Best Dating Rules by Tamie Dearen (story books to read .TXT) 📗

He was getting a full-blown trial of the “for worse” part of his recent wedding vows.

Why did she feel so terrible with this pregnancy? Her first two had been easy, and she felt terrific the whole time. Of course, she was in her early twenties when she had Emily and Charlotte. She’d had a little morning sickness, but nothing like she was experiencing now. The nausea meds prescribed by the doctor provided little relief for her severe symptoms. She had hoped fervently she’d eventually adjust, praying each day her symptoms would improve. But so far, she found it almost impossible to keep anything in her stomach.

She spied her husband behind her, watching her in the mirror, his face clearly exhibiting the emotions warring inside him. Whoever said men don’t have any feelings had never met her husband. He had them in droves, and most of them were intense.

“I look bad… I’m afraid for Emily to see me.”

“If you’d tell her the truth, it wouldn’t be a problem. I really don’t like lying to her, and I’m having to do it a lot. Have you considered how angry she’ll be when she finds out the truth?”

“I know, but I’m just not ready.”

He sighed. It seemed like he was doing a lot of sighing these days. “Have you had anything to drink today?”

“I liked those ice chips you brought me. And I ate a cracker.”

“And they stayed down?”

“Well... Not exactly.” She felt tears forming, and she turned away, blinking rapidly.

She found herself enveloped in his arms. “Don’t worry. We’re already planning to go back for an IV this afternoon; you’ll feel better soon.”

“I’m really worried the baby’s not getting enough nutrition.”

“I’m worried about you. If something doesn’t change, there won’t be anything left of you.” He gave her a squeeze. “But Monday, something’s going to change. We’re not going on like this. So why do we have to keep lying about it, even to our family?”

“It’s... You won’t understand.”

“I will. Please tell me.” He lifted her face toward his, so she could see the promise in his eyes.

“I’m... I don’t want to go through this in public—in the newspapers, in the tabloids. I’m just not used to it. I know it doesn’t bother you, but I was even embarrassed over all the press stuff when we got married. I can’t imagine what they’ll say when they find out I’m pregnant at my age. And then if I lose the baby...” She couldn’t stop a few tears from rolling down her cheeks.

“I didn’t know the paparazzi upset you that much. I guess I’m used to it, so I can ignore it. But if it matters to you, it matters to me.” He kissed a few stray tears off her face. “Couldn’t we at least tell the girls and Gram?”

“But then they’ll have to lie about it.”

He heaved out another weighty sigh. “Okay, we’ll wait as long as we can. And I’ll see what I can do to keep the media out of it. Truthfully the best way to fight the tabloids is to be very open with the mainstream press. It’ll be hard to keep it a secret for long.”

She managed a little smile. “Maybe you could simply buy all the tabloids.”

“I’m considering it.” He grinned, and her heart leapt in her chest. He was so handsome. Sometimes she still had a hard time believing he could love her.

“Help me get dressed and ready for when Emily comes. I want to look really normal.”

“I’d rather help you get undressed.” He kissed the back of her neck.

“You’ve got to be kidding. Me throwing up ten times a day hasn’t turned you off?”

“Na! I’m used to it. I’ve always had that effect on women.”

Emily’s mom lounged on the couch. Her color was better, but she looked thin—like she could easily snap in two.

“So you’re feeling better?”

“Yes, much better. Tell me about Spencer? Are you sure you’re only friends? He’s such a nice boy.”

“Yes, we’re friends. So what medicines are you taking for your ulcer?” Emily had done a thorough Internet search on ulcers. She was prepared to catch her mom if she was lying.

“Are you really sure you’re only friends?”

“Yes, we’re just friends. And what medicine did you say you’re taking?”

“Some type of antacids. Uhmm, I forget.” She fidgeted with a button on her shirt, refusing to make eye contact. “I wanted to know if you were really only friends, because his Aunt May wants me to match him with someone.”

“May asked you to match him up?” Something heavy fell to the bottom of her stomach.

“Yes. You know, she wants me to find a wife for him.”

“Mom, maybe Spencer doesn’t want you to find someone for him. Maybe he’s not ready to get married. Have you thought of that?”

“No, he told me a while back he’d love for me to find someone for him. In fact, before y’all came to visit me in New York, I showed him a picture of you and Charlie. He told me he’d take either one of y’all.”

“Either one?” Why did that bother her?

“I think he meant he thought y’all were both cute,” Anne clarified.

“Well... If Spencer wants a wife, I guess you should find him one. Do you have someone in mind?”

“No, I actually thought you could help me look. I don’t know him that well, and I don’t meet a lot of young people.”

“Sure, I guess. You know, he told me he wasn’t even interested in dating anyone right now. Are you sure he still wants a wife?”

“I guess he could’ve changed his mind, but to be honest, most guys don’t know they want a wife when they find one.”

“That’s true.” Steven walked in and sank onto the couch next to Anne. “I was determined to remain single for the rest of my life.”

“But Spencer’s still in grad school,” Emily reasoned.

“Doesn’t he graduate in December?” asked Steven.

“I guess that’s true,” said Emily. “Still, he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to settle down.”

“What do you think about