The Baby Contract

I moved off her, but pulled her against me, kissing her temple. All the words I was dying to say sat on the tip of my tongue, but fear kept them from escaping.

I closed my eyes. “You’re mine.”

Anne didn’t respond.

I looked down. Her eyes were closed, her breath slow and steady. She’d fallen asleep.

I smiled. She looked so fucking peaceful and lovely. I kissed her temple again and held her. When it was clear she was out for a long nap, I carefully extracted myself from her and covered her in a blanket.

I watched her sleep for another few minutes then I dressed and headed downstairs to finish some work.

“Did she enjoy the gifts, sir?” Mr. Joseph asked as I made my way to my office.

“I think so.”

He arched a brow. How could she not like all that I’d given her? I think she did. I think she was overwhelmed by it.

“Yes. She did,” I clarified. If only I hadn’t been too terrified to give her my final gift, my heart.