Page 98 of Negotiating Tactics

Pride probably, or maybe an understanding that I never wanted to shed another tear over my father.

“What then?” I asked, steering the subject to what I hoped was more stable ground.

Doubting that, though, because if Noah told me he was leaving, I didn’t think I’d be able to handle it.

He nodded at the envelope on the table.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“You’re the lawyer. Read it,” he said with a little chuckle.

I picked up the envelope and flipped through the papers.

“A deed?” I asked, immediately recognizing the paper, though I didn’t focus on the address. “For what?—”

I trailed off as I scanned the page and read the address.

“My building?” My voice was barely above a whisper, the shock not letting me speak any louder.

“Yeah,” he said.

“Were you the cash offer that George was trying to fend off?” I asked.

“No. But I should have made sure my bases were covered. An oversight on my part, but I tracked the new owner down and bought the building from them.”

“Why?” I asked, my face twisted in confusion.

Noah looked at me, his expression serious.

“Look, Alex, I fucked up. I wasn’t wrong, but I should have been upfront with you. And because I wasn’t, you got screwed out of your dream. I understand if you never want to see me again, but I needed to at least make that part right. I’ve done that, so I’ll respect your wishes, even though I don’t want to,” he said.

I went quiet for a moment, considering his words, but then he continued. “So, the paperwork is there, and I’m ready to sign it over to you.”

“I don’t have the money for that,” I said.

He huffed. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that, Alex.”

“I…” I trailed off again and looked at the envelope, then looked at Noah.

Was surprised by the words that came tumbling out of my mouth.

“I’m pregnant,” I said.

His eyes widened, and I had never seen him look more shocked.

I felt a stabbing sense of disappointment but girded myself against the feeling.

I loved this baby, even though I had known about it for less than two hours.

“You don’t have to have anything to do with the pregnancy or the…baby. I just wanted you to know. You can make whatever choice you think is appropriate,” I said.

“What?” he said, his expression one of pure disbelief and confusion.

Seeing his confusion sparked my own. “Which part are you asking about? The pregnant part or the not have anything to do with it part?”

“The not having anything to do with it part. You think I would…” He stared at me with intense eyes, with anger I had never seen from him.

Whatever defenses I thought I might have were nothing in the face of Noah when he was like this. But I would try my best.

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