Loving Lily Lavender (23 page)

“Well, I’m going to answer this one.”

“No!” He jumped up and jerked the letter from my hand.

“Lucas, what’s wrong with you?”

“I’m sorry, Lily, it’s just that we’ve had enough trouble with
obsessed fans. I’m not taking any chances on encouraging any more. If you write
this boy, it could be all the encouragement he needs to start stalking you, and
we don’t need another Samantha situation. I mean haven’t we had enough crisis
in our lives? Do we need anymore?”

“Lucas, please calm down. I won’t write him back, I promise. Please
calm down.” I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him. He rested his
head on my shoulder.

“Lucas, you’ve got to lay this fear down. It’s crippling you, and
it’s affecting both of us.”

“I’m sorry.” He lifted his head up to peer at me and the look in
his eyes was heartbreaking. “Maybe I need to pray about this. Would you pray
with me?”

“Of course I will.”

He took my hand and led me into the den.   

Okay, I was so stressed over the wedding from Hades that I
thought I was going to turn into a vampire and start biting people, or was that
a werewolf and start eating people? Either way it was bad. Aside from that,
everything else was perfect, too perfect, in fact.

Lucas was totally back to normal and more his loving, wonderful,
self as ever, all of his fear—gone. All of the obsessiveness over Lucas and I
had all but died down; the robbery mostly forgotten. It was nice to live our
normal lives again.

So when Lucas entered the room, pale-faced, I knew instantly that
something was wrong.

“Lucas, what happened?”

He looked dazed as I approached him. “My uncle died this
morning.”

“Your Uncle Dean?” He just nodded. “Oh, Luke, I’m so sorry. I
know how much he meant to you. What can I do?”

“We have to leave. The funeral is this Saturday.”

“You mean, go to London?”

“Of course.”

“Luke, I’m so sorry, but I can’t go with you to London.”

“What do you mean, you can’t go?” I could see the shock on his
face.

“This wedding is next weekend. It’s so messed up. There is no way
I can leave.”

“Oh, the wedding. I forgot. Yeah, it has been a pain, hasn’t it?
Is the mother-in-law still threatening not to come?”

“Yes, not to mention, the bride’s maid’s dresses still haven’t
come in, and they still have to be fitted and altered. And on top of that, I
can’t find the fountain they want, and the floral arrangements have to be
changed because the bride’s discovered she’s allergic to orchids. Oh, I saved
the best for last. I just found out this morning that the reception hall has
been double booked, by accident, and now we have to find a new location for the
reception. The bride is frantic, to say the least. Oh, Lucas, I’m so sorry. I
really want to go with you, but I’m obligated.”

“I know, believe me, I understand. These people need you the
most, and there’s no one else who can help them like you can. I’ll have my
family for support too. You have to stay.”

“Thank you for understanding. It’s going to be hard being away
from you. How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

“I’ll leave as soon as it’s over, if I can make it that long
without seeing you. I’m really going to miss you—so much.”

“I’m going to miss you too, more than is rational. You know—maybe
I should go. You’re more important than any wedding.”

“No, Lily, you need to stay here and take care of your
responsibilities.”

“But you need me.” As I said the words, I began to cry, knowing
he was right, but wanting to be with him.

“Don’t cry, Lily. This will be much easier for me if you’re
strong.”

That sobered me, and I quickly wiped my tears from my face. “When
do you have to leave?”

“As soon as I get packed.”

“So soon?” The tears came again, but I tried harder to hide them.

“Mum says that Dad is really having a hard time and wants us all
there. The heart attack caught everyone by surprise. Uncle Dean was more than a
brother, they were best friends.”

“I could see that. Do you have time for a proper farewell?” I
tried to fake a smile, but I’m not sure he believed it.

“I always have time for that, and then you can help me pack.”

Time passed too quickly and soon he was packed and ready to
leave. I wanted to come with him to the airport, but he said it would just be
harder to say goodbye, though I couldn’t imagine it being any harder.

We kissed a long meaningful kiss goodbye, and then I followed him
outside. I stood on the deck as he walked to his car. He put his suitcase in
the trunk and walked to his door. He stopped, mouthed the words, “Take care of
my heart”, and clinched at his chest as if he were in pain, which he was. I
blew him a kiss, tears filling my eyes. He got in his car and drove slowly down
the driveway, looking out the window several times as if it would be the last
time he would see me.

My heart ached to go with him, but I knew I couldn’t.
If I
hurt this bad now,
I thought
, how would I survive until the end of the
week?
We hadn’t been apart, but for one night, since we got married.         

I heard the doorbell ring. I walked down the hall lethargically,
and when I opened the front door, there stood a tall woman dressed in a
business suit. Beside her sat a big, beautiful golden retriever. She had a
handful of his hair at the neck.

“I’m sorry to bother you ma’am, but does this dog belong to you?”

“Um, no I’m afraid not. I’ve never seen that dog before.”

“Oh, well he was running in the road, and I was afraid he was
going to get hit by a car. He doesn’t have a collar.”

“I don’t know what to say. He’s not mine.” I tried to be polite,
but the truth is I was quiet annoyed at the interruption….and my heart was
broken, though temporarily.

“Well, I’m late for a meeting. Is there any way you could take
him for me? Maybe you can call the local Vet. and Animal Control to see if
anyone has reported him missing.”

“Well I really am very busy.” As I was saying the words the dog
bolted into my house.

“Oh, I have to get to my meeting. Thanks for helping. Goodbye!”
she yelled as she ran to her car.

“Wait! I—I really can’t!” I’ve never seen a woman in a business
suit and heels run so fast. Then she was pulling out of my driveway. “Count to
ten, Lily. Count to ten,” I mumbled.

I shut the door and went looking for him, I guess it was a him, I
didn’t check. When I came into the den, he was lying on the floor in front of
the sofa.

“Don’t get too comfortable, because I’m going to find your owner
and get you home.” He just looked at me with the sweetest eyes. I went over and
knelt down to rub him, looking him over for fleas and ticks. Yep, it was a boy.
I also couldn’t find a tattoo, but he was clean, so that must mean he belonged
to someone.

Though I had work to do, I took the time to make the calls to see
if anyone had reported him missing. No one had reported it, so I left my number
and my first name only.

I called Meagan when I hadn’t heard from anyone by the evening.
“Meagan, can you go by the store and pick up a bag of dog food and bring it to me?
I would do it myself, but I’m busy fountain hunting.”

“Why do you need dog food?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain it when you get here. If you do
this I’ll let you borrow that dress you wanted to wear for your date with
Cody.”

“I’ll be right there.”

“Thanks.” I knew that would do it. She’s wanted to borrow that
dress ever since Lucas bought it for me as a belated birthday present.

“So are you going to keep him?” she asked, after I had filled her
in on the whole story.

“No, he belongs to someone. Look how good he looks. Someone’s
been taking care of him.”

“Maybe he’s an angel sent to you while Lucas is gone,” she
teased.

“Funny. I think I’m going to take a picture of him with my phone
and print it out and post it around.”

“Oh, that’s a bad idea.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well for one, anybody could see a picture of this beautiful dog
and call to get him. And for another, you’re home alone. Do you really want
people knowing where you live and having your phone number?”

“Good point. Then what do I do?”

“If someone really misses him, they’ll call the Vet. and Animal
Control, so you’ve already done all you can do. Now just wait till someone
calls.”

“I guess you’re right. Well, he sure is hungry.” I watched him
scarf down a bowl of food in a matter of seconds. He also seemed to be well
trained.

I didn’t want him doing his business in my rose garden, so when
we took him outside I pointed to where I wanted him to go—and, to my amazement,
that is exactly where he went.

“Hmm, maybe he is an angel,” Meagan muttered. “Are you going to
be scared to stay here alone?”

“I don’t think so. Before I met Lucas I lived here alone.”

“Yeah, but that was before the devil painted a large target on
your head.”

“Well, you’ve got a point there. Do you mind staying with me
tonight?”

“Of course not. All you had to do was ask.”

I was relieved when Lucas called and told me he had arrived
safely in London, but it was little comfort to me when I pulled the covers back
and climbed into an empty, cold bed. I felt a small sense of security at the
dog sleeping on the floor next to me. He had just followed me up to my room as
if it were routine.

Meagan was tucked comfortably in the room across the hall.

I fell asleep quickly only to abruptly awake at two o’clock in
the morning. As I lay there, consumed by my misery, I began thinking about
Lucas and the first day we met. Before I knew it, I was sitting at my computer,
with a cup of steaming coffee by my side, typing in the words as they crossed
my mind. Somehow recalling those first moments with Lucas gave me a quiet
peace, remembering his sheepish smile, his beautiful accent, and the insecurity
that seemed so dominant then.

 I smiled at the memory of his awkwardness when inviting me to
come home with him. I felt a wave of heat rush over me as I thought about that
first kiss in his apartment, and the way he protected me against Randall’s
unwanted advances. And as I remembered, I typed.

The late night hours quickly turned into early morning hours, and
still I typed on, unable to stop the flow of memories flooding my
consciousness. It was as if a faucet had been turned on that couldn’t be shut
off.

And so became a new routine. During the day, I worked feverishly
to organize the nightmare wedding, but during the late night hours, with only a
few hours of sleep, I would begin typing our story and all the details of our
short life together. Now, no matter what happened, it could not be forgotten,
and that thought gave me peace. Even if my mind someday failed me, like my
mom’s, someone will read and remember. The feelings and experiences we’ve
shared could be relived through others—like our children and grandchildren.
They will know that true love exists, and it’s worth waiting for and risking
your life to save.

I talked to Lucas several times a day. He was just as miserable
as I was, although he was getting a bit more sleep than me. I didn’t tell him
about my writing, it seemed a bit silly, and I didn’t want him to think I was
losing my mind. It would only make him worry more, as if my lack of sleep
wasn’t making him worry enough. I also didn’t tell him about my new furry
visitor. I did, however, quiz him about any known allergies to animals. When he
asked why, I quickly changed the subject. He seemed a little suspicious until I
told him how much I missed him in my bed, and then our conversation took a turn
in another direction.

Speaking of the dog, however, no one had called to claim him.
After three days of calling him doggy, I decided he needed a proper name.

“I’ve decided what to name you!” I yelled at him, holding up a
shoe he’d chewed beyond recognition.

“This was my favorite pair! Do you know how often I splurge on
designer shoes? Never! One, two, three, four,” I took a deep breath. “Okay—I’m
going to honor you by giving you the name of one of the most beloved characters
in
Star Wars
, Chewbacca, but I’m going to call you Chewy because of what
you did to my shoe. Don’t dishonor his name by chewing up any more.
Understand?”

He cocked his head as if he understood and looked at me with sad
eyes.

“Okay, I forgive you. Just don’t do it again.”

“Are you still talking to that dog like he’s a human?” Meagan
asked as she came in through the back door.

“Well, he acts like a human except for the chewing the shoe
part.” I held up the shredded shoe so she could observe.

“Oh no! I loved those shoes,” she pouted.

“Yeah, well he’s earned his name—Chewy, and he promised not to do
it again.”

“I love the name. It’s so appropriate. So how do you think Lucas
will feel about him?”

“I’m not sure. He’s never mentioned whether he likes animals or
not, but if I know Lucas, he’ll love him too.”

“Well, the funeral is tomorrow, so Lucas should be home soon,
right?”

“Yes, and I’m counting the minutes. Meagan, I never thought I
could miss someone so much. I’m going mad. I haven’t slept but a few hours a
night in the last three nights.”

“I think pain and love go hand in hand. So when are you going to
tell me what you’re doing on your computer all night?”

“How did you know about that?”

“Sometimes I have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night,
and I’ve seen your light on under your door. Last night I cracked your door
open. You were so immersed in what you were doing you didn’t even hear me.”

“Well, it’s a little silly, but I’m writing mine and Lucas’s
story.”

“Wow, that’s a fantastical idea.” She lit up with excitement.