The Baby Contract

Finally, she said, “When are you due?”

“Due for what?”

The kitchen doors opened, and our server came out with two plates.

Lane waited until we were served our sandwiches. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

I gaped. How the heck could she tell? I looked down at my stomach. I’d noticed a little pooch, but I was a far cry from showing enough that others would tell.

“I’m sorry if I’m wrong or offending you. Since Archer and I have been trying for a baby, I seem to have a sixth sense of these things. Like you never have alcohol or caffeine anymore.”

God. Did Harper notice too? Did Lane share her thoughts about my pregnancy with Harper?

Lane’s brows pulled together in concern. “Doesn’t Dax want kids?”

I closed my eyes and swallowed as all my lies piled up on me. I couldn’t do it. Not anymore. “It’s not Dax’s baby.”

She pulled out a tissue from her purse and handed it to me. I hadn’t realized I had tears until she gave me the tissue. I wiped them away.

“Who’s baby is it? If you don’t mind my asking.”

I didn’t know Lane that well, but what I did know of her was that she was kind. She was my only other friend besides Harper, and since I couldn’t confide in Harper, maybe I could talk to Lane.

I blew out a breath. “It’s Bran’s.”

Her eyes widened and I instantly regretted telling her.

“You and Bran?”

“No…yes…it’s complicated. He hired me to be a surrogate and I agreed.”

She looked at me like she didn’t know what to say.

“I know it’s crazy—”

“It’s not crazy. It’s a wonderful selfless thing to carry a child for someone else.”

I shook my head. “It’s not selfless. He’s paying me. A lot.” I didn’t want to disclose the amount. “The thing is, Harper doesn’t know. I don’t want her to know. She wouldn’t like it and until you, she’s been the only friend I’ve had.”

“Why would Harper have a problem with you helping her brother have a child?”

I rolled my eyes. “You know how she feels about him. She’d see it as a betrayal. She’d also wonder why I’d give him a child when he’s so possessive and protective.”

“Why are you?”

“He’s not possessive and protective in a bad controlling way that Harper thinks. I told you earlier, he’s scared to death of having something bad happen to her. But he can be kind and funny and sweet and generous.”

Her brow arched. “Are you sure you’re just a surrogate?”

I looked down. “I care for him.”

“How does he feel?”

I sniffed, using the tissue to wipe my nose. “I think he cares for me some, but mostly it’s about the baby.” I worked to choke back a cry. “I don’t want to walk away from this baby or Bran. I don’t want to lie to Harper. In the end, I’ll be rich like I wanted, but I’ll be alone. I’ll lose the people who matter to me most.”

She reached out and took my hand. “Talk to Harper. Secrets have a way of making things worse.”

“How do you know?”