Love Under the Stars

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

WHITNEY

As before, Summer waited until dusk to meet with them at the cottage. Again, she formed a large circle with lit candles and asked them to sit inside it. Whitney lowered herself onto the kitchen floor as full of nervous excitement as the others. Taylor had formed a complete scenario of events and they wanted to talk to “Carol” about it.

Summer sat in the middle of them, closed her eyes, and lifted her arms. “We wish you no harm, Carol. We want to help you. These women know who you are and what happened to you. They want you to know you can leave now. Alex and your mother are waiting for you. Your baby too.”

Summer’s shoulders slumped and her head rested on her chest. Once in a while, she murmured something. Then she straightened. With her eyes still closed, Summer spoke softly.

“Carol asks that you remember her. She is happy you’ve found true love, and the house is full of that love. Her job is done now. She wants me to tell the one of you who loves her wedding dress that she would be honored if you’d wear it for a wedding of your own. She wants that same person to use the baby clothes too. She accidentally left them behind.”

Her sisters’ gazes turned to Whitney. She didn’t realize tears had spilled from her eyes and were now trailing down her cheeks. But for someone to share such a gift was touching, even if that someone was a spirit or … a ghost.

Summer chanted something under her breath, the unknown words making a musical sound until they suddenly stopped.

A cool wind swept the room making the flames in the candles flicker, and then they went out, leaving the group in the growing darkness.

Summer opened her eyes and stared sightlessly around the room. Then blinking rapidly, she shook her shoulders. “I believe our mission has been accomplished. Carol is no longer with us.”

Dani held out her hand and Whitney took it. Taylor clasped her other hand. It had taken a while to figure out the story of a young woman, pregnant and in love, trying to reach the father of her child only to find he’d died in the Twin Towers and then the trauma of their baby being unable to survive months later.

“Such a sad story,” said Dani. They all believed Carol was trying to make amends with her mother when she died.

“But there’s hope too,” said Taylor, the romantic. “I think Carol’s with her mother, Alex, and their baby now. At least I want to believe that. And, Whitney, when the time comes for your wedding, you’ll have a special dress for it.”

“Yes, that will complete the circle of Carolyn’s story,” said Whitney solemnly. “And as GG always says …”

“Life is full of circles,” they all said together.

“Group hug,” Dani announced.

As they stood together, bound by their sisterhood, Whitney knew how lucky she was.

###

Later, in the privacy of her room, Whitney took out the wedding dress hanging in her closet and held it up to her. As she’d thought before, it was exactly what she’d always imagined for a wedding of her own. Now, the dress seemed to shimmer even more in the light from the lamp next to the mirror. Knowing where the dress came from and the story behind it, Whitney hugged the dress to her, determined to give it a happy ending.

She hung the dress up and went to the window and stared out at the stars sparkling in the night sky They’d always been a comfort to her, a sign that life went on as it was meant to be. A new thought came to her, and she frowned.

After doing an errand in town, Whitney returned to the house. A short while later, she stared in awe at the two lines that told her she was pregnant. The soreness in her breasts, the bloated feeling in her stomach, the yen she’d had for GG’s lemonade had all been trying to tell her this. Had the ghost known it too?

Whitney sank onto her bed and let out a long breath. She, Whitney Gilford, was about to become a mother and Nick, a father. She clasped her hands to her breast, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. She knew exactly when it had happened. At Barbara’s house, making love under the stars.

When Nick called her that night, Whitney was tempted to spill the news, but this was something she needed to tell him in person. And she wouldn’t tell her sisters until she’d had that chance with Nick.

The next day at breakfast, she and her sisters discussed moving their personal items into the cottage.

“I’ve been thinking, Whitney, with me spending most of my time in New York and Dani living with Brad that you, not I, should get the master bedroom suite,” said Taylor.

“Oh, good thinking. I totally agree,” said Dani.

Ordinarily, Whitney might have protested such a generous move. But that would be very helpful. The suite was large enough to set up a bassinet in the corner until she was ready to do something about a baby’s room. “Thanks. That would be perfect.”

“I’ll get Brad and Aaron to move the furniture around,” said Dani. “In fact, I’ll call them now before they get too busy at the inn. They’re doing some work on the interior of the guestroom wings and will be close by.”

Feeling nauseous, Whitney tossed the remainder of her coffee in the sink hoping her sisters wouldn’t notice. She was happy she had a lot to keep her busy until Nick came home that evening. She hoped the news wouldn’t make Nick feel trapped into marrying her. True, they’d agreed to see where their relationship would take them. But he hadn’t asked her to marry him. And her mother? She’d be in a dither thinking of all three of her daughters getting married so soon.

After moving several loads of her clothing and other items to the cottage, Whitney took a break. Sitting on the rock that had meant so much to all of them growing up and now, she wondered how to form the words to tell Nick he was about to become a father. She knew he’d wanted children with Crystal, but he was almost ten years older now. Would he still feel the same way?

Taylor joined her. “Beautiful day. We lucked out on the weather, though I hope we get rain soon to help all the landscaping.”

“You did a great job, Taylor,” said Whitney. “Seems like everything is settled for you.”

Taylor gave her a quick hug. “Don’t worry. Things will happen for you too.”

Whitney almost said something then but held back. She’d be with Nick in a few hours.

###

That afternoon, Whitney waited at the nearby airport. Nick was taking the commuter flight from Boston to Pease. It had only been a couple of days, but she’d missed him like crazy. At least he’d been in a training session and not on the streets of New York.

When she saw him walking toward her, she couldn’t help the tears that misted her view. The smile on his face told her so much. She rushed forward to greet him.

“Hey, there,” he murmured as she clung to him. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I’m just happy to see you.” She lifted her face and melted in his blue-eyed gaze. His lips met hers and she kissed him in a new, gentler way.

“I thought we’d have a picnic, the two of us, at the cottage. My sisters and I have all moved into it. Now, it’s our Lilac Lake home.”

“I really like what you have done to the house. It’s perfect,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I’m glad we’ll have some time alone. There’s something I need to discuss with you about this trip.”

“Oh, god! You’re not moving to New York, are you?” she asked, voicing one of her biggest fears about his job.

“Nothing like that, but it’s important. In the meantime, I’m tired of traveling and think we ought to have a swim at the lake before the picnic. Sound good?”

“Yes,” said Whitney trying to push away the memory of what had happened the last time they did that when Bud had almost killed him.

“I’ll drop you off at your apartment,” said Whitney. “Then come join me there. Taylor is heading to New York, and Dani and Brad are spending some time in Boston doing furniture shopping. Now that the cottage is completed, Dani wants to make sure everything will be ready for their house in time for their wedding.”

“Exciting times,” said Nick glancing at her and away.

Nick placed his carry-on suitcase into Whitney’s car and then slid into the passenger seat. “Ah, it already feels good to be home. The mountains and lakes of New Hampshire are so refreshing after my being away.”

“I feel that way, too,” said Whitney smiling. She remained as quiet as Nick on the drive to Lilac Lake.

She dropped Nick off at his apartment wondering how the evening would end. There were so many things to think of.

On her way to the cottage, she stopped at the café to pick up her order.

Crystal saw her. “Looks like you’re going to have a nice romantic evening with Nick. I slipped in a bottle of wine. You forgot to order some.”

“Oh, thanks,” said Whitney, giving nothing away.

###

Alone at the cottage, Whitney walked from one room to another. Thinking of a baby in the house, Whitney saw the space with new insight and approved its baby-friendly feel. Upstairs in the master bedroom, there was room for an infant. After a few months, she’d have to convince Dani and Taylor to give up one room for the baby and share the other as a guest room when needed. For Dani, that wouldn’t be an issue. Taylor might feel otherwise. Maybe later, things would change, and rooms would be switched around again. The important thing was she could fulfill GG’s wish by living there until it was time to be in a bigger house, like Dani’s and Brad’s. As GG said, life was full of circles.

Whitney changed into her bikini and studied her figure in the mirror. It was hard to believe a baby was already growing inside her. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer that Nick would be delighted with the news because she already loved this child created with love.

Downstairs, she grabbed a towel and her phone and headed outside. Nick would find her there.

She lowered herself onto the rock and sat staring at the water. She’d left Mindy inside the house and was glad she had when a mother duck paddled by. Her babies, bigger now, followed her in a line of six. It struck Whitney then that her life now mattered in a whole different way. One she would respect.

At the sound of her name being called, Whitney turned and waved to Nick.

Smiling, he approached her. A towel was wrapped around his shoulders, and he carried a small canvas bag that she knew would hold his phone. Even though he wasn’t back to duty, he always wanted to be prepared.

He set down the bag and the towel and sat beside her. “Hey, beautiful!” He leaned forward and kissed her, filling her with a desire that came so easily to her when she was with him.

When they pulled apart, Whitney drew a deep breath and said, “Nick, there’s something I need to tell you.”

He raised a finger to her lips. “Me first. I lied to you. I wasn’t in New York the whole time.”

“You weren’t?”

“No, I had some business I needed to take care of.” He reached into the canvas bag and brought out a small black velvet box and opened it up.

“Whitney Gilford, will you marry me? I’ve loved you since we were kids, but I love you more than ever as full-grown adults. I can’t give you a fancy house, big cars, and a lot of material things. But I can and do give you my heart now and always. And as I’ve already promised, I will protect you and keep you safe. I want you for my wife and, hopefully, the mother of my children one day. Will you? Will you marry me?”

In the open box, a round diamond was flanked by two smaller stones.

Noticing the way Nick’s eyes had filled, Whitney couldn’t stop tears of her own.

She threw her arms around him. “Yes, Nick, I’ll marry you. I love you.” After he slid the ring on her finger, she pulled away and gazed into his face. “You know the part about being mother to your children?”

“Yes,” he said, looking serious.

“Do you remember making love under the stars at Barbara’s house?” She grinned and caressed her stomach.

He stared at her and then as the meaning of her words registered on his face, a look of wonder crossed his face. “Do you mean it?”

Whitney took hold of his hands. “I know it’s not something we planned.”

“It’s great news,” he cried, hugging her. “It couldn’t be better timing because I hope for lots of children in the future. Five or six.”

“First things first,” she said, chuckling softly, a little overwhelmed by the thought of so many children.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with a new tenderness. “Mrs. Whitney Woodruff, mother of my child. I like the sound of it.”

“Me, too,” she said, nestling against him. She suddenly pulled away. “Wait! What business did you want to tell me about?”

“I went to visit your parents. I needed to ask your father for your hand in marriage. I know that’s considered old-fashioned today, but I felt it was necessary. I grew up with a man who disrespected both my mother and me. I wanted to begin our life together with a sense of respect between your father and me.”

“That’s so honest,” said Whitney. “I’m touched.”

Nick beamed at her. “Your mother and father both approve. In fact, they’re coming to Lilac Lake soon. Do they know about the baby?”

Whitney shook her head. “You’re the first person I’ve told. I felt it was only fair. But we’d better not wait too long to tell everyone because I don’t want to wait to get married. Maybe we can have a ceremony the weekend of my parents’ visit. Something small and quiet. Family only. What do you think?”

“When your mother asked about wedding plans, your father told me all a groom needs to do is show up. I intend to make sure you have the wedding you want, and I show up.”

She laughed. “We’ve got a lot to settle before then. How would you feel about living at the cottage?”

He gave her a thoughtful look. “We could live there for a while but maybe not permanently. You’re sharing the cottage with your sisters. Right?”

“Yes, but they too must get their lives settled before we can figure out exactly how that’s going to work. In the meantime, you and I will guarantee that someone is living there long enough to satisfy GG’s arrangement.”

“Oaky, I can live with that,” said Nick. He glanced around. “It’s a great place to raise kids. Guess the ghost is no longer a problem, eh?”

“There’s a lot I need to tell you about her story. Especially about her wedding dress.”

They cuddled and talked about plans until the skies began to turn gray.

After calling her parents, GG, and his mother, Nick stood. “I’m hungry. Let’s eat and then we can look through the house. See what we think.” He extended his hand and pulled Whitney to her feet. “Almost Mrs. Woodruff, I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said, pleased to think they’d soon make it official.

As they walked back to the cottage, Whitney’s cell phone rang. Dani.

“Mom called me with the news. I’m so excited for you, Whitney. You and Nick both. When’s the wedding? You’re not planning one for Christmas, are you?”

“No, because of the baby, we’re planning it the weekend of mom and dad’s visit. Family only.”

“Baby? Mom didn’t tell me about a baby. Maybe because I screamed and hung up. But you’re having a baby?” She was silent. “How did Carol know that?”

“I don’t know. I’ve wondered the same thing myself. But I’ll do as she asked and get married in her dress. I love it, and it seems only right to put it to use with a happy ending.”

“That’s so adorable. And it does seem right that you as the oldest will be married first. Gotta run. Brad’s waiting for me. Give my love to Nick and kisses to you.”

Laughing, Whitney ended the call. Typical of Dani to make sure all was logical and right. She was wondering what Taylor would say about the news when Taylor called.

“Mom called me with the news. Congratulations, Whitney. I’m so happy for you. It’s such a beautiful love story. One I’d be happy to write myself. Friends to lovers. Good that you’re now using the master bedroom at the cottage.”

“Yes, it will even have room for the baby,” said Whitney, waiting for a shriek from Taylor. She didn’t have to wait long.

“Baby? You’re having a baby? Oh my god! Carol knew about it. The dress and the baby clothes. That’s so scary.”

“No, it’s very special and that’s how I see it. I want to think of our experiences in the house as an energy source of love and leave it at that. She wanted the house filled with love, and that’s how it’ll be. Just as we promised GG we would live there, it’ll be the three of us making sure love lives with us.”

“Oh, Whitney, you gave me goosepimples thinking of that. Love you. Give my best to Nick. It’ll be so nice to have him in the family.”

Whitney ended the call and turned to Nick. “My sisters are so happy you’ll be part of the family.”

“I heard the part about making sure the house is full of love. That’s going to be easy.”

He lowered his lips to hers, and in her mind, Whitney saw the light from the stars above them shimmer around them.