Page 13 of Oh My Secret Christmas Baby
“You can’t have a baby with this man. This is his final plan to entrap you. He will wield that baby like a weapon against you, and it sounds like he’s got money.”
“He does.”
“What about you? How does my mom know your family or whoever recommended you?” Well, crappers.
Why hadn’t I thought of that? Of course, if his mother knows me, it would be through fancy people. I don’t run in those circles except for the rare occasions Max talks me into going to an event with him. I always feel awkward and out of place.
“I don’t have any family.” Hollis's eyes narrow.
“And he’s using that against you too. Gwen, you have to get away from this man.”
“I know.” I huff a breath. “Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. It’s been weighing on me.” Hollis’s face softens.
“The first step is getting out of his home. I know we only just met, but New Hope might be the right fit for you. You said you got your degree in education?”
“Yes, but I can’t just up and move hours away. I wouldn’t know where to start.” My mind starts to race. This is a freaking mess.
“Well, you start by staying here.”
“What?” My head snaps up. Did he really say that?
“Why not? I have the space, and then he doesn’t have you cornered. Right now, he thinks you’re trapped. He’s not saying it out loud, but you know he could toss you out onto the street, shut down the phone, and close the bank account.”
I put my hand to my chest. This isn’t helping with my anxiety. “I can’t stay here. You don’t even know me. We’re basically strangers.” I shake my head no.
“Hey.” Hollis grips the high-top chair I’m sitting in next to him at the kitchen island and pulls it closer to him. “Breathe forme.” I suck in a breath. “I can fix this.” He’s trying to reassure me and calm me down, but it’s not helping.
My eyes fill with tears. Hollis is such a good man. He doesn't know me at all, and he's offering me this. I feel like I'm one of those people about to stab him in the back.
“I lied!” I blurt out. I can’t allow him to continue to be so nice and welcoming as I sit here and keep secrets.
“All right.” His hand rubs up and down my back. Hollis doesn’t seem fazed by that. “What did you lie about?”
“I did it. I agreed.” I lift up my sweater, showing him the small bump.
Hollis keeps his expression blank as he glances down to my belly. He might think he’s hiding his displeasure, but I can tell by the tic in his jaw that he’s not happy.
“I’m sorry I lied,” I say, a tear deciding to slip free. I’m moments away from having a full breakdown.
“Don’t cry.” His fingers come to my face, wiping away the tears. “It’s going to be okay.”
“You said it. He’ll use this baby against me.” I don’t know how this would all play out in court. Max paid for it, but it was all lies. The contract that was drawn up was even a lie.
Hollis's hand drops down toward my stomach. My breath hitches, but it stops a few inches from my belly. “Can I?” I nod. I choke back a sob. “This doesn’t change anything. My offer stands. In fact, I’m going to push harder.”
“Hollis.” I burst into tears. He pulls me into his lap, holding me close.
“Keep breathing for me, precious girl.” He’s got one arm wrapped around me, his other hand still on my stomach. My sweater has fallen back down into place but over his hand.
“The deal”—I hiccup—“was a donor egg. I’d just be the surrogate. That’s what I actually thought, but I found out it wasn’t. He had the doctor use my egg.” I give him more. I feel hiswhole body tense, and then he takes a deep breath. I know he’s forcing himself to relax.
“As fucked up as that is, that gives you power here, Gwen. It’s also imperative to leave the city. Wherever the baby is born is where you can have more legal standing.”
“Really?” I lift my head. I’m sure I look terrible right now.
“I’ll talk to a lawyer but?—”
“No!” The word bursts from me.
