The Baby Contract

I turned to see Mr. Joseph standing in my office doorway.

“Yes.”

“There is a truck outside filled with women’s clothing.”

“Wow. That was fast. Yes. Show them up to Anne’s room.”

If Mr. Joseph thought it was odd that I’d bought Anne a truck full of clothes, he didn’t show it. He simply nodded and left my office.

I picked up my phone, not to cancel my orders, but to call my financial person. “Jane. I’m going to write a check for twenty-five million. I need you to make sure money is where it needs to be to cover it.”

“What are you buying?” she asked. My request didn’t require her or anyone’s approval. I knew she was asking out of curiosity, and perhaps to offer advice thinking it was an investment.

“Love.”

“Money can’t buy you love, Bran. I think there’s a song about it.”

My gut clenched as I again realized I could be setting myself up for heartbreak if Anne didn’t care for me. “Isn’t there a song about setting someone free, and if they come back it was meant to be?”

“Maybe.”

“That’s what the money is doing. It’s setting them free.” Fingers crossed, she would want to leave.

There was a pause. Finally, she said, “Bran Erickson, are you in love?”

“Yes, Jane, I believe I am.”