Chapter 4

"I have done the hormone treatments and will be going in tomorrow for the transfer," Ryleigh promised to give regular step-by-step updates to Julia as soon as the process began.

It had been two weeks since the unpleasant scene at the charity benefit and the subsequent catty and unkind remarks in the gossip columns of the newspapers. Glen had tried to reach out to her again, but she had refused to speak to him.

Now, she was plunging herself into this project, and she was. She would have to keep her emotions out of the entire thing to not get hurt again. Michael had warned her that it was not going to be easy. "You will be carrying an embryo, which will grow into a baby, for nine months. There is no way on earth you will not feel anything."

"How do you feel about all of it?" Julia asked her in concern. She had not seen Ryleigh since the function at the hotel two weeks ago and had been concerned that after what happened there, she would be crying.

"Splendid." She told the woman with a smile. "I have been doing some research, and of course, at that well-equipped clinic, the doctors are always ready to offer more information. Hopefully, I will be able to call and tell you in a matter of weeks that I am pregnant."

"Flynn and I are on tenterhooks waiting to hear the results."

"How is he doing?" Ryleigh had caught a glimpse of him at the function, but he had not approached her, preferring to do everything through his mother and his very pricey lawyers.

"Handling the entire matter very well by working as usual," Julia told her with a breathless laugh. "My son is a workaholic. I suppose it boils down to the fact that we were destitute, and he had to fight tooth and nail to get to where he is now."

"What he has accomplished is something to be extremely proud of." Ryleigh had never officially met the man but had read about him in various financial magazines and had noticed remarks such as: 'A master at his game,' Ruthless in his dealings' and- 'clawing his way to incredible success.'

Julia beamed at that as she picked up her glass of water. She had been the one to choose the restaurant, somewhere quiet and deliberately understated. "I am so proud of him."

"So, you should be." She told the woman with an absent smile. She had noticed a few curious stares, which added to her lack of appetite. She was tired of being the center of attention, tired of being reminded of what a failure she was at romance.

She was beginning to wonder if something was wrong with her. Suppose she had a mark on her that attracted the wrong kind of males. It was depressing as hell to think about. She was thirty-two years old and had been in three relationships that had turned out to be disasters.

With Glen, she had seriously considered the spell had been broken, but he had turned out to be the worst. She was through romance, and that was that. She would do this one good deed for Julia and her son and concentrate entirely on work.

"My dear, are you all right?" The older woman's voice dragged her out of the depressing downward spiral she had started to slide into.

"I was thinking of work." She glanced at her watch. "Speaking of which, I have to run. I have court tomorrow, and I am far from being prepared. I will let you know how it goes." Sliding back her chair, she hurried towards the exit and, accepting her jacket, made her way out.

Julia smiled as the restaurant owner came to take the chair Ryleigh had been sitting on.

"She is a beautiful young woman." Mario Garcia murmured as he poured her some more of the excellent Spanish wine his vineyard produced and nudged it toward her.

"And I can see your thoughts as clearly as if they were written on a piece of paper on your forehead, Amor-" His swarthy face lit up with a smile as he poured a glass for himself. "You are hoping it becomes more meaningful than her being a surrogate."

"Am I so transparent?" She wondered with a sigh. She had taken Mario into her confidence, knowing that as her friend and lover, he would never betray her. Their romance was discreet, much to Mario's frustration, but he understood that she did not want any more publicity, considering what had happened with her son and brother.

"To me, you are. Certainly." His dark eyes wandered over her lovely face, and he felt the familiar surge of love inside his chest. He had met her years ago when he was just starting up his restaurant, and they had become fast friends.

She had supported him and encouraged the women in her circle to do the same. She also kept most of her functions and charity luncheons here, which had spread his reputation far and wide. Now, he did not have enough hands to keep pace with the orders and the reservations.

She was kind and sweet and the first woman he had ever considered good enough to replace his beloved wife, who had passed away ten years ago. "I just want Flynn to be happy." She murmured with a sigh as she sipped the rich red wine.

"You also blame yourself for that worthless brother of yours messing things up." He started to reach for her delicate white hand but decided against it.

The restaurant was filled with the lunch crowd, and several people from her society were present. He had promised to respect her wishes to keep things down low, and he would not go back on his word.

"He has been calling and trying to get me to Flynn to talk to him."

Mario's dark eyes blazed. "He should have thought about what he was doing before he did what he did. Families don't go around betraying their families. It's just not done. What he did was despicable and unforgivable."

"He is my brother, my only sibling, and it breaks my heart not to have him around." She admitted disconsolately. "And I am happy Flynn found out about that- that woman before it became permanent. He loved her.

She was the first woman he ever proposed to, and she broke his heart by choosing to lie to his uncle. Now, he is so hard and cynical that I just cannot bear it."

"Perhaps this surrogacy might be a blessing in disguise."

"I am praying it will be, for both their sake. You should have seen Ryleigh's face when she was confronted by her former colleague at the function. She tried to be brave, but the look on her face was one of bleak desolation. Even when she was seated across from me, I could tell she was still reeling from the encounter."

"It is going to take time, all of it."

*****

"I need another witness." Throwing down the pen in frustration, Ryleigh stared at the woman as she came into the room.

"Our Mr. Daley still in the hospital?"

"No." she shook her head, sighed, and leaned back in the chair. "He came out a week ago and claimed that he is suffering from palpitations. When I threatened to subpoena him, he just stared at me and told me to proceed.

'You are not as scary as my former boss.'" She threw up her hand. "Judge Baker has given me two days to come up with another witness, or the case will be thrown out.

When did we get here? That piece of crap is the bad guy - he did all those things, took the law into his own hands and meted out justice. And he sits in court in his Brioni suits, looking as relaxed and imperturbable as if sitting in a board meeting. It makes me sick to my damn stomach."

"We deal with the card we have been handed, and this case has enough holes to make it into a sieve." Rosalyn could see the frustration on her colleague's beautiful face and wondered if she should suggest she take some time off.

She had a feeling that would not go over well. "Let me talk to Judge Baker. I will try to convince her that we need a week.

"Thanks, Rose. In the meantime, I think I will go and chat with the detectives about the case."

*****

Flynn looked up as his mother came striding into his office, a broad smile on her face. His heart bumped unsteadily against his ribs as he held his breath. It had been over two months since the process started, and he had firmly put it out of his mind.

"You are going to be a father!" She clapped her hands in delight and rushed forward to wrap her hands around him.

He stood there unmoving for a minute, unable or afraid to realize this was happening.

"Are you sure?" He asked gruffly, one hand going around her shoulders.

"Ryleigh just called with the excellent news." Easing her head off his chest, she stared up at him, noticing the look of glazed delight on his face. "She is three weeks pregnant and in excellent health. The expected due date is early September."

"I think I need a drink." Putting her away from him, he moved towards the recessed cabinet to push the button. He had come home earlier than usual because his dinner appointment had been canceled due to bad weather, and he had decided to close himself in his office and review the changes to the office complex.

Pouring the scotch into the glass, he swirled the liquid around before returning to his desk. "How is she doing?" He asked gruffly.

"Very well." Julia hesitated. "It would be nice if you would reach out to her."

"And say what exactly?"

"Thanks?" She ventured, watching him closely. She had told Mario that she was hoping something more than a baby would come of this agreement, and she was willing to do almost anything to bring it about.

She wanted this for her son, and if truth be told, she did feel some sort of responsibility for his continued unhappiness and the look of cynicism on his handsome face. She wanted her son back.

"Haven't you already done that?" He inquired, lifting one thick black brow.

"It would mean more coming from you. She is home now. She said she was feeling a little tired and drained."

He frowned at that. "I thought she was all, right?"

Julia felt a flutter of hope at the quick sliver of concern on his face. "She is holding up, darling." She told him swiftly, a smile creasing her lips. "Hopefully, she will not have to go through the rough time I had when I was carrying you. It was completely worth it, and I would do it all over again." She added as his frown deepened.

"I suppose she knows what she is getting into." His frown had not disappeared as she had hoped but lingered as he sat down.

"She did her research and knows we are here for her,"

"Of course," He sent her an absent smile.

Rising briskly, Julia prepared to leave him alone. "I just wanted to tell you right away."

"Thanks, Mother," Sipping his drink, he stared at the closed doors, a frown touching his brow. He shouldn't get involved, he told himself. His lawyers had drawn up the terms, and the clinic was doing its job. He was in high spirits, of course, because this was what he had been waiting for to happen. And now it was happening.

Putting his glass down, he turned his phone over in contemplation. Nothing was wrong with just saying thanks and inquiring as to her well-being. The woman was carrying his seed, after all. The idea of that sent heat thrumming through his body, his heart rate increasing.

Taking a deep breath and feeling unaccountably nervous, he dialed her number. It rang three times, and it was answered just as he was about to hang up. Her voice sounded husky and a little breathless, making him unwittingly think of sex. Shaking the disturbing thought away, he forced himself to sound brisk and businesslike.

"Ms. Bogle- er Ryleigh-" He amended, quickly realizing that it sounded ridiculous to call her by her surname under the circumstances. "This is Flynn – Flynn – er, Julia's son."

"I recognize the voice and the name."

A blush stained his jaw as he realized she was amused by the awkward start of the conversation.

"Of course." He cleared his throat and regretted like hell that he had called. "Mother told me the good news. How are you doing?"

"Pretty good, just a little drained."

"I am sorry." He found himself saying.

"Why?" The amusement was there again, and the color of his face deepened.

"For putting you through –" Heaving a breath, he frowned and glared at the pale gray silk wallpaper. "I suppose you can tell I am way out of my depth."

"I never noticed." The laughter tinging her cultured voice had him smiling.

"Thank goodness for small mercies." His lips curved into a smile, and he felt the awkwardness melting. "I just called to check on you."

"Thanks."

He wanted to ask her if she was suffering any ill effects from what happened at the function some time ago, but he did not want to bring back the bad memories. "Well, if you need anything- "

"I will be sure to call you. Thanks, Flynn."

The sound of his name coming from her sent his heart racing. Closing his eyes briefly to settle himself, he murmured something appropriate before hanging up from her.

He had never spoken to her other than a casual greeting now and again. His mother was always speaking highly of her, but he had not taken much notice. Besides, he and she had been involved, so there was no need for honest conversation between them.

She was also a lawyer, and he despised them on principle. He had a contingent of the best law minds on his payroll and bowed to their expertise in legal matters, but he made it a duty to avoid them at all costs.

Now, one was carrying his heir; if he was honest, it had become much more than a business arrangement for him. Ever since she had agreed to become his surrogate, he was having a tough time separating business from personal.

Now, it was even worse. She was pregnant with his child, even though technically, it was not a child yet, but there was a connection there, and he had to squelch the urge to rush over to her place and check for himself that she was all right.

Not to mention the fact that he had wanted to shield her from the hurt and humiliation of the encounter with that asshole, the rage inside him had shaken him to the core and had been difficult to hide.

Shaking his head, he finished the drink and put away the glass. Neither of them needed the complication of a personal relationship. Putting her firmly from his mind, he reached for the document and tried to return to work.

*****

It was getting better. She was getting better, she corrected as she stood before the mirror and pressed a hand against her stomach. She was carrying a man's seed inside her uterus. It would not be her baby in the end, but just the thought of helping create another human being was giving her a rush.

She was certainly not going to allow the negativity to weigh her down. Things in her career were not going according to plan, and the more she tried to get ahead with the case, the more resistance she came up with, but she was carrying a life and was entirely responsible for that life. It was a scary prospect but one she was embracing.

With that in mind, she had systematically gone through her fridge and cupboard, removing everything that was not healthy for a pregnant woman. She had stocked up on milk, something she hated, and reluctantly handed Michael several bottles of excellent vintage.

She was accustomed to chilling with a glass of wine as soon as she entered her house. Now, she is getting used to drinking tea.

The nausea had not started yet, and she was even looking forward to it. Shaking her head, she made her way downstairs and into the kitchen. It was the end of January, and the weather was predictably icy.

They have been getting a combination of snow and rain, which has left patches of ice everywhere. She has someone coming in to clean up, clear away the snow, and sprinkle salt on the ice. More now than ever, she has had to be especially cautious.

Putting the kettle on, she hummed softly as she reached for the box of herbal tea.

*****

"Thanks for meeting me."

"You would not stop calling." Julia glanced over at Mario and saw the look of extreme disgust on his handsome face. She knew he was not pleased, but he would keep his distance out of respect for her.

Turning her attention to the man seated across from her, she felt despair assailing her. Lionel was a gambler with stunning good looks who used them to his advantage. His black hair was stylishly cut, and he wore an expensive silk sweater.

"Who is the female?" She asked bleakly as she sipped her tea.

He flashed her a charming smile and stirred his tea slowly with the spoon provided.

"Someone older." He shook his head at the look of disgust on her face. "I am who I am, Jules, and I cannot change." A look of remorse settled over his features as he stared at her. "My only regret is hurting my nephew. You have to realize that I did him a favor."

Her eyes widened incredulously, and a soft laugh escaped her. "How do you figure?"

"Gracie wasn't good enough for him. I was testing her, you see. I wanted to know what kind of female she was."

She continued to stare at him in derision. "So, you are telling me that you slept with her out of pure selflessness."

"I wouldn't go that far." He flashed her a grin. "She is beautiful, and I truthfully admit I was jealous of Flynn. I wanted to see if she was as committed to him as she pretended to be. It did not take anything much to entice her away."

He shrugged his slim shoulders. "And she told me that Flynn didn't have much time for her because he was always working. In a way, it's his fault, too."

Julia's eyes flashed at that. "It was my son's fault that he built a successful company from scratch, and to maintain the company, he worked hard to provide for us, including you." Her expression hardened. "He gave you a job, bailed you out of several debts, and you paid him back by stealing his fiancée."

His expression turned sober, and he regarded her in contemplative silence as if he were chewing on the matter. "When you put it like that…" Picking up his cup, he sipped the tea and put it back down. "I want to apologize to him personally."

"He doesn't want to see you."

"We are family. He is my blood, and I was there for you when you had to bring him up on your own."

Julia stared at him and laughed again, her eyes twinkling. "You are a piece of work, aren't you? You came to live with us when your wife threw you out of the house for cheating on her and spent most of your time lying on the old, worn sofa, just watching TV."

His lips tightened. "I watched Flynn when you had to work."

"More like Flynn watched you." Glancing at her watch, she pushed back her chair.

"Aren't you going to help me?"

"No. Consider changing your ways and then come back and try again."