Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  “That was silly.”

  Lily’s throat tightened. “Yes, I suppose it was. But that’s in the past now. We’re going to be a family again.” She stood and examined her reflection one more time. “Do you have your bag ready to go?”

  “I’ll get it.” The child stopped in the doorway and turned around. “Hey, Mommy. You should sleep over at Rick’s house.”

  Lily jerked her head around. “What did you say?”

  “You could sleep over at Rick’s, since I’m sleeping over at Amy’s. Besides, it’s your turn ’cause Rick stayed here last time.”

  Her face flamed. “We’ll talk about that later.” When you’re fourteen. “Let’s get your things.”

  *

  Vicki answered the door when Lily pressed the bell. “Hi, come in. Chelsea, Amy’s upstairs. You go ahead up. I want to talk to your mommy.”

  “Okay.” She turned to Lily. “Bye, Mommy. Have fun.”

  Lily stooped and hugged her daughter. “You, too. And be good. Happy New Year.”

  Reaching for the overnight bag, Vicki grinned at Lily. “Yeah, Mommy. Have fun tonight.”

  Heat flooded Lily’s face. “I appreciate you watching her tonight. After all, it’s New Year’s Eve. Anyway, Rick and I are just having dinner.”

  “Now that would be unfortunate. Especially given the way you look.”

  Lily brushed a hair from her face. Vicki grabbed her hand. “Oh, my God. Look at that rock. Lily, you didn’t tell me.”

  “Oh, yeah. Seems I’m engaged.”

  Vicki dropped the bag and hugged her. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. Have a wonderful evening and don’t worry about Chelsea. She’ll be fine. I have your cell number, if I need it.”

  “Thanks, Vicki.”

  “Go and have a great night. Don’t come back here without a smile on your face. Have a Happy New Year’s Eve.”

  Smiling really hadn’t been a problem for the past week. She smiled every time she looked at the ring and thought of Rick.

  A soft, golden glow filled the windows of the Victorian house, creating an inviting warmth. Lily parked in the drive, behind Rick’s car. The door swung open as she reached the top step of the wrap-around porch.

  “Hi.” He stood in the open doorway, dressed in khakis and a baby blue shirt, light dancing in his eyes. That one errant lock of hair fell onto his forehead.

  “Hi.” She reached up and set the hair back into place. As she did so, her eyes locked for a moment with his.

  He brushed his lips across hers.

  She stood on tiptoe and deepened the kiss.

  When she broke away, he grinned down at her. “Best show Mrs. Reddinger across the street has had in a long time.”

  “Then maybe you should invite me inside.”

  He stepped back and swung the door open. “Please come in.”

  She brushed against him and the scent of his cologne dizzied her.

  His fingers trailed along her neck as he reached under the collar to remove her coat.

  Lily shivered. The wrap slid from her shoulders. Rick’s breath swept along her cheek and his mouth tasted the side of her neck. Her breath caught.

  He pulled her back against him. “God, Lily. You’re beautiful. And you smell so good.” He teased her earlobe. “Mmm. Taste good, too.”

  She turned in his arms and their lips met. Every nerve in her body jumped to life. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing into him. His arousal was evident.

  Breaking away from her lips, he trailed kisses down her neck. “How hungry are you?”

  She gasped. “Not very.”

  “Good.” He swept her up into his arms.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m carrying you upstairs.”

  She looked at the long, steep staircase and laughed. “As romantic as that seems, I think I should walk.”

  He followed her gaze to the stairs. “You’re probably right. One slip and I could kill us both.” He set her on her feet and clasped her hand. “And I don’t want to die just yet. At least not from a fall down the stairs.”

  At the top of the stairs, he moved ahead of her to push the door open. Candles on every flat surface in the room cast a warm glow, sending shadows flitting across the walls. A dozen red roses lay strewn on the bed.

  “Oh, Rick. This is beautiful.”

  He stood behind her and swept her hair aside, his lips finding a sensitive spot at the nape of her neck.

  Desire shot through her, and she moaned.

  Clasping her hand once again, he led her to the bed. He picked up one of the roses and teased it along her cheek before covering her mouth with his. He unzipped her dress and let it drop from her shoulders. Every brush of his fingers sent shivers of anticipation through her. He lowered his head and kissed the top of each breast.

  She sank her fingers into his thick hair.

  He planted kisses along her jaw and whispered, “I love you, Lily.”

  “I love you, too.” She fumbled with the buttons on his shirt while he reached behind her and unhooked her bra. He eased her onto the bed, tossing the constraining garment aside. She then watched while he discarded his khakis.

  He lay next to her, his mouth moving down from her lips to her breasts to her abdomen. His fingers blazed a hot trail along the inside of her thighs, settling on the thin patch of fabric at their juncture.

  Her body lifted at his touch.

  Moments later, they were both naked, teasing, exploring one another. He positioned himself over her and kissed her deeply.

  She looked into his eyes and opened herself to him. His every touch, every movement seemed intent upon giving her pleasure. When an orgasm exploded in her, she arched against him, her hands gripping his shoulders. He climaxed with her, his breath coming in short, quick gasps.

  He rolled to his back and pulled her over on top of him. She lay with her cheek on his chest, listening to his racing heartbeat. He caressed her back, his thumb rolling along the vertebrae of her spine. “You’re amazing.”

  “We’re amazing together.”

  Turning onto his side, he spooned around her and kissed her bare shoulder. “How have I lived so much of my life not feeling like this?”

  Settling into the curve of his body, she sighed. “I’ve learned something with you.”

  “Really?”

  “Uh-huh. I learned there’s a big difference between having sex and making love.”

  He pulled the sheet up to cover them and nestled her closer. “Give me a few minutes, and we’ll have another class.”

  *

  Lily opened her eyes and blinked. A dim light sliced across the room from the open door. She stretched and looked back over her shoulder. The other side of the bed was empty. She sat up and searched for something to cover herself. Rick’s shirt lay crumpled on the floor. Pulling it over her shoulders, she fastened a few buttons and tiptoed to the door. She looked up and down the hallway before darting across to the bathroom.

  Halfway back to the bedroom, she stopped. Rick stood at the top of the stairs, clad only in his boxers, and carrying a tray. “That shirt looks much better on you.”

  She hugged it closer, which made it rise higher, baring more thigh. “What do you have there?”

  “Dinner. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

  She followed him into the bedroom. He relit the candles and waited until she got back into bed before setting the tray across her lap. He climbed in beside her and lifted the lid from the plate. “We have dried up lamb chops, soggy roasted potatoes, over-cooked asparagus—sorry—and cold croissants.”

  “It smells wonderful.”

  He turned the wineglasses upright and popped the cork on a bottle of Moet. He filled the glasses and handed one to her. “Happy New Year, Lily. Here’s to us.” The clink resounded and hung in the air. Setting his glass back on the tray, he leaned over and kissed her. “Okay,” he tucked a napkin into the vee of her shirt. “Eat up. I think we’ll need our strength.
”

  She savored a bite of the lamb. “Mmm. This tastes good, even if it is a bit dry.”

  He took a bite and chewed. “Probably better three hours ago. The lamb’s sort of leathery now. I’m sorry. It was going to be a wonderful dinner.”

  Grinning, she looked at him. “I’m not disappointed.”

  He laughed and nuzzled her neck. “I’m seeing another side of you. The wicked side.”

  She giggled. “Well, you’ve seen every other side. What’s for dessert?”

  “The better choice. Let me take this away. It really is awful now. I guess fine French cuisine is not intended for microwave reheating. I’ll be right back.” He slid out of bed and took the tray.

  Lily lay back on the pillows, breathing in the scent of him. She held out her hand and gazed at the diamond, a smile tugging at her mouth.

  Rick returned with two individual soufflé dishes, two cups of coffee, and a can of whipped topping. He set the tray over her legs. “Careful, the coffee’s hot.”

  “Is this chocolate soufflé?”

  “It is. I’m afraid it’s drooped a little. It’s supposed to be served warm, and I think you’re supposed to eat it right away.” He scooted in beside her after setting the can of whipped cream on the floor.

  “What about the whipped topping?”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “That’s for after.” He scooped up a spoonful of fluffy chocolate and offered it to her. With the tip of his tongue, he removed the excess from the corner of her mouth, lingering for another kiss. Within minutes, the tray had been moved to the floor, and Lily reached over the side of the bed, groping for the can of whipped topping.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chelsea knelt on the sofa and looked out the window. “Mommy, when’s my grandpa going to get here?”

  “I don’t know, honey. He should be here soon. Remember what we talked about?”

  “Yes. After I meet him, I’m to go upstairs so you and Grandpa can get catched up.”

  “Caught up.”

  “Yeah.”

  A car door sounded outside and Lily jumped, pulling back the curtain. George Champion stood beside an older model Ford Taurus, his shoulders hunched against the cold. His dark hair had grayed and his muscular frame had thinned. He pulled a shopping bag from the car and slammed the trunk closed, then turned toward the house.

  “He’s here, Chels.” Lily stood riveted to the spot, her breath catching.

  “Are we gonna let him in?”

  “Of course.” She smoothed her hands down her thighs as she walked to the door. Her stomach turned a somersault. The bell rang once, and Lily pulled the door open.

  Her father nodded. “Lily.”

  “Hi, Daddy.” She wasn’t sure of what to do next—Hug him? Shake his hand? Step aside and invite him in?

  Chelsea nudged past her and grinned up at her grandfather. “I’m Chelsea.”

  He looked down. “Hi. I’m…uh…” He lifted his eyes again to Lily.

  “Chelsea, this is your Grandpa Champion.”

  Smiling at him, Chelsea asked, “Are you coming in?”

  “Oh, yes. Come in.” Lily stepped back from the door, allowing him to enter. The nearness of her father churned up a plethora of feelings in Lily. He looked shorter, thinner than she remembered. She studied his face, lined by age and life. His eyes bore a sadness she remembered seeing there after her mother had died. A flicker of sympathy for him erupted in her.

  He offered the shopping bag to Chelsea. “I know Christmas is past, but I brought you some gifts. I hope you don’t already have them all.”

  “What is it?” Chelsea took the bag and set it on the floor in front of her. “Oh, look. It’s a whole bunch of movies. And some books.”

  “Your mommy said you like the Disney movies.”

  “You shouldn’t have, Dad. Not all of them.”

  “I wanted to, and I wasn’t sure what she had.” He looked around. “You have a nice home here. Very cozy.”

  “May I take your jacket?”

  “Sure.” He removed the worn brown leather bomber jacket and handed it to her.

  She gestured toward the living room. “Come in and sit.” Lily’s mouth went dry and she felt as though someone had filled her spine with cement.

  Chelsea followed behind them, dragging the bag with her. “Mommy, am I s’posed to go upstairs now?”

  “Not yet. Talk to your grandpa while I get us something to drink. Dad, would you like coffee or a soft drink?”

  “Coffee, thanks.” He sat on the sofa, and Chelsea jumped up beside him.

  From the kitchen, Lily heard their conversation. She closed her eyes against the flashes of memory that came fast and furious. Back when she was Chelsea’s age sitting with her daddy. And a few years later, when he had disappeared and a stranger made of stone had taken his place. Tears burned and she blinked them back, swallowing anger that tasted like bile. Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself this was for Chelsea.

  “So, you must be in school,” her father said.

  “I’m in kindagarden. My teacher’s name is Mrs. Higgins. She says I’m very sociable.”

  His laugh, a sound Lily remembered from childhood, rumbled. “She does? Well that’s quite a compliment.”

  “Guess what? My new daddy’s coming for dinner.”

  His eyes flashed to meet Lily’s as she returned bearing a tray of drinks. “Tyler’s coming here?”

  “No, he’s not. Chelsea, maybe it would be good if you took your juice upstairs.”

  “Okay.” She slid from the sofa and turned to George. She crooked her finger, beckoning him to come closer. When he bent toward her, she planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for my presents, Grandpa.”

  His eyes filled, and he rested a hand on her head. “You’re very welcome, sweetheart. I’ll see you in a little bit.”

  Lily focused on her father’s face as he watched his granddaughter remove a few books from the bag and climb the stairs.

  “She has your smile, Lily.”

  “I always thought her smile was a lot like Mom’s.”

  “Well, you got that from her and passed it on.” He picked up the mug of coffee and sipped. His hand trembled slightly.

  “Dad, I asked you here because I think Chelsea has a right to know her family. We can’t change what happened in the past.”

  He stared at his hands for a moment, then looked into her eyes. “I want to be a part of her life, and yours, if you’ll let me.”

  She nodded. “I meant what I said about drinking. I won’t have that for my daughter.”

  “I’ve been sober for fourteen months. I know that doesn’t seem long, compared to those years you lived with it. I can’t imagine what it was like for you and your brother. If it weren’t for your Aunt Natalie…” He shook his head. “When she moved away, she threatened to take you from me if I didn’t straighten up. You probably don’t remember when I went away for a month. I was in rehab.”

  Lily recalled that time when her father left and returned seeming more like Daddy before. For a brief time. “I remember. Aunt Natalie told us you were away on business. I wrote you a letter every day.”

  “She sent your letters to me. I still have them. I just wish I’d been stronger. It wasn’t two months until I was drinking again. But, by then, your aunt had moved away.”

  “At least you had the presence of mind to hire someone to cook and clean. None of them ever stayed long, but…”

  “Yeah. I must have been a real bastard to work for. But I promise you, that’s in the past. I know I don’t deserve a second chance, but I’m asking for one.”

  “I guess we all deserve a second chance. Dad, I’m getting married. His name’s Rick. He’ll be joining us for dinner. That’s who Chelsea was talking about.”

  He nodded. “I’m eager to meet him.”

  Silence fell between them.

  Lily took a drink and set down her coffee mug. “You look good, Dad.”

  “I’m better.” He picked
at invisible lint on his pants. “When your mother died, a part of my heart died with her. It’s no excuse. I had two children to raise, and I chose to drown myself in whiskey, instead.”

  “It’s done. We can’t change the past.”

  “No, but…but I have to ask your forgiveness. I was wrong about so many things.” He glanced away and when he looked back, tears filled his eyes. “If I could go back and change everything…”

  Lily swallowed hard. “Do you remember the summer before Mom got sick? You packed up the car, and we went up to Lake Michigan for a week. I remember riding on your shoulders as you ran into the waves. And I built a huge sand castle with Mom and Mason.”

  “I remember that, too. You cried when a Frisbee sliced off one of the castle turrets, and I helped you rebuild it. There were good times.”

  She rose and moved to sit beside him on the sofa. “Those are the memories we have to hold onto. I wish a lot of things had been different. I wish Mom hadn’t died, Aunt Natalie hadn’t moved away, you hadn’t started drinking. I wish I’d never gotten involved with Tyler, but one good thing came of that—Chelsea.” Taking his hand in hers, she looked into his eyes. “I forgive you.” The words tumbled out. And the tension seemed to dissolve. Daddy Before was sitting right there, looking back at her.

  He put his arms around her, and she slumped against him. His voice shook. “I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused you. And for all I’ve missed because of my stubbornness and stupidity.”

  “I was scared when I found out I was pregnant. Tyler wanted me to…to get rid of the baby, but I couldn’t do it. And when I told you, you threw me out. I couldn’t believe you did that. I tried to call Aunt Natalie, but she was traveling. Then Helen Shaw invited me to live with her.”

  “I’m grateful to her. All those times she called, but I refused to listen.”

  Lily’s head jerked up. “She called you?”

  He nodded. “Called just about every week for the first few months you were with her. She said I needed to know how you were doing, even if I thought I didn’t care. When Chelsea was born, she called to tell me.” His shoulders heaved. “Oh, God. I hung up on her, Lily. I couldn’t bear to think of how I’d let you down. I thought it was my fault things ended up for you the way they did. If I’d been a decent father, you wouldn’t have gotten pregnant. She refused to tell me the boy’s name. I think if she had, I would’ve killed him.”