The Decision: Book 2

By L.K. Kuhl

The guests are invited. The cake is all set. In just a few short hours, Sophia Bandell will be saying "I do" to a guy she isn't sure she loves. But where does she go from here? She feels her life is headed in a downhill spiral. Her first and real true love, Tate Forester, is a ghost. But he's the man she wants to be with...the one she can't live

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kuhlreads
• Release date: Sep 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781087977409

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cover_-_the_decision.jpg

The Decision by L.K. Kuhl

The Everlasting Trilogy: Book Two

Published by Kuhlreads

www.kuhlreadsbooks.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

The Decision

Copyright © 2022 L.K. KUHL

ISBN 978-1-0879-7740-9

Cover Art Designed by CORA GRAPHICS

I would like to dedicate this to my husband Gene and my children Brittani, Trevor, Morgan, Nathan, Charlie, Briggs, and Luke.

They are always cheering me on and are my biggest fans.

To my mom, Sharon and stepdad Dale, who are always filled with loving praise, helping me promote, and cheering me on from the sidelines.

I would also like to thank all of my faithful readers who have spent their hard-earned money on my books and took time out of their day to read them.

And to Stephanie, who once again continues to make my dreams come true.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter One

The evening before my wedding I sat in my room, teetering on the edge of the bed with my foot pulled up close to me, painting my toenails an eggplant purple. I nibbled on my bottom lip, tomorrow’s script running like an endless scroll through my mind, memorizing the words. My nerves were a zinging mess of electricity ready to catch fire. Tomorrow would be the day when my life took a drastic turn. For better or worse? That was yet to be determined.

We had just gotten back from rehearsal supper. My soon-tobe-husband, Aaron Stuart, stayed at his best friend Dave Timber’s tonight because everyone knows things can go south in a relationship pretty quick if the groom sees the bride before the wedding.

Sleep wouldn’t be finding me. My head too bogged down by doubt and worry.

I slid into bed and as I reached over to shut off my bedside lamp, I discovered a ladybug poking along on my curtain, her tiny body adding a tiny splash of color to the white, lacy backdrop.

The corners of my mouth raised a fraction at the dainty little thing while she scooted along. Determined, sure of where she was going. I let her continue on her way, and I clicked off the light.

Some time around three in the morning, I dreamt I was falling; the horrendous cement below quickly headed toward my face. I bolted upright, clutching the covers up under my chin, my eyes wide. My head spun bizarrely—an almost free feeling—as if some kind of weight had been lifted, leaving it clear, knowing exactly what I was supposed to do. There was no way to explain the feeling if I’d tried. But one thing I knew for sure: the pull for Tate Forester was stronger than ever before, and I had to see him.

Sliding from the bed, I got up and pulled on my jacket, smoothing it over my T-shirt and shorts, bent on getting to my car. I had no idea where I was going, only that I was supposed to go. A deep, thick fog clung to the budding morning. I started up the car, flipping on the wipers to clear the windshield. The car almost drove itself after I backed up, leading me out toward the river where Aaron and I had parked one night in his sports car.

On the winding, gravel road, the heavy fog turned the blue moon’s glow even sharper, casting an aberrant hue. A deer standing in the middle of the road rushed into view. I gasped and squeezed my eyes tight, my right foot stomping hard, slamming on the brakes. The car skidded to the right on the loose gravel, then back to the left. Out of control, the car went spinning down into the ditch.

In slow motion, I felt myself getting jostled and thrown around in the car, even though I had remembered to click my seatbelt. My head cracked on the steering wheel; the warm blood trickled.

The car came to rest on its wheels, but steam billowed up, pouring from under the hood. I turned the key and the car clicked twice, then went dead. Putting my shoulder into it for extra strength, I pushed open the heavy door and gazed to the road. The deer still stood there—majestic and strong. It hadn’t moved at all, even though I had almost taken its life. I scrambled out of the car, a haunting urge guiding me to the deer.

Using my jacket sleeve, I swiped it across my face, wiping the blood away. The heaviness from the fog muffled the air, bringing a somewhat comforting, quiet feeling of solitude. Besides the sound of my footsteps brushing through the long grass to make it back out of the ditch, an owl hooting off in the distance and the soothing chirping of crickets helped to calm me even more.

The deer stood rigid, observing me, its ears turning at times to listen to another sound off in the distance. Moving slow so as not to scare it, I approached cautiously. It stepped closer and nuzzled my hand, its mouth searching. I held my hand steady, leaving it be, letting it get to know me.

A single blink of my eyes changed the scene before me. As soon as I opened them, Tate stood where the deer had been. I covered my mouth, not wanting to break the serenity of the night with my scream. "Oh, Tate… it was you that brought me here." His outstretched arms waited for me, and I flung myself into them.

Yes, it was, Ladybug. His voice—smooth and strong— placated me. I had to see you one last time before your life changes, and I’m no longer included in it. I’m sorry I had to leave you so soon the other day when you saved me from the Livids, but it was for the best. Just like always, his impressive smile and beautiful face weakened my knees. His face wrinkled, and he reached to caress my cheek. Are you okay? You’re bleeding.

I’m fine, just a little shook up but nothing serious. I

laughed gently, trying to downplay the issue. I think my car might need help though. I needed to see you, too, but you know you’ll always be included in my life.

He pulled me closer, lowering his head down to my ears… my neck… nibbling, kissing and whispering. A soft moan escaped from the back of my throat, neither one of us getting enough. My excitement upon seeing him swelled to new heights, getting lost in his soft caresses.

He then grabbed my shoulders and held me away from him, focusing on my eyes. I know you probably don’t want to hear what I have to say, Sophia, but there’s something I need to tell you.

What is it? I don’t like the look in your eyes, I panicked, my voice strained.

His eyes stayed steady on me while he gripped my shoulders, uneasiness shifting his mood. It’s Aaron. He’s hiding something from you about the money. But I’m told I can’t interfere. You must be the one to figure it out. I probably shouldn’t have even told you this.

Shh, don’t say anymore. I placed my finger on his lips, relaxing. You might not realize this, but you’ve taught me so much in the time I’ve known you, and I’ve finally gotten things figured out. You told me to follow my dreams… so I am. I’ve used my free will, and I know who I’m supposed to be with. No matter what you say or how you try to talk me out of it, it does no good. My mind’s made up. I’m so glad you brought me here tonight so I could tell you in person.

His eyes swept over mine, searching endlessly, reading me deep and finally finding the answer. Are you sure? Is this what you really want?

It is, Tate. I’ve made my decision long ago... And please, I beg of you, don’t try to change my mind.

Behind him, in the thick of the trees, hordes of Livids, the evil ghosts who could never move on to the next level, moved the weeds. Their arms outstretched like bat wings, they moved toward us, a low screeching chant cutting through the thick air. Tate grabbed my hand, leading me back down to the ditch as the steam from my car still issued with a beckoning hiss. He tugged me along, creeping us closer to my crunched up car. Wait here, and I’ll see if I can fix this thing. He struggled with prying open the crinkled and dented hood. It heaved up heavily, scraping against itself as metal ground against metal, before stopping halfway, too mangled to move any farther. Jerking open the dented driver’s door, he climbed inside and turned the key. The car did nothing. He got back out, slamming the door. It’s no use. I think your car’s dead. But I need to get you home.

My gaze flashed to him. You’re not serious. Didn’t you hear me? I’m not going home.

Don’t argue, Sophia. Your wedding… it’s in a few short hours.

Mine and Aaron Stuart’s wedding was to take place in our backyard at four o’clock today. Over three hundred and fifty guests were coming. Bob and Symphony, the dogs, were to have purple satin swags flanked around their necks—official mascots for the big day. Aaron had scoffed at this, but there was no way I was leaving out two of the biggest loves of my life. My parents had rented a huge tent, with white plastic chairs and purple ribbons to decorate the backs. Dad had made a beautiful wooden altar that I’d decorated with white daisies and purple roses.

No, I’m not going. You said yourself Aaron isn’t using the money for me and my future. I know he stole it. There’s no way I’m marrying him.

Tate grimaced, threw his hands to his hips. Don’t be ridiculous. You have guests coming, your bridesmaids, your parents. Don’t you think you should at least let everyone know?

I dabbed my forehead with my sleeve. A small amount of blood still oozed. Then I jammed my hands into my jacket pockets and began to pace. We need to talk. Decide our future. Take me somewhere. Isn’t there another house for sale you can break into?

Streaks of brilliant orange fanned out like fingers on the horizon, the sun almost ready to pop. Today was June twenty-first, the day of my wedding, only I wouldn’t be attending. I planned on playing hooky at my own ceremony.

I don’t like the way you’re going about this. I really think you need to tell everyone if you’re cancelling the wedding.

I looked at my phone and huffed out a breath. It’s only five. I’ve got plenty of time. Let’s go somewhere, and I’ll break the news later.

Tate gathered me up close. Okay, you know the routine. Wrap yourself around me, hold on as tight as you can and we’ll travel ghost style, he whispered into my ear, igniting my body with a passionate fire.

Fanning my face in the cool morning breeze, I wrapped myself around him, snuggling into the security of his strong body, the sensual feeling still burning within. The sun, skimming the horizon, glared into my eyes. My corpse of a car still sat waiting for its rescue, but my eyelids fluttered closed. I was ready. I’d have to figure out how to get it later.

****

In an instant my eyes flitted open and I glanced around, a disturbing aroma making me pinch my nose. We stood in a hotel room smelling of stale cigarette smoke and dirty feet. Wait… what?

It’s the best I could do. Tate lifted his shoulders, then dropped his hands to his sides. All the rest of the hotel rooms were taken, and there were no houses for sale. I’m sure your wedding here in Cascade has them filled full.

I unclamped my nose, but it still wrinkled involuntarily.

Oookay, this’ll do in a pinch, I guess. Tate motioned to the bed. Sit down.

I winced and drew back. Eww, no way. Bedbugs.

I pulled up the wooden chair that sat by the desk and plunked down. Tate sat on the edge of the bed, reaching to me and rubbing my leg. Listen, Sophia, you need to rethink this.

With Aaron? But you—.

No, I’m not saying any more about Aaron. I’m not allowed to get involved. You must figure things out. I’m talking about this free will thing that you think you have figured out.

I do, don’t I? Isn’t this what you’ve been talking about all along, me dying to join you so that we can be together?

Yeah…it was…but er…I can’t let that happen. I wasn’t thinking straight then. That’s what you do to me.

But, I thought you loved me? Don’t you want to be together for eternity?

Of course I do. But… but… do you realize what you’re saying? The repercussion is huge. It’s unthinkable, and I won’t allow it. He crossed his arms over his chest and nodded once, closing discussion on the matter.

I got up, pacing the greasy carpet. But this is what I want. I clenched my hands and shook them in front of me. I’m not scared of dying anymore. I’m ready, and you can’t stop me. I love you. It’s the only way.

To join me in death, Sophia? This—this is ridiculous. He shoved off the bed, got up and followed me around the room. You’re only eighteen. You have your whole life ahead of you. You have your family, your friends. We can be together. Just wait till you’re eighty.

I shook my head and ran my tongue along the edge of my mouth. And be miserable the entire time? No thank you. It felt as if the life was slowly draining from my veins again. Why couldn’t he see where I was coming from? "My life is you. Without you included in it, I’ll shrivel and die anyway. Why don’t we just speed up the process?"

Tate stopped and put his hands to his hips, giving me a derisive shake of the head. You’re being selfish. What about your family? You’re just going to take yourself out of their lives? Imagine how devastated they’ll be. Your mom might become like Marrian Stuart, going crazy because her daughter’s dead.

This stopped me. I froze and stood staring at the dresser with the broken handle, the drawer ready to fall from its metal track. My stomach burned and sizzled, dropping like an anchor. Mom and Dad. I hadn’t thought of them through all of this. Tate was right. This would kill them. Plus, I’d never seen Mom as excited before as she had been preparing for my wedding. She was ecstatic. She wanted me to give her grandkids. I still remember her eyes lighting up when she first saw me trying on my wedding dress.

But I couldn’t give up Tate. I needed to be with him.

I slowly turned, giving him a pensive look. I never thought of that. Tilting on the edge of one foot, I raised an eyebrow.

They’d survive… eventually. Wouldn’t they?

"You’d really want to put them through that? Seriously?

Plus, how would you ever get the job done?"

Kill myself.

Uh-uh, won’t work. Then you’d become a Livid and never go anywhere. You would either have to die naturally or someone would have to kill you, but the killing couldn’t be planned. That would be the same thing as a suicide.

Oh, Tate, what are we going to do? I can’t live without you!

He gathered me in his arms, kissing my forehead. Just continue on as planned. So, you don’t marry Aaron. Someone else will come along. And I’ll be right by your side, just like always. I don’t need to go on. If I can see you every day, limbo will be great.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Mom. Hi, Mom. My voice squeaked. I wasn’t ready for this. I turned away so Tate wouldn’t see my broken face.

Mom’s frantic voice screeched through the phone. Sophia, where are you? It’s already eight. I went to wake you, and you were gone. Are you at your hair appointment?

I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes, swallowing hard. Did I break the news about the wedding being cancelled now or wait to tell her face to face? Tate put his hand on my shoulder, squeezing, reassuring. No, I—I’m not. I’m not sure… not sure… I shook my head. My voice quivered, sounded small. But my jaw clamped. I couldn’t do it.

Not sure of what? Where are you? Aren’t your bridesmaids supposed to meet you at Betty’s Hair Hut? Don’t leave them hanging, Sophia. This is your big day.

I exhaled. Alright, be right there. Just need to take care of a few things first.

I hung up and turned off my phone. Mom would be calling every two minutes, and I didn’t want to be bothered. My future… I had it all planned, all worked out. After realizing that maybe Aaron wasn’t the man I thought he was, my future was going to be with Tate. But things weren’t working out in that direction, either. Now I had some major rethinking to do, some extensive revisions about where my life was going.

Tate turned me toward him, grasping my shoulders. So, what are you going to do? Do you want me to take you home so you can tell your mom face to face?

"If I live until I’m eighty, will you still wait for me? Were you serious about us being together when I die an old lady? I’ll be a

shriveled prune. You won’t want me then."

"Yes, age doesn’t matter. We’ll still be together for eternity.

It’s our souls that will be together then. No bodies."

Even if you leave in six weeks? Because you know I won’t get you out of my mind. I’ll always love you.

Even then. I’ll wait for you.

There’s no way this will ever happen, but let’s say I do fall in love with someone else and marry. Who will I be with then when I die, my husband or you?

Whoever you love the most.

It’ll be you, then. He pulled me into his arms, and I burrowed in deep, impassioned with hurt and desire all at the same time. I swallowed, my throat thick and raw. I’m not going home. Take me to Charleston. To your place on the beach. I need to see your aquariums.

****

I draped myself around him, and in the blink of an eye we were standing outside his round, glass beach house. The ‘for sale’ sign in the yard tilted and sagged, weathered and faded.

I can’t believe no one’s bought this house yet. But I’m glad they haven’t.

He clutched my hand. Let’s go in.

I glanced around to make sure no one was watching while Tate held the door for me to go inside. Déjà vu almost knocked me to my knees when I stepped over the threshold. The smell of his shaving cream still permeated the walls, and I ran my fingers over the dust on the small kitchen table. He led me back to his bedroom.

My gaze flashed the entirety of the room. They were both there, the wet and dry aquariums, the fish and the hermit crabs alive and well. Shoved in the corner alongside Tate’s bed lay Symphony’s dog bed. The sight of everything made my heart sink. I felt foolish when I couldn’t stop the tremble of my chin. My eyes stung, the tears sloshing in them, wanting to spill over and accept the defeat.

I pulled in a jagged breath. Symphony and Bob adore each other by the way. She loves it there, and I don’t know what I’d do without her and… and Bob wouldn’t… There go the tears.

I know. He grabbed me forcefully and planted his lips onto mine, pressing hard, urging. I responded with a jolt and kissed back, wanting more. He lifted my hair and ran his hand along the back of my neck, down my back and around again.

I pulled back, my chest heaving, tears flowing in a downpour over my cheeks. Be with me, Tate, and love me. I need to feel you one last time before we have to say goodbye.

He clasped my hand in his and led me to his bed, throwing back the covers and gesturing for me to climb inside. The pure elation of having him climb in next to me sent my heart into overload. It pounded with a heated fervor when he wrapped his cool body around me and smothered me in ghost kisses. The tension mounted and surged, but we wouldn’t go any further. It was best to keep it just like this, snuggling into his body and enjoying the taste of his kisses and the feel of his strong arms around me. I tangled my body around his, nuzzling my burning face into his neck, the exhaustion weighing on my eyelids like slabs of heavy cement.

Chapter Two

My eyes fluttered open to glaring light, the room alive with color from the sun. It took me a bit to gather my wits and remember where I was. But my mouth turned up into a satisfying smile when the firm grasp of Tate woke me fully, my hand encased in his. He was still here. He hadn’t left me.

I didn’t know what time it was, but I stretched with fresh vitality. Tate rolled over and brushed my cheek. ’Bout time you woke up, Ladybug. I thought you were going to sleep forever.

I shot up in bed then, gathering the sheet to my chest. Even though I still had my bra on, my self-consciousness bubbled over next to Tate’s perfect body, and I didn’t want him seeing me. Worried I hadn’t made it back home to spill the news of cancelling the wedding, I swallowed hard. What time is it? Did I sleep the whole day away?

It’s noon. Why don’t I take you to grab a bite to eat and then get you back home?

Okay, but first, let’s go down to the beach. I have time, and I need to see it one last time before we go. I might never make it back here. Oh, and also, I suppose you watched me sleep for three hours; I hate being watched while I’m sleeping. Hope I wasn’t drooling and snoring.

Naw, just a little flatulence sneaking out here and there. No biggie. He smirked, glancing at me with side eyes.

A heated tingle swept up the back of my neck and traveled over my face at his words, glazing it with a rushing fire. I gulped, Oh, no… did I really?

Tate couldn’t control his chuckle, it burst forth from his perfectly formed mouth. Naw, just kidding. Maybe a little drool, just a teensy bit. He lifted his thumb and pointer finger, gauging a small gap.

I slapped him hard across his ripped bicep, knowing he wouldn’t feel it anyway. It was just the principle of the thing. "Tate

Forester! How dare you! I don’t do that, anyway."

He pulled me into him and ruffled my hair, messing up my beautiful bedhead. I’m just kidding. You slept like an angel, and I couldn’t pull my eyes away from you.

I hopped out of bed and slid pink sandals onto my feet, fluffing my messy hair with my fingers.

Tate roamed over to his aquarium, dropping dried fruit and algae pellets into the hermit crabs and snails and sprinkling fish food over the top of the water in the saltwater fish tank. We better get going. You don’t have much time, and I still hate the idea that your whole family, wedding party, and guests will be kept waiting for you to break the news to them.

Ugh, I don’t want to leave. I want to spend my life with you. Why can’t it just be that easy? I hate this.

You’ll be fine, Soph. If our love is true, we’ll be together for eternity. That’ll be the real test. He grabbed my hand and led me down the hall and out the door. As the door closed and the latch clicked into place, my stomach did a tumble and rolled over itself, belching up sour bile to rest on my tongue.

****

The beach hummed with hundreds of people, and my mind buzzed, dredging up so many