Reality Ever After

by Checketts, Cami

  The tears streamed down her cheeks. Crew wiped them away and she gave him a grateful smile.

  Her dad looked up, startled, he must have forgotten Crew was part of this equation.

  “Us? That will take some getting used to.” He shook his head. “Of course I’ll forgive you, but it’s not me you have to ask forgiveness from. That’s a matter the two of you will need to take to the Lord.”

  Crew nodded his agreement. “We have, sir.”

  “Good.” Her dad’s swiveled his gaze to Crew. “Can I trust you with my daughter? You won’t be married for another four weeks.” His implication hung in the air.

  “Yes, sir, I know.”

  Crew bravely met her dad’s gaze. Sydney wondered if he was remembering that incredible night. She had such mixed feelings of guilt and pleasure when she thought about it.

  “Don’t worry, Daddy,” Sydney interjected, “I’m so sick I can barely kiss him, let alone do anything else.”

  He tried to hide a smile. “That was neither tasteful nor appropriate, Sydney.”

  “No, but it still got you to smile. A few minutes ago I thought you’d never smile again.”

  “Never’s a long time, baby.” He ran a hand over her hair, his eyes full of sadness. “I feel like I’m losing my little girl.”

  “Oh, Daddy.” More tears spilled.

  “I’m okay.” Her dad dashed his own tears away. “I’ll go see if I can help your mother come to terms with...all of this.”

  Crew stepped forward to grasp his hand again. “Sir.”

  “Enough of the sir garbage, call me... um, well, Thomas will suffice.”

  “Thomas,” Crew repeated.

  Her dad walked from the room. Sydney pivoted toward Crew, ecstatic despite the awful confrontation. It had turned out as well as could be expected. Her mom was wrong; she knew exactly how huge her mistake was. But her love for Crew and her desire to be a good mother to her child would carry her through the terrifying times.

  “I’m gonna marry you.” Sydney smiled into the chiseled face of the man she loved.

  Crew lifted her off the oak floor. Swinging her around several times, he lightly brushed her lips with his own.

  “Yes you are, and we don’t even have to go to Vegas.”

  “What a bummer.” She shook her head. “Leave it to my parents to ruin a good trip.”

  Crew smirked, but didn’t reply. He dropped down to one knee, carefully withdrawing a small box from his pocket.

  “Sydney Richland. Will you be my wife?”

  Popping the lid open, he revealed an exquisite gold and diamond ring. The light falling from the chandelier danced off the glittery diamonds highlighting the huge center stone.

  “Oh, Crew,” Sydney covered her mouth in surprise. “How did you? Where did you? You can’t afford this.”

  Crew’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “It was my grandma’s.”

  “It’s beautiful.” Sydney was awestruck. “But what is your grandma wearing?”

  Crew chuckled. “She stopped wearing it a few years after Grandpa died. She gave it to me with her blessing. She said and I quote, ‘It will look a heap better on that pretty young thang’s finger than on mine.’”

  “I love your grandma.”

  “I’m still waiting for an answer,” Crew reminded her.

  “Oh,” Sydney laughed, pulling him to his feet, “Of course I’ll marry you.” They kissed briefly and then Crew slid the ring onto its proper spot.

  “A perfect fit,” Sydney breathed in awe.

  “I told you we were meant to be,” Crew smiled at her.

  Sydney gazed into his midnight blue eyes. She traced a finger up his strong jaw and through his dark, wavy hair. She could feel the tremor her touch initiated.

  “Don’t do that,” Crew begged. “I told your dad we were going to be good. Remember? Forsake our sins?”

  “I’m just trying to teach you self-control.”

  “Well, keep your lessons to yourself,” Crew growled, pulling her close and capturing her mouth.

  A few delicious seconds later, Sydney wrenched herself from Crew’s strong arms. She tasted the bile before it escaped.

  “I’ll be right back,” she managed through her fingertips, fleeing to the fancy bathroom off the entry.

  Returning a few moments later was embarrassing as usual.

  “I guess the little one wants to keep his parents pure,” Sydney said. She patted her still flat stomach, wondering when she would start to show.

  “Good boy,” Crew reached down, gently touching her abdomen. “Your daddy needs all the help he can get, little buddy. If your momma wasn’t so dang pretty, maybe I could control myself.”

  “Don’t blame it on me,” Sydney laughed. “I think you were a willing party to this child’s conception.”

  “Too willing,” Crew shook his head. “I’d better go.” He pulled her in close. “Sick or not, I can’t keep my hands off you. The next month is going to be the longest of my life.”

  “Me too. I have to fight my attraction to you and live with my mother.”

  “Good luck with that.”

  Crew gave her a quick peck goodbye. She was grateful he didn’t linger. Her breath smelled horrible. Her kiss probably tasted worse.

  Sydney was left standing alone, dreaming of their wedding night. She wondered if there was any way to ensure she wouldn’t be sprinting for the bathroom the entire honeymoon.

  Chapter Five

  Sydney made it through graduation. She kept going to the gym the next couple of weeks, mostly for the escape from her mom. She used to be able to escape to the ceramics shack she and her dad had created at the back of the property. Her mom hated the dust and disorganization. But lately her mom even followed her out there. The odd thing was she didn’t nag, she just sat and watched her, heaving these dramatic sighs and studying Sydney’s waistline like it might expand any second. It was annoying.

  She also wanted to look good for Crew when they got married. She hadn’t gained any weight yet, so hopefully she’d have her normal shape. Luckily the sickness disappeared and she could kiss Crew without being sick. But sadly, he worked all the time so she rarely saw him. She understood that was how it was on a farm in the summertime, but it didn’t make her miss him any less.

  It was probably good he didn’t come to the gym with her, the good-looking guy was always there. Sydney thought about altering her workout time, but decided she wouldn’t let him bother her. His eyes seemed to never leave her and one day as she left he was waiting for her, leaning casually against a wall outside the locker room door. And dang, it was almost impossible to not notice how smoking hot he was and how well-built his body was. Not that Crew wasn’t both of those things, this guy was just…different.

  Sydney breezed right by him.

  “Hey, wait, I wanted to talk to you some more.”

  “Engaged,” she reminded him, speed-walking toward the front door. She really wished she’d worn her ring to the gym, but was still a little awestruck and protective of the family heirloom.

  “I know, I know, but you’re fun to talk to. I’ve never had a woman refuse me before.”

  “Get used to it. I’m sure it will happen again.”

  He chuckled and grabbed her arm.

  Sydney stopped walking, turning to eye him coldly.

  “Let go of my arm.” She drew the words out, slow and deliberate.

  He released her.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have touched you. I just...kind of like you. You’re gorgeous and feisty and...there’s just something I like about you, you’re different from the normal fluff. Couldn’t we go somewhere and talk for a while?”

  “No.” She shook her head and then pivoted away. Warm air hit her like a wall as she burst through the double doors into the night. He caught the door behind her and followed her out.

  The parking lot had been full of activity and vehicles an hour and a half ago. Not anymore. She’d stayed longer than normal and the regular g
ym goers were all gone. Sydney could see her little Nissan way across the distance. It looked to be a half mile away, though in reality it couldn’t have been more than forty yards. The darkness left her vulnerable, unprotected. She shivered and speed-walked toward her car.

  “Okay, just answer me one question. Is your fiancé as good-looking as me?”

  “Better.” She broke into a jog.

  Why was he following her? Would he try to hurt her?

  “Is he as fit as me?” he asked, keeping pace.

  “Better.”

  Sydney didn’t dare risk a glance over her shoulder to gauge the gap between them as she converted the jog into a run. She knew he was close. Jerking her key ring from the pocket of her jacket she fingered the pepper spray, trying to estimate the distance. Could she reach the car before he caught up? The fear sliced through her. She trembled in terror. The risk of being assaulted drove her on, faster, faster.

  Please don’t let him hurt me, she prayed repeatedly.

  Searching the ground as she ran, she prayed she wouldn’t trip on the potholes that dotted the parking lot. What would he do to her if he caught her?

  “Don’t you want to at least give me a chance?”

  He didn’t even sound like he was breathing hard. He also sounded dangerously close.

  “No!” She gasped for breath, her terror turning the run into an all-out sprint. She felt pressure in her abdomen then a cramp ripped through her. The night swirled. Her finger depressed the canister of pepper spray, discharging it harmlessly into the air. Blackness engulfed her as the asphalt came rushing up.

  Chapter Six

  Sydney was disoriented. She’d blacked out. She must have hit her head. A dull pain radiated from the back of her head all the way to her crown. Her stomach felt tender. What had she done? How long had she been out?

  Strong arms held her tightly against a muscular chest. Gentle fingers stroked her cheek and lips. She could smell sweat and cologne intermingled, for some strange reason it was pleasant. Crew’s warm breath brushed her skin. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she lifted herself closer. He would take care of her and make it all better. She kept her eyes closed, trying to assuage the throb. The pain was forgotten as she enjoyed the wonderful sensation of his lips manipulating her own.

  Wait. Something was wrong. It wasn’t Crew’s cologne. The chest wasn’t as broad as Crew’s. The arms were longer and not as thick. The face was covered with hair, course and soft at the same time. Crew was always clean shaven. The lips connecting with her own were too full. They moved differently than Crew’s. A scream worked its way up from her throat.

  “Help!” She finally managed, wrenching her face from his and yelling for all she was worth. “Help! Crew! Help!” She pushed to her feet, but pain ripped through her abdomen and she felt wetness between her legs. She sank back down, wrapping her arms around her midsection. “No, oh, no.”

  “What?” The guy from the gym wrapped an arm around her.

  “I need Crew.”

  His lips tightened. “You’re really committed to that guy.”

  She was, but there was also something going on with her body and she had no desire for anyone but Crew to help her through it. What if she’d hurt the baby?

  “Let go of me!” she commanded, wishing she felt and sounded stronger.

  “I’ll let go of you when you stop trembling like a leaf. I won’t hurt you. You’re okay.” His voice was almost soothing.

  She looked into his deep, brown eyes. “Who are you?” Her entire body pulsated, a combination of the fear of being in a strange man’s arms and the worry over something being wrong with the baby.

  “My name’s Josh. What’s yours?” He helped her to her feet, but kept a hand on the small of her back to steady her.

  Sydney kept her mouth clamped shut, her brain searching for an escape route. She was alone and had kissed this guy thinking he as Crew. She really needed to find Crew and get to the doctor.

  “Come on, a name, it’s not much.”

  She shook her head.

  “You are so beautiful. Thanks for that kiss. I’ve never been kissed like that.”

  He reached up his hand, his long fingers caressing her hair. He entangled his fingers in her ponytail, pulling her in closer to him.

  Sydney gasped. She raised her right hand. The slap across his stubbled cheek stung her palm.

  Josh grabbed her hand. His face hardened. His eyes filled with anger. The electrifying silence held for several long seconds. Josh stared at her. When his smile came it was tight, a mask of self-control. Sydney let herself breathe again. She shouldn’t have slapped him. He wasn’t going to hurt her, but he definitely could.

  “I guess I probably deserved that.” His grip on her hand relaxed. “I’m sorry. You probably think I’m some kind of psycho.”

  “You’re a cocky jerk.” Sydney pulled her hand free, wrapping her arms around her midsection. The pain had lessened. Was the baby okay?

  Josh nodded his head as if agreeing with her. “You have to know this isn’t normal for me, chasing and kissing women who come out of the gym. It’s just like I told you. I’ve never been turned down before.”

  She looked at his dark hair, his long-lashed chocolate eyes, his stubbled, strong jaw line, those lips. He was probably right, any woman would be flattered by his attention, but not her. Definitely not her. She could never be interested in anyone but Crew.

  “Engaged,” she reminded him, exaggerating her lip motions. “Do I have to spell the word out for you again?”

  “No.” To his credit, Josh hung his head, actually appearing ashamed of his actions. “Just for the record, I’ve never even hit on an engaged woman before.”

  “Good. Don’t make it a habit, Josh, I don’t think you’ll like the results.”

  “I liked the results a few minutes ago.” He raised his eyes to hers with a slight grin.

  Sydney’s icy look probably wasn’t the answer he hoped for.

  A red Jeep roared into the parking lot. Sydney moved a respectable distance from Josh, thanking the Lord that Crew was here now.

  “Crew,” she cried out, unable to help the anguish in her voice.

  “Are you okay?” He rushed to her side, gathering her in his arms.

  “No.” She whispered against his neck, savoring the comfort and warmth of him. This was the smell and body she needed. “I think something’s wrong with the baby. I cramped and passed out and I’m afraid…” She swallowed and shook her head.

  Josh stuck his hand out. “Josh Eccles.”

  “Crew Naylor.” Crew shook the hand briefly, keeping her close to his side.

  “I…I helped your fiancé after she passed out,” Josh stammered.

  “Helped her?” Crew raised an eyebrow, looking to Sydney for an explanation.

  “Josh helped me,” Sydney reiterated. For some reason she didn’t want Crew to kill Josh. And he might if he knew he’d kissed her.

  “How did he help you?”

  “We need to go to the hospital,” she said.

  That seemed to distract Crew. He helped her to his Jeep and lifted her into the passenger side. He climbed into the driver’s side and glared at Josh as they drove past.

  “Who is that guy?”

  “I don’t really know him very well. He’s talked to me a few times.” Her stomach cramped again and she realized that she might be bleeding all over Crew’s seats. “Crew, there’s something wrong with the baby.”

  “What?”

  “I’ve been cramping and I think I’m bleeding.” She bit her lip, fighting back the tears. “Oh, Crew. What if I did something to our baby?”

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. “It’ll be okay.”

  They got to the hospital and he rushed around to open her door. He swooped her into his arms and ran with her, through the double doors of the nearby emergency room.

  “She thinks there’s something wrong with the baby.”

  The receptionist popped out from behind her
desk. “Sydney’s pregnant?”

  “Yes,” Crew snapped. “Where’s Doctor Saunders?”

  “He isn’t here. I’ll page him and get Autumn.” The girl kept sneaking looks at Sydney as she dialed the number.

  She was only a year older than them, but Sydney couldn’t even remember her name right now. Sydney’s stomach started cramping again and the wetness was still coming. Crew was probably getting blood all over his arm. “Set me down, Crew.”

  He did, but kept his arm around her. She leaned into his strength, feeling even guiltier for kissing Josh, which was silly because she hadn’t chosen to kiss him, but unfortunately she’d enjoyed it. She pushed that to the back of her mind. All that mattered was the baby.

  A tall, beautiful woman with short blonde hair burst into the waiting room. Sydney knew her. Autumn had graduated quite a few years before them, but her mom sometimes came to their house for Bible study and book club. Autumn had moved back to town and recently married a really good-looking guy who walked with braces. Caroline had felt appropriately sorry for Autumn, but Autumn seemed really happy.

  “What’s going on?” Autumn asked.

  “There’s blood,” Crew repeated. “She passed out.”

  Autumn was already walking. “Let’s get her in a room.”

  “Can you help her?” Crew begged.

  “Of course,” she reassured him. “My specialty is obstetrics. We’ll take good care of her.”

  The competent physician’s assistant escorted them into a white, sterile-looking room.

  “The doctor’s on his way,” the receptionist shouted down the hallway.

  “Thanks, Katie,” Autumn responded.

  Autumn helped Crew settle Sydney onto the bed, then busied herself with preparations. She gave orders to the nurse and fired a stream of questions at Crew. Autumn had already examined Sydney and brought in an ultrasound machine when the doctor arrived. The two worked side by side, their faces grim as Autumn inserted the ultrasound probe and spent a really long time doing the ultrasound. Sydney couldn’t see the screen and no one offered to show it to her. The medical professionals and Crew conferred in the hallway for a few minutes, before her fiancé approached her.