32. Chapter 32

Chapter thirty-two

"They've always liked him more than me."

S ydney called her parents every Sunday. But today, she wanted to call her sister first. They all lived in Seattle, where Sydney had grown up. It was a fluke she ended up in Calaway Crossing.

She majored in journalism with a minor in creative writing at Western Washington University. During her last semester, Duncan had come to Seattle to give a lecture on running a small town newspaper. The idea intrigued her, so she'd asked him some questions. He sought her out afterwards and talked to her about her ambitions and what she wanted to do with her degree. He then gave her his card and told her to contact him if she ever wanted a job.

After working two years at the Seattle Times and realizing it would take her years to actually see something she wrote in print, she contacted Duncan. He told her he was about to retire, but his nephew was taking over and would need an assistant.

Sydney came to Calaway Crossing the following week and Duncan hired her with Gage's blessing. She started two weeks later, staying at the boarding house for a month before her house became available to rent. She didn't realize how lucky she was at the time to find a rental in town. They were few and far between.

She was attracted to Gage right away, even with his quiet nature. He put a hundred and ten percent into everything he did. And she admired that about him. He could be testy sometimes, especially when he thought things weren't going as they should. And he'd often retreat into his head. But she loved how smart and creative he was. Finding both of those qualities in someone was rare. It also didn't hurt he was so good looking and could be sweet and charming at times. She fell for him pretty quickly and her feelings never changed. Even when he was being grumpy and unreasonable. It all worked. He was Gage Calaway, editor of the Calaway Report.

Sydney hadn't yet told her family she and Gage were dating. But it was time. She wanted to call her sister first, because she knew how Sydney had always felt about Gage. Sarah didn't get it. The one time they'd met, she thought Gage was distant and too serious. But that was okay. Sydney knew differently. And now they were in love and hopefully looking at forever together.

Sarah answered with, "Hey. Isn't this your day to call Mom and Dad?"

"Can't I make two phone calls in one day?"

"Of course. How are you?"

She sat on the couch. "I have some news."

"Good news?"

"Yes. Very good news."

"Tell me already."

She hesitated. "Gage and I are together."

Sarah was quiet for a moment. "Together like a couple? Like dating?"

"Yes. And I don't want any negativity from you. This is a good thing."

"Okay. No negative vibes. If you're happy, I'm happy. When did this happen?"

Sydney picked up a pillow and set it on her lap. "Officially, March twentieth. That's when he finally admitted he had feelings for me, too."

"Hmm. So now?"

"Now we spend all of our time together."

"Days and nights?"

Sydney smiled. "Yes."

"Hmm."

"Quit with the hmm. I love him."

"I know. You've loved him since forever. I'm glad he came around and he makes you happy."

"But?"

"No. I don't have any buts. Seriously, you sound happy. And that's all I can ask for."

"And when you come to visit us?"

"I'll be nice and welcoming."

"Thank you." She tossed the pillow aside and got to her feet.

"I have to admit. He's very cute."

Sydney sighed. "He is, isn't he?"

"Are we going to marry the newspaper guy someday?"

"Yeah. Or maybe we'll just live together forever. I don't really care."

"Kids?"

"I don't know. If it happens. It happens."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes."

"I guess you never were the girl who couldn't wait to grow up and have a family."

She went to the window and looked at the grass in the front yard. It was green now and in need of a mow. "His siblings are doing a pretty good job in the baby department. There will always be kids around."

"I'm glad you found your guy, Sydney. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy."

"I know."

"Speaking of children, mine sound like they're killing each other, so I need to go."

"Tell them Auntie Sydney loves them."

"Will do."

"I'll talk to you soon."

Gage had left early in the morning to go on a trail ride with Cooper and Cabe. He told Sydney he'd call her when they were back in cell range so she could meet him at his house. Sydney expected the call to come soon, so she went to the tavern to wait. She'd be bringing food for them to have for an early dinner. He'd be hungry after spending all day on the back of a horse.

She went into the bar and got a smile from Paxton. He went to her and set a napkin down in front of her.

"Drinking alone?"

She laughed. "No. But can you make me a virgin something?"

"Sure. Margarita? Daiquiri? Any preference?"

"Surprise me."

Paxton went to make her drink, and Sydney looked around the room. There were only a few customers, which didn't surprise her. It was Sunday afternoon.

Paxton returned with her drink, which was pink and had fresh strawberries on top.

"Strawberry daiquiri?"

"Strawberry margarita."

"Perfect."

"I don't see you without Gage these days. What's he doing?"

"He went on a ride with Cooper and Cabe."

"Dammit. They were supposed to do it tomorrow so I could come."

"But then Gage wouldn't have been able to come."

Paxton sighed. "They've always liked him more than me."

Sydney laughed. "I'm sure that's not true. Especially since you supply them with free alcohol."

"That's true. I think the free alcohol is even more appreciated than the free food."

"You could be right." She took a sip of her drink. "Wow. This is wonderful."

"It's Clem's favorite these days. Bryn likes the plain virgin margarita better."

When Sydney's phone rang, she took it from her purse and smiled when she saw it was Gage. "Hey."

"We'll be at the barn in fifteen minutes. Which will put me home in thirty."

"Okay. What do you want me to order from Remy?"

"A burger and fries."

"Okay. I'll get that ordered and meet you at the house."

"See you soon."

Paxton leaned on the bar. "Are they headed back?"

"Yes. I need to order a couple of burgers to go."

Paxton looked toward the restaurant, then whistled when Becca walked by the door. She scowled at him, then changed direction and walked over to the bar.

"I told you to stop whistling for me."

"Hey, it works."

"Well, maybe I'll just stop responding. I'm not a dog."

Paxton grinned. "I'm sorry. Sydney here would like to order some food to go."

Becca smiled at Sydney. "You're the only reason I came in here."

"Thank you. I need two burgers with fries. I just want mustard, onion, and lettuce on mine. And I'm sure Remy knows how Gage wants his."

"I'll get those ordered. It'll be about fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, Becca."

Becca glanced at Paxton, then smiled at Sydney. "You're welcome."

Sydney looked at Paxton. "Why do you always harass Becca?"

"Because it's so easy. And don't let her fool you. She loves it."

"I'm not so sure about that."

When Sydney got to Gage's house, he was on the porch waiting for her. He stood when she came up the steps with their food.

"I hope you weren't waiting too long?"

He held up a half-full bottle of beer. "Half a beer's worth." He kissed her. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too. I didn't know what to do with myself all day."

They sat, and she handed him his food container. "What did you do?"

"Cleaned. And I called my sister."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Your sister hates me."

"No she doesn't. And she's very happy for us."

"You told her?"

"Of course. She said as long as I'm happy, she's happy."

"Hmm."

"Not you too."

"Not me too, what?"

"I need you two to get along."

Gage nodded. "I'm sorry. I will get along with your sister the next time she comes to town."

"Thank you."

He took a bite of his burger. "Man. I love my brother's burgers."

"I think you love everything Remy makes."

"That's true. I do." He ate a fry. "We had a really nice ride. The weather was perfect." He looked at her. "You and I need to take a ride soon."

"I'd like that."

He chewed thoughtfully for a moment. "I don't want to spend anymore long days without you."

"It's going to happen once in a while."

"I suppose. But let's keep it down to only when it's necessary."

"Sounds good."

"The worst thing about being mayor is the monthly meetings in the county seat."

"Canyon City?"

"Yeah."

"I've never been. Can I come with you when you go?"

"If it's not a publishing day."

"Right. The paper must go out on time."

"I trust you completely with that, you know."

"I know. And I appreciate it. What's in Canyon City?"

"Not much. It's barely bigger than Calaway Crossing. It's just not as isolated. And in its day, it was twice the size it is now. They have a very nice hotel, though."

"Then I'm definitely coming with you, paper schedule permitting."

"I wouldn't mind spending a night in a motel with you."

Sydney smiled. "Room service?"

"Yeah." He looked at his food and smiled. "Come to think of it, we have room service here, too. And I know who has slept in the bed and used the bathroom."

"So, no motel?"

"Only if it's too late to drive home."

Sydney laughed. "I guess I'm lucky you'll stay at my place."

"You're relatively clean."

She reached over and nudged him. "Relatively?"

"We'll work on it."