took his hand but didn’t take a step forward.

  “What’s wrong?” Tyler asked. “Are you afraid of the lake or something?”

  “I’m waiting to make sure that the boat doesn’t sink; you had a part in building it after all.”

  The corner of Tyler’s lips sneaked up, and he gave her a strong tug, pulling her right into the boat and into his arms. The boat wobbled dangerously and she curled her fists, grabbing tightly onto his shirt.

  He held her firm and laughed. “I won’t let you fall in.”

  “I could have.”

  “Then I would’ve gotten you out.”

  “And I would’ve waited until you dragged me back up here before killing you,” she said as she gave him a punch in his chest.

  He allowed her to do it before grabbing her wrist and lifting up her hand to plant a kiss on the back of her fingers. He took in a deep breath and smiled. “You always smell so good.”

  “The spaghetti not filling enough?” she asked, drawing her hand back.

  “You’re really angry? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  She scowled at him.

  “I really am. Please forgive me.”

  “Shall we?” she asked with a smile and sat.

  “We shall.” Tyler sat across from her and picked up the oars in the boat.

  “Is this the first time you’re rowing the boat? I don’t think you could’ve done it when you were young.”

  “This isn’t the first time I’ve been back here.” Smiling at her surprise, he continued. “Quite a few times, when I was at the ranch, I’d come over. At first, I only came to look at the boat. Then I got into the boat and started rowing. Since then, I’ve come by quite a few times.”

  “But you’ve never gone into the cabin.”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “And today?”

  “I’ve been thinking about bringing you here for a while. I wanted you to see this place, and going into the cabin didn’t seem like such a big deal.”

  “I’m glad I came.”

  “That’s good enough for me.” He grinned. “I know this may not be the best timing. But I need to tell you something.”

  “What is it?”

  “I want to tell you what happened to my parents,” he said as he placed the oars down within the boat.

  She blinked, uncertain about how she should react. She knew all about the accident. So whenever they spoke of the past, she always tried to protect him from that memory and skipped forward to another topic. “You don’t have to, I know.”

  “I know my grandfather told you, but I need to tell you.”

  She pursed her lips and nodded.

  Tyler drew in a slow, deep breath and said, “We were on a holiday. We had a great time that day, and I was so exhausted that I don’t even remember how I got to my bed. I also didn’t have a clue that the cabin was on fire. I didn’t smell the smoke or feel the heat. I only woke up when I felt my mother shaking me. By the time they got to me, the rest of the house was already on fire. We were trapped in the room while my father tried to pry the window open.” He paused, swallowing hard as he remembered that fateful day he lost his parents. “Then all I remember was my mother screaming, and she was on the floor with what seemed like a piece of the ceiling. My father went hysterical, screaming for me to get under the table while he tried to pull my mother out.”

  She saw his eyes tearing up and couldn’t bear having him go through the harrowing experience all over again. She reached out, took his hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You don’t have to continue.”

  “No, I want to tell you. I want you to know because I told you, not from someone else. And because after today, I’m going to move on from this memory and make better ones with you.”

  She gave him a small smile and squeezed his hand again.

  “So, I hid under the table, but my father never got my mother out. Another piece of ceiling collapsed onto him and they were both crushed underneath it. I watched the fire devour them. My father shouted over the fire for me to close my eyes, and I did. I don’t know how, but eventually, a fireman carried me out of the house. He probably came in through the window, but I’m not too sure.

  “I don’t remember much after that, except for the funeral. And I remember a man telling me that I needed to pack up my things while my grandfather got into his car and drove away. I kept thinking that he’d come back to get me, but he never did. Disappointment became sadness, then bitterness and anger. Up until I saw the shed, I was still angry with him.”

  “And now?”

  “Now I realized he never moved beyond my parent’s accident, and I don’t want to remain trapped like he was.” His hand covered over hers and he continued. “Now, I’m extremely grateful that his seemingly ridiculous will brought you into my life.”

  Her lips curled into a wry smile. “The nightmares that you have, is it about the fire?”

  His smile reflected hers. “Yeah, but it’s different now. I don’t dream of that anymore.”

  “At all?”

  The corners of his lips stretched into a brilliant grin. “Not for a while now,” he said, his thumb rubbing along the length of her finger. “Do you want to give it a try?” he asked, cocking his head toward the oars.

  “I assume you can swim.”

  “Can you?”

  “Thanks for your strong faith in me. But yeah, I can swim.”

  Tyler laughed. “Don’t worry, you’ll do fine.”

  She took the oars and did exactly what Tyler had been doing. “This isn’t as easy as you made it look,” she said, leaning back and pulling the oars with all her strength.

  “Don’t dip the oars too deep.”

  “Won’t we be going nowhere if I just skim the top?”

  “Where do you want to go?”

  She smiled and continued to row for a few more minutes before Tyler took the oars from her. Though she hadn’t complained, she was glad she didn’t have to keep rowing them; she simply didn’t have the strength.

  “Why aren’t you taking
photos?”

  “I didn’t bring my phone out. I was afraid I’d drop it into the lake.”

  “Do you want my phone?” Even before she replied, he placed one of the oars down in the boat and reached into his pocket.

  “No.” She shook her head. “What if I drop it?”

  “Then we’ll get a new one.”

  “But your contacts, calendar, and all the other information inside will be lost.”

  “The data is backed up on my computer.”

  She thought about it for a moment, then shook her head again. “Forget it. I’ll still feel bad if I drop your phone.”

  Tyler laughed and shrugged. “If you say so.” He rowed them back toward shore, and she sat right where she was until Tyler stretched out his hand for her. “Are you afraid of the water?”

  “No, I just prefer land.”

  “You should’ve told me.”

  “You were looking forward to it, and I didn’t want to ruin your plans.”

  He pulled her back onto the wooden platform and ran his hand through her hair. “Next time, tell me. I want you to enjoy yourself.”

  “I did. It was interesting.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Kate opened her eyes when she heard the soft knocks on the door. She glanced toward the window and groaned. It was still dark outside.

  She got out of bed and groggily opened the door, squinting at the bright lights outside. Tyler stepped directly in front of her and shielded her from the light.

  “Get dressed. We’re having a picnic.”

  She forced her eyes open and saw a refreshed and excited Tyler. “Oh, Ty, there’s one thing you should know about me—I hate waking up early. What time is it anyway?”

  “Please? I’ll get it set up while you wash up. Wait for me in the house. I don’t want you walking out alone in the dark.”

  Nodding her head grumpily, she turned back toward her bed.

  “Don’t go back to sleep.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “Five minutes.”

  Tyler laughed. He stepped into the room, hooked his arm around her waist, and dragged her into the bathroom. “Don’t sleep in the tub. Get ready.”

  “Ugh. Fine.”

  “If I have a curse on my mood when the sun sets, you have one before the sun rises.”

  That brought about a sigh and a smile.

  “Don’t fall asleep standing.”

  She glowered at him, and he grinned before scooting out of her room. She patted her hands against her cheeks before splashing some cold water onto her face. She sighed again as she stretched her muscles. She would love to soak in the tub for a while, but she was certain she would fall asleep if she did.

  Instead, she used the standing shower and was out in less than ten minutes.

  Why couldn’t they have a picnic later in the afternoon?

  It was so early.

  Thinking that it would be cold outside, she slipped on her jeans and wore a cardigan over her tank top.

  She was fully awake by the time she plodded down the stairs but was still peevish about having to wake up so early. Since Tyler wasn’t in the living room, she flopped onto the couch and stretched out on it, thinking she could rest her eyes for a while.

  “Sleeping beauty, ready for breakfast?” Tyler asked just as she closed her eyes.

  “Yes, but only because I think you’ll drag me out even if I say no.” She sat upright and ran her hands through her still damp hair. “You’re really an early-riser.”

  Tyler walked over to the couch and took her hand, pulling her up from it. “The sunrise is beautiful here. And with the colors of the trees, it’ll be stunning.”

  His words painted a picture in her mind and she smiled. “All right.” She leaned against his arm as they strolled over to the door.

  “Don’t fall asleep.”

  She widened her eyes and blinked at him. “I’m up, I promise.”

  Tyler pushed the door open and she froze.

  “Ty …”

  All the way out to the edge of the lake was lined with tea candles. Around each candle was a transparent glass cylinder to prevent the breeze from blowing out the light. The candlelight cast a warm yellow glow in the darkness, lighting up a brilliant smile and warming up her heart.

  He leaned down and kissed her on her hair. “Shall we?”

  She inched closer toward him. “You must’ve woken up quite early to prepare this.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yes, of course.” She turned to him, kissing him on his shoulder.

  He led her to the picnic mat he’d prepared by the lake. On the picnic mat lay a bouquet of pink tulips and a basket of food. He kept his eyes on her, grinning when she gasped.

  “This is … really sweet. I don’t know what to say …” She looked at the flowers, the candles, and the food he’d prepared.

  Hooking his finger under her chin, he tipped her head up and leaned in to kiss her. His kiss was tender but intimate. Then drawing in a deep breath, Tyler broke away from their kiss, his face inches away from hers.

  “Let’s eat,” he suddenly said.

  She sat while Tyler took out the food from the basket. She picked up the flowers and took in a deep breath. “Thanks, Ty, and happy birthday.” She leaned across and gave him a peck on his lips.

  He grinned and pushed a muffin toward her.

  She ate two muffins and waited eagerly for the sun to rise.

  When a tinge of pink and yellow started to emerge in the distant horizon, Tyler asked, “Do you know why I dragged you out here to watch the sunrise today?”

  She continued to gaze at the emerging light while she shook her head. She had thought there was no particular reason except to let her to see the beautiful sight.

  “I want to start a new year, a new day with you as my fiancée.”

  She blinked and turned to look at Tyler, seeing him down on one knee, holding a black box in his hand.

  She took in a ragged breath and her heart sped. “Ty …”

  “Kate Mitchell, will you marry me.”

  She broke into a smile, and her fingers splayed across her lips. “This is crazy.”

  “I know we’ve only known each other for a couple of months, but—”

  She took her fingers off her lips and placed a finger on his. “This is crazy because I know we have only known each other for a while, but all I can think of is saying yes.”

  Tyler sighed, relieved, and broke into a brilliant grin himself.

  “Yes, yes, and yes,” she said. Her eyes brimming with tears.

  Taking his mother’s ring out from the box, he slipped it onto her finger. Then he pulled her into another kiss. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Wiping her tears away, he kissed the corner of her eye before he continued. “There’s something else.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet pouch. “I didn’t want to give you something that cost me nothing, so I took out the original diamonds and replaced them with new ones. Since you already have a necklace, I set the original diamonds into a bracelet.” He poured out the bracelet and, lifting her hand, clasped it around her wrist.

  She looked at her new bracelet and ring. “I love you,” she whispered and leaned onto his chest.

  He held her close and kissed her hair. “You’re everything I need and more.”

  They idled the morning away in front of the lake, lying next to each other, basking in the sun while she wriggled her finger in the sunlight, smiling as she stared at her ring.

  She only sat up when she heard the cars driving up the cabin. “They’re here.” She bounced up and ran toward the two cars pulling up.

  The moment Evelyn got out of the car, she threw her arms around Evelyn.

  “What got you so excited?”

  “I said yes.”

  “You said yes?” It took Evelyn a fraction of a second to comprehend her statement. Evelyn immediately stepped out of the embrace and lifted her hand. “You said yes!” Evelyn sc
reamed and hugged her tightly.

  “Said yes to what?” Marianne asked as she stepped out of the car.

  Kate let go of Evelyn, but all she could do was smile.

  “My proposal,” Tyler stated.

  Marianne’s eyes widened. She half ran over and took Kate’s hand in hers. “It’s real! Oh, I’m so happy,” Marianne said, clasping onto Kate’s hand.

  The guys all gave Tyler a pat on his back before Joseph said, “Marianne, Kate’s the one who got engaged; you’re behaving as if you are.”

  Marianne tried to scowl at Joseph, but she couldn’t get the smile off her face. “I’ve already stopped by the grocery store in town, but I’ll need more food. We’ll have a feast tonight. In celebration of Ty’s birthday and your engagement!”

  “Good job, Ty,” Ryan said.

  Kate laughed and returned to Tyler’s side.

  “Happy birthday, Ty!” Dan exclaimed, and the rest of the guys echoed their well wishes.

  “This place is gorgeous! If Lydia were here, I’d ask you to get married this weekend.” Evelyn said as she pulled Kate away from Tyler. “I want her to tell me everything, so you guys go in for lunch first.”

  “I’m coming along,” Marianne said. “You boys settle your own lunch and bring back more ingredients for me.” She rattled off a list of food for them to get and caught up with Evelyn and Kate.

  “All right,” Dan said as the guys turned back to the cars.

  “I’ll stay in the house,” Tyler said.

  “Oh, please. Go! We’ll be fine. I’m here and Marianne’s here. No one can get to Kate, I promise,” Evelyn said.

  “Go, you should eat something.”

  Tyler took a step closer. “All right, but stay by the lake and don’t go wondering around.”

  She nodded as Evelyn began to pull her toward the lake, waving her hand to shoo Tyler away.

  Evelyn and Marianne pressed her for every single detail about the proposal, and they chatted until the guys returned from lunch.

  Again, she stared at the glistening ring. She waited for some form of distress to surface in her heart.

  This was by far the craziest thing she’d ever done, but everything felt so right. It felt as though everything was meant to be.

  She looked up as Dan and Tyler came strolling over.