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It broke my heart to think Bates actually thought that, actually said those words to Cato. “I’m never going to persuade you, so it doesn’t matter. I admit it’s nice being with a man who can protect and provide for me and our child, but that’s not why I care about him. I care about him because—regardless of how many times he’s threatened to kill me—there’s no else in the world I would rather be with.”
I lay back on the table with the gown covering my body.
Cato stood beside me in jeans, a shirt, and a black blazer. His dark hair was a little shorter than it used to be. He must have had it cut recently, before he fetched me from France. He pulled back his sleeve and looked at his watch to check the time.
I watched all his movements, finding him to be the most fascinating man in the world.
“You and Bates got into it today?” He pulled down his sleeve and turned to me.
“We always get into it.”
“What did he say to you?”
I shrugged. “Same ol’ shit. I’m a tramp and a bitch. He sees right through me…blah, blah.”
He couldn’t stop the corner of his mouth from rising. “At least you have a good attitude about it.”
“It’s the same conversation I’ve had a million times. No matter what I say, he doesn’t care. First, he says I’m a traitor for how our relationship started. But then he accuses me of only wanting you for your money. So, which is it?” I threw my hands in the air. “I understand he’s protective of you, but he’s so hateful and paranoid that he can’t see straight.”
“I’ve given up too. Just ignore him.”
“That’s hard to do when he’s at the house all the time.”
“I talked to him about it. He might get in your face from time to time, but he would never touch you.”
Good. No more knives to the throat.
“Especially now that you’re visibly pregnant.” He moved closer to me and rested his hand on my bump. “Don’t be afraid of him.”
“I was never afraid of him. I just wish he wouldn’t hate me so much.”
“He’s the most stubborn person I know, so I don’t think his opinion is going to change.”
“Hmm,” I said. “I always thought you were the most stubborn person I knew.”
He looked down at me and made an annoyed face that was only partially genuine. “You’re lucky I can’t whip you.”
“But you can spank me a little bit.”
His annoyed expression instantly vanished, replaced with a look full of desire. “I’ll hold you to that.”
The doctor came inside and flipped through his chart. “The results came back. Your baby is completely healthy and normal. You both are very lucky.”
“That’s so great to hear.” I rested my hand on Cato’s as we both felt the baby.
“It is,” Cato said in agreement.
“So, would you like to know the sex of the baby?” He finished reading the paperwork and tucked the clipboard under his arm.
My hand instantly squeezed Cato’s with excitement. Now that I was far enough along, I knew that learning the sex of the baby was possible today. But I had no idea if Cato was interested in that information. I looked at him and tried to read his expression. “What do you think?”
“It’s up to you, baby.”
“I think I want to know. That way we can pick out all the right clothes and stuff. Is that okay?”
“Whatever you want.” He squeezed my hand again.
I turned back to the doctor. “Alright. We want to know.”
He smiled before he gave his answer. “Congratulations, you’re having a girl.”
I yanked my hands away from my stomach and brought them to my face. “Oh my god. I knew it!” I covered my mouth with both hands and looked up at Cato, seeing the slight smile on his lips. “We’re having a little girl…” Before I knew it, tears were running down my face.
The doctor stepped out of the room. “I’ll give you two a moment.”
The hormones made me far more emotional than I normally would be, but hearing that concrete news would have made anyone shed a few tears. Now I felt an even stronger connection to the baby, a bond that could never be broken. “I can’t believe it.”
He lifted up my gown and pressed his palm directly to the bump. “You were right, baby.”
“I know.” I put my hand on top of his. “I know this isn’t what you wanted, but I’m so happy.”
Cato hardly ever showed emotion, only with the occasional softening of his eyes. His expression was stoic like usual as he stared at my stomach, the cold man resuming his air of indifference. But then his breathing quickened slightly, and he looked at me again with new eyes. “We’re having a girl—she’ll be like you. She’ll be strong, smart, capable…and beautiful. That makes me happy. Very happy.”
