The Baby Contract

His words were like a punch to the gut. I stumbled back, shocked that he’d said them. “You are a mini-dad.”

“Get out.”

I couldn’t leave fast enough. I hurried through the house and out to my old car. I drove away, pulling over down the street to cry because I didn’t want him to see me weeping in his driveway.

Once I was over my crying jag, I headed home finding a notice about my late rent on the door. Deciding I didn’t want to be home, I left again, going to the local library that offered free access to computers.

I searched the job ads, becoming more and more disheartened. There were minimum wage jobs I could do, but I couldn’t support myself on any of them.

I made a list of people I knew, crossing off the ones that my father likely knew as well. I wrote down Archer Graves. Bran had hired his security firm to protect Harper for a while.

I wondered if they had a job that I was qualified to do. It would really stick in Bran’s craw if I got a job there since he fired them. Harper would find it amusing.

I submitted a few applications, not holding my breath that any of them would come through. Especially not in time to pay my rent and other bills.

As I drove back, I was forced to reconsider Bran’s offer.

Ten million dollars was a lot of money. It was like a million for each month of pregnancy plus a bonus.

It was a crazy idea to carry his baby for money.

Plus, what sort of father would Bran be? Sure, he could afford it and he was family focused, but he was so controlling and uptight. Did I really want to give him a child that he’d keep on such a tight leash?

It was a ridiculous idea. Harper would feel betrayed if I took him up on it.

I returned home and after pouring a glass of wine, I pulled out my craft box and put it on the table. Since I was broke, my stash of craft items was limited. I had a few beads, charms, and clasps for making a bracelet or necklace. Changing my mind, I pulled out my sketchbook and started drawing jewelry designs. Someday I’d bring these to life, I vowed. Like Scarlett O’Hara, I’d rebuild my life and I wouldn’t go hungry again.