The Baby Contract

I couldn’t understand how her father and brother could toss her aside like that. Then again, my own sister had tossed me aside, and apparently would toss Anne aside too if she knew our deal.

Seeing Anne being strong, defiant even, in the face of such adversity gave me a strange urge to offer Anne anything and everything she desired. Perhaps it had to do with gratitude that she was going to give me a child.

“Are you sure you packed enough? It won’t be long before none of it fits.” I took two of the bags from her and nodded to my butler, Mr. Joseph, to get the rest.

She ignored me, following me in. I led her upstairs where I’d prepared a suite for her.

She stepped into the room and looked around. “If I’d known living here would be like living at the Ritz, I might have agreed sooner.” She walked to a cabinet. “Is this a refrigerator?” She opened it and saw that I’d stocked with healthy snacks and drinks.

“Only the best at Chez Erikson.” I set her bags down. “Mrs. Carlisle will unpack for you. Each morning she’ll bring you your vitamins and anything else you want. Or you can have breakfast downstairs.”

She was quiet and I couldn’t decide if she was thinking of something snarky to say or not.

Deciding she was taking in the stark contrast between that shithole she’d been living in and my place, I said, “I guess it’s been a while since you’ve enjoyed comfort and luxury.”

Her eyes narrowed, suggesting I’d said the wrong thing. “You don’t have to rub it in.”

I held my hands out in surrender. “I’m not being a dick. It’s an observation.”

She blew out a breath. “You’re right, it’s been a while.”

“You have access to all the house. How about I give you a tour?”

“Sure.”

First, I showed her all the amenities in her room, including a large bath with a soaking tub, balcony with chairs and table for morning coffee, decaf of course, and a small library of books on pregnancy and childbirth.

Then I led her downstairs to show her the kitchen and dining area. I took her to the entertainment room where she could watch TV or movies, a real library full of books, and the outdoor terrace and yard. Then I took her to the gym, where I had an indoor lap pool, as well as other gym equipment.

“A pool inside?” She sounded impressed, but she knew about wealthy homes having pools.

“Just this one. I think I want to build one outside someday. Kids like pools.”

“Of course, you will.” She said the words condescendingly, making me gnash my teeth to keep from saying something snarky back.

“I’ve obtained a workout routine ideal for pregnant women,” I said to her.

She smirked. “Of course, you did.”

I frowned. “If we were married and having a child, would you think it so overbearing to want to ensure the mother and child have the best? To want to be involved in the baby’s life? To build a pool for the family to enjoy?”

Her brow furrowed. “I guess not. But I have my own exercises.”

“The one I have is certified by an obstetrician. A personal trainer will be by to work with you.”

Her eyes held humor. “Fine. I’ll do your exercises, but only if you do them with me.”

“Sure. Why not?” I was sure she was just yanking my chain. “Are you hungry? Dinner is scheduled for six thirty, but I can arrange a snack for you, if you like.”

“I thought we agreed that we wouldn’t be friends.”

For a moment I could only stare as her words stabbed me in the chest. A variety of comebacks flitted through my brain, most of them not very nice.

Instead, I nodded. “If that’s what you want.” I left the gym through the sliding doors that went into a section of the backyard.

“Bran, wait.” She hurried and caught up to me. “I’m sorry. I’m just not so used to you being nice and accommodating.”

I stared at her. “You’ve never given me the chance, Anne. Every time I’ve met you before, you’ve assumed I’m an asshole and treated me as such.”