The Baby Contract

Lane’s life seemed so perfect to me.

“I kept a secret. A big whopper of a secret and it could have cost me Archer.”

I stared at her in disbelief.

“I didn’t initially tell him that he was Emery’s father when he came back into my life. I hadn’t told him when I was pregnant because we’d had a short-term tryst and I didn’t know his real name. But when we met again, I kept Emery from him. I regret it. It’s true what they say, honesty is the best policy.”

“Harper won’t understand.”

“What about Bran?”

“He’s supporting my wishes. He won’t tell her—”

“No, I mean about telling him how you feel about him and the baby.”

“We’ve agreed that when the baby is born, the contract will be fulfilled, and I’ll go away.”

She pursed her lips at me. “So, if you tell Bran how you feel and tell Harper the truth, what’s the worst that will happen?”

“He’ll tell me a deal is a deal and she’ll toss me away.”

Sort of like my father did.

“What happens when they find out the truth in some other way. The truth always comes out.”

I shrugged. “The same.”

She leaned forward. “So, telling them doesn’t change anything.”

I stared at her, wondering about her point.

“Except that by being honest and upfront, you may find that Bran cares for you and that Harper isn’t mad or at least, she’s forgiving. That won’t happen if you keep the secret, and they find out in some other way.”

She had a point.

“Plus, I don’t think you’re giving your friendship with Harper enough credit.”

“You saw her when I told her Dax was my boyfriend. She was upset that I didn't tell her.”

“And then she forgave you. Why did you say Dax was your boyfriend?”

I sighed. “Because she needed to know he wasn’t skulking around for her. He was hired to protect me…or actually the baby, but I couldn’t let her know that. Saying he was my boyfriend seemed like the best option.”

“Another lie.”

Her words were like a knife to my heart. “I hate lying to her.”

“Then stop.” She raised her hand for the server to bring our check. “Let me pay. Think about what I’ve said, Anne. I can see what a difficult toll this is taking on you and it can’t be good for the baby.”

She paid the check and we both stood. “Does Archer know all this?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know what Archer knows.”

“Hmm.”

“Isn’t it his job to keep his clients’ confidence?”

She sighed. “I suppose. I just wish I knew sooner because you need a friend in all this.”