The Baby Contract

“I know you think my hovering is all about control, but that’s not it. I want to be a part of all aspects of the baby’s life. The doctor’s appointments. Watching it grow inside you.”

I looked down, finding it hard to tell her the next. “If you don’t want to be around me, I can go stay somewhere else, but I’d prefer it if you were at my home.”

She turned; her expression quizzical. “You want me to live in your home, but you won’t be there?”

I nodded. “Not if you don’t want me there. I know your friendship with Harper is most important to you. I’m trying to get out of your way. I’ve told Harper that I’m out. She’s free of me. Now you can be too, I am just requesting that you allow me access to the baby for the rest of the pregnancy.”

Anne turned away, but not before I saw tears build in her eyes.

Fuck. Was I saying something wrong? I was sure I was giving her exactly what she wanted. “Anne? Is there something else you want or need?”

She cleared her throat. “No. Thank you, Bran.”

I waited for her to say more, but she didn’t. “Okay then. You can have Dax or whoever is on duty bring you by the house tomorrow. I’ll be sure to be out.” I paused hoping she’d ask me to stay. Stay tonight. Stay at my home. Stay forever. But she didn’t. “I’ll show myself out.”

When I reached my car, I sat inside wondering if I’d fucked things up more. I’d just told both women in my life that they were free of me, but they didn’t say a word. Neither tried to stop me. It seemed unlikely either of them was going to realize they loved me more than they were pissed at me.