Free Deceived by Thayer King

we can give our child a two-parent household, why shouldn’t we?” He emptied his glass and came around to crouch at her side. He curved a protective hand over her abdomen. “You live in a one-bedroom apartment. If you moved in here, there would be room for a nursery. And there’s a backyard for him or her to play in. I’ll be a good husband to you and a good father to our child. Of course, we’ll sign papers to protect your investments and mine. If at any time you decide you want out, you’ll be free to go.”
    “And if you want out?”
    He smiled, releasing the attractive crinkles around his eyes. “I won’t want out.”
    He sounded confident and she wished she could believe him. “You don’t know that. You might meet someone else.”
    “You know what I admire most about you?” She shook her head. “It’s your loyalty. I will be as steadfast in my support of you and our child.”
    “I need some time to consider this.” He appeared disappointed. There was an awkward moment as though he expected her to say more. Then he stood and returned to his seat. She toyed with her food before saying, “Marriage is a big step. I want to say yes. You paint a pretty picture, but it’s not the proposal I’d envisioned.”
    “I understand. No need to explain further.” They ate in silence for several minutes until Aidan spoke. “What took you so long to contact me? I’d expected to hear from you sooner.”
    “I wanted confirmation from my doctor. She set me up with an OB/GYN after having a nurse draw half my blood for tests.”
    “When is your appointment? I want to come.”
    She paused, a forkful of angel hair poised to enter her mouth. “You don’t have to.”
    He smiled. “I said want.”
    “I have the appointment card in my purse. I’ll show it to you after dinner.”

Chapter Eight
     
    Janelle stared down at her sketch. It was supposed to be a winter coat. Instead, it had morphed into an informal wedding gown with the lapels meeting in a plunging neckline that would expose a sexy but tasteful amount of cleavage. The knee-length skirt was full and flirty.
    The last two weeks had been eye opening. Aidan had attended the doctor’s appointment with her as promised. He’d been attentive and asked Dr. Miller intelligent questions. When they’d been allowed to see the baby on an ultrasound, he had taken her hand and squeezed it. Overwhelmed with emotion, she’d averted her face and wiped away tears. But then she’d looked at him and saw that his eyes were bright with moisture also. Afterward, he’d taken her to lunch and revealed the source behind all his questions. He’d been reading books on pregnancy. His support had almost brought on the tears again. He had every reason to resent her and this pregnancy. He hadn’t planned this. Rich men like Aidan probably had women trying to trick him out of his wealth all the time. She’d expected more skepticism from him, but he’d been nothing but sweet. At the end of lunch, he’d dropped her back at Janelle’s Essentials.
    She’d thought she wouldn’t hear from him until the next visit with Dr. Smith a month later. He’d surprised her by calling her every night since the appointment and sending her texts every day. Some of the messages were informative, like telling her to avoid hot dogs, soft cheeses, and deli meats. But many times, he simply inquired about her health, wanting to know if she was experiencing morning sickness.
    “What are you working on?”
    “Um, nothing.” Janelle closed her sketch pad and pushed it beneath some invoices on her desk. “Do you need me out front?”
    “No. It’s still quiet out front.” Dionne sat in the old office chair reserved for the few times she had guests in her office. Janelle couldn’t help but recall the plush chairs and couches Aidan had in his office. “How are you feeling?”
    “Sleepy, but good.”
    “And have we heard from Mr. Tall, Rich, and Gorgeous today?” Dionne had met Aidan when he’d