Page 148 of Really Truly Yours

Another shift. “That’s right.” I catch a surreptitious glare.

Oops. Yeah, that was kind of personal. Dr. Chelsea’s mouth opens with a question I can guess.

I beat her to the punch. “And, Sydnee is a writer.” Squeeze, squeeze. “Isn’t that right, Syd?”

Her shoulders stiffen. “Some, but it’s no big deal.”

“Sure it is. You’re about to publish, right?”

My arm is dislodged as her napkin lands on the table. “Would you excuse me for a moment?”

“She seems like a sweet girl, Gray,” Mom chimes as I watch Sydnee search out the restrooms.

I smile past my worry. Is it her stomach again? “She is, Mom. Very sweet.”

Chelsea’s head tilts. “She’s not exactly what I expected.”

“How so?”

She makes a snotty sound. “She’s very…real.”

I snort. “Heck, Chels, who exactly did you see me with?”

A smirk contorts her expression. “Remember the dolls I used to play with?”

I nudge her elbow off the armrest. “Jerk.”

She gloats as if she somehow scored a point.

“Are we perhaps getting a bit ahead of things here, son? You haven’t known her long, right?”

Leave it to Dad. “Yes and no. It hasn’t been long, but…things went fast with you guys, right?”

My parents exchange wide eyes. “It’s that serious?”

I’ve thought so little about Sydnee and me.

I’ve thought about nothing but Sydnee and me. This thing between us just happened. It’s a feeling, a knowing in my gut. When I look into my future, she’s suddenly in every scene I see.

“I think it is, Mom. I can’t say we’ve discussed the future, but I know how I feel.”

“Wow. Well, okay, then.” Mom’s smile is gentle. “I do like her, Gray. She’s quiet, though.”

“Very. It’s one of the things I like about her.” She doesn’t have to be the center of attention, nor does she thrive on the spotlight of my public career. Sydnee can just be. I’m a pretty social guy, yet more and more, I appreciate peace and being able to simply step away from it all.

“How did you two meet?” Dad pipes up right as Sydnee returns.

I stand while she’s seated, taking her hand and smiling at her once we’re settled. Having heard, Sydnee flings me a very pertinent question with her eyes.

Yes, this is my moment. “Well, funny story.” Granted, funny probably isn’t the best word.

Sydnee smiles her support.

Gathering my nerve, I free my hand so I can put my arm around her. “But first, there’s something you guys should know. I just haven’t known how to tell you—”

Chelsea’s eyes get big. She flicks a finger between the two of us. “You’re having a baby?”

The chair threatens to give as I throw myself against the seat. “What? No!”

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