“Are you going to?”
I look across at the sliding doors. Ben has now climbed onto Marcus’s lap, which is unusual in itself, as he’s normally very shy with strangers. Marcus is holding the model, showing Ben where to put the next bit, and Ben is frowning and clippingit on. As I watch, Marcus straightens Ben’s top, a tender, gentle gesture that makes me catch my breath.
Caesar is offering exactly what I asked for—a way to have my own child.
But Marcus is offering more than that.I’m not going to be a donor, he told me on Christmas Eve.I’ll be a husband until the deed is done, and then I’ll be a father.
I press a hand over my heart. It’s beating so hard I can feel it in my throat.
My own dad left when I was six. I know what it’s like to grow up without a father. Is that what I want for my child?
I wanted a straightforward arrangement. I didn’t want romance or a relationship. I still don’t. Mars Ashford has the potential to break my heart big time, and I need to avoid that at all costs. I’m still not convinced that he doesn’t want me just because he wants to beat his brother to the finishing line.
But I have no doubt that if he gets me pregnant, even if we don’t stay together, he’ll be a great father to my child.
Oh God, I don’t want to choose the wrong billionaire.
My head spins. I can’t believe those words entered my head.
Caesar is safe. Marcus is a risk. Emotionally, anyway. But he made it clear he’s offering stability and security. Two things every child should have. His words.
I’ve made it very clear that I don’t want any of his money for myself. But I’m ashamed to admit that the thought of him making sure the child is financially secure is more appealing than I thought it would be.
I’d have to be very careful to keep my heart out of his hands. But for my baby, there’s really no choice.
The only thing is, there is one more factor I would need to discuss with Marcus, if I was to take his offer seriously. Well, he’s here, and there’s no time like the present. I think I know how toframe it so he still gets what he wants—a public wife and an heir—while making it clear there’s no way it’s going any further than that.
I focus back on Caesar. “It’s a very kind offer, and I’m really grateful. I just need a little time to think.”
*
Shortly after, I open the sliding doors and go inside.
“Can you count how many studs are on the instructions?” Marcus is asking Ben.
“One, two, three, four.”
“And how many on this piece?”
“Oh… there’s six! It’s the wrong bit. We need one of these.” Ben picks up the right piece, and Marcus nods.
“Slot it in here,” he says, and Ben follows his lead and finishes off the head. “That’s terrific,” Marcus says with a grin, “Well done!”
I glance at Clare, who winks at me. “Marcus,” I murmur, “I wonder if you’d like to go for a walk?”
“Aw…” Ben looks disappointed.
Marcus ruffles his hair. “You keep going, and Auntie Wren can take a photo of the finished product and send it to me.”
“All right.” Ben shifts off his lap and carries on with the next page.
“We won’t be long,” I tell Clare.
She picks up the wine bottle. “No rush.”
Marcus and I collect our shoes and sandals, and then I lead the way out of the back door. “It’s not far to the beach,” I tell him.
“Nice location.”
