More Than A Promise: The Wedding (2nd book in a 3 book series)

MORE THAN A PROMISE:

THE WEDDING

by

Tess Gregory

Published by Tess Gregory at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Tess Gregory

Discover other titles by Tess Gregory at Smashwords.com

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Chapter 1

When Lia woke up this morning she was so happy and a huge weight was lifted off of her shoulders. Seth was home! She never thought it would happen. Everything they went through made it seem like he was never coming back to her. Lying in her bed she reflected on the past few months. His moving to New York with his parents was the hardest thing either of them had to deal with. Thank God that was in their past, now the hardest thing they will face, is being parents, but they would face it together.

Since he had been back they have been working a lot. She was still working at the Gap and Seth was working at Auto Parts and Wilson’s garage on weekends. They tried to take the same night off so they could spend time together. Some weeks it worked, but others it didn’t. This week they were scheduled off for Thursday night, her doctor appointment. Seth went to every appointment with her, which she was so glad he did.

At the appointment everything was fine, the baby’s heart beat was strong and her weight gain was minimal. The doctor said she was doing fine. Seth asked about her working, Is it okay for her to work as much as she is? With her going to school and working almost every night is it too much? Lia stared at him as if to say, how dare you ask that. He just ignored her.

Not as long as she’s feeling fine and not extremely tired. She can work up till the end of her pregnancy, the Dr. Claire said.

See I told you, Lia said sticking her tongue out at him.

But you do need your rest also, so make sure it’s a healthy balance between rest and work, the doctor continued.

After the appointment Seth drove her to the mall. They wouldn’t get the night off together this week, since they called her into work. They stopped at the deli to get sandwiches before she had to be at work. Lia sat down at a table after ordering a ham and cheese hoagie with a salad.

When Seth brought the food over she grabbed the salad and started eating. I’m starving, she said with her mouth full of food.

Seth laughed, I see your appetite is back.

Yeah since the morning sickness stopped. It’s weird when the fourth month came it all stopped.

I’m glad it stopped, I was worried you’d be sick the whole time like your Mom was, Seth said.

How do you know that? she asked stopping the fork full of salad in mid-air.

Your Dad told me when we first found out you were pregnant. He said she was sick the whole time with both you and Cris. I was afraid you would be the same way.

Oh you didn’t want to have to deal with me being sick all the time? she joked.

No, that’s not it at all. You’re going through enough and it’s frustrating to see you so sick and there’s nothing I can do to help you, he said seriously.

Babe I was only joking. I know you felt helpless, but your being here helps so much. I just wish we could be together more than we are. I only have to work till nine so we can spend some time together tonight when I get off.

You should have said no, that you couldn’t work, he murmured.

I couldn’t refuse, we need the money and with Christmas only a few weeks away I can get the extra hours now. Besides once the baby comes I can’t work for a few weeks.

I don’t want you to go back to work once the baby comes, he said. I want you to be able to be with the baby as much as possible.

I can’t do that Seth. We both have to work to afford all this. I’m not putting all the pressure on you to support us. That’s just way too much on you. I won’t work as much as I am now, but I will keep working. Diapers alone cost a fortune.

I know, but we’ll see how things go once he’s here, Seth said.

There you go again saying he. What are you going to do if it’s a girl? she asked laughing.

I’ll get my shot gun out and make sure no one gets near her until she’s thirty, he said laughing.

Yeah right, Lia laughed. After finishing her food she stood up and asked, Are you walking me to the store I have to be there soon?

Yeah, then I’ll be back to pick you up at nine, he said.

They walked hand in hand through the mall and he gave her a kiss before she went in. When he turned he saw some of his friends on the other side of the mall and walked over. Tina and some of the cheerleaders were over there too and when Seth walked toward them they came over to him.

Tina asked, How things going Seth? How was the doctor’s appointment today?

Great we heard the baby’s heartbeat and he’s doing fine, so is Lia. I just dropped her off at work, he said.

I missed hearing the heartbeat. Damn I wished I could have gone again, but I just got off work myself, Tina said.

Tina you been with her at every appointment so far. Which she really appreciates and we both know you can’t be at everyone.

I know, but I want to be there for her. By the way we are thinking of having a baby shower for her, do you know if she picked out any baby theme yet?

Not that I know of, but I’ll ask her.

No don’t, just tell her to go register at Wal-Mart or Baby’s R Us. Oh I’ll tell her tomorrow at school. I have to go, got to study for that chemistry test tomorrow, Tina said running out of the mall.

See ya later, Seth murmured.

Seth hung out the rest of Lia’s shift at the mall with his friends. It was good to hang out with them. He didn’t see much of them since he worked all the time. They didn’t do much but walk around the mall looking at girls. Even though Seth wasn’t looking at the girls like his friends, it was funny to see some of them work so hard to impress a girl. Seth was leaning over the railing looking down at the bottom floor when someone stood next to him. He looked up and saw Courtney standing there, What do you want? he asked rudely.

I just wanted to know something. How you feel about Lia trapping you? She got pregnant on purpose so you wouldn’t dump her and come to me, she said.

Shut up, Courtney! Lia didn’t trap me! I love the fact that she’s pregnant. I wouldn’t come to you even if Lia and I didn’t stay together. I don’t want anything to do with you! I should have never taken you to the movies that one time. I’m warning you now! You better stay away from me and stay away from Lia! Seth roared. If I hear anything about you being near her, look out, Courtney, because I’ll be coming for you.

Yeah what are you going to do? Courtney challenged.

He might not be able to do anything, but I sure as hell can, Steph said from behind and standing next to Cris. You so much as go near Lia I’ll kick your ass so hard you won’t know what hit you. That’s not a threat, dear Courtney, that’s a promise.

Courtney turned and saw the look in Steph’s eye knowing she meant what she said, Well I was just showing my sympathy for him, Courtney started.

Shut up and get out of here, Cris roared louder than Seth. I don’t care if you’re a girl or not, leave Seth and Lia alone or I’ll punch you in the face myself.

She turned and walked away in a huff. Thanks guys I can’t stand to look at her. She’s such a bitch. Steph, do you know if she gives Lia any problems at school? Seth asked.

No not that I heard. I know she’s spreading rumors, but she always did that, but I don’t think she’s confronted Lia face to face. Didn’t Lia ever say anything? Steph asked.

No and she wouldn’t either. You know Lia, she’d handle it herself, but I don’t want her to. Keep an ear out and let me know if you hear anything, Seth said. Looking at his watch, I have to go pick her up at work it’s almost nine.

You are taking her home then? Cris asked.

No going back to my place for a little and then taking her home. Why?

Just wondered, Cris said. She’s always so tired.

I know, I asked her doctor about her still working. She said she could up till the end of the pregnancy. I suggested that after the baby she shouldn’t go back, but she’s hearing nothing of it. She said she didn’t want all the burden on me.

Sounds like her. She’s right though, you can’t do it all. Let her work now and save up as much as you guys can. They’re having a baby shower from the kids at school for her so maybe you’ll get a lot of what you need, Steph said.

We need everything and the kids won’t be able to afford the big stuff so we’ll have to get that. In fact Tina just said something to me about getting her to register for the shower. I think she has off on Sunday, maybe I’ll take her then. I got to go she’s off in about five minutes, Seth said. If you’re not doing anything stop over.

Naw she needs rest. We’ll hang out another time, Cris said.

~~*~~

On the way home they stopped to get some food for the house. When she went to get a soda Seth took it out of her hand, putting it back he held up a bottle of milk or orange juice. Laughing she pointed to the milk, and got some cookies to go with it.

Ok you win this one. You can have the cookies since you got the milk. You know you have to drink more of it, he said.

I know, but I don’t think of it.

That’s why you got me to remind you, he said hugging her from around her back. Come on let’s get home so you can rest. Don’t even bother to argue you need to relax.

I’m not, I’m so tired today. Are we going to your place or my parents?

Mine for a little. I wanted to ask you something. Is Courtney or anyone at school giving you a hard time? he asked

No I don’t see Courtney, but some of the girls in my homeroom won’t talk to me anymore. It’s no big deal anyway.

I’m sorry, Babe, I didn’t know you were having such a hard time at school. Why didn’t you tell me?

It’s not that bad and my real friends are still talking to me so that’s all that matters, she replied. Besides I have you back and that means more to me than any kids not speaking to me.

When they got to his place they walked into the house and Jerry was nowhere around. They went up to Seth’s room and he turned on the TV as Lia laid on the bed. She looked at Seth and he came over to the bed and lowered himself down next to her kissing her. He pulled her to him and the kiss deepened, he started rubbing her lower back.

Mmm, that feels so good.

You feel good, Babe, he said as his hands started roaming all over her. Quickly he had her moaning his name. He pulled her shirt up and looked at her body, the changes were more noticeable now, she was showing more and her breasts were larger. Babe, you are so beautiful.

She laughed, Stop torturing me, Seth.

He quickly undressed her they came together quickly. She laid on her side afterwards with him holding her close to him, her back to his chest, and he asked, Are you ok? You’re so quiet.

I’m fine just so tired tonight, she said as she pulled his arm around her and she fell asleep within minutes.

He pulled her to face him and put her head on his shoulder. He held her close watching her sleep. He was rubbing her stomach absently thinking about their future. Money was going to be tight. Even with people giving them stuff at the baby shower, he didn’t know how they were going to do it all. The pressure he was feeling was weighing heavily on him, to provide for the baby, his college, for them. He didn’t think his parents were going to help too much; since he hasn’t spoken to either one of them in weeks. Deep down it hurt that his Mom didn’t call him, but he would never let anyone know that. He was more than a little surprise that she didn’t. He told her when he left that it wasn’t because of her only his Dad. He swore to himself right now that he would be a better parent to his kid than his parents are to him.

He got an idea and he hoped it would work, he picked up his cell phone and dialed Lia’s house, Hello, Mrs. Lombardi? It’s Seth, Lia’s fine, but she’s sleeping and I was wondering if you wanted me to wake her up to bring her home, or can I just let her sleep? She was really exhausted after work tonight and fell asleep almost as soon as we got here.

Seth you should have brought her here if she was that tired, Mrs. Lombardi said.

We were just going to watch a movie and then I was bringing her home, but she fell asleep before I could even put it in. I’ll wake her up and bring her home, Seth said annoyed.

Let her sleep, but don’t make a habit of this, she said.

I don’t mean any disrespect, but what’s the big deal anymore? She’s pregnant already and going to marry me, he asked.

Don’t be smart with me Seth. She’s underage and she still has to follow our rules, she reprimanded.

I wasn’t trying to be smart. I was just stating the truth and wondering why it’s a big deal. You know that I love her and she loves me and we want to be together all the time.

I know that and when you’re older you can have that, but not now. Not when she’s only sixteen.

She’ll be seventeen soon and I want us married before the baby comes. I know I told you we would wait, but it doesn’t feel right to me to have this baby without us being married, he said.

Seth I know you feel that way and probably have from the beginning, but you have to wait till she graduates, she said.

Why? What’s the difference? It’s not like she won’t graduate, I’ll make sure of that. She’ll go to college too and when she supposed to. Not years from now.

Did you even speak to her about it?

No, not yet. I wanted to talk to you first to see if you will even let us.

You put me in a bad position here. Come over tomorrow after work and we’ll discuss it. I’m telling you now I’m not thrilled with it and I don’t know how her father will feel about it. What about your parents?

What about them? I haven’t heard from either one of them since I moved back. If you let us then I’ll tell them, but not before.

Oh Seth I’m so sorry I didn’t realize you haven’t spoken to them. Come over tomorrow and we’ll discuss it. I’ll speak to her Dad, but I’m not saying we will give you permission.

Thanks Mrs. Lombardi, I really appreciate you thinking about it.

Lia woke up after he turned off the phone and asked, Who where you talking to?

You’re Mom. I originally I called to see if I had to wake you up to take you home and she was mad that I didn’t take you right home since you were so tired. Then I asked her if we could get married before the baby comes and she kinda freaked on me for a minute, but then said we can go over there tomorrow after work to discuss it.

Really we can get married before the baby comes?! she said excitedly.

Well it’s up to you and your parents. Do you want to get married before he comes?

Yes if you stop saying he, she teased. I think once I have my ultra sound next month I’m asking to know the sex of the baby. Where would we live here or at my parents?

If it’s alright with Jerry, here would be better. I don’t want to live where everything we do is going to be watched. But first we have to get them to sign the papers for you to get married.

Don’t tell them I woke up tonight. I want to stay the night with you just in case they don’t let us.

I’m not letting you go tonight. If they let us, I want to get married next month. Is that ok with you?

Next month, that’s too soon. With the holidays and everything it will be too hard to pay for everything. How about in February? she said snuggling closer to him. A rush of excitement rushed through her and the very possibility of marrying Seth before the baby was born.

February is ok, but not a month later, Seth said holding her close to him. He didn’t sleep that night with the possibility of them getting married. Soon his mind was racing with every possible thing that could go wrong. Why can’t he ever just be happy, why did he always have to think of what could go wrong. I guess with having the kind of life he had, a drunk for a father, he was conditioned that way. The only thing that was good about his childhood was Lia and Chris. Without their friendship he would have probably taken his father’s way of life. He held Lia closer and thanked her silently.

Chapter 2

Lia was sitting in her homeroom studying for her chemistry test she had in first period when she heard some of the girls talk about her. She stopped studying and listened to what they were whispering about.

Soon she won’t be able to fit behind the desks, one of the girls Tracee whispered. Look how fat she’s getting. A few of the others girls giggled.

One of the girls didn’t think it was funny and spoke up. She’s not getting fat, she’s just starting to show, Syd whispered harshly. You shouldn’t say things like that Tracee. You’ll hurt her feelings.

Then she shouldn’t have gotten pregnant, Tracee huffed, not liking that someone didn’t agree with her.

Lia sat there trying to ignore what was being said, but she couldn’t. It did hurt, deep down, that people who were supposed to be her friends were talking about her like she wasn’t even there. Tears formed in her eyes threatening to over flow when she slammed her book closed and stood up. She kept her head down so no one saw how upset she was and rushed out of the room.

She walked through the school not really seeing where she was going. She didn’t need to, she knew right where she was going, to Seth’s homeroom. She would wait outside until the bell rang for him, but one of his friends saw her and told Seth she was outside. When he walked out of the room he took one look at her and their eyes met and she burst into tears.

He went to her swiftly and asked, Lia, what the hell is wrong? Why are you crying? Grabbing her to him he held her tight until she could stop crying. He walked her to the end of the hall so no one would notice them. "Lia your killing me here what happened?

When she calmed down she told him, While I was studying in my homeroom I overheard some of the cheerleaders saying how fat I am and how it won’t be long till I won’t fit behind the desks, she blurted and started crying again clinging to him harder.

He pulled back a little so he could look her in the eye. Babe, stop crying you’re not fat, you have our baby growing in you. There’s a big difference. Who said that? he demanded anger coursing through him. I swear I’ll kill them.

It doesn’t matter who said it. I bet everyone is saying that or at the very least thinking it, she said quietly tears still running down her face.

"So