23

 

Seated beside Nick, Maxi, and Sonia Martin in Chloe’s high school auditorium, Lily waited for the graduation ceremony to begin. As nervous and proud as a parent, she crossed her knees and jiggled on the uncomfortable folding chair.

Nick reached over to still her fingers tapping a frantic beat on her purse. “Would you stop moving for two seconds? You’re making me nervous.”

“Sorry.” She entwined her fingers through his, relishing the roughness of his skin, as well as the warmth that radiated from him. He looked so handsome in his dark suit and tie, with his blond locks combed back from his forehead, showcasing the blueness of his eyes.

She still couldn’t believe he loved her. In the week since his admission, the panicky feeling had lessened, and now when she thought about his declaration, a glow of happiness warmed her.

Nick Logan, a thoughtful, kind, caring man, loved her.

She’d even told Nick about her conversation with his aunt. He’d been worried, but relieved, that his aunt now knew Lily’s true identity and that Lily had promised Sonia not to tell Chloe.

Lily glanced at Nick and smiled, her stomach doing a slow flip at the love shining in his eyes. She wasn’t sure how it had come about or how long it would last, but she was in love, and she planned to drink in each precious moment.

Maybe God wasn’t out to punish her after all. Maybe He figured it was time she got a break in life. Gratitude filled her at the thought, and she whispered an inner prayer of thanks.

The music started, forcing everyone to their feet as the graduates began their procession. A lump rose in Lily’s throat at all the fresh faces in their blue caps and gowns. These kids had their whole futures ahead of them.

Unable to bear her father’s hypocritical face pretending to be proud of her, she hadn’t even attended her own high school graduation. Instead she’d gone carousing with a group of wild friends and come home in the wee hours of the morning. Firmly, she pushed those dark memories back into storage and watched for Chloe.

Lily caught sight of her sister walking in proud procession with her classmates and snapped precious memories with her cell phone camera. Nick placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and she reached up to squeeze it, grateful to be able to share this special moment with him.

The ceremony, though tedious in parts, ended quickly. After many hugs and pictures, Nick, Lily, and Maxi accompanied the Martins back to the house, where a small reception awaited. Sonia’s friends had come over to put out the sandwiches, punch, and the huge cake Sonia had ordered.

Without the daunting presence of Reverend Baker, Sarah Jane, or Mike Hillier, Lily actually managed to relax and enjoy herself.

Until Chloe called the guests together in the living room for an announcement.

Lily looked at Nick. “Any idea what this is about?”

He shook his head. “None.”

Lily rolled her shoulders to dispel her sudden anxiety and concentrated on Chloe. She looked so pretty in her pink dress and matching shoes—like a fairy princess come to life.

“I want to thank everyone for coming,” Chloe said when they’d gathered, “and for all the cards, gifts, and good wishes. It means a lot to have you all here to share this wonderful occasion with me.”

A murmur of appreciation went through the group.

“I especially want to thank my mother for everything. She’s always been there for me, no matter what.”

Beside her, Sonia raised a tissue to her eyes, blushing under the praise.

“And my cousin, Nick, who’s been like a big brother to me. Thank you for all your support.”

A film of tears shone in Nick’s eyes, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. Lily squeezed his hand.

“I also want to give special thanks to my friend, Lily.”

When all heads turned toward her, Lily gulped. Nick tightened his arm around her shoulder.

“Without her, I would never have passed my math course and wouldn’t have been able to graduate. I owe my success to her.”

Lily’s face burned as everyone clapped and whistled, until Chloe motioned for silence. “Which brings me to my announcement.”

Judging by her beaming face, it couldn’t be anything bad. Yet Lily rubbed her neck to ease the cord of tension, coiled and ready to spring.

“Not many people know that I applied to two culinary schools last winter. Yesterday in the mail, I received a full scholarship to the best school in New York City.”

Everyone cheered. Nick hugged Lily hard. Relief swept over her, weakening her knees. This was good news for Chloe. She’d gotten into the school of her dreams.

“The other surprise is that I received early acceptance, which means I’m entered in the summer program.” Chloe took a deep breath. “So I’ll be leaving for New York on Monday.”

The air whooshed out of Lily’s lungs. She froze amid the chorus of congratulations. Chloe was leaving on Monday? Only two days away.

Panic snaked through her system like an insidious vine. Her carefully laid plan was crumbling before her eyes. She needed time to think. She needed oxygen.

“Excuse me,” she whispered to Nick, and turned to push her way through the group of people and out the front door. She stumbled down the stairs on shaky legs, gulping in the fresh air.

Get it together, Lily. You can’t fall apart now. She paced up and down the lawn, waiting for a measure of calm to return.

“Hey, you OK?” Nick’s face mirrored concern as he came down the steps.

She pushed the hair off her forehead. “Yeah. Just a bit of a shock.”

He joined her on the lawn, still looking puzzled. “But it’s great news. A full scholarship is nothing to sneeze at.”

“Of course, and I’m happy for her.” She paused. “I just thought I’d have more time.”

The evening air held a chill. Lily rubbed her hands up and down the satiny sleeves of her blouse for warmth. Her mind raced with a million thoughts. She had no choice now. She’d have to tell Chloe the truth before she left on Monday.

Nick studied her, a strange expression on his face. “You’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking, are you?”

Lily couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“You’re not thinking of telling her about your connection?” His voice rumbled with a hint of warning.

She opened her mouth to deny it, but the lie stuck in her throat. She owed him honesty, even at the risk of his displeasure. “I can’t let her go without knowing, Nick. I just can’t.”

He stared at her, open-mouthed. “I don’t believe this. You promised me, Lily. That day at Rainbow Falls.”

The pain and fear in his eyes tore at her soul. “I promised not to say anything yet. I always planned to tell her before she left for college. I just didn’t expect it to be this soon.”

Nick’s expression darkened. “So my aunt’s health means nothing to you. You don’t care that this will probably kill her.”

Lily squeezed her shaking hands together. “You’re exaggerating.”

“Are you willing to take that chance? Because I’m not.” Nick stepped forward and gripped Lily’s arms. “You don’t have to do this. Chloe cares about you. She’ll keep in touch. And you can visit her in New York.”

Lily shook her head sadly. “Friendships don’t last when people move away. Especially one so new. If Chloe knows I’m her sister, it will change everything.”

Nick dropped his hands as if he couldn’t bear to touch her. “Did you ever stop to consider what this revelation will do to her? You’ll turn her world upside down.”

She lifted her chin. “Chloe deserves to know the truth. Trust me, it’s no fun finding out you’ve been living a lie your whole life, no matter how well-intentioned the deception.”

Nick threw out his arms. “This is coming seventeen years too late. We can’t change what my aunt and uncle decided back then. Chloe will be furious at her mother for keeping this from her. Aunt Sonia will never survive that.”

With nothing to offer that would help the situation, Lily remained silent.

Nick raked his hands through his hair as he paced. At last he stopped and faced her again. “When you really love someone, their happiness becomes more important than your own. You put their best interests first. This is your chance to do the right thing, Lily. Think of Chloe and Aunt Sonia. Put them first.”

His eyes beseeched her, tearing the scabs off her scarred heart, re-opening old wounds.

Guilt. Always more guilt. She’d had enough from her father to last a lifetime. Her conflicted emotions beat a painful pulse at her temples. “No one has ever put my needs first, Nick. Now, I’m going to do what I have to do. For me.”

He stared at her, disappointment etched in the lines on his face. She turned away as the energy drained out of her like a leaky tire gone flat. She couldn’t face going back inside but didn’t want to ruin the rest of her sister’s big night. “Tell Chloe I had a headache. I’ll call her tomorrow.”

When he didn’t answer, she headed to her car without looking back, unwilling to watch Nick’s love die before her very eyes.