Making the deal had been one thing, but I had no intention of keeping the promise. What Wendy didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. Daphne had been on the pill since Talon arrived anyway, and it had worked just fine.
Until now.
Daphne’s lips turned into a slight frown. “You look like you’re about to be sick, Brad. This is good news, isn’t it? It is for me. Maybe I’ll get that girl I’ve always wanted.”
I forced a smile. “Yes, of course, baby. It’s good news. Have you been to the doctor?”
“Last week. I just got the call. I missed my period last month—”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I didn’t think anything of it because of the pill. But I’ve been more tired than usual, and I started feeling nauseated about a week ago. A feeling I knew well. Still, I figured it was just a little bug or something, but I decided it wouldn’t hurt to rule out pregnancy. Turns out my hunch was right.”
“But the pill.”
“The doctor says nothing is a hundred percent except abstinence.”
Or a vasectomy. Fuck. Why hadn’t I done it?
I’d been a fucking coward. I didn’t want any doctor going near my balls. That was what I told myself at the time.
But it wasn’t the real reason.
I was still fighting against Wendy. Against the control she had over my life.
Fucking bitch.
She could tell me not to sleep with my wife, but she couldn’t be here twenty-four seven to make sure I didn’t.
I loved my wife. Not being able to make love to Daphne? I might as well be dead.
My mind raced. What now? As soon as Wendy found out about the pregnancy, she’d know I’d broken my promise.
This was a child, though. Wendy wouldn’t hurt a child. At least not one of mine.
I felt certain.
“Mom? Dad?” Jonah, nearly thirteen, stood in the doorway of my office.
“What is it, son?”
“I want to meet Bryce in town. Can one of you drive me?”
“We’re kind of busy, Joe,” I said. “See if Belinda can take you.”
“She’s not here. She must have gone out on errands.”
“Your grandmother?”
“She’s busy in the greenhouse.”
“Sorry, Joe, we’re bus—”
“It’s okay, honey.” Daphne smiled. “I’ll drive you. I want to pick up some stuff at the pharmacy anyway.”
Jonah flashed his signature Steel smile—so like mine. All three of my sons favored me, but Joe… He was almost like my clone.
“You’re the best, Mom. I’ll wait for you in your car.”
“Fine,” Daphne said. “I’ll only be a minute.”
Once Joe was gone, she continued, “I didn’t expect you to be so upset, Brad.”
“I’m not upset, baby. But Ryan is seven. Are you sure you want to do this all over again?”
“Of course I do. You’re not suggesting…”
“No.” Even if I dared to suggest abortion, Daphne wouldn’t go for it. She’d had Joe at nineteen because she refused to have an abortion. She felt very strongly about it.
“Good,” she said adamantly.
“I guess we’re having a baby, then,” I said, trying to sound happy about it.
Indeed, I was happy about it. I loved all my kids, and I’d love this one. I’d been working my ass off for the last thirteen years to provide something amazing for them—a world where they could all live good lives and keep their integrity.
The integrity I’d had to say goodbye to long ago.
“I’m going to drive Joe into town, like I said.” Daphne looked wistful. “Take the hour I’m gone to get used to the idea.”
I stood as she walked out of the office.
“Mommy!” Ryan ran up to her in tears. “I scraped my finger!”
Daphne knelt down to his level. “Let Mommy have a look.”
“It hurts!”
“What did you do, sweetheart?”
“I scraped it outside. On the deck. There was a nail sticking out.”
“Brad, I asked you to fix that!” Daphne glared at me, anger in her dark eyes. Then she focused on her son.
Yes, he was her son.
He hadn’t come from her body, but she loved him like she loved Jonah and Talon. Anyone witnessing her right now could see it.
“Let’s get you a bandage, okay?” She stood and pulled Ryan into her arms.
He leaned his head on her shoulder and sniffled.
“Brad, can you please drive Jonah into town? I need to take care of this.”
I nodded.
My Daphne was the most amazing mother in the world. Just as she would be to the new child she carried inside her.
I’d make sure she had the best care, as I always did. This child would be healthy and happy like the other three.
It would cost me.
I just didn’t know how much yet.
I grabbed the keys to my truck and found Jonah waiting in Daphne’s car. “Change of plans, bud. I’m driving you. Mom had an emergency.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine. Your brother scraped his finger on one of those loose nails on the deck.”
Jonah laughed. “I bet you’re in trouble now!”
“I was supposed to fix those yesterday. Can you do it when you get back from Bryce’s?”