Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
GAbrIEL
I look up and follow Leah’s path as she walks into my office and closes the door. My heart rate accelerates.
“I’ve heard back from my solicitor,” she tells me. “Everything appears to be in order.”
Leah drops into the chair opposite me. I can tell from her expression she wants to say more. A pressure builds in my chest. Is she having second thoughts?
“Do you have a question?” I ask, as I decide to bite the bullet.
I would rather not discuss this in the office, but we’ve both been avoiding each other since my mother’s visit.
Leah plays with her wrist, which is still bracelet-free. She pinches and twists the skin, making me flinch.
“Leah?” I ask, making her look at me.
“I don’t understand?” she says. “You’ve put everything in my favour. Why?”
I lean back in my chair and steeple my fingers. I wondered if her solicitor would notice. Mine nearly burst a blood vessel when I told him what I wanted to do. He advised me against most of it.
“It only seems fair. I’m in a position of power as your boss. I don’t want you or anyone else to think I’ve taken advantage of you. Especially when I asked to join your party, not the other way around. I want to even the stakes, at least where our child is concerned.”
“But the IVF?” She looks at me, her large eyes staring almost in shock.
I smile and shrug, deciding that honesty is the best policy.
“The more we’ve discussed this, and I’ve thought about it. I can’t imagine having a child with anyone else. I’m fully committed to seeing this through.”
Leah raises her eyebrows and inhales deeply. “Okay. I’m not going to say no. And just so you know. I feel the same way. I can’t imagine starting this journey with anyone else.”
I let the tension seep out of my body.
“Good. Are you happy to sign?”
“I am,” she says, giving me a genuine smile, that makes my heart stop in my chest.
“I’ll arrange for us to call in to my solicitors this evening,” I say. “Get the ball rolling.”
Leah stands up and moves towards the door, pausing just before she reaches it.
“Just so you’re aware. I stopped taking the pill the night we discussed this.”
My jaw opens, but Leah doesn’t wait, leaving me sitting open-mouthed at my desk.
We’re really doing this. Warmth spreads through my body.
I look at the clock and pick up the phone.
“Mark,” I say when my friend answers.