Page 41 of Things We Do for Love and Science
“Sure, they were,” Jem conceded. “But you know what they say.The children of lovers are orphans.”
“What rubbish,” Gabriel huffed. He tried not to be offended. Jem meant well, and he was used to his outspokenness.
“I’m only saying, sometimes it seemed like Uncle George and Aunt Julia were so wrapped up in one another there wasn’t much room for you.”
“My parents loved me,” Gabriel snapped.
“Of course, they did,” Jem said, his tone placatory. “I just mean... Ah, well, forget it. Another pint of the same?”
Gabriel jumped up. “I’ll get it.”
After a while, he returned to the table with their drinks. He sat and kneaded one hand with the other. “I was hoping you’d be happy for me.”
“And I will be if it all works out as intended.” Jem grabbed his arm. “Let me say one more thing, because I care about you. Make sure you’re not entering this arrangement because, deep down, you want a baby withher. You told me you quite fancy her but that she’s also a commitment-phobe. Please, Gabe, be careful not to fall for her.”
“Why don’t you trust me when I say that I’m entering this arrangement with my eyes wide open?” Gabriel cringed. He sounded like a petulant child rather than a grown man, who knew what he was about.
Jem sighed. “I didn’t mean to annoy you.”
Gabriel gave his cousin a conciliatory pat on the shoulder. “It’s okay. Let’s talk about something else, if you don’t mind.”
~ * ~
Another beautiful chocolatefudge cake graced the round kitchen table of the gatehouse. Two gold-rimmed plates were laid out, each with a dainty silver fork by its side.
Gabriel took Delia’s coat, and she sat. She’d asked him to meet because she’d come to a decision. After a week of compiling pro-and-con lists and researching the legal framework, the evidence was conclusive.
It was a stroke of luck that someone like Gabriel had the same approach to parenting as she did. “Now that we’ve both thought about this, I’d like to outline the ground rules I think should be non-negotiable.”
He took a seat opposite her and folded his hands on the tabletop.
She pulled up the list she’d prepared on her phone. “First, before we get started, we should both get tested for STIs.”
He spread his hands on the wooden surface. “Naturally.”
“And no unprotected sex with anyone else for both of us while we’re trying to get me pregnant.”
He nodded. “Agreed.”
She dipped her hand into her shoulder bag. “I’ll leave some plastic jars with screw tops here for you. If you could fill them one at a time with...your contribution, that would be great. I’ll let you know when I’m ovulating. That’s when you’ll have to spring into action.” Her mouth quirked upward before settling into a serious line. “Now to the legal stuff. Since you mentioned wanting to be involved in the parenting, I presume you want shared custody?”
“Yes.” He braced his elbows on the table. “I want to be an involved and active father. That’s the reason for me offering to become the donor in the first place.”
“Good.” Another item off her list. “I think this will work brilliantly since we’re both happy to stay in Renwood. And because I originally planned to have the child on my own, I consider your co-parenting to be a bonus in itself.” She’d share custody with him, but not fifty-fifty. That needed to be clear from the outset. “Our child would principally live with me, and I’d not expect you to pay any child maintenance. I gather you’re not exactly flush with cash.”
“I’m not.” He lowered his gaze. “But I still would like to do for our child whatever I can.”
“Excellent. He or she won’t be liable for any debts pertaining to Renwood Hall, I take it?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure of that.”
“Perfect. That’s it, really.” She locked her phone and put it away. “I’ll get a document drawn up by a solicitor to make sure everything’s legally sound then pass it on to you to read before we sign it.”
“That was quick and efficient.” He poured the tea and put a slice of chocolate fudge cake on her plate.
She sat back in her chair, and her muscles relaxed. Looking at him, a sigh escaped her. “You know, it’d be nice if our baby inherited the color of your eyes.”
A flush crept across his cheeks when he met her gaze. “And what are the chances of that happening?”
