Rugged Daddy

“It’s not. So, I got together with Andrew, and we hammered out the terms of our contract,” I said.

“Where did you two meet?”

“His house,” I said.

“How did you feel at his house?”

“It’s actually really nice. It’s massive, this log mansion up in the mountains.”

“He lives in the mountains?”

“Yeah, on a beautiful stretch of property. I tried my best not to gawk too much. I didn’t want to look like an idiot.”

“Okay. What are the terms?” she asked.

“That’s not what I’m worried about.”

“What are the terms, Heather?”

“He’ll cover everything and pay me two million to have his child.”

Nikki choked on her drink as her eyes widened.

“Two what?” she asked.

“I know. Trust me, I had the same reaction, but that’s not why I’m worried.”

“That digs you out of everything. That fixes everything, Heather. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

I sighed and took a sip of my drink.

“Oh no.”

“What?” I asked.

“I know that look.”

“You think you know everything,” I said.

“You’re getting attached,” Nikki said.

“Okay, so maybe you do know. I’m worried that I’m getting too attached. Nikki, he’s a great man. Wonderful with his daughter. And he cooks. The enchiladas and the rice for dinner? Superb.”

“Does he like you?” she asked.

“I don’t know. There are moments where I think he does. Then, other times I remind myself this is a business transaction and he’s probably doing it just to make me feel more comfortable with him.”

“That doesn’t mean he doesn't like you, and that would be an ideal situation.”

“What? No, it wouldn’t. That isn’t what this process is about.”

“Think about it. If the two of you get together, you don’t have to be a surrogate. You don’t have to give your child away. You can be a part of your child’s life, Heather.”

“I don’t know,” I said.

“What did he do over dinner?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”