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“And suicide,” Aaron finished.
Brynn froze, her shoulders ratcheting up to her ears.
Aaron seized his opportunity and stepped forward. “The statistics for people in her situation are staggering. Trans women of color only have a life expectancy of thirty-five years.”
Brynn gasped, letting go of Danielle to face him. Yes, Dani was white, which meant she had some privilege. But life was going to be harder for her regardless.
“Your child needs assistance. Let me help you find a way. I can protect you.” Let me save her. This was why he’d started Hope Facility—so other kids didn’t have to end up like his brother.
Brynn turned, her guarded gaze locked on him. “I appreciate everything you have done for my so—my daughter, Mr. Ridley. But I can’t . . . It’s just not possible.”
“This is your daughter’s future—her life!”
“You don’t think I want what’s best for my child?” Brynn snapped, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
“Of course you do. I just—”
“Just what?”
“I just don’t want Danielle to get hurt,” Aaron blurted.
Brynn turned to leave once more, and Emmanuel’s face flashed in his mind. His bruised and broken body. The horror he could never remove from his mind’s eye. Panic coursed through his body like a tidal wave—Danielle couldn’t end up like that. Do something!
“Marry me.”
The words fell from his mouth before his brain could catch up. Brynn gasped, turning to him, eyes wide.
Danielle’s mouth dropped open.
He stepped out from behind his desk, his hands up, as if to explain his sudden onset of insanity. “Marry me, and I can get you on my insurance. You can change your name, and we can help change Danielle’s name from David. She can go to the best doctors, and I’ll take care of everything.”
Brynn opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but then closed it instead. Fear flashed in her wide eyes before they darted to the door, as if she needed an escape.
“I’m sorry. I know it sounds crazy. I just . . . I’ve seen what happens to kids like Danielle and I just—” He squeezed his nape, sweat beading on his forehead. “I can’t let that happen to her—not when I have the ability to help her. I want to help.” Aaron swallowed. “It wouldn’t be real. Just for show, only so you can get Danielle the help she needs.”
Brynn tugged Danielle into the safe confines of her side and shook her head. She opened the door, then turned back to him. “No.”
The finality of her word sucked the remaining air from the room.
“I’ll find another way.” Brynn disappeared, closing the door behind her and her daughter.
Aaron paced the office, raking his hand through his hair. “What the fuck? Did I really just propose?”
What is wrong with me? I can’t just propose to clients. He slumped into his seat and practically slammed his head against the desk. I’m such an idiot. Did I really just ask Brynn to marry me? Did I just ruin the one place her daughter had to feel welcome and safe?
“What have I done?”
The marriage wouldn’t have even been real. So why was he so disappointed?
