Chapter 32 #2
“Was she pregnant the night of the crash?” I hold my breath as Tinsley shakes her head.
“No, but Dahlia is.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you said Dahlia didn’t want to be a mother, I mean, I noticed that she looked like she could be pregnant at the hospital, but I know better than to comment, especially to someone I don’t know.”
“Dahlia doesn’t want to be a mother. Fiona went through multiple transfers but basically the doctors said that the lining in her uterus was too thin, and despite their best efforts, they couldn’t get implantation of the embryo to take.”
“I’m not familiar with everything that goes into IVF, but I’m guessing that’s important,” I admit.
“Yeah, it meant even though the embryos were good, her uterus wasn’t playing ball. So last year, she asked Dahlia if she would be willing to be a surrogate for her.”
The pieces of what she’s telling me click together as my jaw drops. “So, when you say Dahlia is pregnant, you mean she’s pregnant with her sister’s baby?”
“Yes, but technically … it’s babies. Not one baby but two. Dahlia is carrying Fiona’s twins.”
“And she worked with Daphne to ensure they were all covered in case something happened?”
“Yes, in case something were to happen to Dahlia before they were born, like if she was in a freak accident at thirty-six weeks and the babies were born in another state, or…” Tinsley wipes a few tears.
“Or if something happened to Fiona.” She nods.
“Yeah, before or after they were born, Fiona wanted them to be protected and for it to be exceptionally clear that they are her children and heirs, even if her sister carried and delivered them.”
“And you thought you were doing your job by keeping this secret?” She nods and I understand her loyalty.
I also understand her serious concerns about the situation.
Those babies would be heirs to Fiona’s massive fortune, which also makes them vulnerable to those that would put the temptation of their bank accounts over the needs of the babies.
“So, what did the documents say were to happen with the children in terms of guardianship if something happened to Fiona?”
“Basically, it’s Dahlia’s discretion. But I know she doesn’t want to be a mother, and I know Fiona didn’t want to force Dahlia to do that, especially after she basically raised her already.”
“Would you take them? Is that something you and Fiona talked about?” I need all the answers before I panic, but I can feel the severity of this situation growing by the second.
If she already committed to taking her friend’s babies, then I’m in one hundred percent too.
Whatever she needs, I’ll show up to the best of my ability.
I’ve thought about having kids with Tinsley, granted in the old-fashioned way, but if she wants those babies, I’ll step up without hesitation.
“I would, and yeah, we talked about it. But Fiona said she always saw me more as an aunt to them because she knew I wanted to accomplish a few other things with my career before I take a step back for that chapter of motherhood. Fi knows that I want to be present with my babies, not on the road. But I’d rather pause my career than force Dahlia to enter a phase of life she doesn’t want to revisit.
Dahlia just keeps saying we’ll figure it out later.
I think part of her doesn’t want to really have that conversation because the scenario where we need to have an answer for what to do means …
means…” Tinsley shakes her head as her shoulders tremble and tears fall, leaning into me as I pull her snug against my side.
“I get it, Red. It’s only a scenario you need to explore if Fiona doesn’t pull through.
But I’m so glad you told me because you shouldn’t be carrying anything on your own anymore, alright?
That’s part of being together; we share the good and the bad, okay?
” She nods as she silently cries. There are no words to fix this right now, so I just hold my girl and hope Dahlia is right—and we hopefully won’t have to think through that scenario.
We sit there in silence, and even though our conversation was heavy, it feels oddly peaceful, and I know it’s just because Tinsley is here, in my home, in my arms, where she belongs.
My phone vibrates and it’s the front desk security notifying me of a guest, which I approve. As much as I don’t want to disrupt our cocoon right now, I need to let my girl know someone is on their way up.
I kiss her forehead before telling her, “Pippa is here, I’m sure to talk to you about last week.”
“Oh, great, more Rick drama. I’m so sick of him, Jack. Why won’t he just go away? He’s worse than a cockroach,” she pleads as she looks up at me. I kiss her lips softly as I run my hand along her jaw. She leans into my touch and closes her eyes.
“It won’t be forever. I promise we’re doing whatever we legally and personally can do to keep him away from you.
” I’m not sure if Wells told Tinsley about the conversation he is having with their mother today, but I’m going to give him the opportunity to tell his sister first. She’s been in a much better mental space since Bridget has been unable to reach her.