He Loves Me Not: Lily’s Story, Book 1 (14 page)

“Okay. And then we fly home on Sunday.” I sighed, ecstatic. “This is sure a quick trip.”

He gazed into my eyes. “Yeah, but what a trip. We'll come home Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Caldwell.”

“Mmmm. I like the sound of that.” I leaned back in my seat, imagining how the next day would go.

O
n my wedding
day I woke before anyone else, took a long shower, went back into my room to finish getting dressed, then tiptoed into the room where Alyssa was staying.

“You’re already dressed and everything,” she said as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “You aren’t excited by any chance?”

I laughed quietly. “Just a little. Now get up, sleepyhead. I want you to help me do my nails. Yours always look so good.”

“Okay, okay. At least give me time to take a shower first.”

I wandered into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of orange juice, and though I had no appetite, I forced myself to drink the juice. The sun was just starting to come up, and I could see it would be a beautiful, sunny day.

Only three hours until my wedding. I can’t believe it.

I considered waking Trevor but decided to finish getting ready first. Normally I would have preferred that he not see me until the ceremony, but the wedding package we’d ordered included a limousine ride to the ceremony, so we’d be riding there together. Even so, I didn’t want him to see the dress before the ceremony, so Alyssa and I had devised a way to cover the dress while we traveled.

Half an hour later, Alyssa joined me in my room. “Okay, where do you want to set up?” She held nail polish and other supplies in her hands.

I giggled. “I think in here will work.”

She spread her things out on a table before closing the door. “Put your hand on this towel so we don’t get anything on the Caldwell’s table.”

I did as instructed and watched my nails transform from plain to beautiful.

Alyssa admired her work, then looked at my face. “What about make-up? You don’t usually wear much. Do you want me to get you all made up?”

“Sure, why not? It
is
my wedding day.”

“Let me get my things. I’ll be right back.”

After she left, I admired my nails some more, and moments later she returned. She looked at me with raised eyebrows. “Your groom is awake.”

My heart leapt.

My groom. My husband-to-be. I can hardly believe it.

I closed my eyes as Alyssa painted my face, and a short time later I looked in the hand mirror she held up. “Oooh! I love it. Thank you.”

“Now we just need to do something about your hair,” Alyssa said.

There was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” I called out.

“It’s me,” Trevor said.

The sound of his voice brought a wide smile to my face.

“You can’t come in,” Alyssa shouted. “Lily’s getting ready for her big day.”

“Ahh. Come on,” he said through the closed door.

“Nope. You’re going to have to wait until it’s time to go,” Alyssa said.

“Okay, fine.” We could hear Trevor walking away.

I smiled at my friend. “You sure are bossy.”

Alyssa grinned. “Do you want your hair up or down?”

“Um, I guess up.”

Alyssa fiddled with my long, dark hair. “How’s this?”

I held the mirror up. “That looks good. And I think it will help the veil stay on.”

“Great.” Alyssa brushed my hair into a French twist, then clipped it into place. “Very sophisticated, I must say.”

I stood and looked into a full-length mirror that had been placed in my room for the day. “Yes, I have to agree,” I laughed. “Now what about you?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m not the star of this show, remember. I can get ready quickly.”

I looked at the clock on my phone. “Oh my gosh. The limo will be here in thirty minutes!”

“Calm down. Don’t get a case of nerves now.”

Another knock came at the door.”

“Yes?” Alyssa asked.

“It’s Marcy,” Trevor’s mom said. “Is everything going all right?”

Alyssa opened the door. “Lily’s pretty much ready.”

“You look lovely, dear,” Marcy said. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”

“No, but thank you. How’s Trevor doing? Is he nervous?” I smiled at the thought.

“I think he’s fine,” she said. “But I wanted to see if you need any help getting your gown on.”

“I think we can manage. But thank you.”

“Okay then. I’ll leave you girls alone.”

Alyssa shut the door behind her. “She seems nice, Lily. Just like you said.” Alyssa fussed with my hair, capturing stray pieces.

“She is. I’m really lucky.” I watched in the mirror as Alyssa put the finishing touches on my hair. “Now remember, we need to put that cape over my gown so Trevor can’t see my dress before the ceremony.”

“Let me help you get the gown on and then I’ll put on my dress.” Alyssa said.

We struggled to get my gown over my head without mussing my hair or make-up. After several tries we succeeded. Next, Alyssa slipped the bridal veil onto my head and secured it in place.

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” she said.

“Thank you. I’m so glad you could come. It wouldn’t have been the same if Marcy were helping me.”

Alyssa hugged me. “Okay. I’ll get my dress on and then we’ll throw on the cape.”

Finally alone, I thought about Trevor and the life we were about to embark on together. I loved him and he loved me, and the future held endless possibilities.

Over the last week I'd made room in my closet for his things in preparation for him to move in when we got back to Reno.

It’s going to be strange to not be by myself anymore. But I’m sure looking forward to it.

A short time later Alyssa was back. She helped me wrap the cape around my dress and secure it into place, and as soon as we were done, we went into the living room and found Trevor and his parents waiting. Trevor wore a tux with a blue bow tie and cummerbund, and as I looked at him, love for him overwhelmed me. He looked so handsome and the blue accented his eyes perfectly. And when he smiled at me, I could hardly believe my good fortune in marrying him.

“I like your cape,” he said with a laugh.

At a loss for words, I smiled back.

“The limo’s here,” Trevor’s dad said.

Trevor held out his arm for me and we led our group out to the limo. The driver held the door open and we all climbed in. It was a short drive to the lake where the ceremony and reception would be held, and once we arrived, we went straight to the ceremony area.

Trevor walked me to the rear where I would come out when it was my turn, then went to the front where he would wait for my arrival.

Alyssa smiled. “I think all of the guests are here. It should begin anytime.”

She helped me remove the cape, then straightened my dress.

John Caldwell, who I'd asked to give me away, asked, “Are you ready?”

I nodded.

“You look beautiful, Lily,” he said. “Trevor is lucky to have you.”

I beamed at his words.

As the music started playing, I grabbed Alyssa’s hand and held on tightly.

“It’s okay. Be calm,” she whispered. “I’ll go in first with the best man. You just follow us.”

I nodded wordlessly. I watched Alyssa and Scott, Trevor’s brother and best man, as they began walking down the aisle. John stood next to me. A flower-covered arch stood at the front with the lake in the background. I glimpsed Trevor standing underneath the arch, his eyes searching for me. Heart pounding, I smiled, thrilled and nervous to be marrying the man I loved.

When Alyssa reached the front, I took John’s arm and stepped onto the path. The music changed to the wedding march and everyone turned to look at me. The crowd stood as I appeared and all eyes shifted to me. I felt beautiful and loved.

When I reached Trevor’s side, he had tears in his eyes. Touched by his show of emotion, tears filled my eyes. John took my hand and placed it in Trevor’s, then sat beside Marcy on the front row.

I was afraid that if I made eye contact with Trevor I would break into tears, so I stared at the minister as he spoke. I hardly heard anything he said as the enormity of the ceremony pressed on my mind. Then I heard him ask me if I would take Trevor for my husband.

I turned toward Trevor and gazed into his eyes. “I will.”

“Trevor Caldwell, will you take this woman, Lily, to be your wife?”

His hands held mine tightly. “I will.”

As I watched his face my heart was so full I thought it might burst at any moment.

Then the minister asked for us to exchange the rings. Trevor turned to his best man, Scott, who reached into his pocket and handed Trevor my wedding band. Trevor lifted my left hand and slipped the wedding band on my finger, then looked deeply into my eyes.

To keep from weeping, I quickly turned toward Alyssa, who handed me Trevor’s ring. I slid it onto Trevor’s left ring finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister said. He looked at Trevor. “You may kiss your bride.”

Trevor cradled my face in his hands and gently pressed his lips to mine. “I love you,” he whispered as he pulled away.

I allowed the tears to fall as I clung to Trevor’s hand.

The minister turned to the assembled group. “Allow me to present Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Caldwell.”

Trevor and I glowed with happiness as we faced those who had come to share in our special day.

Trevor held out his arm. “Are you ready, Mrs. Caldwell?”

I giggled. “It’s going to take a little while to get used to that.”

We walked to the garden area and formed a reception line with the rest of the wedding party. I didn’t know most of the people that came through the line, but felt their love as they shook my hand or gave me a quick hug.

Food was passed out butler-style and once we’d finished with the reception line, I tried to eat some of the food even though my appetite was still absent. Trevor had no difficulty eating, however. I walked around with Trevor to talk to the guests.

After a while Marcy announced, “I think it’s time to cut the cake.”

Trevor and I stood to the side of the wedding cake and smiled for the photographer before cutting a small slice, then carefully placed a piece of cake in each other’s mouthes.

Finally it was time to leave, and I held tightly to Trevor’s hand as we walked toward the limousine as the guests blew bubbles toward us. The driver opened the door and we climbed inside. A few minutes later we were on the road to the hotel Trevor had arranged for us to stay in.

“Can you believe we’re married?” I asked, as we cuddled in the back of the limo.

He had a huge grin on his face. “No.” He glanced at his wedding ring and held it up for me to see. “But I guess this proves it.”

“Yes, I guess it does.” My smile matched his.

When we stopped in front of the hotel, the limo driver helped us out, then we went into the lobby. This was our special day, the day I'd been anticipating for a long time. Trevor took my hand in his and led me onto the elevator. Once we were inside, he pressed the button for our floor.

We reached our room, and when he slid the electronic key into the slot, I heard the lock click free. Trevor pushed the door open and turned to me. “Come here, Mrs. Caldwell.” He scooped me up effortlessly and carried me across the threshold, deposited me on the queen-sized bed, then hung the ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the door and locked the deadbolt.

L
ater that evening
, when I finally had a chance to unpack my suitcase, I found an unopened bottle of vodka inside. I picked it up and held it out to Trevor. “Why is this in my suitcase?”

He smiled. “It was a gift from my parents.”

“Oh. But why is it in
my
suitcase?”

“I couldn’t fit it in mine.”

What a strange wedding gift. Even if they aren’t aware I don’t drink, I would have expected something more like champagne.

“Come back to bed, Lily,” Trevor said, patting the sheets next to him.

I moved in his direction, forgetting about the vodka.

M
onday morning
I awoke early to get ready for classes. I stared at Trevor, still asleep in our bed, stunned by how much more I loved him than even the previous week. Being joined as husband and wife was something special and I was grateful I'd insisted on waiting until marriage to become intimate.

“Trevor,” I whispered, nudging him gently. “Trevor, wake up.”

His left eye cracked open. “What time is it?”

“Eight thirty. Don't you have to get ready for school?”

“Not yet.” He leaned up on one elbow. “Do you have to leave already? Come back to bed.”

I smiled mischievously. “Now, now, Trevor. I have to get going.”

He grinned. “Okay, but I don't know if I'll be here when you get back.”

I gave him a quick kiss on the lips and dashed away as he lunged for me. “Bye, sweetie,” I called over my shoulder as I headed out the door.

As I drove the short distance to school, I smiled, and when I was in class I found I had trouble paying attention as my mind was at home with Trevor. I wondered what time he would be done at school and hoped he would be home when I got back.

In my Humanities class I slid into the seat next to Justin.

“How was your weekend?” he asked, a smirk on his face. “I didn't really expect to see you here today, but I guess you're more dedicated to school than I would've been.”

I smiled. “My weekend was fabulous, thank you very much.”

“Everything went off without a hitch at your wedding then?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact it did. Thanks for asking.” I smiled, pleased with the way Justin and I had become friends in the last few weeks. We always sat next to each other in class and I really enjoyed talking to him. He was such a sweet man—his girlfriend was lucky to have him.

That night as I chopped vegetables for dinner, I watched Trevor brown the meat.

He glanced at me. “Yes?”

“Yes, what?”

“You were staring at me,” he said.

I smiled. “You caught me. It's still hard for me to believe you're my husband.”

Trevor set the spoon on the counter, then drew me into his arms. “Believe it, Lily. I'm so glad you married me. I can't believe how lucky I am.”

Warmth filled my heart. “I'm the lucky one.” Then I burrowed against his chest. We stood that way until I noticed the meat sizzling. “Trevor, the meat.”

“Oops!” he grabbed the spoon and quickly mixed the well-done beef with the uncooked meat.

I went back to chopping the vegetables. “By the way, do you have much homework tonight?”

“Not really.”

“You're lucky. I have a ton.” I set the knife down and took some carrots out of the refrigerator. “You never told me what classes you're taking this semester. Maybe I should make a note of which professors you have so I can have less homework,” I said with a laugh as I began peeling the carrots.

Trevor abruptly turned off the heat under the pan he was stirring. “Lily, I need to tell you something.”

I set the knife on the cutting board and turned toward him. “What's the matter?”

“You need to know that I'm not taking any classes this semester.”

“What?” I was confused. “You mean you dropped your classes?”

“No, I mean I never registered this semester.” He gazed into my eyes as he spoke.

The dazzling blue of his eyes distracted me and I had to look away. “Wait a minute,” I said, then turned back to him. “What are you telling me? Are you just taking the semester off?”

He shook his head. “I'm dropping out.”

My head jerked back. “Since when?”

His jaw clenched. “Since I decided to. What's the big deal?”

I folded my arms and walked to the couch before sitting down. Trevor followed me and stood on the opposite side of the coffee table. “The big deal is,” I began, “you were supposed to finish school so you could get a good job to support our family.”

“I'm making good money at Rob's place,” he said. “And I was really starting to hate school.”

“You might think you're making good money, but is it enough to support a family?”

I can’t believe this. I thought we shared the same goals.

Clearly insulted, he said, “I do make good money, Lily.” He straightened. “Besides, you've got some money saved up. We can always draw on that.”

Is my inheritance going to be an issue?

“It's probably not as much as you think,” I said. “Plus I've had to use a lot of it these past six months. I don't know how long it will hold out.”

“How much did you inherit anyway?”

I hesitated, not sure if I wanted him to know.

But we’re married now. Doesn’t he have a right to know?

“The life insurance policy was for one hundred thousand dollars.” I watched Trevor’s face as he digested the information.

“Okay. And how much do you have left?”

“About eighty-five thousand.”

His nostril flared. “You already spent fifteen thousand dollars? What have you been spending it on?”

“Excuse me! My father left it for me for my education.” Hot tears pushed into my eyes. “Not to support my husband.” Dinner forgotten, I fled the room and slammed and locked the bedroom door behind me.

Trevor was at the door seconds later, knocking. “I'm sorry, Lily. Let me come in so we can talk.”

Even though I knew he couldn't see me behind the closed door, I shook my head. “No,” I shouted. “I don't want to talk to you.” When Trevor started pounding on the door I sat up, blinking rapidly.

“I said to let me in!”

Confused by his behavior, I was unsure what to do, but certain of his love for me, I opened the door.

The veins on his neck stood out, and his face was flushed. Instinctively, I took a step back, but he grabbed my upper arms and squeezed.

“You're hurting me, Trevor,” I cried as the tears started anew, but he didn't seem to hear me.

“Don't you ever lock me out again!” His face was inches from mine, and spittle hit my skin. “Is that clear?”

“Yes,” I whispered. A moment later he let go of my arms and I gently rubbed where he’d squeezed.

Eventually he seemed to notice how upset I was, and tears sprang into his eyes. “Oh, Lily, I'm so sorry.” When he reached toward me, I didn't resist, afraid of his reaction. “Please forgive me,” he said. “I didn't mean to hurt you.” He lifted my sleeve and looked at the red marks where his fingers had been. An injured look came into his eyes. “Lily, my sweet Lily. Please, please, don't ever make me do that again.”

It was then that I knew I'd made a terrible mistake.