Trey scrubbed his hands over his face. “Ah, shit,” he repeated, and sat back for the short trip home.
******
He’d showered, stowed his gear, then plopped in front of the television, watching some unimportant baseball game and listening to Reb and Paul argue over whose turn it was to clean the oven. Trey looked at his cell. No message or text from Jesse. He heard the front door open and swung his eyes toward it.
Jesse walked in, followed by two others—men he recognized from their training time at the base. He stood, shook hands with them, and started to pull Jesse into a hug when she stepped back. The men looked at the floor before walking around Trey to find Reb and Paul.
“What’s going on, Jess?” His heart was in his throat, his mind fogged by what he knew was coming.
“Let’s talk upstairs.” She turned toward the stairs leading to their bedroom.
Once inside, Trey closed the door, folded his arms over his chest, and leaned his shoulder against the wall. “So, tell me what’s in your head right now.”
“I think it’s best if I move out.”
Trey didn’t respond, he couldn’t. He stared at a woman he thought he knew, and loved, and she’d just told him their relationship meant nothing to her.
Jesse walked up to him and placed her hands on his folded arms. He pulled away.
“Look, Trey. From the picture, we both know what the test results will show. You’ll need to fly out and bring your son back here. That’s good, and right, and as it should be. But I shouldn’t be here. He’s going to lose his mother, and have a father he doesn’t know. You and I…” she signaled with her hands between the two of them, “well, we don’t know yet where we’re going. Believe me, it’s not right to have me here, letting him think I’m his new mother, when that may not be the case. It’s not fair to him.”
His jaw tightened and he leveled his gaze at her. “Or to you.”
Jesse recoiled at the implied accusation, but what could she say? He was partially right. “We don’t have to stop seeing each other. Things can go on as they were, we just won’t be living together.” Her heart thudded in her chest at the look Trey gave her. She knew he was already shutting her out. She loved him, didn’t want to lose him, but she wasn’t ready to help raise a child.
Trey pushed from the wall and walked to the dresser. He opened a small case on top, took out a key, and handed it to Jesse.
“What’s this?”
“The extra key to your Jeep. I’m guessing you’ll be giving it to one of the two men downstairs.” He stepped back and turned toward the door, then swung his hardened gaze back to Jesse. “Goodbye, Jesse. Fly safe.” Trey shut the door behind him.
“Trey, wait…” she began, but it was too late. Jesse stood, frozen in place, not expecting him to react this way. She had thought he’d understand, agree that it was the best thing for him and his son, at least for a while. The boy would need stability, something she knew Trey could provide.
Jesse hadn’t expected Trey to just let her go, not even listen to her reasons. She thought he’d know she still wanted him, loved him. That wasn’t the case. She’d misjudged his reaction and mishandled the approach. He’d cut her out.
Jesse heard Trey’s truck start, heard the wheels screech as he pulled away. Her heart squeezed. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Minutes passed. The room was so quiet she could hear the small clock ticking next to her side of their bed—his bed now. Jesse finally turned to grab her two suitcases and duffle from the closet. It took no more than twenty minutes to pack everything. She looked around. Trey had bought all the furniture. Her eyes stopped on a small jewelry box he’d given her last Christmas. She opened it to see the ring, pendant, and earrings he’d placed inside for Valentine’s Day. There was also a picture of the two of them in their flight suits, laughing at a joke Reb had made. She debated only a moment before opening her duffle and placing the box inside.
She walked down the stairs with the two suitcases and the duffle flung over her shoulder.
“I’ll get that,” Paul said and took the suitcases from her. Her new roommates were outside, talking with Reb, looking as if they felt as awkward as the rest of them. The truth was, at this point, most everyone at the base knew Trey and Jesse were a couple, had been for some time. One of her new roommates was in the same squadron as Trey. Her decision had now impacted more than just Trey and her. She cringed at what a bad situation she’d created.
“You sure about his, Jesse?” Paul asked as he set down her bags next to her car. “You can end this nonsense right now. Let me take the bags back inside.”
She shook her head. “No. I’m afraid I’ve really botched it this time. You should have seen the look in his eyes.” Jesse licked her lips and worked to stem the tears she felt. She refused to give in to them. Not her. Not a Naval Aviator. She’d made her decision and now she had to live with it.
Paul stared down at her, seeing the pain and regret, not knowing what to say to change her mind. “If that’s what you want, Outlaw,” he said, using her call sign. “I’ll see you in the morning. You know where to find me.” He glanced at the house in time to see Reb walk out with her two new roommates.
They carried a few small items that belonged to Jesse—a pine bookcase, a few pictures, some dishes, and a box of books. Reb had taken care of it all, while she’d been upstairs, trying to gain the courage to go through with her decision.
“That’s all of it.” Reb looked at her and realized he didn’t know what to say. What he did know was that she was making a huge mistake, but it was hers to make. “See you on base.” He didn’t try to hug her. Somehow he knew it would feel false.
“Yeah. See you on base.” Jesse got in her Jeep, pulled out of the driveway, and drove to her new home a few blocks away. It occurred to her that she wasn’t leaving just Trey behind. She was leaving what had become her family, the only people who had truly accepted her the way she was, who made no demands, and expected little, except for her friendship and loyalty. Jesse felt as if she’d let them all down.
******
Thirty-six hours later, Trey held the results of the DNA paternity test in his hand. Positive. He’d really had no doubt. It was a formality that he felt needed to be done to move forward.
Trey made an appointment with his commander, obtained approval for a two-week emergency leave, then called his father to see about using the family plane. That was the toughest call of all.
As he’d expected, his dad and Annie were one-hundred percent behind him. No questions, just asking what they could do and when they could meet their first grandson.
Heath scheduled the plane to take Trey to Pensacola, then bring him and Trevor back to Fire Mountain. They’d spend a few days on the ranch, then fly back to California in time for them to get settled before Trey had to report back to the base. His dad and Annie’s reactions were the total opposite of Jesse’s. The sense of relief he felt was enormous.
He hadn’t seen or heard from Jesse since she’d bailed. Neither Reb nor Paul dared to mention her name, and all pictures that included her had disappeared. The three spent a couple of nights before Trey flew out to Florida, buying kid’s furniture, toys, clothes, and converting the office they’d all shared into a place where any little boy would feel at home. By the time Friday morning arrived, they were ready for their newest roommate.
“We’re staying in Pensacola until you’re ready to fly back,” Robert told him on their approach to the local airport. He and the co-pilot, Todd Franks, had worked for MacLaren Cattle for years. “Heath scheduled a car for you. Todd and I have our own. Keep us posted.” Robert shook Trey’s hand before he headed toward the rental car.
Thirty minutes later, Trey stood outside Mr. Egan’s office, straightening his uniform, and settling his hat on his head. He wasn’t sure why, he knew it would come off within seconds of walking into the office. He reached for the handle and pushed the door open.
An older woma
n with graying hair sat behind the desk, typing on a computer keyboard, while simultaneously listening to a caller on the phone.
“Yes, sir, I have it. Don’t worry, it will all be taken care of.” She hung up the phone and looked to the gentleman who stood before her. “You must be Lieutenant MacLaren.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He took off his hat and stood erect.
“Well, you’re every bit as handsome as Sydney said.”
Trey just stared, surprised that Sydney remembered much about him. He still held a vague image of her laughing, her long brown hair rustling in the ocean breeze, her passion filled eyes gazing up into his. The memory caused a strange aching sensation.
“Well, sit down and relax. Mr. Egan will be here in twenty minutes. He got delayed behind some tractor-trailer wreck on the interstate. Coffee?”
“No, ma’am.” Trey swallowed hard, trying to control the small tremor that shook his body. How was it he could drive a high-powered jet, yet get all jacked up over one fourteen-month-old little boy? His foot started tapping on the floor, and he fidgeted with the brim of his hat. He had to get control of himself.
“All right, Lieutenant, that’s enough.”
“Ma’am?”
“You look like you’re ready to jump out of your skin. I understand this is tough, but you are doing the right thing. My son flies out of Oceana. You give him big planes and speed all day long and he doesn’t flinch. But if his four-year-old daughter bursts into tears over something, he’s a wreck.” She shook her head. “So, I have coffee, soda, whiskey, and scotch. Which will it be?”
Trey smiled for the first time in a few days. “Whiskey, ma’am, and water, please.”
She walked to the back, then reappeared a few minutes later. “Here you go. Let me know if one isn’t enough.”
Chapter Six
Trey looked up as the door burst open and a round, older man hurried up to stand in front of him. “You must be Lieutenant MacLaren. I’m Oliver Egan.” The man extended his hand. “Apologies for keeping you waiting. I assume my wife took care of you?”
Trey stood and accepted the offered hand. “Yes, sir, she sure did.” He cast an eye at Mrs. Egan, who winked in reply.
“Good. Follow me and we’ll get this going.” Egan strode into his office, moved stacks of paper around, and placed his briefcase on his desk. Opening it, he rummaged around before finding what he sought. “Here it is.” He held up a set of documents, then sat down.
“Mr. Egan, how is Sydney doing?” Trey asked, not wanting to push, but needing to understand the situation.
Egan lifted his gaze and removed his glasses. “Not well, I’m afraid. She’s on pain killers, and as I’m sure you can imagine, groggy most of the time.” He let out a sigh. “It’s such a shame. She is one of the finest young women I know. Worked for me, up until it became clear she couldn’t handle the job. I’ve kept her on full pay, and she does have medical insurance, so she’s not expecting any help with that.”
Trey cleared his throat. “I’m not as concerned with the medical expenses as much as I am about her getting the best treatment. There’s nothing that can be done?”
“Unfortunately not. It is a very aggressive, rare form of cancer. My understanding is that it would have had to be diagnosed very early for her to have any chance of recovery. The odds were against her from the start.” He leveled his gaze at Trey. “Are you sure you want to take on the responsibility of raising your son? It’s a big challenge for a single officer.”
Trey didn’t hesitate. “Yes, sir. Trevor is my son, and he’ll live with me.” He returned the attorney’s stare. “He won’t want for love, family, or opportunity. I can assure you of that.”
Egan sat back. “That’s good to hear, as I know Sydney has been concerned about springing all this on you without warning.”
“I don’t understand why she didn’t get in touch with me when she learned she was pregnant. I would have helped with Trevor all along.” This was the question that had haunted him since he’d received Sydney’s letter.
“You must understand, Sydney is a stubborn, independent young lady. She came right out and told Mrs. Egan and I that it was a one night thing, no commitments, and she was determined not to burden you with it.”
“Burden? Having my own son would not have been a burden, Mr. Egan.”
Egan had seen many things during his years as an attorney. This situation wasn’t new. “Sydney grew up in this town, watched hundreds of young pilots come and go. She never intended to get involved with one. For her to break that conviction must have taken a special man. I wish the two of you had had more time before your transfer to Texas, but wishing won’t change a darn thing now.” He pushed some papers to Trey. “Read these. They have to do with transferring parental rights to you, as well as some other legal papers that I must file. I assume you’ll want to change his last name to MacLaren?” Trey nodded, and Egan continued. “Take your time. I’m going for some coffee. Would you like anything?”
Trey was already halfway down the first page but looked up. “No, thank you.” He took a deep breath and continued.
Trevor Trey MacLaren Powell was used throughout and was on the birth certificate. She had named him as the father. He guessed he’d change it to Trevor Trey Powell MacLaren. He felt it right to keep Sydney’s name attached to their son.
Egan walked back in as Trey finished the last document.
“Is there any chance I can see Sydney?”
“I’m sorry, but Sydney specifically asked that you not visit her. She…well, she isn’t in the best shape. She mentioned something about you remembering her the way she looked that night and not how she looks now.”
Trey thought back on that night. Sydney was a stunning young woman, vivacious, smart, and funny. He glanced at Egan, his strained features signaling the sadness he felt. “I understand. Are there photos, anything you can give me that I may keep for Trevor?”
“Yes, she made provisions for all of that, including family medical history and information about his relatives on her side. But I have to tell you, they’re a strange bunch. Live way up north and haven’t seen Sydney in years. None of them have ever acknowledged Trevor. I don’t expect they’ll have much to offer.”
Trey didn’t understand that kind of family, yet he knew they existed.
Egan stood. “Are you ready to meet your son?”
“As ready as I can be, sir.”
He opened his office door. “Connie?”
A young woman Trey remembered meeting that night, walked into the room carrying a fidgeting youngster with dark hair and striking blue eyes. Trey’s hands turned clammy and sweat broke out on his forehead. My son.
“Hello, Trey. You probably don’t remember me…”
“Yes, Connie, I do remember you.” His eyes flicked to hers then moved back to focus on Trevor.
“I’m sure you aren’t aware, but Sydney and I have been best friends since we were in kindergarten. We’ve been roommates for over five years, so I’ve been helping out with Trevor.”
“You were with her during the pregnancy?”
“The whole time.” She walked up to stand within a foot of Trey. “This is Trevor. He’s almost fifteen months old, aren’t you, Trevor?” Connie smiled at the boy, who looked at Trey, then buried his head in Connie’s neck. She turned a little so he could see Trey. “Trevor, this is your daddy.” She knelt to place Trevor on the floor. “He’s been walking for months, running actually. You’ll see. He’s a great kid and real active.”
Trevor stared up at Trey, not smiling or frowning, just looking. Trey dropped to his knees so he was at eye level with his son.
“Hello, Trevor. It’s good to meet you.” He held out his hand for Trevor, but his son turned toward Connie and wrapped his arms around her legs.
“Now, Trevor, honey, this is your daddy. Say hi to him, sweetie.” She pulled his small arms from her and turned him to face Trey.
“Dada,” Trevor said but didn’t move.
“That’s right, son. I’m your daddy.” Trey’s chest tightened and he found it hard to take a breath.
“Sydney found a photo of you online with a group of other pilots, when you received your wings. I blew it up and have been pointing to you and telling Trevor you’re his daddy. He started saying Dada just last week when I would hold up the picture.”
“Dada,” Trevor repeated, as if he were testing the word and trying to decide if he liked it.
“Yes, that’s right.” Trey held out his arms, hoping Trevor would come forward.
Trevor looked up at Connie.
“It’s okay, honey. He’s your daddy.”
Trevor took a tentative step forward, raised his arms, and was swept into a hug by his father.
Trey held him, then stood. His son seemed solid, and heavy. He held Trevor away from him a few inches. “You are a big boy, aren’t you, son?”
Trevor giggled, then laid his head on Trey’s shoulder.
Oliver Egan cleared his throat. “Why don’t you three take some time and get Trevor comfortable. Take a walk, get some food, then come back up here and we’ll finish up.”
The three walked outside. Connie pointed toward a small park a block away. Trey set Trevor down and he dashed toward an area meant for toddlers a few feet away. The adults sat on a bench, saying nothing, watching Trevor move from one large toy to the next.
“This must be hard for you,” Trey finally said. He could see how much Trevor loved Connie, and it appeared she felt the same for him. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”
Connie knew she’d tear up if she wasn’t careful. The last thing she wanted was for Trevor to see her cry. She looked at Trey. “It’s been wonderful. He’s a great kid, and I love him like he was my own son.”
“You’re welcome to see him anytime. Just let me know.” This was all new territory for Trey. He wanted to do right by Sydney and Connie, while he built a home for Trevor.
Hard Landing: Book Two in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary series 2) Page 4