The Baby Contract

CHAPTERNINE

Bran

I knew my proposal was preposterous. That was why I tried not to be offended that Anne looked at me like I’d grown a third eye when I re-proposed that she be my surrogate. Maybe if I explained my reasoning, it would help.

“Here’s why I think you’d make a good surrogate. You’re intelligent, beautiful, strong, and resilient. And while you have a few negative qualities—”

“Negative qualities?” She smirked as she picked up her fork and stabbed at her meat. “I’d like to hear those as well.”

“For one, you’re rude. And while you are a loyal friend, which is a good quality, sometimes your common sense is questionable.”

“My common sense?”

“You could’ve put my sister in danger when she was being stalked. But I’m pretty sure my genes will be able to counter those negative qualities.”

Anne rolled her eyes.

“How do you know that the child will end up with the best of your qualities, which as far as I can tell is only money and good looks. Isn’t it more likely that the child will have both of our negative qualities? Overbearing and controlling from you and rude from me. This poor child won’t have any friends.”

I ignored her comment.

“The reasons I’ve picked you don't really matter for this discussion. All you need to be concerned about is the fact that I will pay you ten million dollars for a year of your life. Then you’re free to go on your way and never see me again.”

Between the money and never having to see me, I thought I’d offered two things she wanted most in the world. The question was, could she put up with me for a year to earn it?

I suppose I had to consider if I could put up with her for a year.

While I didn’t like how she enabled Harper, I didn’t mind being around Anne. I got a perverse enjoyment at how she was always trying to give me verbal punches.

“One year? It only takes nine months to have a baby.”

I nodded. “In my research, it can take a few months for women to get pregnant. I’ve accounted for that.”

She sipped her wine. “Do women really do that? Walk away from a child that they’ve carried for nine months.”

“They do it out of a desire to help others have children. And they do it for significantly less money than the 10 million I’m willing to pay you.”

She looked down at her food, poking at it with her fork. I hadn’t considered the psychological or emotional aspect of surrogacy.

I’d always seen Anne as emotionally detached. She was a woman filled with resentment and anger, which I could understand considering how her family treated her. But she didn’t strike me as someone who was maternal or sentimental.

“I know that you had to face many difficult things in your life. Would this really be that much more difficult especially when you’re going to walk away with exactly what you want. You’ll have ten million dollars, your father and your brother won’t be able to torment you anymore, and the old crowd won’t be talking about you behind your back.”

Her eyes flashed with heat. “Sometimes you really are mean, Bran.”

This time I was the one to look away.

I didn’t want to be mean. I was trying to be realistic and pragmatic. “The point is you and I both want something, and we can help each other get it. I want a child and you want financial independence and respect.”

She watched me with curiosity. “Why do you want a kid? Why not do it the old-fashioned way. Find a wife and then have a family.”

I laughed. “You have so little regard for me, I’m surprised you think anyone would marry me.”

She snorted. “There are plenty of women for whom the only requirement is money.”

“Like you?” I’d been pretty certain that Anne’s attempt to attract Dane had been because he was rich. Not that they weren’t friendly, but it was clear love wasn’t in the equation.

Hell, I hadn’t even seen attraction between them.