The Baby Contract

He laughed. “Like sister, like brother.” He looked at me. “Can we talk for a minute?”

“See. I told you. They’re probably planning how they’re going to hide in my trash or something.”

I felt bad leaving Anne to deal with Harper, but she was much better at it than I was.

“What’s up?” I asked Noel.

“I received a report from Archer and it essentially said everything was going well with our work for you. You hadn’t made any complaints. I just had to check to make sure that was true.”

“It’s true.” Was I really that difficult?

“Dax isn’t able to accept a bonus from you.”

“Can I give it to you and you give it to him?”

Noel studied me. “Not long ago you wanted to pummel him.”

“And then he brought back Anne to me.”

He nodded in understanding. “Give the bonus to me. I’ll get it to him.”

“Will do.”

Noel looked over to the women. “You and your sister are reconciled, I see.”

“It’s a work in progress. How about you? I heard you moved.”

“I found a secluded spot near the ocean. It’s a small community. Exactly what I want right now.”

“Good.” Of course, being the overprotective big brother, my mind was whirling, wondering if there was a home near Noel that my sister could buy. It was another sneaky way I could make sure she was safe.

“Nothing like a place to call home.” I saw Troy over by the grill. “I’m going to say hello to someone.”

“See you around.”

I walked over Troy.

“Burgers will be done in three minutes,” he said.

“Good to know. I was wondering if you’d been able to check out that location along Rodeo I asked about. I know you said you’d let me know Monday—”

“I did. It’s good. I think it will work.”

Yes! “Awesome. I’ll want to start ASAP.”

“Burgers first, my friend.”

That evening, I drove Anne and I from the party.

“Where are we going?” she asked as missed the turn toward our home.

“I have something I need to look at. Do you mind?”

“Will it involve ice cream? I’d love to have some ice cream.”

I took her hand, bringing it to my lips. “I’ll get you ice cream.”

She grinned. “Remember when we had ice cream after my disastrous attempt at cooking?”