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“Yeah? What’s that?”
“Being good to me. Every day since I’ve moved in, you’ve managed to show me how much you care in one small way or another.”
As much as it pains me, I blush. Fuck. Hearing her say that has me wanting to hop around and beat on my chest in victory. “I’ll always show you I care.” I come around the island and lay my lips on hers. She opens to me instantly, tasting of sugar and chocolate and something inherently Stacia.
While I could easily drown in her kisses, I draw back, pressing one last soft kiss to her mouth. “C’mon. Let’s head out to see Colton.”
She smiles. “Lead the way.”
“This is so not what I was expecting,” Stacia says as we pull up at Colton’s office. She’s right, too. Looking at Colton, you’d expect him to be in a high-rise or at the very least uptown, but nope. Colton runs his firm out of a small building in the heart of the downtown area. To the left of him is an upscale baby boutique and to the right is a yoga studio. No shit, his front window has a flower box, and his door, which is painted pale purple, has a fucking wreath on it.
“Yeah, it’s…” I trail off, not knowing what to say. Colton is…Colton.
We walk inside, and Stacia gasps. The entire office is one large space, and the far wall is comprised of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. He even has a sliding ladder.
“Oh, good, you’re here,” Colton says as dry as ever.
“We need a contract drawn up,” I retort proudly, knowing he’ll know what I mean.
He heaves out a resigned sigh and mentally I shout I told you so!
“All right, have a seat.”
Stacia and I both sit, and Colton pulls out his legal pad. “Let’s do this. Terms and conditions?”
I don’t waste any time. “Stacia has agreed to be the mother of my child,” I state, even though he very much knows why we’re here. “Since her father’s incarceration, she has lost her health insurance. I would like to either have her added to mine or to have a policy purchased in her name at my expense. Also, any medical costs our child may incur will be paid by me as well.”
“West!” Stacia exclaims, but I grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze before continuing.
“I also want it in writing that if our relationship deteriorates, for any reason, that she’ll receive a set amount of child support, as well as a small stipend.”
“How much?” Colton asks.
I rattle off a sum that makes both of their eyes bulge. “Also, make note that I will cover any childcare costs as well as future schooling and college tuitions.”
Colton grits his teeth, and Stacia digs her nails into my hand. “West, this is a lot.”
I pay neither of them any mind. “Obviously, I’d like to come to all of the doctors’ appointments throughout the course of the pregnancy, and I would very much like to be in the delivery room—assuming that is okay with Stacia.” I turn to her. “Is it?”
“Uh, um. Yes.” Her voice is a breathy whisper. “Are you sure about all of this?”
“Yeah,” Colton says with an edge. “Are you?”
“One-thousand percent.”
“Okay, well, if that’s it, I’ll get a contract typed up for the two of you to sign.” Colton starts shifting papers on his desk, most likely searching for the external mouse to his laptop.
“It’s not,” I tell him, halting his movements.
“What else?”
“I need you to add that the cash inheritance from my grandparents’ will go to Stacia free and clear, and as soon as I gain access, I’ll need you to start the paperwork with the bank to have her name added to the accounts.”
“Can we speak privately?” Colton asks.
“Oh, and I promised Stacia you’d represent her father. Pro bono, of course.”
If Colton were a cartoon character, he’d have steam billowing out of his ears right about now. “Of course.” He says the words with a smile, but it’s so far from friendly it’s not even funny.
“Great. We’re gonna grab lunch. Think you can have the contract ready by the time we’re done?” I offer him an exaggeratedly sweet smile. “We’ll even bring you something back!”
He balls his hands into tight fists—probably to keep himself from punching me. “Quadruple.”
“You’re the man,” I tell him as I stand. “Let’s bounce, baby mama.”
Stacia laughs. “Did you just…”
I swat her bottom. “Sure did.”
“Can I speak to you?” Colton asks. “It’ll be brief.”
I look from him to Stacia, and she nods encouragingly. “I’ll wait out front.”
I pull her in for a quick kiss and reclaim my chair. Colton waits for the door to shut behind her. “West, man, are you sure about this?”
“It sounds crazy, I know it. But, Colt, I…I love her, and I’m gonna do right by her.”
“Whoa, hold up. Love?”
