Renting to Own

by Linda Rettstatt

  “She never told me about calling you.”

  “I owe Helen a debt of gratitude, Lily. She protected you from my failings. You know the worst part about getting sober? I see the truth in myself. I’m so ashamed. Your mother would be ashamed of me.”

  “Daddy, it’s over. I let my hurt and anger keep me from trusting any man, until I met Rick. I let the fear that Tyler would walk back into Chelsea’s life one day control me for a long time. I had to make a decision, Dad. And I decided to truly start over, put the past where it belongs. What we have now is the future. I want Chelsea to have the family I…we lost.”

  He nodded. “You’re like her, you know. Your mother. She was beautiful and smart. Strong. I see so much of her in you. God knows what she ever saw in me.”

  Lily murmured, “She loved you. Even as a child, I could see that, the way she laughed at your jokes, danced around the living room with you. You’d pull me onto your shoes and I’d dance with both of you. When you love someone, you see past the flaws.” She thought of her irritation with Rick over some of his business practices.

  “Ah, and you have her wisdom.” He wiped his eyes. “Tell me about this man you’re marrying.”

  She smiled. “Rick Gardner. He owns the real estate company where I work. He loves me, and he loves Chelsea like his own daughter. He’s a good man, Dad.” Then she told him about Tyler and the Dixons. “Judith Dixon seems like a decent woman. She wants to be a part of Chelsea’s life.”

  “Her husband’s a jackass. So is her son.”

  Lily snickered. “Well, that’s one thing we agree on.”

  His grin was the easy, familiar grin she remembered, but with his stubble a little grayer, the lines around his mouth a bit deeper.

  “Dad, I need to check on dinner. Would you like to go upstairs and see Chelsea’s room, get acquainted with your granddaughter? I’ll bet she’d love it if you’d read one those books you brought.”

  His eyes widened. “May I?”

  “Come on. I’ll show you the way.”

  Lily led him to Chelsea’s room. He sat on the edge of the bed and Chelsea sat beside him, introducing him to Pepper and to her Barbie collection. Lily glanced back from the doorway and a memory flashed through her mind. She was four years old and her father had given her a new doll, a gift purchased during one of his business trips. They’d sat on her bed, side by side, choosing a name for the doll. So many good memories mixed in with the bad, with the disappointments. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of her pledge to let go of the past and look toward the future.

  Rick’s voice called out from the bottom of the stairs. “Hello? Lily?”

  “Be right down.” She descended the stairs and walked straight into his open arms.

  “I could get used to this.” He tightened his hold.

  “You’d better get used to it.”

  “Where’s your dad?”

  “Upstairs, reading a story to Chelsea. I’m sure he’s also answering a million questions.” She slipped out of his embrace and latched onto his hand. “Come to the kitchen and help me with dinner.”

  “Yes, ma’am. But, there’s one thing I want to do first.”

  She stopped and faced him. “What’s that?”

  “This.” He pulled her to him and kissed her.

  “Mmm. Nice,” she murmured.

  “Thank you. I try to please.”

  “You’ve got the pleasing thing down just fine.”

  “So, what’s for dinner?”

  Lily shook her head. “One track mind where food’s concerned. Baked chicken.”

  “And for dessert?”

  “Apple pie.”

  He grinned. “With whipped topping?” He tickled her.

  She doubled with laughter. “I’ll never look at dessert the same way again. Now, stop it. We have a guest, and I don’t want to try to explain to my father what’s so funny.”

  “Things are going well between the two of you?”

  She nodded. “It’s a start. I’ll tell you later.”

  *

  Dinner conversation was relaxed as Rick answered George’s questions about his family and the real estate business. After dessert, Lily nodded to Chelsea. “Time to say your goodnights, sweetie.”

  Chelsea went first to Rick. “Goodnight, Daddy.” She kissed his cheek and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I can’t wait till we all live in the same house.”

  “Me either, Princess. Sleep well.” He hugged her and kissed her forehead.

  She moved around the table to her grandfather. “Goodnight, Grandpa. Thank you for my presents.”

  George leaned forward and embraced his granddaughter. “You’re welcome. It was nice to visit with you. I hope we can do this again, soon.” He looked up at Lily as he spoke.

  “We will. Okay, Chels. Let’s go upstairs.”

  Lily turned down the blankets while Chelsea brushed her teeth. After tucking her daughter in, she cupped a hand around the child’s cheek and looked into her eyes. “You’ve had a big day. You tired?”

  Chelsea nodded. “I like my grandpa.”

  “I’m glad. I think he likes you, too. Very much.”

  “Can we go and see where he lives some time?”

  The thought of going home, back inside the house that held bittersweet memories from her childhood, brought tightness to her throat. “We’ll see. Now go to sleep. You have school tomorrow.”

  As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Lily overheard Rick talking with her father. “I love Lily and Chelsea. I intend to do everything in my power to make them both happy. I hope you want the same. Maybe I’m out of line here, George, but Lily has told me a bit about your history. You should know I won’t stand by and watch you or anyone else hurt Lily again.”

  Lily waited for her father’s response.

  “Point taken. You know, you’re way up on the ladder above Tyler Dixon. I think Lily’s made an excellent choice. And I assure you, I have no intention of causing Lily any more pain than I already have. It’s going to take the rest of my lifetime to make up for the damage I’ve already done. I truly never expected her to forgive me.”

  “Lily’s a very mature and gracious woman.”

  “Something for which I can take no credit. I can only promise I’ll not hurt her again.”

  When Lily walked into the kitchen, the two men were shaking hands. “Are you two making a deal?” she asked, pretending not to have heard the exchange.

  “Coming to an understanding, is more like it.” Her father smiled. “Lily, would you sit down? There’s something I have to give you.”

  “Sure, Dad.” She sat across the table from him.

  Rick looked at George. “Do you want me to leave?”

  George shook his head. “No. I think you should hear this, too.” He reached into his hip pocket and removed an envelope, handing it to Lily.

  “What’s this?”

  “It’s yours. I sold the house, and I’m moving to Norfolk at the end of January. Go ahead, open it.”

  Lily lifted the unsealed flap of the white envelope and removed the single slip of paper inside—a check. “Oh, my God.” She looked at her father. “This check is for…for one hundred thousand dollars!”

  “It’s your share, plus a portion of Mason’s. He wanted me to give you a little extra so you can set up a college fund for Chelsea.”

  “Dad, I can’t accept this.”

  Her father leaned his forearms on the table and smiled. “Lily, I got over two hundred forty thousand for the house. I invested a little for my future. The rest I split between you and Mason. He added another fifteen thousand to yours for Chelsea.”

  “But, this is a lot of money.”

  He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “Honey, it was your home, too. I know. I was an ass about that when you told me you were pregnant. I’m not trying to buy forgiveness here. I’m just trying to be fair. I hope it’s not too late.”

  Tears blurred her vision. “I can’t belie
ve you sold the house.”

  “I’m not getting any younger. Mason wants me to move to Norfolk and work with him in the business he’s starting. At the time, I had no idea that you and I would ever speak again. I know it comes as a shock.”

  “It does. And so does this.” She lifted the check again, staring at it in disbelief. “But are you sure you don’t need this?”

  “I have plenty, and I’ll be working for a while. If Mason’s idea pans out, he and I will make money hand over fist. He plans to put to use the computer training he got in the Navy.”

  “Thank you, Dad.” She looked at Rick. “I can buy this house now.”

  “Uh…yeah. We can look into that. Or maybe you should invest this and watch it grow,” he replied.

  “I like the way you think, Rick.” Her father pushed his chair back from the table. “Well, I’d better be going. I have a few hours to drive and you two have work in the morning.”

  Rick shook George’s hand. “It was nice to meet you. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

  “I hope so. I’d like to come to the wedding. You set a date yet?”

  “Tomorrow wouldn’t be too soon for me.” Rick grinned at Lily.

  “It won’t be tomorrow. I’ll let you know, Dad.” She narrowed her eyes at Rick. “We haven’t set a date.”

  Lily followed her father to the front door. He shrugged into his jacket. “Thank you, Lily. Dinner was delicious. And it meant a lot to me to meet my granddaughter. She’s amazing. You’re a good mother.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “You should come and see if there’s anything in the house you’d like to have. I still have the rocking chair your mother sat in to nurse you and Mason. There are other things of hers…”

  She nodded. “I’d like that. Maybe next weekend, but I’ll call.”

  His arms hung at his side. “Okay, so…”

  Lily stepped forward and put her arms around him. “Goodnight, Daddy. Be careful driving.”

  His arms folded around her, and he rested his chin on top of her head. In a thick voice, he responded, “Goodnight, honey.”

  Rick walked up behind her as she stood in the open door watching her father drive away. He grasped her shoulders. “You okay?”

  She leaned back against him. “I am. I was afraid, mostly about how I’d feel, seeing him again. He’s like he was, before…”

  “Before?”

  “Before my mother died and he started drinking. He always returned from a business trip with an armload of gifts. He certainly won the heart of his granddaughter.”

  “That’s easy. She has a big heart.” He closed the door and turned Lily to face him. “Just like her mother.”

  “Can you believe the check he gave me? Will you contact the new owner and see what we can do about finalizing the sale of this house?”

  “Ah, yeah. About that. He isn’t available for a few weeks. He’s…in Europe, I think.”

  “Oh. Well, I’ll put the money in the bank. We can take care of the details when he returns. Isn’t that fantastic?”

  She headed into the living room, and he followed. “Lily, think about it. Once we’re married, I assume we’ll be living in the same house. And my house is much larger with space for a growing family.”

  “A growing family?” She stared at him.

  “That is, if you want more kids.”

  “Well, yes.” She dropped onto the sofa. “But, this house is symbolic for me. I feel as though I’ve lived my life on a rent-to-own basis. Owning this house means I’ve finally taken hold of my life.”

  He sat down and put an arm around her, pulling her against him. “Won’t my house do? You can redecorate any way you want. Get all new furniture if you want.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s silly, isn’t it? To let a house hold so much meaning.”

  “Not so silly. Like you said, it’s symbolic.”

  “It embodies the stability I wanted for Chelsea and myself.” She smiled into his eyes. “We’ll have that with you, though.”

  He lowered his lips to hers. She melted against him.

  When they parted, she sucked in a breath. “Okay, time for you to go.”

  “You sure that’s what you want?”

  “I’m sure it’s not what I want, but that’s how it has to be. We both have to work tomorrow.”

  “I could talk to the boss.” He groaned. “Okay. You’re right.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  She stood on her toes and put her arms around his neck. “Thanks for being here tonight. And thanks for looking out for me.”

  He tilted his head, furrowing his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

  “I heard you talking to my dad when I came downstairs.”

  “Just fulfilling my handsome, brave, dashing knight duties, m’lady.”

  She ran fingers along his lower lip. “That’s my hero.” She stretched and kissed him quickly. “Now, your steed awaits.”

  He pulled on his jacket. “As you wish. You know, we could get married at Easter. Spring wedding?”

  “We’ll talk about a date. But that’s way too soon. Do you know what it takes to pull together a wedding? And I am having a wedding—the dress, the walk down the aisle, the whole thing.”

  “How hard can it be to buy a dress?”

  “Women spend months planning a wedding. And you don’t just run out and buy a dress. It has to be fitted and… Oh, my God. You’re serious.”

  He wrapped his arms around her, smiling down into her eyes. “I am. Just picture this—an Easter wedding on Amelia Island. I can make the arrangements for a place, a preacher, a reception. Trust me, my mother will ensure I don’t screw up.”

  She opened her mouth to speak, but he put a finger to her lips. “And, your dad’s going to Norfolk. I’ll bet he and your brother would drive down to Florida. We can fly Helen and John in. Beaumont offered his jet for my use any time, so…”

  “You’ve really thought this out, haven’t you?”

  He grinned. “I want to seal this deal before you discover my one character flaw and change your mind.”

  “Your one flaw? And what might that be?”

  “I’m impatient.”

  Narrowing her eyes at him, she asked, “Is this your way of getting out of a honeymoon.”

  “Oh, no. I’ve figured that out, too. Joyce and Cliff are taking their kids to Disneyworld for spring break right after Easter. You and I could book a suite, and Chelsea can bunk with Heather. They’ll have a great time.” He nuzzled her neck. “And so will we.”

  A lightning bolt zinged through her belly. “You’re very convincing,” she breathed.

  “Good. So?”

  She tilted her head back and looked at him. “You really think we can pull this off? It’s Easter. How do we find a church or a preacher?”

  “Ah, but I have connections. And, you have no idea how persuasive my mother can be.”

  She laughed. “Oh, I have some idea.”

  “All you have to do is say yes and buy a dress. I’ll take care of the rest.”

  It was crazy, but when she considered the idea, a smile pulled across her face. “Yes.”

  “Yes!”

  “Shhh, you’ll wake Chelsea.” She stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. “Now, you have to leave. And I have to ask the boss for a day off to go shopping for my wedding dress.”

  “The boss says, ‘By all means, take as much time as you like.’” He squeezed her tightly. “I love you so much. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

  He stole one last kiss, then ambled down the steps and jumped into his car. Lily closed the door against the chilly air. She returned to the kitchen and picked up the check from the table. Her vision blurred when she thought of her childhood home belonging to someone else. She needed to go there one last time to bring that part of her life to closure. But, when? Now she had to plan a wedding that would take place in a little over eight weeks.

  She
turned off the lights and danced up the stairs. This is crazy. But it’s the best kind of crazy.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  The following week, Lily sat at the computer to type her last hearing for Trans-Scribe. She’d already notified them she was quitting. She was going to try to find a sitter, but Rick insisted she stay home until Chelsea, who’d had a sore throat, felt better.

  Chelsea lay on the sofa clutching Grilla and watching cartoons. “Mommy, do I still get to meet my other grandparents on Saturday?”

  “We’ll see, honey. As long as you don’t still have a sore throat or fever.”

  “Do you think they’ll like me?”

  Lily turned around, observing the worried look on her daughter’s face. She knew all too well how that question could sneak up on you. She’d gone through a period of wondering if her mother died because of something Lily had done. And when her father became distant, she’d tried everything to please him, hoping it would bring him back. Her stomach knotted when she thought of Chelsea having those doubts about herself. “Why wouldn’t they like you?”

  “I don’t know. Is my father coming, too?”

  Rising from her chair, Lily crossed to the sofa and sat down. “Honey, I haven’t heard from him yet. He’s been out of town.”

  “I think I’m gonna be better by Saturday. Maybe you could call him.”

  Lily thought she heard the sound of her own heart cracking. She certainly felt it. “We’ll see. Hey, you want mac and cheese for dinner tonight? I’ll call and invite Rick to come over. I bet he’ll bring more ice cream.”

  “Okay. And I can practice how to walk down the aisle and throw rose petals. Rick showed me the walk yesterday.”

  “Oh, he did?” She laughed. “I’m sorry I missed that. Maybe he’ll show me?”

  “I think he will. Are you gonna buy a wedding dress soon?”

  “Chels, I was thinking of maybe waiting a bit, having the wedding in the summer.”

  “No, Mommy. You can’t. I want Rick to be my daddy.”

  “He will be, but…”

  The ring of the phone cut her off. She picked it up from the table. “Hello.”