Lily's Story: The Complete Saga

by Christine Kersey

  “Say yes,” he said with a grin, then he lifted the ring from the box and slipped it onto my left ring finger. It fit perfectly.

  I admired it for a moment before speaking. “I do love you. Very much. I'm just not sure that I'm ready to get married. I have to think about it.”

  “At least that's not a 'no',” he said, still smiling. “Hang on to the ring while you're deciding.”

  Relieved that he was accepting my answer so readily, I smiled. “Okay.”

  He moved to sit beside me on the couch.

  “Rob must be paying you pretty well for you to afford such a beautiful ring,” I said as I admired the ring some more.

  Trevor didn't answer. Instead, he lifted my left hand and kissed my palm. “I’d do anything for you, Lily.”

  Touched by his words, I didn't know what to say. “Tomorrow I need to drive to Lovelock to pick up some things from my dad’s house. Do you want to come?”

  “I wish I could, but I promised Rob I’d work.”

  Disappointed he couldn’t come, I said, “That's okay. It shouldn't take too long anyway.”

  A while later we went out for dinner, and when we were done, Trevor brought me back to my place, but didn't stay.

  Lying in my bed on the second night in my own apartment, I thought about Trevor’s proposal. Before I could even consider agreeing to marry him, I needed to learn so much more about him.

  Early the next morning I got ready for the day, anxious to drive to the small town where I’d grown up, and gather the things I needed for my apartment. Finished dressing, I opened my jewelry box and picked out a pair of earrings. The diamond engagement ring caught my attention. After a slight hesitation, I slipped it on my left ring finger and went to the front window.

  Tilting the diamond this way and that, I admired the way the ring sparkled in the rays of sunlight that streamed in. A sudden bright glint made me squeeze my eyes closed, and in that brief moment I pondered what I was considering. My heart stuttered with an ominous feeling, but I shut it off and continued admiring the stunning ring.

  I haven't committed to anything yet.

  With a resolute tug, I slid the beautiful ring off of my finger and set it on the windowsill where it continued to reflect the sun's rays.

  I just promised him I'd think about it.

  And think about it I did—all the way to Lovelock. The drive took over an hour, but it was a lovely day and I enjoyed the trip.

  Knowing the ring must have cost a small fortune, I’d decided to wear it, and every time it caught my eye, I smiled, despite my uncertainty that I would be keeping it.

  I need to have a serious talk with Trevor to get the questions in my mind answered satisfactorily. But not yet. It can wait a few days.

  Once I’d reached my destination, it felt strange to walk into the house where I’d spent most of my life. Dad’s presence seemed to be everywhere, making me miss him more than usual. I walked from room to room, enjoying the good memories. Finally, I went into the kitchen and unloaded all of the items I wanted to take to my new place, including my mother’s china. Once the table was covered with dinnerware and cooking implements, I went into the garage and found several cardboard boxes that were lying flat—left over from when I’d packed up before moving to Reno.

  I dragged the broken-down boxes into the kitchen, unfolded them and used packing tape to hold them in the right shape, then packed up the items I’d placed on the table, carefully wrapping fragile items in newspaper. Two hours later I’d loaded everything into my car. On impulse, I went back into the house and pulled out two boxes that held our Christmas decorations. I had just enough room in my car to take them with me.

  Even though I’d grown up in this town, with my father gone there was no one special to me there—the few girls I’d known in high school had mostly moved away. I headed toward Reno without a backward glance, and once home, I set right to work unpacking my kitchen and getting things just right.

  When I finished, I fixed myself a mug of hot chocolate and curled up on my couch to catch up on some reading.

  Finals weren’t very far away. Still, I had to get through Thanksgiving first. Thinking about the traditional Thanksgiving meal and making all the fixings for Trevor and myself excited me.

  Maybe I'll even invite Alyssa.

  But even as the notion entered my mind, I tossed it aside.

  Alyssa would sit across from Trevor and judge him the whole time.

  I shook my head.

  No, I’ll just invite Trevor. We’ll have our own private dinner.

  I smiled at the thought.

  I have so much to be thankful for. I'm doing well this semester, I'm healthy, I have my own place, and I have Trevor. I never even considered falling in love, certainly not right after getting here.

  With my recent flurry of activity, I realized I hadn’t told Alyssa I’d moved. Smiling to myself, I dialed her phone.

  “I haven’t heard from you since Wednesday's class,” she said. “Is everything okay?”

  “Everything’s great. In fact, that's why I'm calling.”

  “Uh oh,” she said. “Does this involve Trevor?”

  Slightly annoyed at her reaction to the possibility of good news involving Trevor, I sighed. “No, it doesn’t. I've moved. That's all.”

  “What? Serious?”

  Laughing, I said, “Yes. I moved on Thursday. My very own place. I love it!”

  “Wow, that was kind of sudden. What brought it on?”

  I explained about the door being unlocked and the picture I’d found in my dresser.

  “Shouldn't you call the police?”

  “What for? Nothing was taken, no threats were made. Just a strange picture.” I wondered if the police should get involved, but didn’t like the idea.

  “Certainly Trevor thinks the police should be called.” Disapproval of the whole situation was evident in her voice.

  I shook my head. “No, he never mentioned that.”

  “What was his explanation?”

  I didn’t answer as a flush crept up my cheeks.

  “He did have one,” Alyssa said. “Didn't he?”

  For some reason I felt the need to defend Trevor, but I didn’t want to dwell on my lack of information. “He doesn't know who it could be. Now let's talk about something else for a while. Like, how's Justin doing? I haven't heard from him in ages.”

  “Lily, something about this whole thing is very weird. You must realize that.” When I didn't reply, she went on. “Fine. I'll drop it for now, but you'd better let me know if anything else like that happens. Will you promise me that at least?”

  Rolling my eyes, I promised.

  “And as far as Justin,” Alyssa said, “I wouldn't worry too much about him. I think he's found a new prospect.”

  “Really?” I said. “Good for him.”

  “It is good for him. I think he's given up on you.”

  I didn’t want to talk about Justin anymore. “I'd better get going. All the time I spent moving in has really cut into my study time, and I was already behind.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you in class.”

  After hanging up the phone, I considered Justin and his ‘new prospect’. I was happy for him, but also a little disappointed he’d given up on me so easily.

  Well, there was no point in him pursuing me. Not when I’m with Trevor now.

  I spent the rest of the day trying to catch up on assignments due the following week. Trevor hadn't said he'd come by, but I hoped he would. I pushed thoughts of his proposal out of my mind, not ready to go there. It was such an important decision, and it was easier not to consider it at all.

  Besides, I need to learn a whole lot more about Trevor before I make that kind of commitment. Like, does he want to have children? How many? Does he want his wife to be a stay-at-home mom or a working mom? Where does he want to live after graduation? What does he plan to do for a career?

  Though I knew it might be awkward to pepper him with all of my questions, I al
so knew that if we were going to be married, I would need to have those questions answered. I knew I would have to improve my communication skills with him.

  If he comes by tonight, we’ll sit down and talk about some of these things.

  As the evening wore on, I began to wonder if he would show up. Deciding not to wait around, I drove to the grocery store to get the rest of the staples necessary to run a home.

  Trevor never came by and I took a novel to bed with me, enjoying reading for pleasure instead of for an assignment.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The sun shone brightly on Thanksgiving morning, and when I woke, excitement cascaded over me. I’d invited Trevor to spend the day with me, and he’d been as enthusiastic about the idea as I’d been.

  Lately I’d worn the engagement ring when I was home by myself, but for this day I’d decided to leave it off—I didn’t want Trevor to get the wrong idea. After placing it in one corner of my jewelry box, I went into the kitchen and prepared the turkey to go in the oven. I’d bought the smallest one I could find, and I placed it in the oven before starting to chop up vegetables for a veggie tray.

  Trevor had been working a lot lately and I hadn’t had a chance to have a serious talk with him yet. Today I would have him all to myself, uninterrupted, for an extended period of time. Today I would get the answers to my questions.

  When Trevor arrived just before noon, I threw my arms around his neck, and he slid one arm around my waist. In his other hand he held a lovely bouquet of flowers.

  “I love when you greet me like that,” he murmured in my ear.

  Pulling back slightly, I raised an eyebrow. “Then I guess you need to come over more often.”

  “You know I would if I could.” He held out the flowers. “These are for you.”

  “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” Impressed with his thoughtfulness, I took the arrangement and carried it into the kitchen where I placed it in a vase, then I turned to him. “I know you come over when you can.”

  He drew me into his arms. “That’s right.” Using one finger, he tilted my chin upwards, then he pressed his lips to mine. After a lingering kiss, he said, “I would definitely prefer to do that than to work, but I’ve gotta pay the bills somehow.”

  I laughed. “Like my Dad used to say, ‘Another day, another dollar.’”

  “Exactly.” His gaze went to the dish I’d been making. “Do you need help with that?”

  “No. I’m almost done.”

  “What is it?”

  I laughed. “Can’t you tell?”

  With a small frown, he said, “No.” Then he looked apologetic. “Sorry.”

  “No reason to apologize. It’s a sweet potato casserole, but I like to cook it in the crock-pot so that I can keep the oven free for other dishes.”

  He nodded with obvious approval. “Clever.”

  “Thanks.” Once I’d started the casserole cooking in the crock-pot, I took the veggie tray out of the refrigerator. “Let’s sit on the couch.”

  “Okay.” He reached for the tray. “Let me carry that for you.”

  Pleased that he was being considerate, I handed it over, then followed him to the couch where we sat side by side.

  We chatted about our week as we munched on the vegetables, but then he turned serious.

  “In my family we have a tradition of telling what we're thankful for,” he said. “Did yours do that?”

  “Yes,” I said with a smile. “But we usually waited until we were at the dinner table.”

  “We did too, but I'd like to share my thoughts with you now, if that's okay.”

  I nodded and waited for him to begin.

  Taking my hand gently in his, he gazed into my eyes. “I'm thankful for you, Lily. I can't believe how happy I've been since I met you. You're everything I've always imagined the perfect woman would be. That's why I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” His voice quieted. “Have you decided yet?”

  Worried that he wouldn’t like what I had to say, my stomach churned. “Oh, Trevor, I love you, too. So much. But . . .”

  He let go of my hand. “But, what?” He dragged his hands through his hair. “Please don't tell me no.”

  I scooted closer to him. “I'm not saying no. I haven't decided yet. That's all.”

  He released a breath of air, and then a smile slowly curved his mouth. “Oh, is that all? I can deal with that, I guess. And I don't want to pressure you, but do you have any idea when you might make a decision? I can hardly stand the uncertainty.”

  Holding back a sigh, I pushed my hair behind my ear. “Give me another week. Does that sound reasonable to you?”

  “Yes, it does.” He pulled me into his arms, and when I lay my head against his chest, I heard the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The closeness of his body warmed me, but after a few moments I sat up, ready to begin the conversation I’d been putting off.

  Just as I opened my mouth to speak, my cell phone rang. I glanced toward the coffee table where my phone continued to ring.

  “Aren't you going to get that?” Trevor asked.

  Resigned to the interruption, I picked up my phone and saw the call was from Alyssa, who was at her parents’ house for the holiday. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Lily. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Thanks, Alyssa. Same to you.”

  We chatted for a minute, and I tried to keep the rest of the conversation brief. “Okay, I'll see you on Monday,” I said before hanging up.

  The mood with Trevor broken, I decided to wait for another opening before talking to him about my concerns.

  We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon as we waited for the turkey to finish cooking, and when it was ready, Trevor helped me get everything finished and then he set the tiny table. There were only two chairs and so little room on the table that we had to leave most of the food on the counter.

  “This is delicious, Lily,” Trevor said, his mouth nearly full. He swallowed his food before continuing. “I had no idea you were such a great cook. My mom can't cook at all, and my dad isn't much better, so Thanksgiving was usually pretty interesting.”

  “You've never told me much about your family, Trevor. All I remember you telling me is that you have two older brothers. And of course that you're from Las Vegas.”

  “What else do you want to know?” he asked as he helped himself to some more sweet potatoes.

  “I don't know. How about, what do your parents do for a living?”

  “My dad was a high school math teacher and my mom's a housewife. My dad's retired now. I was kind of unexpected and they had me late in life. They're in their sixties now.”

  “That’s something we have in common. My parents were older when they had me, although I don’t have any brothers or sisters.”

  “It must’ve been hard for you to take care of your father for so long. Especially without anyone to help you.”

  “It was. But it was a gradual thing. At first he just seemed forgetful and I had to remind him about a lot of things. But eventually it became clear that there was something more wrong with him.”

  “Why didn’t you just put him in a home or something?”

  “I couldn’t do that to him. Ever since my mother died, he’d always put me first. I felt I needed to do the same for him.”

  “I don’t know if I could’ve done that. I love my parents and everything, but I just don’t know if I could make that kind of sacrifice.”

  I didn’t want to talk about my father anymore—thinking about him saddened me. “Speaking of your parents,” I said instead, “weren't they upset that you didn't come home for Thanksgiving?”

  He took another bite of turkey before answering. “I guess so. I was planning on coming home for Christmas though.”

  “Oh.” I hesitated. “Have you told them about me?”

  His face lit up at the question. “Yeah, of course. They're dying to meet you.” He began buttering a roll, but stopped and looked at me. “Hey! Why don't you come home with me for Christmas? That
would be perfect.”

  The idea had its appeal. After all, I had nowhere else to go. I’d been planning on staying here by myself, so the thought of spending Christmas with Trevor’s family sounded much better. “Yes, I'd like that.”

  “Sweet,” Trevor said as a wide smile curved his mouth.

  Seeing how happy my answer made him, I was doubly glad I’d accepted his invitation.

  Chapter Eighteen

  When we were too stuffed to eat another bite, we cleared the dishes.

  “I know what I'll be having for dinner for the next week,” I said with a laugh.

  “You can always send some home with me,” he said as he helped me put the leftovers in plastic containers. “I'd be happy to take any extra food off of your hands.”

  “Good. Take as much as you’d like.”

  Once the dishes were washed, Trevor suggested we take a walk. “I need to burn off some of those calories,” he said.

  I admired his muscular body, then I nodded. “Yeah, you don’t want to let yourself go.”

  Laughing, he took my hand and led me out the front door.

  The day was crisp but clear as we strolled down the street. It was a quiet neighborhood and we enjoyed the peacefulness that surrounded us, walking for nearly an hour before turning back.

  By the time we arrived back at my apartment, it was getting dark. “Are you ready for pie and ice cream,” I asked. “Or do you want to wait a while?”

  “I'm always ready to eat. Just let me know when you're ready.” He sprawled on the couch.

  I perched next to him, then laughed. “Are you comfortable?” I shoved his legs over to make room.

  “Sorry,” he said as he scooted over. When I sat beside him, he began rubbing my back.

  “Mmm, that feels good. Slaving over a hot stove makes my back tired sometimes.”

  “Just wait until we're married,” he said, “I don't expect you to do all of the cooking. I like to cook sometimes.”

  I turned to face him. “Really? That's nice to know.”