His Human Surrogate (Monsters Love Curvy Girls #2) - Michele Mills Page 0,27

someone else’s baby and then giving it up? And there’s also the fact that this is just a one-year visa and we’re just hoping that the laws will change in time for you to not have to leave by the time this is up.”

Hearing her say it so bluntly like that pricks my tender heart, but I push it aside. And yes, I wanted on Tarvos that much. I want to be with my best friend, for any amount of time I’m allowed. I want to explore this species I find so fascinating. Their whole history, culture, the way they live. Even their looks—it’s all endlessly fascinating. And I wanted to help both Bergelmir and my sister. Actually, Riley is helping me by making me remember the valid reasons I have for following through with this surrogacy. I have a plan. I just need to work the plan. “We’ve been over this a thousand times. They even did a mental health eval on me before I started, and I had to take that class on the legalities of intergalactic surrogacy. Yes, I’m fine. Really, I am. I have my eyes wide open. I know exactly what I’m getting myself into.”

She sniffs. “Okay, you know I have to do periodic checks. I love you like a sister and I’ll help you with everything, Chloe. I’ll make sure this all goes as smoothly as possible. I had no idea Bergelmir wanted to be a father so badly, but I guess he does?”

“Yes,” I answer weakly. “I guess he does.”

I love Riley so much. She has no idea.

My friend eventually ends up getting distracted by crying babies and having to leave to help her husband deal with epic diaper changing and bath time. The moment I get off with her, I see that there’s a message from Bergelmir.

My heart beats like a drum and my palms are instantly sweaty. I chew on my lip as I tap on the screen. What is he going to say?

I am sorry I had to leave you so quickly. I received my scramble alert immediately after I dropped you off at my mother’s domicile.

I pause as a watery smile spreads across my face. It’s good to confirm that Berg hadn’t known he was leaving when he was with me at the fertility med lab, or even prior to that. That would’ve sucked, like he was deceiving me or something. But instead, my friend was innocently thinking he was going to be here, nearby, to help me through this move to a new planet and the start of this gestational surrogacy. That’s good to know.

I think of you and my offspring often.

Tears clog my eyes. He does?

I still cannot believe that I am going to be a father.

Aww. I imagine this enormous, devilish male, with his razor-sharp claws and his huge barbed tail, gently holding his infant in his massive red-skinned arms and my ovaries are about to explode. I’ve seen the way he treats his niece and his nephew, so I know he’ll be a terrific father.

I am glad that you have moved into my house and I like knowing that you are near my family so they can keep you safe and healthy. You can change anything you want, you do not need my permission first. I know the way your mind works and I trust all of your design choices. You have to know that I never meant for it to happen like this—with me having to leave so suddenly. I thought I would be there to keep an eye out on you and to make your transition to Tarvos smooth. And instead I am far away.

He’s breaking my heart with this. It continues to surprise me how this silent male can spill all of his innermost thoughts so well via the written word.

Stay in my room. I want you in my bed.

He wants me in his bed? I blink. I must not be reading that part right. He wants me to be able to use his room—that must be what he means.

Please message me daily. Tell me everything that is happening with the growth of my offspring. Tell me of your health. Tell me everything. No detail is too small.

My health and the baby’s growth? Of course, that’s why he sent me this tablet. He needs to keep in touch with his surrogate, for the sake of his baby. I hang my head. This surrogacy is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever