Reality Ever After (3 page)

Chapter Three

Lifting weights at the small Total Fitness gym was such a release for Sydney. She hadn’t been here for a few weeks, worried it would hurt the baby, but the doctor told her she could continue to do most of the exercises she’d been doing.

“Excuse me?” The voice was deep and husky, really nice.

Sydney turned her head to match the voice to a face. A handsome face. Aristocratic, straight angles, the perfect length of dark stubble, and lips that any female would be jealous of…or want to kiss. That face belonged on the big screen, not less than five feet away with a perfectly sculpted body leaning against the cable machine. How had she not noticed him approach and what was he doing here? She knew most people in town and she definitely would’ve remembered him.

“What does a guy have to do to get your attention?”

Dark eyes studied her, a full mouth curved into an inviting smile. Too inviting.

“Excuse me?” Sydney said.

Was he flirting with her? Everyone in Malad knew she was with Crew, so she hadn’t been flirted with in a long time. It was shocking and flattering, but she almost felt like she was cheating on Crew just looking at him.

“I’ve been at the free weights for twenty minutes and you haven’t glanced my way once.”

“Why would I glance your way?”

“Well, maybe you’re attracted to me.”

“Why would I be attracted to you?” The guy knew he was smoking hot and it bugged her. Crew was hotter and he would never act like that. This guy was a different kind of hot. Not bulky with muscles, but lean with pent-up power. His over confidence, the very thing that rubbed her the wrong way, also created a magnet that even Syd could feel pulling at her.

“Some women think I’m attractive.”

Granny floated behind the guy. “Who does he think he is, James Bond?”

Sydney hid a smile. “Your momma doesn’t count.”

“My momma?” He chuckled. “She thinks I’m perfect, but what about you?”

“Sorry, no.” Sydney turned her gaze, if not her concentration, back to the cable machine.

“Whoa, whoa, I thought you might be hard to get, but this is ridiculous.”

“I’m more than hard to get.” She tugged on the cable for a tricep pulldown and risked another glance in his direction. She couldn’t help but enjoy the view and almost found herself smiling at the conversation. Crew was the only one she flirted with. She’d always felt awkward around other boys who paid her attention. This was kind of fun. Then the guilt hit, she almost let go of the rope and touched her stomach. She was pregnant with Crew’s baby. She shouldn’t allow this guy to flirt with her.

“That’s right, love, tell him off,” Granny encouraged.

“Why?” he asked.

“I’m engaged.” That ought to get him to leave her alone.

“Engaged.” His eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“Exactly.”

“Engaged?”

“Yes.”

“Engaged?”

“He is slow,” Granny said.

Sydney shook her head, biting back a laugh. “E-n-g-a-g-e-d,” she spelled out for him. “Maybe you should ease up on the roids, they’re impairing your thought process.”

“Ha, good one!” Granny waved goodbye. “I’m off, love, way to put him in his place.”

Sydney smiled, careful not to say anything so people didn’t think she was crazy. Granny didn’t usually show up when other people were around. She let go of the rope and headed for the free weight section.

“Engaged, huh?”

Snot, he followed her.

“What part of those two syllables are difficult for you?” she asked.

“You’re too young to be engaged. Are you even out of high school?”

“Marching in the cap and gown next week.”

He shook his head. “Where’s your ring? I checked. There’s no ring.” He picked up her left hand, looking suspiciously at her empty third finger. “That isn’t really fair, you know, not wearing a ring.”

Sydney stole her hand back, not wanting to admit to him that she didn’t have a ring. Could Crew even afford one? Maybe he’d get her a band for the wedding.

“It’s harmful to a guy’s self-esteem,” he continued. “A beautiful woman turning him down cold for no apparent reason. Then to discover that she’s engaged! That’s harsh.”

“I’m sure you’ll recover. You seem to have an abundance of self-esteem.”

Sydney hurried to the entrance, grabbed her keys, and left. She needed to get away from that guy. He was too good-looking and too interested. She had no right to even think about another man. She was committed to Crew and that was exactly what she wanted.

Chapter Four

Sydney studied the road outside her bedroom window. She waited for Crew to come as she had so often in the past eight months, but for the first time in their courtship she felt dread instead of anticipation. Her hands pressed against her stomach.

“So, tonight’s the night?” Granny floated close by, calming Sydney with her presence.

Sydney gulped and nodded. It had been almost two months since the fateful day they took the pregnancy test. Sydney begged Crew to wait to tell her parents, but they could wait no longer. Oh, help. If she didn’t love her dad so much she’d run away with Crew and never look back.

“I love this.” Granny pointed to a ceramics statue of a mother holding an infant. Sydney had made it a few days ago and just fired it today. She usually made bowls, pottery, and statues of dancers. Odd how quickly one’s interests could change.

“Thanks.” Sydney exhaled. “What am I going to do Granny? Mom’s going to kill me.” She hung her head. “If Daddy doesn’t kill Crew first.”

Granny laughed softly. “I know you can’t see it right now, but it’s all going to work out. These things always do.” Granny paused until Sydney looked up at her. “You love that young man.”

“As if that was in question.” Sydney snorted. “He’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of…and more.”

“Okay,” Granny interrupted. “None of the gritty details. I have to close my eyes enough when I’m around you two.”

“Exactly how much have you seen?” Sydney reddened.

“I don’t just hang around all eternity watching you two fawn over each other. Relax.” Granny’s eyes twinkled.

Crew’s red Jeep crept to a stop in front of the house. Sydney’s heart thudded irregularly, torn between excitement to see Crew and dread of revealing their news.

“Go,” Granny urged. “I’ll be watching over you.”

Sydney gave her a smile, more grateful than she could admit for her grandmother’s continued presence in her life. She’d be devastated without her love and support.

She flew down the wide front staircase, jerking the door open.

“Hi,” she greeted him. He looked amazing in a button-down white shirt left open at the collar and some grey slacks. His dark hair curled slightly at his neck and those navy blue eyes looked at her so intently, she couldn’t help but walk right into his arms.

“Hey, beautiful.” Crew kissed her briefly. His hand trembled on her back. “Where are they?”

“Mom’s cleaning up dinner and my dad’s in his office.”

“Okay. Where do you want to do this?”

“In here.”

She escorted him into the formal living room.

“I’ll be right back,” she said.

“Can’t wait.” He winked before wiping his hands on his pants and sinking onto the loveseat, wisely avoiding Mom’s fancy chairs. He sat with his hands clasped, bracing his elbows on his knees.

Sydney slowly approached the kitchen. “Hey Mom, when you’re done can you get Dad and come in the living room?”

Her mother looked up from the dishwasher. “Why?”

“Crew and I have something we want to tell you.” Sydney gulped.
Please don’t ask what it is. Please don’t ask what it is.

“What is it?” Her mom actually liked Crew, but she didn’t sound pleased to be asked to do anything by Sydney.

“We’ll tell you in a minute.” Sydney fled the room before her mom could question her further. She reached Crew’s side, sitting by him and grasping his hand. His normally tan skin was drained of color. She gave his hand a small squeeze, trying to relay her support and love without words. What could words do anyway? They couldn’t make it better. They couldn’t avoid what was coming. All she could think to do was pray that her dad didn’t kill Crew and her mom didn’t completely lose it.

“You okay?” she whispered.

“No.”

She winced. “Come on. I know how tough you are—wrestling steers, single-handedly taking the state football title, smarter than anyone in town. You can handle my daddy.”

Crew tugged at his collar. “Syd,” he said, “I didn’t single-handedly win the championship. Every guy on the team played a part. Are you telling me you wouldn’t mind if I brought my football buddies in here to take your dad down?” He arched an eyebrow.

“Come on, you’d need the whole team?”

“Maybe just my center and a few linebackers.”

She chortled. “Not sure he’d be too impressed.”

“And I aim to impress.”

“Well, I know I’m impressed.”

He gave her that slow grin and leaned in for a kiss, but was interrupted by her mom gliding into the room, followed closely by her dad. Sydney’s heart thudded so loudly she was sure they could hear it. Crew leaped to his feet, ripping his hand from Sydney’s grasp.

“Oh, Crew,” Caroline pressed his hand warmly, ever the gracious hostess. “How fun that you two want to talk to us. I’m excited about your little announcement.” Her eyes twinkled with the anticipation of a secret about to be revealed.

She probably thinks we’re announcing we’ve won Prom royalty.

“Well, it’s an announcement all right,” Crew said.

He ran a finger under the collar of his shirt, looking like he wanted to undo another button. He looked so good. Had Sydney even told him that?

Her dad glared at her future husband.

“Sir,” Crew extended his hand, the firm grip exerted by her dad’s handshake seemed to be appraising not Crew’s strength, but his character. No one ever questioned Crew Naylor’s physical strength.

“Crew.” The look her dad gave was cool, but not hostile. Her mom was still smiling at Crew. Sydney felt a surge of hope. It wasn’t as bad as she had expected. Maybe they had a chance.

Who am I kidding?
Her mother might pass out at best.

“Please, sit down, make yourselves comfortable.” Caroline spread her hands with a courteous gesture, every inch the southern belle. Raised in Georgia, she still had traces of a soft drawl. She fit the part perfectly; from her elegantly, coiffed hair to her tiny, belted waist. Too bad she wasn’t as gracious behind closed doors.

“Thanks, ma’am.” Crew replied as he and Sydney settled onto the stiff cushions.

An awkward silence descended. Sydney realized they should’ve had a game plan. Should she start or would Crew?

“So, what’s the big news?” Her mother clasped her hands together.

“Well...” Crew coughed once. “Excuse me. Um-hmm. You see, the thing is...”

Poor Crew, maybe she should cut in, but she didn’t want to undermine him. It was so unlike him to not be charming and confident.

Crew took a deep breath and gave Sydney a brief smile before saying, “I want you to know that I love your daughter.”

Her dad didn’t respond verbally, but his eyes narrowed, eyebrows dipping together in the center. He looked every inch the stern lawyer passing judgment on each statement Crew uttered. He clearly didn’t appreciate the latest one.

Her mom said nothing either. Her mauve-stained lips formed a delicate O. Her perfectly plucked eyebrows raised several notches.

“I love her, and I would like to ask your permission to make her my wife.”

“What!” her dad exploded. “You two are barely graduating from high school. Why on earth would I give my permission for you to marry my daughter? The only thing you’ve ever accomplished in life is running fast with a ball under your arm.”

“Well, sir, I’ve saved a lot of money working on the farm. I have a full-ride scholarship to the University of Utah next fall where I plan to study medicine. I’m prepared to support her.”

“
I
am taking care of her. I will continue until she has graduated from the university of her choice. When you have that diploma saying you’re a doctor and I know you can realistically provide, then and only then may you request my permission to attempt this conversation again. Next time come by yourself. Sydney doesn’t need to be here for your moral support!”

“You’re right, Thomas,” her mom agreed with her dad, probably for the first time in years. “They are much too young.”

Her dad rose, signaling the end of the meeting.

“Daddy!” Sydney cried out, jumping to her feet in desperation. “You have to let us get married.” She rushed across the room and grabbed a hold of his forearm.

“Give me one good reason why.” He remained rigid.

“I love him.” She stared directly into her father's eyes.

“Not good enough.”

Sydney released her grasp on her father, stepped back, and sank onto the loveseat. She closed her eyes and offered a quick prayer. Crew reached an arm around her shoulders.

“Daddy,” Sydney began, her voice a broken whisper. “I’m pregnant.”

She had expected shouts of accusation, maybe even a few swear words. Their response was much, much worse. They said nothing. Complete and utter silence.

Not a word was spoken for an entire minute. Her mom’s face drained of color. She gripped the arms of her chair to keep from falling into the abyss her daughter had created.

Her dad just stared. Still standing, he towered over the couple with glowering fury. The incrimination and anger radiating from his eyes were worse than any words he could have uttered.

“Daddy,” Sydney began again. “I’m sorry. I know you taught me better. We made a mistake.”

“A mistake? A mistake, Sydney!” Caroline’s voice was shrill. The expensive makeup accentuating her beautiful face stood in stark contrast to her now chalky features.

“A mistake is something you can rectify. You can’t fix this Sydney. You have sinned! You two aren’t married. You’re eighteen years old. Don’t think for one second that you are ready to be a mother. You won’t be able to go to school now. You’ve ruined your future in ceramics and dance. You can’t even comprehend what kind of
mistake
you have made!”

A sob rose from Caroline’s throat in a gurgle, blocking anything else she may have wished to say.

Sydney tried to stop the tears that welled up in her eyes, but they spilled over anyway. Darn pregnancy emotions. She glanced at Crew. He looked shell shocked. She couldn’t blame him. Sydney was used to her mother’s outbursts, but this was Crew’s first time experiencing one. Heaven help them, it probably wouldn’t be the last. If, after this experience with her parents, he still wanted to marry her, it would be a miracle.

Silence reigned for a horribly long time before her dad said, “You are placing the baby up for adoption.”

He stared at Crew, not even looking at her.

“No!” Sydney leapt to her feet to face her father. “No way! I will not give up our baby.”

“You will.” Her dad didn’t give her the benefit of a glance. He continued eyeing Crew. If she could just get him to look at her.

“Your father’s right,” Caroline said, her tears slowing. “Adoption will work. You can still have a future. You don’t need to throw it all away.”

“Crew and little mister makes-me-throw-up-a-lot are my future.”

Crew gave a surprised laugh and a tender look. Her parents didn’t so much as smile.

“You’re not thinking logically,” her mother said. “We know what’s best for you.”

“You know what’s
best
for her?” Crew asked. “You can’t control Sydney.”

“Yes, we can,” her dad said. “You’re both too young to make a decision like this on your own.”

“I’m an adult and I will keep my baby.” Sydney raised her chin.

Her father’s gaze finally swung toward her. She had never seen such anger in his eyes, not even when she’d lit her friend Sarah’s hair on fire during a battle with illegal bottle rockets.

“You,” a long, thin finger jabbed in Sydney’s direction, “will give the baby to a couple who can love and provide for it properly. You will move to Arizona immediately after graduation and stay with your grandparents until the baby is born. Your mother and I will inform everyone that you are going to be a nanny for the next year. I will not allow you to ruin your future.”

“Sir,” Crew began.

“Don’t!”

“Please, sir...” Crew tried again.

“Don’t even try it,” her dad said, his lips barely moving. “You have taken my daughter’s virtue, you will not steal her future as well.” Her dad turned to leave the room.