The day passed by so painfully slow that I thought I would go insane. The clock hands seemed to be stuck in freeze mode until finally five o’clock arrived and it was time to leave for the church. Meagan was in charge of checking on the reception at the country club. She arrived at the church and said everything looked amazing. Then she helped me into my dressed.
At five till seven I was almost sweating as time finally approached. Cody was doing the honors of walking me down the aisle, and since he had quickly become like a brother to me, it helped fill the void left by my father’s absence.
As the music started, my cue to begin my walk, I took a deep breath and tried to focus on the fact that I was marrying the man of my dreams; a man so amazing that I didn’t feel I deserved him and yet, he was mine. As I walked, tears filled my eyes as first I spotted my mother down front, sitting in a wheel chair with a nurse by her side. Then my eyes focused on a man so beautiful my mind couldn’t quite comprehend, and I had to remind myself to keep breathing. All of my butterflies flew away as his gaze met mine. I smiled and his face flushed a charming color pink as he took in the view of me.
All at once, I had a light bulb moment. As I strolled toward this man, I was somehow aware that I was about to fulfill my purpose and calling in this life and the sweetness of the realization was overwhelming. Becoming Mrs. Lucas Lavender, the wife of, at that moment, the most sought after young actor in Hollywood, meant the opportunity to really make a difference, to set an example to the world. Despite the burden, I smiled. I approached him, taking hold of the hand he offered. He gathered me to his side, leaned down to kiss my cheek, and whispered, “You are utterly breathtaking.” I gazed up at him and smiled. With his thumb he gently wiped the tear that had escaped down my cheek. Sometimes it was hard to forget how formal and romantic British men could be and at that moment I felt like the most blessed woman in the universe.
I don’t remember much about the ceremony, I confess. I just remember Lucas and me staring at each other. I must’ve said my vows because I heard Pastor Rob say, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride”. He pulled me into his arms and when his lips came down on mine I thought about nothing but the feel of him and the idea of a bright and happy future.
We were out quickly, thankful we were able to keep the date a secret from the media, and soon in the limo and on our way to the country club. When we arrived, it was amazing, just like Meagan said.
The decorations cast the mood I had anticipated and the atmosphere was just as I had dreamed it. I’d spent months planning and felt that everything was perfect, but Lucas surprised me. He had arranged for crystal dishes to be added to the tables, filled with white M&M’s with our faces on them. What blessed me the most was not so much that he’d done it, which was great, but that he remembered it from a conversation we had six months earlier.
In the big, beautiful room, we were surrounded by loved ones, from family and friends, to the cast and crew from the movie, and even a few selected celebrities were present. My mom was able to stay for a while, which was an added bonus, and I finally got to meet Jane and, just as I had expected, she was lovely.
Dancing continued for hours. I was passed around from person to person, until finally I landed right where I started, in Lucas’s arms.
“Finally, I have you back again,” he said with a dashing smile.
“Yes, and please don’t let me go again.”
“I’m never letting you go. You’re mine, forever.”
“Forever sounds good to me.” Then he leaned down and pressed his lips gently to mine.
Chapter Sixteen
Everything went off without a hitch. We were tired, but excited as we said our goodbyes and headed on our way to our honeymoon spot.
Instead of choosing a beach location, which, once he was recognized would turn into pandemonium, we opted for something more secluded.
Lucas pulled some strings and rented us a log cabin nestled deep in the North Carolina Mountains. When we arrived, it was one o’clock in the morning, but the cabin looked very cozy with the lights on and smoke pouring from the chimney.
“Oh, Lucas, it’s wonderful.”
“I’m glad you like it. Everything has been taken care of. The house is stocked with food for a week, firewood has been chopped and stacked in the back, and no one knows our exact location except Cody, for safety purposes.”
“Wow, you’ve thought of everything.”
“Well, I’ve had some time to think about this. Shall we?” He got out of the car, came around, and opened my door. He stopped on the front porch, unlocked the door before picking me up and carrying me through.
We spent the entire week making love, eating, taking walks through the forest, cuddling by the fire, and talking until the wee hours of the morning. I almost hated leaving. We lived in our very own enchanting fantasy for a week, but eventually it was time to go home to reality, where danger loomed and family awaited. Yes, our family was still at our home. They decided to stay through Christmas. Which, on one hand, was good because Lucas would enjoy being with his family, and I’ve never had a big Christmas before. On the other hand, it meant the honeymoon was over and reality was staring us in the face, but it was our reality, Lucas’s and mine. As long as that was true we could handle anything.
Christmas came and went quicker than I thought possible. It was the best Christmas I’ve ever had, though I missed spending it with my mom. I gave Lucas a new guitar, one he’d secretly told Randall he wanted. Apparently, it was much better than the one he had, and he was very elated. He, on the other hand, bought me a brand new wardrobe, with every piece of clothing to fit any occasion. I know, how unbalanced is that, right?
As if that wasn’t enough, when we got in bed that night, I was surprised to feel a box under my pillow. “What have you done?” I asked incredulously.
“Nothing you don’t deserve.” He smiled an irresistible smile.
“Oh, Luke, it’s beautiful.” I pulled out a gold chain with a beautiful, and big, diamond heart on it. “It looks expensive.”
“Maybe a little, but you’re worth every penny and more.”
“I hope you’re not going to get in a habit of spending a lot of money on me, because I have everything I need right here.”
“I can’t promise. I love giving you things, and it looks beautiful on you,” he whispered while fastening it securely to my neck, kissing it softly.
“Well, thank you. I love it. As a matter of fact, let me show you how grateful I am.” I winked playfully as I reached over and turned out the light.
The next morning, I slept in. Lucas woke me as he entered our room with my coffee in hand. “Good morning, beautiful.” He greeted me with a brilliant smile.
“Good morning. What do I owe the pleasure of coffee in bed?”
“Well, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Oh, of course, sit down and tell me.” I patted the bed and he took a seat next to me.
“I think I know what I’m supposed to do now, but I have to have your full support before I even consider it.” He reached over and took my hand in his.
“Okay, what is it?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and I want to give up acting and pursue a full-time career in music. I want to work with Randall in his recording studio, writing and recording songs. What do you think?”
To tell you the truth, I wasn’t really all that surprised. Actually, I had expected he would come to that decision sooner or later, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. I wanted this to be his decision without any influence from me. “Well, are you really sure it’s what you want? I mean have you considered what you’re giving up?”
“That’s why I want to do it. You were right when you said I wasn’t made for Hollywood. I don’t belong there. I’m happiest when I’m playing my music, and we don’t really need the money.” He shrugged.
“If you’re sure, I think it’s a wonderful idea. I’m so proud o
f you for taking such a big step.” I reached up to hug him tightly.
“Well, the truth is, I would’ve never had the courage to do it before I met you. You changed me, Lily.”
“I know what you mean. Before I met you, I thought I was happy, and I guess I was to a certain extent, but after you left, I realized how empty and lonely my life really was.”
“Yes, I remember the feeling, and I never plan on experiencing it again.”
The day had come for his family to go home. I cried as I hugged everyone goodbye. Barbara was also emotional, especially when she hugged Lucas.
“Lucas, I’m so proud of the choices you’re making and the wife you’ve chosen. I can really see the difference she’s making in you. I’m going to miss you. You two come and visit us soon, okay?” She squeezed me tight, saving my hug for last.
They had insisted we not escort them to the airport, so we stood on the back deck and waved goodbye as they pulled away.
“So, Mr. Lavender, what do you want to do today? Since you gave Cody the day off to take Meagan on a date, it seems we have the house to ourselves for a change.”
“Oh yeah!” he said, as if remembering something. I laughed exuberantly as he slung me over his shoulder and carried me up to our room where we hung the ‘do not disturb sign’ on the knob and locked the door.
Chapter Seventeen
After Lucas hung up the phone, he looked anxious and worried, so I decided it was time to confront him. “You know, Lucas, I don’t mean to pry, but is there something you’re not telling me? You seemed a little disturbed by that phone call, and I’ve felt like you’ve been keeping something from me. I think it’s time for you to tell me what’s going on.”
“Well, I wanted to wait to tell you until I knew more, but now I think I know.”
“Know what?”
“Who it is that’s trying to hurt you. I think I know who the stalker is.”
I gasped as what he was saying sunk in. He took my hand and led me to the sofa to sit down.
“Remember when the Detective asked me if I thought it could be someone I knew? Well that got me thinking. I didn’t tell you this because I didn’t want you to be concerned unnecessarily, but there was someone who had a crush on me during the filming of the first movie. I actually went on a date with her, but she was so odd that I never asked her out again. She was also on location in Toronto on the second film.
“When I arrived in Toronto with you, I noticed she was acting cold to me, like she was mad. I didn’t think anything about it because the truth is I really didn’t care.”
“Samantha!” I blurted out in exasperation.
“Yes.”
“So that’s why she said those things to me. She was trying to make the friction between us worse. So why do you think she’s the stalker?”
“Well, remember how Detective Parker said he thought the person who sent the flowers probably made them themselves?”
“Yes.”
“Well, when I was on my date with Samantha she told me that one of her hobbies was making flower arrangements.”
“Why didn’t you say anything about it earlier?”
“Because it never occurred to me that it could be someone I knew until the Detective asked me. Then I started thinking about it and made some calls. I found out that Samantha has a white BMW that she rarely drives.”
“Oh no.” I put my hand over my mouth in disbelief.
“It gets better. The call I just got confirmed that Samantha is currently working on a temporary job—here in North Carolina. Charlotte to be exact.”
“Lucas, we’ve got to call the police.”
“Yes I know, but I wanted to tell you first. Honey, now that we know, the police can investigate her and this should all be over with soon.” He took me in his arms and embraced me tightly.
“Oh, I hope you’re right. Please be right.”
After a week had passed and they still hadn’t found Samantha, I was becoming slightly anxious. The Detective assured us they had some leads and were working as hard as they could to bring her in. Apparently, she had been tipped off and hadn’t returned to her job.
So when January twelfth arrived, our one-month wedding anniversary, I was determined not to let anything spoil it for us. I cooked a very special dinner for two. We gave Cody the night off again so he could go out with Meagan, though primarily so we could be alone.
After making love, Lucas and I were lying in bed cuddling, when a thought occurred to me, though I don’t know where it came from. “You know, Lucas, if there were to be an emergency in the middle of the night, it would be awfully embarrassing to be caught naked. Knowing our luck, there would be a camera crew ready to snap the shot.”
He thought about that for a moment and then said, “You know, you’ve got a point.” We jumped up laughing and raced each other to our dressers, pulling out our Snoopy pajamas and jumping into them as fast as we could.
“I win!” Lucas called, jumping back into bed.
“No fair, you only had bottoms to put on,” I pouted, jumping in after him. We snuggled closely, rubbing each other frantically to warm up, but soon we were settled down and fast asleep.
The next thing I recall was Lucas shaking me and calling my name in pure desperation. I woke up in a daze, coughing.
“Oh, thank God,” Lucas said in relief as he pulled me into his arms.
“Lucas?” I whispered. My voice was thick and my throat was so dry, and why was I so cold? I soon realized that I was on the ground in our front yard.
“Lucas, what’s wrong?”
“I was so scared. I couldn’t get you awake, and then I didn’t think I was going to get you out.”
“Get me out? What are you talking about? And why am I on the ground?”
“Lily, the important thing is that we’re okay.” He pulled me into his arms again.
All at once my head cleared as I looked over his shoulder and saw the reason for the emotion. Flames were pouring out of the upstairs windows and smoke was shooting into the night sky. Our house was on fire!!
“No!” I screamed and jumped up quickly. Lucas grabbed me from behind and held me. All I could do was scream as I watched in horror as flames engulfed our home, my childhood home, and the home of our future.
Lucas came around in front of me and took my face in his hands. “Lily, the important thing is we both made it out. Do you hear me? We made it out, and we’re together.”
I nodded slowly in agreement as the tears blurred my vision. I buried my face in his bare chest. He wrapped his arms tightly around me as the weeping took over and my body convulsed.
I heard sirens in the distance and watched in shock as fire truck after fire truck pulled into our yard. An ambulance followed closely behind, and then a camera crew.
At that moment, I noticed Cody standing beside us. Funny, but I hadn’t seen him there before. His head was bleeding and he was dark with smoke, like Lucas and I. Had he been in the house with us?
It felt like forever, but in reality it didn’t take long before the fire was out. We were asked some questions, but it was Lucas and Cody who answered them. I couldn’t seem to clear my head. Soon the police arrived and asked their own questions. I sat in a police cruiser, dazed and wrapped in a blanket. My mind couldn’t comprehend what was happening.
Finally, Lucas climbed in the car with me. “Are you going to be okay?” The expression on his face broke my heart.
“Yes, I think so. How did I get out?”
“Cody woke me, but I couldn’t get you awake. I picked you up and carried you out, but when we got to the stairs, the fire was all around us. I didn’t think I was going to get us out, Lily.”
“But you did get us out.” I reached up and touched his face.
“Yes, I guess I did.”
His expression turned light as he studied our clothing. “Well, look at the bright side, at least we’re wearing our Snoopy pajamas.” We looked at each other for a brief moment and then burst into laughter.<
br />
“Thank you, Lucas.”
He reached over and pulled me into his lap, cradling me. “Don’t worry about the house, we’ll fix it.”
I just nodded and then I noticed Cody climbing into the back of the ambulance.
“What happened to Cody?”
“Well, Cody said he got home around two o’clock and when he was unlocking the door someone hit him in the head with something. When he woke, he ran into the house and saw smoke. He ran straight up to our room to wake us, but by then the top floor was ablaze.
“Did he see who hit him?”
“Vaguely. He described her to the police and it sounds like Samantha.”
I gasped. “That witch set my house on fire!”
“Calm down, Lily, the police have sent officers to the airport. They think she’s going to try to leave. It’ll all be over soon.”
“You said that last week, and it’s not over! She burned our house down, Lucas, and you can’t protect us from her!”
“You’re right. I wasn’t able to protect you from this, like I promised. I’m sorry, Lily.” He lowered his head in defeat.
“No, Lucas, no, don’t do that. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. You saved my life tonight. You’re my hero, I hope you know that.” I took his face in my hands and gazed into his eyes. “You are the bravest man I know. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It was just my anger talking, see I told you I wasn’t perfect. They’ll catch her and like you said, it’ll all be over soon.”
“I think it will be.” He assured me, his mood lightening.
“Well, what do we do now?” Suddenly my mind had become mush, and I could no longer think clearly. All I wanted to do was climb into bed and sleep for the next three weeks.
Loving Lily Lavender Page 14