Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 368

“I…” Tiffany’s voice trailed off for a moment, but then she regained her confidence. “I’ll be its spiritual dad. Seriously, I’d make a way better father than Julian, right?”

Sydney paused, considering the proposition. It was an unexpected suggestion, but somehow, it resonated with her. She couldn’t quite envision Julian, with his detached demeanor and sharp tongue, stepping into the role of a nurturing parent.

The thought of a tiny baby crying for milk, and Julian’s frowning face appearing in response, was almost comical. She could almost hear him saying something dismissive like, “You’ve got hands, haven’t you? Can’t you mix it yourself? And while you’re at it, bring me some water.”

The absurdity of the image made her chuckle, and she turned to Tiffany with a newfound conviction. “Right. Definitely better.”

“Now… do you still want barbecue?” Tiffany’s gaze flickered nervously toward the spread laid out before them. “Can you eat? Should I order something else?”

Sydney couldn’t help but laugh. “Not only can I eat,” she replied, her laughter bubbling up, “I’m absolutely starving! I could clear this entire table by myself.”

Even though they were abstaining from alcohol tonight, the excitement of new life on the horizon filled their hearts and motivated them to indulge in the feast before them.

Yet, a shadow crossed Tiffany’s face as she voiced her concern. “What about Julian? What if he finds out?”

The prospect of custody battles loomed ominously in the air, and Sydney knew all too well that facing Julian in such a situation would be a daunting challenge. After enduring months of struggles, she could easily see herself reluctantly handing the baby over to him.

But as she savored a juicy piece of watermelon while expertly flipping the meat on the grill, she felt a surge of determination. “Then I just won’t let him know,” she declared with resolve.

She couldn’t afford to think too far ahead; all she was certain of was her desire for this child.

Their conversation flowed late into the night, laughter and dreams weaving a warm cocoon around them. Eventually, they succumbed to sleep on the sofa, wrapped in a cozy blanket—one lying sideways, the other stretched out, both lost in the comfort of friendship and hope.

The next morning, Sydney was barely conscious when the doorbell rang, the sound cutting through her hazy dreams. With a soft groan, she pushed the blanket aside, slipped on her fuzzy slippers, and shuffled her way to the door, still caught in the remnants of sleep.

Once the task was complete, Agatha tapped her forehead lightly, a look of realization crossing her features. “Look at me, I nearly forgot. I made you lunch too. Eat while it’s hot.”

Only then did Sydney notice the untouched insulated bag sitting on the dining table. She hurried over to open it, her eyes lighting up. “You even cooked for me? You must’ve been busy all morning.”

“If you like it, I’ll cook for you every day,” Agatha said, unpacking the dishes one by one and arranging them on the table. Among the offerings was a cold seafood dish. “This is marinated raw seafood. I heard young people like it these days, so I tried making some. Have a taste.”

Just then, Tiffany emerged from the bathroom, her smile bright. “She can’t eat that now, but I’ll eat it all for her.”

Sydney’s heart sank at the mention of raw food, knowing it was a strict no-go during pregnancy. The risks were simply too high.

Agatha’s smile faltered, her expression shifting to one of concern. “Why not? Is she feeling unwell?”

Caught off guard, Sydney felt the weight of honesty press upon her. She couldn’t bring herself to lie to someone who genuinely cared for her. “I’m pregnant. For the next few months, I have to avoid certain foods. No raw seafood for me.”