of paper and a pen.
She scribbled a quick note and inserted it into the opening of the stuffed dog. She resewed the seam perfectly.
Pull. Slice. Wrap. Hand to customer and smile. “What else can I get for you today?”
For now, her work was done.
She closed the shop.
Chapter Thirty-One
Brad
Seven years later…
“I’m pregnant, Brad.”
My beautiful wife stood before me, her body and face unlined and as youthful as when I’d first laid eyes on her. She’d given her life to our three children—even though one of them hadn’t come from her body—and still she was as radiant as she’d been at eighteen.
I’m pregnant, Brad.
My heart dropped to my stomach. Joy filled me—joy encased in dread.
My wife was pregnant. We’d made another child together. I loved my children, and I’d love another just as much. My heart was big enough for Daphne and all my children.
But this was not good news, for reasons I alone knew.
“What happened? Weren’t you taking your pill?”
“Of course I was. Things happen sometimes.”
Things happen sometimes.
I’d considered a vasectomy seven years ago. When Wendy gave me her ultimatum. When I’d made one of the biggest mistakes of my life.
But I had a beautiful third son to show for it, so I couldn’t be unhappy at the turnout.
Except for what it had cost my wife.
She’d spent days in bed sometimes when the depression took her. She was perfect when she came out of it, though.
Should have gotten the fucking vasectomy. Part of the bargain I’d struck with Wendy was that Daphne and I would no longer have sex. I didn’t have a choice. Wendy had shown me irrefutable evidence linking me to horrific illegal activities. All counterfeit, of course, but they’d hold up in any court of law.
Not even all my money could get me out of what she’d fabricated. I’d looked into everything.
Making the deal had been one thing, but I had no intention of keeping the promise. What Wendy didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. Daphne had been on the pill since Talon arrived anyway, and it had worked just fine.
Until now.
Daphne’s lips turned into a slight frown. “You look like you’re about to be sick, Brad. This is good news, isn’t it? It is for me. Maybe I’ll get that girl I’ve always wanted.”
I forced a smile. “Yes, of course, baby. It’s good news. Have you been to the doctor?”
“Last week. I just got the call. I missed my period last month—”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I didn’t think anything of it because of the pill. But I’ve been more tired than usual, and I started feeling nauseated about a week ago. A feeling I knew well. Still, I figured it was just a little bug or something, but I decided it wouldn’t hurt to rule out pregnancy. Turns out my hunch was right.”
“But the pill.”
“The doctor says nothing is a hundred percent except abstinence.”
Or a vasectomy. Fuck. Why hadn’t I done it?
I’d been a fucking coward. I didn’t want any doctor going near my balls. That was what I told myself at the time.
But it wasn’t the real reason.
I was still fighting against Wendy. Against the control she had over my life.
Fucking bitch.
She could tell me not to sleep with my wife, but she couldn’t be here twenty-four seven to make sure I didn’t.
I loved my wife. Not being able to make love to Daphne? I might as well be dead.
My mind raced. What now? As soon as Wendy found out about the pregnancy, she’d know I’d broken my promise.
This was a child, though. Wendy wouldn’t hurt a child. At least not one of mine.
I felt certain.
“Mom? Dad?” Jonah, nearly thirteen, stood in the doorway of my office.
“What is it, son?”
“I want to meet Bryce in town. Can one of you drive me?”
“We’re kind of busy, Joe,” I said. “See if Belinda can take you.”
“She’s not here. She must have gone out on errands.”
“Your grandmother?”
“She’s busy in the greenhouse.”
“Sorry, Joe, we’re bus—”
“It’s okay, honey.” Daphne smiled. “I’ll drive you. I want to pick up some stuff at the pharmacy anyway.”
Jonah flashed his signature Steel smile—so like mine. All three of my sons favored me, but Joe… He was almost like my clone.
“You’re the best, Mom. I’ll wait for you in your car.”
“Fine,” Daphne said. “I’ll only be a minute.”
Once Joe was gone, she continued, “I didn’t expect you to be so upset, Brad.”
“I’m not upset, baby. But Ryan is seven. Are you sure you want to do this all over again?”
“Of course I do. You’re not suggesting…”
“No.” Even if I