Page 47 of The Billionaire Alpha Surrogate

“Micah was perfect and I didn’t need any more,” Rose said, smiling. “Honestly, Gavin and my relationship wasn’t great, and I didn’t want him touching me.”

“Oh,” Lucy said, shocked. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I have Micah and I adore him.”

“Why did you stay married if you and Gavin don’t get along?”

“I guess because I thought I was supposed to stay with him for the sake of the child. Although, if I could go back in time and know then what I know now, I would have left as soon as Micah was born. Now, I guess it’s just kind of a habit. Gavin does his things and I do mine.”

Lucy didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to spew out any meaningless platitudes, so she just focused on her food.

“Micah is nothing like his father. He is an amazing man, sweet and caring.”

“He is pretty awesome,” Lucy said.

“I saw the way you guys were dancing together at the fundraiser. The looks you gave each other told me that you have feelings for him.”

Lucy blushed.

“You’re falling in love with him, aren’t you?”

Sucking in a huge breath, Lucy studied the woman sitting across the table from her and debated about whether to tell her the truth.

“I am.”

“I knew it,” Rose exclaimed. “You need to tell him. Sometimes a woman needs to take the first step and open that door.”

“It’s not that easy,” Lucy said. “You know how we met. I don’t want to overstep my bounds. In reality, I’m the hired help.”

Rose laughed. “That might have been the case when you two first met, but woman, I’ve seen the way that Micah looks at you. You are much more to him than just a surrogate carrying out her duties.”

“Maybe,” Lucy said. “I started to say something the other day, but we got interrupted. I took that as a sign from the fates that I should keep my mouth shut, at least for now.” She laughed and added, “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with Micah’s mother.”

“Micah’s mother wants to be your friend,” Rose said. “No matter what happens.”

“Thanks,” Lucy said.

“How about some shopping?” Rose said, brightly.

“More shopping?” Lucy asked. “The baby already has more than most.”

“I want to get a couple more things. I also want to get you a few more shirts, pants, and dresses.”

“We bought some the other day,” Lucy objected.

“A couple more won’t hurt,” Rose said. “I want to do this. I love shopping. Please.”

Lucy sighed and shook her head. “Two more dresses and a couple of outfits. No more.”

Rose grinned and clapped her hands like a kid. “Yeah.”

While they were walking through a couple of stores, Rose talked about her hobbies. She enjoyed needlecraft on the days that it was cold or nasty outside.

“The rest of the time, I love being outside. I shift and go for a run every day. When Micah was little, I used to take him to different places that we could explore. We had so much fun together. I miss it.”

“Micah has been taking me to different sites in New Mexico. He told me that his best memories are when you guys went together. The next time Micah suggests an outing, you’ll have to come with us.”

“I don’t want to intrude. Three’s a crowd,” Rose protested.

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