The Baby Contract

The doctor flipped a switch on the machine and the room filled with a fast, fluttery beat.

I didn’t think I could feel any more emotion, but at that moment, I was filled with it head to toe. It stole my breath.

I looked at Anne who smiled. Tears pooled in her eyes. Was she feeling the beautiful intensity of this moment as well?

“Here dad.” The doctor handed me a tissue. Only then did I realize I had tears as well.

I laughed. “Sorry.” I wiped my eyes.

“Don’t be sorry. Plenty of men cry when they first see their child. It’s the men who don’t get emotional that I worry about,” the doctor said.

After the appointment, I brought Anne home. She was feeling exhausted so she went to take a nap.

I went to my office, calling Mrs. Carlisle and Mr. Joseph in. “I want you to check that the basement is cleaned up and ready for use.”

“It’s cleaned, sir. Even though you don’t use it often, I make sure it’s dusted and swept,” Mrs. Carlisle said with a tinge of irritation in her tone. I suppose she didn’t like my inference that she didn’t keep some parts of the house spic and span.

“Mr. Halbert was in two weeks ago for maintenance,” Mr. Joseph said.

“Very good. Thank you.”

“Will you and Ms. Francis be dining down there?” Mr. Joseph asked.

I shook my head. “No. We’ll eat on the patio. It’s a nice evening.”

“Very good.”

I excused them, and decided to do some work while Anne rested.

I didn’t see her until dinner. She came out to the patio looking rested and refreshed. She’d changed into a summery dress, one of the ones I’d bought her. With her hair flowing, her eyes bright, and her cheeks pink, she was stunning.

“You look lovely,” I said, holding her chair out for her.

“I’m sure I have a pillow pattern on my face. I didn’t mean to sleep so long.”

I pressed my hand to her cheek. “No pillow pattern.”

During dinner, we chatted about everything and nothing, as had become normal for us.

“What did you think about seeing the baby?” I asked her.

Her hand pressed to her belly. “It’s like a miracle. I mean…I know women get pregnant all the time, but, still.”

I nodded, studying her. Did she feel an attachment to the baby?

If I asked her, would she consider staying in the baby’s life? In my life?

As the dinner ended, she asked, “Do you have work you need to do since you left the office early?

“No. Actually, I have a surprise for you.” I wiped my mouth and stood, holding my hand out to her.

“Oh? I can’t imagine any bigger surprise than what you did last week.” She put her napkin down and took my hand as I helped her up.

“This is a little different. I hope you’ll think it’s fun.”

“Fun?” Her eyes sparkled. “I like fun.”

“Then follow me.” I led her to the stairs down to the basement. When we reached the bottom I switched on the lights.