Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 745

Tiffany had neither refused nor agreed.

Sydney understood and did not press the issue. Instead, she said, "Ray has changed a lot lately. The last time he came to Delta Mansion, even Grandma said he seemed steadier than before."

Tiffany didn't respond, but the corner of her mouth twitched slightly. Sydney noticed, though she chose not to call attention to it.

The two sat together a while longer. Then Tiffany checked the time. "If your man finds out I kept you out late, he won't let me see you next time. Let's go."

"He wouldn't." Sydney stood with a laugh and picked up an armful of shopping bags.

Tiffany immediately took more than half of them. "Give those to me. You're a top-priority case these days."

The two walked side by side toward the parking lot. As they passed a baby goods store, Tiffany suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong?"

Sydney followed her gaze. In the display window sat a set of crib bedding, complete with a pale pink blanket embroidered with moons and stars.

"Nothing." Tiffany looked away. "Just thinking... Time really flies. You're about to be a mom."

Sydney caught the hint of wistfulness in her voice and tightened her hold on Tiffany's arm. "You should hurry up too."

"Hurry up with what? Getting married?" Tiffany huffed. "I don't even have a boyfriend."

"Isn't Ray—"

"Stop." Tiffany raised a hand to cut her off. "I told you, later."

Sydney knew better than to push and simply shook her head with a laugh.

…

Winter days were short, and the nights came early. By the time they returned to Delta Mansion, darkness had already settled in.

Julian stood in the entryway and took Sydney's coat and shopping bags from Tiffany.

He looked Sydney over carefully, and only after assuring himself she was fine did he turn his attention to Tiffany. "Have you two eaten?"

"No." Tiffany changed her shoes and sat down on the sofa. "We just had some drinks."

Agatha emerged from the dining room, smiling as she waved them over. "Perfect timing. Dinner's ready. Come eat."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony." Tiffany agreed with a bright smile and headed for the dining room.

Julian followed with an arm around Sydney's waist and leaned down to murmur in her ear. "Did you have fun shopping?"

"How's Tiffany doing?" Julian asked.

"She's okay. Just dealing with some annoying family issues." Sydney leaned against his shoulder, absently playing with his tie. "But she said she can handle it herself."

"What about Raymond?"

"Diana asked me to pass along a message. Tiffany said she'd think about it." Sydney sighed. "Honestly, I think she still has feelings for Ray. She just can't get past that one hurdle."

"It's only a matter of time." Julian ruffled her hair. "If Raymond doesn't even have that much patience, then he doesn't deserve her anyway."

Sydney tilted her head back to look at him. "Do you think they'll make it?"

"I don't know." Julian leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "But I do know one thing. We're definitely going to make it."

His sudden sweetness made Sydney's ears burn.

She gave him a shove. "Who asked you about that?"

"Then what do you want to hear?" Julian asked, amusement filling his eyes as his thumb brushed lightly across her cheek.

The look in his eyes made Sydney's heart race. She buried her face in his chest instead. "I'm not talking to you anymore."