Shattered Dreams (Dreams Series Book 1)

by Hicks, Braxton

  “What is it?” he said, yawning.

  “Here, feel this,” I said, pressing his hand to my abdomen. Once again, I felt the fluttering inside of me. I watched Trey’s face as he felt it too and realized what it meant. He smiled, moving his hand around to different areas as the fluttering continued.

  “How does it feel to you?” he asked, genuinely curious.

  “Kind of like butterflies, but stronger,” I answered. He leaned down, kissing my belly and abdomen. It warmed me some to see him do this. I had no clue how Trey would be around a baby.

  “Come here,” he murmured softly, pulling me to the center of the bed. “Please forgive me for my comment Tylar. I know you’ve never been with anyone else. I promise we'll work together so that you can continue college and realize your dreams. Will you trust me on that?”

  I nodded, burying my face into his chest. He wrapped his arms around me, kissing the top of my head. His nearness, his scent, his touch calmed me. I was happy to be here with him and his family for Thanksgiving and drifted off to a contented sleep, dreaming of babies with sapphire eyes.

  Chapter 38

  It was after 10 a.m. when I awoke. Trey, already up and showered, was now shaving in the bathroom. I pulled the covers back and, realizing that I was still naked, grabbed my nightgown off the floor and shrugged it on. I met him in the bathroom and he smiled at me in the mirror. Feeling comfortable in our intimacy, I showered as he shaved, the scent of his body wash emanating from the steam.

  He had just finishing getting dressed when I emerged from the bathroom. He was wearing dark blue Eddie Bauer cotton chino pants with a white, long-sleeved oxford shirt. He pulled a camel-colored cashmere V-neck sweater over his head, rolling the sleeves of his shirt and sweater up mid- forearm.

  “I have some calls to make and e-mails to answer this morning,” he said, as he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on his shoes. “I’ll be working downstairs in the study. Do you want me to have Thatcher bring you some breakfast?”

  “Aren’t you eating?” I asked.

  “Just coffee for me this morning. But I want you to eat something more substantial.”

  “That will be fine,” I answered, a bit piqued that he had calls to make and e-mails to answer on Thanksgiving morning. Who worked on Thanksgiving?

  I had brought a black desk-to-dinner dress to wear for Thanksgiving. It was a tailored number that gathered at the hip and hit above the knee with a lovely v-neckline. I put on my black bra that was getting a bit tight with the blossoming of my bosom. It certainly gave my breasts a push upward and some daring cleavage. I pulled the black dress over my head, tugging it into place. Wow, was everything shrinking? The dress hugged every possible curve. The sleeves were three-quarter length. My breasts were subtly displayed at the v-neckline, still within the realm of tastefulness, I decided.

  There was a knock on the bedroom door. It was Thatcher with a breakfast tray. “Good morning Ms. Preston,” he said warmly as I opened the door. He walked past me, placing the tray on the nightstand.

  “Thank you, Thatcher,” I replied, eyeing the assortment on the tray.

  “Please use the intercom if you need anything else, Miss.”

  Good God! Did Trey think I was carrying quintuplets? There was orange juice, milk, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, muffins, oatmeal topped with brown sugar, and wheat toast with assorted jams. I flicked on the television; this feast would take a while and I wasn’t very hungry.

  Eventually, I'd eaten what I could and got dressed, pulling my nylon thigh-high stockings up. I'd brought a pair of black ankle strap pumps with three-inch heels. They would be perfect with my dress. I checked myself in the bathroom mirror. I looked great, but certainly curvaceous. Maybe it was time for me to start shopping for maternity clothes. I decided to see if Trey was done working. I descended the staircase, my heels clicking against the marble floor in the front foyer. I could hear Trey’s voice from behind the closed door of the study.

  “Are you absolutely sure she was living with him?” he said.

  Who was he talking about? Who was he talking to?

  “How long has she been gone?” Pause. “That fits the timing in question. Okay, call me next week after you get back.”

  I felt guilty for eavesdropping. I knocked on the door, and let myself in as he finished his call. He glanced up as I entered, then did a double take.

  “You’re seriously not wearing that dress today, are you?”

  “Why?” I questioned, looking down at it.

  “Because your breasts have outgrown it,” Trey replied, irritated. “Put something else on. I don't want everyone in this house ogling you.”

  “In case you haven’t noticed,” I said, “the only people that’ll be here are your mom, your dad, a couple of old friends of theirs, and the staff. I think I’m pretty safe from any ogling.”

  He was ready to continue arguing the point but I cut him off. I wasn't going to spend the next several hours around him if his foul mood continued. “Can you drop me over at Becky’s?”

  “Why?” he asked.

  “I’d like to see Gina. You’re obviously still tied up with business,” I snapped.

  His face softened as he realized just how much of a prick he'd been. “Come here,” he said, rolling back from his desk.

  “No,” I replied, determined not to give in to his demands.

  “Come here, I said,” he growled in mock anger, a hint of amusement crossing his handsome face. He was patting his lap as if I was going to get it. I ignored him, turning my head. In a swift, panther-like move, he was out of his chair, scooping me up into his arms like a sack of potatoes, twirling me around.

  “Trey!” I shrieked, laughing as he spun me around. “Stop, I’m dizzy and you’re going to make me throw up that huge breakfast you sent up.”

  Trey laughed, setting me down gently, and pulling me close to him, his arms wrapped around me protectively. "I'm really glad you're here," he said softly. "But I have a bit more work to do. Mom and Dad will be home by three, can you make sure Gina has you back by then?"

  "Yes, sir," I said softly, planting a kiss on his sensual lips.

  I heard a car honking outside just then, and I pulled away..

  “Take your coat,” Trey reminded me as he went back down the hallway toward his study.

  Gina idled out front in her aunt’s car. “Hey girlfriend!” she screamed as I got into the passenger side. She reached over, grabbing me for a hug.

  “Look at those fucking tits!” she exclaimed. “Yowza! I bet Trey's making those his new playground,” she laughed.

  I blushed, knowing how close to the truth that was.

  “So how's my godchild?” she asked.

  “Growing,” I replied, rubbing my baby bump, “Trey and I felt him moving last night.”

  “Him?” Gina questioned.

  “I don’t know yet, I just refer to it as him. I guess I’m hoping for another Trey,” I said smiling.

  “Oh geez, just what the world needs, another control freak!”

  “Stop,” I said, laughing a little, “he’s doing better with that,” I lied.

  “Well, girlfriend,” she reminded me, “you still need to fill me in—how’d he find out about the baby? Your texts left out a lot of details.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said, sincerely, “I know that I owe you more than just text messages. It seems like time flies by, settling in with my job, and now here with Trey for the holiday.” I blushed noticeably and Gina didn’t miss it.

  “What—are you two having a regular 24/7 fuck fest?” she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

  “I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy hormones, or the prenatal vitamins that I’m taking, but I swear to God, Gina, I'm so freakin’ horny all the time.”

  “And, that’s a problem for whom?”

  “Well, to be honest about it, me,” I answered.

  “Why?”

  “Because Trey and I don’t live together, obviously. He wants me in Atlanta with
him, but I have a plan of my own in Radcliff.”

  “Look girlfriend,” Gina said as we pulled into Becky’s driveway, “I’d love nothing more than to have you close by in Atlanta. I get that you have your own plans made, and far be it from me to side with the Hot Nazi. As far as your other issue, there are alternatives.”

  “What? I’m not going to be with another man, Gina. For God’s sake, I’m carrying Trey’s baby!” I was appalled that Gina would even suggest something like that.

  “You misunderstood me, Ty,” she said laughing. “Hey, today's all about family and stuffing ourselves with turkey. Tomorrow is Black Friday. Let’s go shopping.”

  “Sounds like a plan," I smiled.

  I enjoyed the couple of hours I spent with Gina, Ian, and the rest of Becky’s family. Gina and I agreed she would pick me up the next day around 11 a.m. to do our Black Friday shopping in Bristol. She dropped me back off at the Sinclair’s manor promptly at three. Trey was pacing in the foyer when I walked in. I saw the look of relief cross his face as I approached him.

  “Is everything all right, Trey?”

  “Yes of course,” he replied, “I was just worried that you wouldn’t make it back in time to change for dinner.”

  “I’ve no intention of changing out of this dress. It’s appropriate. Why are you bringing this up again?”

  I thought this issue had been put to rest. Thatcher was right there, taking my coat to hang in the guest closet. Trey frowned, once again pissed because he wasn’t getting his way. I climbed the staircase, wanting to freshen up before the guests arrived. I ran a brush through my hair and spritzed a bit of cologne on, straightening my black dress. I heard the doorbell ring. I went back downstairs to join Trey. He looked over at me appreciatively as I came down to stand near him. He was simply gorgeous, as usual. It amazed me at how little effort he had to put into it.

  Thatcher opened the front door, greeting the guests. There was an older couple and a younger gentleman who tagged in behind them. I looked up at Trey hoping for some clue as to who the younger man was. His face darkened perceptibly. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair walked across the marble foyer, greeting their guests warmly as Thatcher took their wraps.

  “Claudia,” Susan greeted, hugging her friend, “how well you look. How was St. Thomas?”

  “Glorious,” the woman answered, returning the hug. “Tess and Zach were along and we had an absolutely festive time. Oh, Nigel and Caroline were with us as well. They send their love.”

  There was that name, Tess. I felt Trey stiffen beside me. I continued to observe. The older gentleman with Claudia greeted Susan, both of them hugging Clive as well. His name was Nelson. The younger man, very handsome, also greeted Trey’s parents.

  Finally, Susan turned to Trey and me, still holding Claudia’s hand as she led her over. Trey stepped forward immediately, taking Claudia’s hand and raising it to his mouth, brushing his lips against her knuckles.

  “Claudia,” he said, in his smooth and silky voice, “it’s so nice to see you again after all this time. May I introduce you to a close friend of mine? This is Tylar Preston. Tylar, this is Claudia Andrews.”

  I was numb as I held my hand out to this woman. Trey continued with the introduction of her husband and evidently Tess’s father, Nelson Andrews. I was still in a hazy fog. Finally the younger man approached. He was evidently their son, Tess’s brother, and he was introduced to me as Landon Andrews. He raised my hand to his lips, softly brushing them across my knuckles. Trey’s expression darkened once again.

  “What a pleasure it is to meet you, Ms. Preston,” he smiled and charmingly gave me a wink as he turned to greet Trey’s parents. Trey grabbed my hand, pulling me with him as we made our way to the formal dining room.

  I'd quickly put two and two together. How did Trey possibly think that we were going to get through Thanksgiving dinner with me not figuring out that his parents’ long-time friends were in fact Tess’s parents? Did he think I was an idiot? Trey was extremely fidgety. He didn’t leave my side as we headed toward the bar that had been set up. He ordered himself a Maker’s Mark and soda and a straight sparkling water for me.

  As we mingled within the formal dining room, the staff was putting fresh appetizers out on the sideboard. Trey continued to hold my hand as if he feared I'd sprint off. Landon approached us as we mingled; I felt Trey stiffen.

  “So Trey,” he said, “wherever did you meet such a perfect specimen of beauty?” Landon’s eyes flickered over me, his bold gaze rested on my generous cleavage. This infuriated Trey all the more. His hold on my hand tightened.

  “Fuck you, Landon,” he snapped quietly. I was totally taken aback by Trey’s conduct, particularly in his parents’ home on Thanksgiving. The shock must have shown on my face. Landon smiled and patted my arm that was locked in Trey’s hold.

  “You’ll have to forgive us, dear Tylar,” he said, soothingly. “It appears that Trey is still not comfortable being around his ex-fiancée’s brother. My parents may have forgiven his callous and self-serving behavior; however, Trey knows that I've not.”

  Trey was enraged and I did not want to be caught in the crossfire. “If you'll excuse us Landon,” I said sweetly, “I’m famished. Trey, could you please help me find some of those crab cake appetizers?”

  As soon as we were out of earshot, I pulled my arm away from his. My sudden change in demeanor startled him.

  “What was that all about?” I whispered. “Why didn’t you tell me that the old friends coming for Thanksgiving dinner just happened to be your ex-fiancée’s parents?” I was pissed, and this wasn’t a small detail he'd forgotten. I moved to the appetizer buffet, grabbing a small plate and filling it quickly with various delicacies. I spotted Landon observing us from the corner of the room.

  Trey was at my side, trying to appear as if everything was normal. Nothing in this situation was normal. I wouldn’t give Landon the benefit of thinking that he'd created a rift between us, even though he had. One thing I knew for sure, before the night was over I'd have plenty more information about the whole Tess situation.

  Just then the staff entered the formal dining room with platters of turkey and roast beef to set out on the sideboards. The side dishes were soon to follow. Trey and I took our seats with the rest of the group. I was famished and ate until I was uncomfortable.

  Everyone stood up to mingle before the dessert course. I was feeling full and tired and in desperate need of a walk. I retrieved my coat from the guest closet. Just as I was ready to open the front door, Trey spied me and hurried to my side.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, his eyes blazing.

  “I need some exercise and some air.”

  “You’re not going out alone. It’s dark out.” He pulled his jacket from the closet and took my arm, leading me out into the crisp, starry evening. I instantly felt lighter in the fresh night air.

  “Can we visit Derringer?” I asked.

  “Sure,” he said, smiling now. “Tylar, about Landon…”

  “Not now,” I said, too weary from the day to start a long and complex discussion. “Please, let’s just go and visit Derringer, okay?”

  We entered the stable and I rushed to Derringer’s stall. He was beautiful and congenial as I rubbed his neck and smoothed his mane. He was fit and healthy. I wondered who'd been taking care of him. As if reading my mind, Trey spoke up.

  “Mark's still here,” he said, “he continues to work with Derringer and, in fact, is training another rider.”

  My heart sank even though I knew that it had no right to. Derringer was born for dressage; I should be grateful that Mark continued to work with him and train a new rider so that this horse could meet his full potential. Trey guessed that I was feeling downcast about the situation.

  “I’m sorry,” he said gently, “it was insensitive of me not to realize how that would affect you. It seems like I’m always saying the wrong thing, Tylar.” He pulled me into a hug.

  “It’s okay,” I replied, �
��what a waste it would be not to utilize Derringer’s talents. It’s always been the horse, Trey. A rider's only as good as the horse he or she rides. I’ve known that since I took my first riding lesson.”

  “You’re amazing, Tylar,” he said, “you intrigue me daily, it seems.” He pulled me closer, tightening his strong arms around me. I could feel his heartbeat against my chest. His fingers lifted my chin, tilting my face up to his. He leaned forward, kissing my lips sensually, lingering on them as if he didn’t want us to part. Finally, he drew back, his eyes searched mine.

  “I know I haven’t told you this, and I should have long ago. Tylar, I never thought that I wanted children. I'm a selfish, controlling bastard at times and I felt I had no business being a father. But please know this, from the moment I knew that you were having our baby, my world's become magical and promising. I know in my heart that whatever I lack as a father, you'll make up for as a mother. I’ll depend on you to show me the way. Will you do that?”

  At that moment I'd never loved Trey more. He'd recognized and admitted his shortcomings, but the important thing was that he wanted to be a great father. There was nothing more he could've said that would have made me any happier. I lunged into his arms once again, hugging him tightly. Our lips met and we kissed long and passionately. A noise interrupted us. Footsteps in the stable, then someone cleared his throat. Trey and I broke apart, turning as Landon approached us.

  “Forgive me,” he said, a slight smile crossing his lips, “I didn’t mean to intrude. Trey, your parents asked that I find you and Tylar. Dessert's being served and apparently they want to make a toast.” Landon turned on his heel and exited the stable. Trey and I exchanged glances, unsure of how much he'd heard. Trey took my hand and we returned to the manor, finding our places at the long dining room table.

  Champagne flutes had been set at everyone’s dessert plate. A servant was circling the table filling each glass. When he reached mine, Trey whispered to him. He left and returned with a bottle of sparkling water, filling my champagne flute. I looked across the table and met Landon’s amused glance. No one else seemed to have noticed.