Authors: Lynn Hunter
“Fine.” She agreed quickly before he could change his mind.
“But,” he added, “after that we're going to talk about how
to proceed.”
She almost said, “Yes, sir.” “Okay. I'll call you after
Thanksgiving.”
“We're having Thanksgiving together.”
“No.”
“Yes,” he said firmly.
Her shoulders dropped in defeat. At least, she would have a
few weeks to think without him hovering.
“Bye, Sam.”
His jaw clenched and he merely nodded once at her. She fled
before he could stop her.
“I'm pregnant.” Lily blurted. Might as well get it over
with. She already knew her mom would be
d
isappointed. Her parents were
upset the first time she became pregnant but they supported her one hundred
percent. Getting in this position again was showing a pattern of selfishness
and irresponsibility.
Her mom paused in the act of putting their lunch dishes in
the sink. Her eyes grew wide. “Oh, my.”
Oh, my? Lily gulped. “I'm about four weeks along.”
Her mom grabbed her hand. “Did you make an appointment with
a doctor?”
“Actually, I saw the doctor today.” She licked her lips.
“I'm so sorry, Mom.”
She smiled gently and shook her head. “Never be sorry for a
baby, Lily.” She wrapped her in a gentle hug.
Tears filled Lily's eyes as she clung to her mom. “I can't
believe I did this again,” she whispered.
“Does Sam know?” She never questioned who the father was.
“Yes,” Lily said bitterly.
Surprisingly her mom smiled. “He's glad I take it?”
What the heck? “How did you know?”
“After I met your dad and we became a couple, he was not
quiet about trying to get me pregnant.”
Lily knew her mom had been pregnant with her when she
married her dad, but she never really gave it any thought. But at least her
father wasn’t trying to hide the fact he wanted her mother pregnant.
Her mom smiled dreamily. “I told him I loved him but for
some reason he thought I wouldn't stay unless I was pregnant and married.” She
shook her head. “He never told me that but could tell by his actions and
attitude.”
“You didn't care that he was trying to get you pregnant?”
“To be honest, no. I couldn't imagine ever being without
him.”
Lily could believe it. They had been crazy about each
other. Her relationship with Sam, however, wasn't the same. Was it?
“How do you feel about the baby?”
“I'm scared to death. I don't know how we'll make this
work.”
“We'll get through. You're not alone you know. Sam will
want to marry you.”
“He already asked me.”
“What did you say?”
She never really allowed herself to think about it marriage.
When she was dating John, she dreamed of marrying him and having a house full
of children. She didn't even feel like the same person. Probably because she
wasn't
the same person.
As she opened her mouth to answer, her mom's phone rang.
Thankful for not having to answer any more questions she busied herself washing
the lunch dishes. She half listened to the conversation before her mom
wandered to the living room. It sounded like it was about the house.
“Well, it looks like we get to spend another Thanksgiving in
the house. The buyer can't close until the Monday after Thanksgiving.
“Well, that's good. It gives us a little time to look for a
house. The cafe in town with the apartment won't work now.” She signed and
rubbed her stomach. “We'll need a little more room.”
“Let's worry about it later.”
“We can't worry about it later. We have to have a place
before closing.”
“Actually, honey, the buyer said he can't move in until
thirty days after closing. Let's plan for Thanksgiving here. I have so many
recipe ideas.” She said brightly.
Tired. She was so tired. She'd been tired since she met
Sam. That wasn't entirely accurate. She just wanted to blame him
for..well...everything. “I think I'll lie down before Johnathan gets home. I
love you, Mom. I'm sorry I did this again.”
“Don't, Lily. Don't apologize and you didn't do this alone.
Things will work out. I'm sure of it.”
Lily shook her head. “Wake me when Johnathan gets home.”
“Alright, honey.”
Lily fell asleep wondering how her mom could be so sure
things would work out.
***
Sam kept his word and allowed Lily the space she wanted. He
wasn't happy about it, though. He had to stop himself from calling her every
day, or driving to the house to check on her. He sent her a couple of texts
but she didn't respond. Sam wanted to tell her how much he missed her but didn’t
want her to feel pressured.
Thoughts of her consumed him. Was she okay? Was the baby
okay? Did she tell Johnathan about the baby? Did Johnathan wonder why he
wasn't around? He didn't want him to think he abandoned them. Thank God Glen
was seeing Sarah and kept Sam updated on how Lily was.
“Did you see Lily last night?” He asked as Glen and Jake
walked into the shop. Jake started driving for Glen about a week after coming
back to town mostly doing local runs.
Glen scratched his head looking uncomfortable. The hair on
the back of Sam's neck stood up. “What? What's wrong?”
“She's okay,” Jake said.
So Jake went to dinner at the house with Glen last night?
He was instantly pissed. Sam didn't want any other man around Lily. Jake was
a good guy and he genuinely liked him, but he didn't want Lily to cling to him
in her vulnerable state. She was
his
and pregnant with
his
child. It was
his
family. Now Johnathan sees Jake around and not Sam.
Would he look at Jake as a father figure now instead? Jake knew Johnathan's
dad. That gave the three of them some kind of history and connection. It made
Sam feel panicked inside.
“She's okay?” Sam kept his eyes on Glen. There was
something wrong.
“She seems okay, I guess, just...”
“What the hell Glen! Out with it!”
“She's pale, losing weight. Quieter than usual.”
Sam's heart constricted. He actually rubbed his chest to
relieve the ache. “I'm going over there. Have Rick watch the shop.”
Both Glen and Jake stepped in front of him blocking his
exit.
“Move,” he barked.
“You can't just bully your way in, Sam. You'll push her
further away.” Jake warned.
Sam turned murderous eyes on him. “So you're going to be
her support system now?” He'd kill him.
“If she needs it. As family.” Jake cocked an eyebrow at
him. “She's mostly likely going to be my sister one day.”
Sam knew that but it didn't make him feel much better. He
ran a frustrated hand through his hair.
“She can't lose weight. It's not good for her or the
baby.” He looked at Glen. “Is she still getting sick?”
Glen nodded, “Yes, but Sarah assured me she was fine. She
said that Lily seems scared and might even miss you.”
Miss him? “She's got a hell of a way of showing it.”
“Well, we'll all be there for Thanksgiving on Thursday. You
can talk to her then. But you need to be easy with her. Think about how she
feels. You're not a hot head Sam. Don't give her a reason to believe you
are.”
“He
is
a hot head. Lately anyway.” Sam turned to
see Dean and Rick enter the shop.
“Not now, Dean.” Sam didn't want to deal with his smart ass
brother right now.
“I saw Lily yesterday at the store,” Rick said. “She was
with her mom.
”
Great. Everyone got to see her but him.
“They invited me to Thanksgiving and said to be sure to invite
Willa too.”
Dean rubbed his hands together. “Lots of people mean lots
of food.”
Rick shook his head. “Is that all you think about?”
Dean grinned. “Nope. I think about-”
“Never mind,” Rick interrupted. “I don't want to know what
goes on in that brain of yours.
“Why not? You might learn something.”
Listening to their banter did little to ease Sam's mood. He
was consumed with worry over Lily. Thinking about her sick and unable to eat
made him feel helpless. He was an asshole for doing this to her. If she would
let him he could fix everything if she let him. He turned back to Glen. “What
time do we need to be there on Thursday?”
“We're eating about one o'clock but Sarah said to come
anytime.”
“I'm going early,” Rick informed.
“Why?”
“I'm bringing the turkeys.”
Silence filled the shop. Everyone stared at Rick in
surprise.
“What? I told them I would bring the turkeys and help
cook.” He held his arm out at his sides, “You don't think I got this size
without knowing how to cook, do you?”
Dean waved a hand at him. “I thought you got that size by
eating small people and using Freightliners as free weights,” he replied in all
seriousness.
“People, no, weights, yes.” He puffed out his massive chest.
“I'm a great cook and they said they were grateful for my help.”
Sam wondered how Lily would handle the smell of all the
food. He wanted to ask her what he could do to help, but he promised to stay
away until Thanksgiving.
“We'll all go early,” he said to Dean. “Mom will most likely
want to help cook too.”
After they all made plans on when to meet at the farmhouse,
everyone got back to work. He stopped Glen as he was leaving the shop.
“Did you give Lily the money?” He'd been sending money over
every week with Glen when he went to visit. He might not be able to see her
but, at least, he knew she wouldn't go without.
“I gave it to Sarah.” He shook his head. “Lily hasn't
spoken to me much and I don't want to make her uncomfortable. You need to tell
her about the house when you see her. Don't drag it out.”
“I told Sarah,” Sam called and talked to Sarah about buying
the house. She wasn't surprised but she told him he better tell Lily soon
because she didn't feel right keeping secrets from her daughter. Then she told
him she knew he'd take good care of her. Taking care of her wasn't a problem.
It was getting her to talk to him that was an issue.
“I know,” he gave Sam a sober look, “part of the reason Lily
is so upset is because she thinks she has to leave the house.”
Sam sighed. “I should have told her about the house when she
found out about the baby. But-” he shook his head. He didn't have the balls.
She was so upset about the baby she wouldn't have been open to listening to his
reasons for buying her
beloved
farmhouse. She would have felt trapped.
He
was
trapping her. She had no way out. He wouldn't give her a way
out because he loved her so much he couldn't be without her. The past few
weeks without seeing had been pure torture. Sam waited on pins and needles for
Glen to give him any information about her.
“Well, hurry up with it will you? Now that Lily's pregnant,
Sarah won't leave her alone for a minute.”
Sam found his first smile in weeks. Glen obviously hadn't
been alone with Sarah in weeks and was feeling anxious.
“I don't know what you're smiling about.” Glen groused.
“Sarah actually
likes
me.”
Sam chuckled. “Maybe you can have her to yourself by the
weekend.”
“Feeling that confident?”
“Yeah,” he lied.
Early Thanksgiving morning, Lily stood in front of her
closet. She was so nervous and had jitters at the thought of seeing Sam
again. So many times she wanted to call him in the past few weeks. She missed
him so much. He'd been sending money every week and stayed true to his word
that he wouldn't let her do without. She was grateful too because the morning
sickness was so bad she couldn't bake. What kind of baker can't stand the
smell of coffee and cake batter? All she really had the energy to do was sleep
and spend time with Johnathan. She still hadn't told him about the baby.
There were no answers to the question she knew her son would ask since didn't
know what the future held for Sam and her. Could she move past his deception
and embrace a future with him? Or would she always be bitter and resentful?
She took a deep breath to calm her stomach. Maybe she shouldn’t have gone so
long without talking to him. Now she was so worked up at the thought of seeing
him that she was sick. She couldn't even decide what to wear. Finally, she
picked on a soft black sweater and a pair of blue legging since her jeans were
starting to get a little tight. It wasn’t fancy but she may as well be
comfortable.
At least, there would be a lot of people there today to be
buffers in case she and Sam couldn't get along. She scoffed at herself. Like
Sam would let anyone be a buffer for him. Even Candace and Derek would be
there. Johnathan's was so excited to have his best friend coming.
She dressed and stood in front of the mirror. Lord, she
looked pale and tired. She put on a little makeup but that didn't do much to
hide the dark circles under her eyes or the paleness of her skin. Sam's mother
and father would be there. What would his mom think of her? She probably
expected Sam to be with a tall, attractive woman, maybe someone that
complimented Sam’s confidence and masculine looks. Not short, pale and...
pregnant.
With one last look in the mirror and decided there was no improving
on perfectly awful Lily cautiously made her way downstairs. She was worried
about all the food that would be baking. Everything seemed to make her sick
except for chicken soup. As she reached the bottom of the steps, she could
small turkey. She sniffed carefully. Still okay. The scent didn't send her
running to the bathroom. A deep rumble of laughter came from the kitchen along
with Johnathan's giggle. Rick must have already started cooking. Thank
goodness he was here. Lily didn't know how much help she'd be today. Feeling
a bit braver she entered the kitchen.
Johnathan stood on a stool next to Rick, who was showing him
how to measure ingredients. Lily smiled. She tried to teach her son on
numerous occasions how to measure but he never seemed to be able to keep the
ingredients in the measuring cup.
“Hey, guys.” Lily greeted.
“Hey, Mom!” He pulled his spoon from his bowl effectively
throwing whatever he was mixing everywhere. “I'm making stuffin'!” he beamed.
“Yum!” I can't wait to try it.” She fervently hoped she
could eat a portion of it to please him.
“There won't be any stuffing if you keep throwing it all
over the kitchen, wild man.” Rick teased.
“Hi, Rick. I'm so glad you’re here. I’ll help as much as I
can today.”
“It's no problem. It's not often I get to cook for a group
of people.” He went back to the cutting board to chop onion. He dwarfed the kitchen
Island. Actually, he made the whole kitchen look like a playhouse. It was
strange to see such a big, bald guy cooking in their kitchen. But if you spent
thirty seconds in Rick’s presence, you could sense his kind nature, and
immediately be put at ease.
“Good morning, Lily,” her mom said as she shut the oven door,
her face flushed from the heat of the oven. Her mom looked young and beautiful
and Lily felt old and dried up. “How are you this morning?”
“I'm okay. What can I do to help?” She couldn't sit around
while they did all the work.
“You want to peel potatoes? I need to get started on the
pumpkin pie.” Rick picked the perfect job for her. It didn't require cooking.
He apparently knew she was pregnant. Everyone probably knew by now. The only
person that didn't know was Johnathan. She felt terrible about that. Rick
motioned with his knife to an already set up potato peeling station at the
table. She smiled. He was definitely organized. If she ever opened a bakery,
maybe he would work with her.
There was a knock on the kitchen door and her mom answered
it. Candace and Derek stood in the doorway. Candace smiled shyly. “Hi, Sarah,
I thought I would come early to help with-” her eyes caught sight of Rick and
she paled.
Rick paused in his chopping to face her. “We could
definitely use the help.” His eyes locked on her face. Candace's gaze
immediately dropped to the floor and she grabbed Derek's shoulder.
“Derek!” Johnathan cried. He looked to Rick “Can I be done
so we can go play?” he asked excitedly. Rick turned to him and took his spoon
quickly before more stuffing mixture littered the kitchen floor.
“Yeah, man,” he replied, “if it's okay with your mom.”
“Come in Candace.” Lily urged. “I'm glad you're here.”
Her mom ushered Derek and his reluctant mother into the
kitchen. Lily felt for her. Candace fear of Rick was obvious.
“Hey there, Derek.” Rick greeted.
“Hi,” Derek answered then glanced up at his mom.
“What's your favorite Thanksgiving food?” He asked casually
pretending not to notice Candace's behavior. Lily wondered how Rick handled
being stared at all the time or if it made him feel bad when people were afraid
of him.
“Homemade mac and cheese,” he answered without hesitation.
“My mom makes the best.”
Candace flushed. “I have a big pan in the car. I'll go-”
“I'll get it.” In two long strides, Rick was at the door.
It startled Candace so badly she jumped backward nearly taking a tumble out the
door. Rick saved her by grabbing her waist, “Easy” he soothed. She let out a
squeak when he plucked her off the floor and gently set her inside the kitchen
he gave Derek a playful wink before heading outside. Candace looked stunned
and Derek smiled behind his hand.
“He's like the Hulk!” Johnathan cried. Everyone laughed
except Candace.
Seconds later Rick came back in followed by Willa.
“Hey, ya'll.” She looked pretty today wearing a blue
cardigan and jeans.
“Hi, Willa. What do you have there?” Sarah asked.
“Well, I didn't ask if I should bring anything but I
couldn't come without somethin'.” She shifted her weight nervously. “I made a
green bean casserole. It just needs to be baked. If you already have one,
it's fine-”
“Actually, Willa,” Lily said “That sounds good. Thanks.”
Lily stood up from the table to take it from her.
Willa smiled brightly, “I had to bring something cause I’m a
fixin' to eat a mess of food.”
Sarah put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “We're
so glad you could come, honey.”
Willa flushed with pleasure. Lily wondered if she had any
family around but didn't want to make her uncomfortable by asking.
“Looks like the party already started.” Glen's voice
sounded in the doorway. He stepped inside to kiss Sarah on the cheek. When he
moved out of the doorway, Sam's large frame filled it. The air in the room
immediately electrified. His eyes zeroed in on Lily for a long minute before
scanning her body. Lily blushed. He looked so good. He wore dark blue jeans
and a blue shirt that was the exact color of his eyes. She had a wild urge to
throw herself into his arms and beg him to stay with her and never leave.
“You gonna let us in, Sam, or make us stand outside all
day.” Dean griped.
Sam stepped aside without taking his eyes off her. “Hello,
Lily,’ she missed his deep voice, “how are you feeling?”
“Um,” she set Willa's dish on the island. “I'm fine,” she
touched her hair and tugged on her sweater and smoothed her curls. Did she look
okay? Did he ask how she felt because she looked bad?
“You look beautiful.”
The compliment pleased her more than she wanted it to. “Oh,
thank you.”
A woman stepped in behind him. She was lovely. She had
straight, black shoulder length hair streaked lightly with gray. Her features
were exotic and striking like maybe she was of Mediterranean descent but she
had dark blue eyes. Just like Sam’s. She was dressed casually as well, in
jeans and a red sweater.
“This is my mom, Janie. Mom, this is Lily.” Sam introduced
them.
Janie gave her a dazzling smile. Lily was momentarily
speechless. The woman was beautiful. Considering Sam's age, she had to be around
sixty.
“I've heard so much about you,” Lily approached to take her
hand but Janie scooped her up in a tight hug.
“I've heard a lot about you, too,” she grabbed Lily by the
shoulders and held her away. “You're beautiful, Lily! I asked Sam for details
but all he said was ’she's perfect.’” She imitated Sam's deep voice and it
made Lily smile. “He's so right lipped.” Janie rolled her eyes.
Perfect
? Hardly. “It's nice to meet you,” she
motioned to her mom. “This is my mom, Sarah.” She then waved Johnathan
closer. “And this is my son, Johnathan.”
“What a handsome young man! Look at those beautiful curls.
Just like your Mamma.”
“Nice to meet you,” Johnathan said politely.
“Move aside, woman. I smell food.” A tall, thin man walked
in. He looked like an older version of Dean complete with a ready and charming
smile. His eyes landed on Lily.
“Alan, this is Lily.” Janie beamed.
He took her hand and held it out to examine her. “You're right,
son, she is perfect,” he winked at her, “the Fuller men know how to pick 'em.”
Lily found herself smiling again.
Dean and Jake came in and introductions were made.
Johnathan wrapped his arms around Sam's hips. “You're back!
Finally!”
Lily flushed with embarrassment. She hated that she left
Johnathan out of the loop.
Sam ruffled his hair. “Sorry, little man. Things have been
crazy,” he cut his eyes to Lily, “but it's all better now. You'll see a lot
more of me.”
“Okay,” he beamed. “Sam's dating my mom,” he informed Janie
and Allen.
“I most certainly am.” Sam squeezed Johnathan's shoulder.
Everyone chatted while Willa and Candace stood quietly off
to the side looking a little lost. Willa stared at the floor while Dean stared
at her.
“Good morning, Willa,” Dean said without a smile.
“Mornin',” she nodded in his direction.
“Oh, Sarah,” Janie said, “I brought yeast rolls and
ingredients for mimosas,” she smiled. “I usually only make them at Christmas
but this seemed like the perfect occasion.”
“Wonderful! I'll get glasses.” The two women chatted like
long lost friends as they prepared drinks. At least, they weren't brewing
coffee. Her stomach still couldn’t handle the smell. Chatter began around the
kitchen again as everyone got comfortable.
Sam never took his eyes off Lily. Looking for something to
do she turned back to the potatoes only to see Willa and Candace had commandeered
her station.
Her mom and Janie handed the mimosas around. “Orange juice
for you,” her mom whispered.
The boys even got orange juice in a champagne glass complete
with a strawberry garnish.
“A toast to new friends,” Sarah raised her glass and leaned
into Glen's side.
Everyone took a sip and still, Sam stared at her. He was
making her so self-conscious just staring at her like that. Should she go talk
to him? Lily wasn’t sure what to say even though she had weeks to think about
it.
“Oh, Sarah, this house is so charming,” Janie praised then
turned to Sam. “When do you close on it?”
Close on it? The room fell silent. Close on what?
“What?” Janie looked around the room. “Did I say something
wrong?”
Sam patted his mom on the shoulder and turned back to Lily.
His eyes took on a steely glint.
A cold sensation washed over her. Something was wrong.
“What are you closing on, Sam?” She whispered, barely able to get the words
out.
“Come on Derek, Johnathan, let's go outside and play for a
while.” She heard Candace's voice from a distance.
“Lily-”
“Closing on what, Sam?” Numbness started to invade her
body.
“This house,” he stated firmly. “I'm buying this house.” He
crossed his arms over his chest and braced his feet apart as if expecting a
fight. But she couldn't fight him. He already bested her.
“You're buying my home?” He'd been slowly taking her life
from her control and she smiled and crawled into bed with him. She had no idea
she should even be looking out for that kind of deceit. She trusted him.
He nodded. “Yes.”
Completely numb she let her gaze travel the room. There were
so many guilty faces. Even her own mom. “Did you know?” she asked her, already
knowing the answer.
“It's not her fault, Lily. I asked her not to say
anything.”
Tears stung her eyes. Maybe she wasn't as numb as she
thought. “You asked my mom to lie to me?” How could he do this?
“No. I wanted to tell you myself but you weren't ready.”
“Ready? You've been lying to me the-”
He threw his hands up. “Yes, dammit! I'm a low down piece
of shit who went around behind your back to give you everything you could ask
for!”
Anger boiled “
Asked
for? Are you insane? I didn't
ask
to be pregnant!” She heard a gasp and an “Oh, shit” from somewhere in the
room.
Sam waved a hand. “That's what I wanted. Bonus for you.”
She was incredulous. He was crazy. “Get out,” she snapped.
He folded his arms again. “No.”