“Yeah. But there's a difference between ‘cool’ and ‘cold’.”
Erin nodded.
“Think about it this way,” she offered. “Maybe he's had some girl run this on him before, told him that she was pregnant with his kid and tried to extort money out of him. I mean, he is a billionaire, and there are some shady-ass women out there.”
“Maybe,” I said glumly.
I wasn't totally despondent; I knew that Erin was making total sense. Famous as he was, Rhys had probably had all kinds of people trying to run games on him for a payout.
“I mean, he doesn't know me that well, I guess,” I said.
But the words hurt to say. They ran counter to my feeling that there was something special between him and me.
“Just get the test and worry about whatever happens next after that.”
Then, her expression lit up.
“I mean, after all, you're going to have a baby!”
Erin shot from her seat and ran to the kitchen. I heard the chiming of glasses as she rummaged around in there, and she returned moments later with a pair of flutes in one hand and a bottle of bubbly in the other.
“I knew you were saving this for something,” she said.
With a quick motion, she popped the bottle open and poured two glasses, passing one over to me.
“To motherhood!” she said, raising one glass.
I smiled as we clinked the rims together.
But right as I placed the edge of the glass on my lips, the dancing bubbles tickling my nose, I remembered.
“Ah, shit,” I said, setting down the glass. “Babies and wine don't mix.”
“Oh, God,” said Erin, tapping her forehead with the palm of her hand in a “duh” gesture. “I wasn’t thinking. Well, take a teensy-tiny sip so the cheers doesn't go bad. Then, we can have some tea.”
I did, savoring the few drops of champagne I allowed to pass my lips, knowing it was the last bit of booze I was going to be able to have for a long while.
While Erin prepared the tea, I stood up in front of the full-length mirror in the living room, my shirt lifted over my stomach. My midsection was still as flat as a board, and I had a hard time getting my head around the fact that there was a little person growing inside of me right at that moment. The thought filled me with excitement and fear all at the same time.
Erin returned a few minutes later with two mugs of steaming hot tea.
“Let's do some homework!” she said, pulling her laptop out of her workbag. “Time to check out some baby websites and make you the most prepared mommy there ever was.”
We got set up at the kitchen table and spent the next hour or so poring over message boards with advice from new mothers about what to expect. After a time, we eventually went down an internet hole that started with us watching cute baby videos and then ended up in us reading about crazy old-wives-tales about motherhood.
“This one says that you shouldn't have a cat when you have a baby, because cats steal baby's breaths. Good to know.”
I scanned down the page, a smile on my face.
“Oh, and this one says don't look at any mice when you're pregnant,” I said. “Or else the baby will be born with a hairy birthmark.”
“That's too bad,” said Erin with a chuckle. “I know how much you love just sitting around, looking at mice.”
“What can I say? It's what I'm passionate about.”
We both let out a peal of laughter. Before too long, I was feeling just a little more excited and less fearful about this new step in my life.
Chapter 15
Rhys
I didn't sleep a wink that night. The news that Cassidy was pregnant floated in my mind like a specter. As soon as I arrived home from the get-together with the higher-ups from Wauters Wear, I set to pacing slowly, back and forth across my balcony, wondering just what to do about the situation.
The paternity test was the first step. I knew it was cold of me and didn't exactly send the most supportive message to Cassidy—that much I’d been able to tell by her tone of voice on the phone—but it was necessary. I needed to have all my bases covered.
That next day, at the office, I did my best to put the matter out of my head, submerging myself in work and keeping as busy as I could. But any free moment that I had where my mind wasn't completely occupied by business would soon turn to thoughts of Cassidy and the child she was carrying. Part of me wanted to talk to her, to see what her thoughts on the matter were. But I knew I had to remain rational.
Fortunately, my doctor was able to squeeze her in that Friday. He had assured me that he would be able to expedite the tests, and would have the results ready in less than a day. In the email I sent to Cassidy with the details, I told her that if the results were positive, we could meet the next day to discuss our options.
The week flew by. Cassidy sent me a text to let me know that the test had been performed. That night, I had a dinner with Nina, and it took every bit of energy I had to focus on our conversation and not think about what was going on with Cassidy and me.
“You seem a little distracted, darling,” said Nina, reaching across the table in the high-end restaurant where we were dining and placing her hand on mine. “Something you want to talk about?”
I glanced down at her hand, then up at her open, expressive eyes. Part of me was starting to think she was playing this part a little too well.
“Just work,” I said, taking my hand from underneath hers and sipping my wine.
“Seems like it's something more than that,” she said, narrowing her eyes slightly.
“It's not,” I said, my tone sharp and making it clear that the issue wasn't up for discussion.
Nina drew her hand back and tucked her hair on one side behind her ear.
“I see,” she said, glancing down. “Ah, anyway, you haven't forgotten about the art opening downtown tomorrow, have you?”
Honestly, I had. I'd been so preoccupied with the pregnancy that my little ruse with Nina wasn't anywhere near the forefront of my mind.
“You have,” said Nina, reading my expression.
“Sorry, just been busy.”
“Well, make sure your calendar's clear. We're expected there, and the artist is one of my oldest and dearest friends.”
I took a sip of my wine and nodded, my thoughts returning to Cassidy.
The next day, early in the afternoon, the doctor called with the test results. Sure enough, the baby was mine.
I hastily thanked the doctor before hanging up and calling Cassidy.
“Hello?” she asked, her voice sounding small on the other end.
“I just spoke with the doctor,” I said. “The baby is mine.”
“Well I could've told you that,” she said, her tone verging on sharp. “What are we going to do about this?”
“First, you and I are going to meet tonight—I'll send you the address of a coffee shop. It's a good, discreet location.”
“Happy to help you make sure that we keep this swept under the rug.”
I let the comment pass.
“And I'll have a plan ready for you there.”
A moment of silence passed.
“Fine.”
“Great, see you then.”
I fired off a text with the time and the address. As soon as it sent, I realized that it was going to be cutting into the gallery event with Nina. But I needed to get done what needed to be done. Nina was going to have to deal.
I arrived at five o'clock at the small coffee shop on the outskirts of town. It was a mom-and-pop place not too high on the trendy meter, which made it perfect for meetings that I wanted to keep private. After ordering a pot of coffee and taking a seat in one of their booths, I sat and waited.
After a time, Cassidy showed up. My heartbeat surged for a moment as she walked in and I regarded the downcast expression on her face. I didn't know if I was just seeing things or what, but she seemed to already have the glow of motherhood about her. Or maybe she was just that beautiful
.
“Hi,” she said, slipping into the seat opposite me.
“Evening,” I said. “Coffee?”
I gestured to the pot on the table.
“I'm good.”
“Thanks for coming to meet me,” I said.
“Happy you could squeeze me in,” she retorted. “So, what's this big plan you've got in mind?”
I drummed my fingers on the tabletop for a moment before reaching into my briefcase and withdrawing a manila folder. I opened up the folder, set it down flat on the table, and turned it towards Cassidy.
“Non-disclosure agreement?” she asked, reading the top of the first page. “What's all this about?”
“Here's what I propose,” I said. “As you know, I'm currently involved with Nina Wauters. And between that and the business of running my company, the scandal of an illegitimate child is something that I can't manage. Such a scandal would be…disastrous, to say the least, especially since you're an employee.”
She said nothing, instead regarding me with skeptical eyes.
“So, this is my solution,” I went on. “You sign an agreement which legally bars you from discussing the matter—at least, in the context of me being the father of the child. And, in return, I provide you with a sizable monthly payment for your living expenses and the child's. You'll never want for anything again, and the baby will grow up with whatever it needs. And, of course, I'll take care of anything such as hospital expenses, housing payments, even college down the line. All you have to do is stay silent.”
“And live a lie.”
I took a deep breath.
“I know that this is an…imperfect solution, to say the least. But it's going to be the best one for all parties concerned.”
“Aside from the fact that the baby's going to grow up without a father.”
“I'll still be in his life. Or her life.”
“But I can't tell them that you're their dad.”
“Like I said, I know this is imperfect. And who knows, maybe when the child's grown up, we can discuss them learning about who their father is. But for now, we have to be discreet. Surely you see how the press would react to this—if I hold hands with a woman in public, it's front-page news; imagine how they would handle this. You and the child would be in the spotlight for God knows how long.”
This seemed to make some sense to her.
“Or, you could always…”
“Not an option,” I said. “I'm too far into this with Nina.”
“I guess she's a more fitting woman for a prestigious man like yourself,” she said dryly.
It killed me to not be able to tell Cassidy about the true nature of Nina's and my relationship. But that was my life now—lies upon lies.
I closed the folder and pushed it over to her side of the table.
“Just…think it over. I think you'll find that it's the best option for our circumstances.”
Cassidy scooped the folder off of the table and tucked it under her arm as she rose from her seat.
“I guess I'll be in touch.”
With that, she stormed out of the coffee shop.
Before I had even a moment to consider what had just happened, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a text from Nina, reading, “Where the hell are you?” I typed a quick response, letting her know that I was on my way.
Back behind the wheel of my car, I considered just what my motivations were for doing what I was doing. Cassidy was right: I could do the right thing—come clean about Nina and announce that I was the father of Cassidy's baby. But the consequences would be severe. The nature of my relationship with Nina would be outed, not to mention the subsequent certain scandal.
Was I letting business concerns take precedence over doing the right thing? I'd gotten so caught up with making sure the cruelty-free line was going to be a success that I was treating Cassidy like an annoyance, rather than the future mother of my child. I certainly wasn’t being cruelty-free in my actions towards her. The irony hurt.
But I'd made my decision. And as I turned my car down the main drag of downtown San Bravado, I knew that there was no turning back.
Chapter 16
Cassidy
A whirlwind of emotions ran through me as I made the drive home. The manila folder Rhys had given me sat on the passenger seat of my car, and I was so angry that part of me wanted to throw it out the window and give the middle finger to the whole deal.
Once back at my apartment, however, my head began to cool. I realized that a big part of just why I was so mad was that I'd thought that Rhys and I had a real connection. But he seemed to be genuinely into his relationship with Nina, and just wanted the whole issue of me carrying his child to just go away. I felt stupid about the whole thing, stupid for thinking a man like him and a woman like me could be together.
Plopping into my living room chair, I flipped through the files in the manila folder. There was some legalese here and there that I couldn't really figure out, but the important parts were written clearly enough; I'd be given a monthly stipend in perpetuity, and all expenses for the baby would be taken care of.
When I got to the part about just how much money he'd be giving me, my eyes went wide. It was more money than I'd know what to do with every month. There was even a lump sum included for me to buy a house.
It was more than fair of an arrangement, and while Rhys was being underhanded by asking me to lie, he didn't seem to be doing me dirty. He just wasn't that kind of man.
Still, it was all too much to process. I paced around my apartment. I knew that the money wasn't something to consider lightly. After all, I could use it to start the fashion label that I'd always dreamed of having. I could work, make my own money, and set aside what Rhys said he'd give me to make sure that the baby had everything taken care of.
My mind began to whirl, and I felt light on my feet. The more I thought about everything, the more I realized that I needed to get out of San Bravado, to take some time to myself and consider my situation.
And that's when I decided that I needed to go visit my parents.
I scooped my phone off of the kitchen counter and dialed them up. After a few rings, my mom answered.
“Well!” she said, her voice as boisterous as ever. “Long time, no talk, kiddo!”
“Hi, Mom,” I said.
“Oh no, something's wrong. What's going on?”
I heard my dad in the background.
“Is that Cassie?”
“It is!” my mom hollered. “And something's wrong!”
“It's nothing catastrophic,” I said hastily. “I just have a ton going on around here and I wanted to see if I could maybe come visit for the weekend.”
“You know you're always welcome here,” said Mom. “Are you thinking of driving? You know it's a six-hour drive, right?”
I checked the time. It was still early-ish, and I realized that if I left now I could make it into town before it got too late.
“I know how long it takes,” I said. “So I'm gonna leave now. See you guys tonight!”
“Okay, sweetie. Drive safe.”
With that, I hung up and began packing. I threw enough essentials for the weekend in an overnight bag, and twenty minutes later, I was off.
I arrived at my parents’ place a little after midnight. A wave of pleasant nostalgia settled on me as I pulled into the driveway of the house where I grew up. The living room lights were still on, and it warmed my heart to know that Mom and Dad had stayed up past their bedtime to welcome me back.
“There she is!” exclaimed my mother, a slender, silver-haired woman with a bright smile.
She pulled me into her skinny arms and gave me a tight hug. My father, with his chrome-dome head and paunchy belly, gave me a hug of his own.
“What a drive!” he said, taking a look at my car. “Did you even take that old beater of yours to the mechanic and have them look at it before you hit the road?”
“No time,” I said, stepping into the small but cozy living room and
plopping down in my father's easy chair.
“Well,” he said, “I'll take a look at it this weekend.”
“Oh, Henry, don't bother with that,” my mom cut in. “We'll take it to Jimmy’s tomorrow. It's not every weekend your daughter's in town; why not spend it with her, instead of with your dang head under the hood of her car?”
“Just want to make sure she's driving safe,” said Dad.
“Now,” said Mom, taking a seat across from me. “You'd better tell us what's going on, and tell us now. I've spent the whole day worried about you.”
I took a deep breath as I tried to figure out just where to start. The contest seemed like as good a place as any, and I just went into it.
My mom was over the moon at the news of my pregnancy; she'd always wanted to be a grandmother, and now, she was finally getting the chance. About halfway through my recounting, Dad rushed off to the kitchen to grab a few beers, stepping into the room right when the word “pregnant” passed my lips. After the initial shock wore off, he stepped out of the room and returned, minus one beer. He handed one to my mother and took a seat next to her, both of them wrapped up in my story.
“And that's when he gave me this,” I said, reaching into my bag and pulling out the manila folder.
Dad took the folder from me and looked it over, a whistle sounding from his mouth as he read over the details of the payments.
“It's more money than I'd even know what to do with,” I said.
“But you have to lie,” said Mom, getting to the heart of the dilemma right away.
“Yep.”
“Now, that's a handsome man,” Dad said, his tablet in his hands. “But he's with some model?”
“Yeah,” I said. “That's the Nina woman I mentioned. They're both huge names in the fashion scene, and I think he's worried about ruining things with her if, um, news got out about me and him.”
My emotions caught up with me as I spoke. My throat tightened and tears welled in my eyes.
Accidental Triplets - A Secret Babies for the Billionaire Romance (San Bravado Billionaires' Club Book 4) Page 9