became heated and they gave in to temptation.
The first time was in Dean’s car after a dance. Claire cried and so did he, but it had been the most beautiful experience of her life. She and Dean were now part of each other and nothing could keep them apart.
In the weeks that followed they stole moments after football games, met in the park, after school and on weekends at their secret place—Dean’s house while his mother worked. It didn’t matter that they were sneaking around. They were together, that was all that was important. Until…
She’d missed her period and she was nervous. They’d been so careful. Another week and she knew she had to tell Dean.
March 10, 1983
CLAIRE HUNG AROUND the gym, trying not to bite her nails as she waited for basketball practice to end and then waited again while Dean showered and changed clothes. He came out of the locker room smiling, and all she wanted to do was kiss him.
“Hey. I didn’t expect to see you tonight,” he said, walking toward her with his easy swagger in his letterman jacket and jeans.
“I have to talk to you.” She couldn’t keep the panic out of her voice.
He took her arm and led her out of the gym to the parking lot. “What is it? Did your parents find out?”
She shook her head.
A couple of guys from the team came out and waved to them.
Dean pulled her close to his side. His masculine scent mingling with fresh soap did a number on her senses. “Well, then, everything’s okay. Let’s go some place where it’s quieter.”
With self-control she pushed away. “No. We’ve done too much of that.”
He frowned. “What? Make love?”
“Yes.” She looked directly at him in the glow of the parking lot lights.
“Claire.” He tried to take her in his arms and she stepped back.
“I’m pregnant.”
There was total silence. A car honked and a girl’s laughter carried on the wind.
He frowned. “What?”
“I missed my period and I know I’m pregnant. What are we going to do?”
“But how? We’ve used protection every time, and it’s been hell getting condoms. Jarrod’s older brother buys them and he charges me double. But at least I don’t have to go into a store to get them.”
“Evidently sometimes condoms don’t work.”
“God.” He ran a hand through his hair. “This can’t be happening.”
“I know. We had it all planned. You’re going to the University of Texas on a football scholarship and I’m enrolling there, too. We were finally going to be together without sneaking around.”
He sucked in a deep breath. “Okay. We’re both eighteen, so we’ll get married and continue with our plans.”
“On what? When my parents find out I’m pregnant, they’ll disown me. They don’t even know I’ve been seeing you.”
“Then we’ll make it on our own.”
“Dean, be realistic. We’ll have a child to raise and we’ll both have to find jobs.”
He slipped his arms around her and held her close. “Don’t panic. Whatever happens, I’ll be here for you and the baby. I’m not running out on you like my dad ran out on my mom and me. First, make an appointment with the doctor and let’s find out for sure.”
She trailed her hands to the strong column of his neck, needing to touch his skin. She kissed his ear, his jaw, and felt his muscles tighten.
“I love you,” she whispered.
Cupping her face with both hands, he ran his tongue over her lips. “I love you, too. And we’ll face this together. If you’re pregnant, we’ll have to tell your parents.”
She winced. “It’s going to be an ugly scene.”
“Yeah.” He kissed her deeply and she clung to him.
The March wind blew against them, but they kept holding on to each other. Holding on to the now, the present, their love. In the days to come their love would be tested, and neither knew if it would survive the pressures of the outside world.
CHAPTER TWO
A Week Later…
THEY SAT IN THE DOCTOR’S office waiting for the result of the pregnancy test. Dean had skipped basketball practice, and Claire loved him all the more for that. She couldn’t face this alone.
The nurse called them into a small room and they waited some more.
“Are you nervous?” Dean asked, clutching Claire’s hand.
“A little.”
“Me, too.”
The doctor came in with a folder and sat at his desk.
“Dr. Miller, this is Dean Rennels, my boyfriend.”
“Nice to meet you, son.” They shook hands. “I’ve seen you play football. Very impressive.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’m glad you’re with Claire today.” He glanced at the contents in the folder. “The test is positive. You’re pregnant—about two months. The baby should be born in late September.”
Her heart fell to the pit of her stomach and for a moment she couldn’t breathe. Dean turned a sickly white. The silence told its own story—two young people caught between love and reality, without a clue as to the difference.
Dr. Miller closed the folder. “I can see this is a shock. I always tell women they have three choices—abortion, adoption or acceptance. It’s your decision, Claire.”
Abortion! She couldn’t kill their baby. Nor could she give it up for adoption. That left acceptance. She swallowed hard, words congealing with the bile in her throat.
Dean stood. “We’re getting married, sir.”
“I see.” Dr. Miller looked at Claire. “Do your parents know this?”
“No, and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention it until I do.”
The doctor fidgeted. “My wife was here the day you came in for the test. When she saw your mom at the club, she casually mentioned she’d seen you. Dorian spoke out of turn and I’m sorry for that. I would never divulge your situation.”
“How could she?” The Millers and her parents belonged to the same country club. Claire had seen the doctor’s wife that day and never dreamed she’d
