Page 61 of Breaking the Ice

“What did you say to get Yolanda there?” I want to know.

“I told her you’d be here at two and that she needed to arrive before then. She has no idea what’s about to happen.”

“I could have never done this without you, Ellie.”

“It’s not done yet, Zach. Shoot … Yolanda’s here. I’ve got to go. Just make sure you’re watching Melinda’s segment.” She hangs up without saying goodbye.

Walking back into my living room, I plop down on the sofa to wait. I try to read a book. I try to close my eyes and meditate. I even try counting, but I only get to twenty before I forget what number I’m on. I’ve never excelled at waiting.

Finally, when I don’t think I can take it anymore, the opening music for American Wrap starts to play. The anchor, Angus Johns, stares into the camera and announces, “We’ve all eagerly been watching the drama brew between reporter Yolanda Simms and billionaire Zachary Hart.”

He turns to look into another camera before adding, “And folks, things are heating up. Our very own Melinda Star is reporting live from Maple Falls, Washington.”

The image on the screen shifts from the studio to the front of the cottage I’m renting from Ellie. Melinda turns to the camera and says, “Good evening, this is Melinda Star reporting from Maple Falls, Washington, with an update to a story that’s captivated us all.” She knocks on the door before stepping out of the focus of the camera.

When the door opens, Yolanda is standing there wearing nothing more than a towel. What in the world is she doing?

“Yolanda Simms?” Melinda asks unnecessarily. We can all see it’s Yolanda.

“Melinda?” Yolanda is clearly caught off guard. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to ask some questions about Zachary Hart. I hope this is a good time.”

A variety of expressions cross Yolanda’s face. There’s shock, panic, and then finally a look of pure satisfaction. “Will you give me a minute to put on a robe?”

“Of course,” Melinda says.

Yolanda is gone for less than ten seconds before she’s back, tying the sash on a red satin robe that looks like it’s more for seduction than coverage. Stepping out onto the front porch, Yolanda says, “Zach is inside napping.”

Melinda’s eyes open wide. “Are you saying that you and Zach are staying here together? I thought things had gone south between the two of you.”

Yolanda doesn’t even try to hide the look of delight on her face. “Zach and I were waiting to make this announcement, but being that you’re here, I might as well tell you that he and I are expecting a baby. We couldn’t be more excited.”

“You and Zachary Hart are having a child together?” She’s clearly shocked.

Yolanda runs her hand over her still-flat stomach and smiles. “We are.”

Looking at a pad of paper in her hand, Melinda asks, “And you used the Beverly Hills Fertility Clinic to help?”

Yolanda’s knees appear to be on the verge of giving way, which forces her to lean against the door jamb for support. “Why would you think that?”

“Didn’t Dr. Felicity Saipan perform in vitro fertilization on you?”

Yolanda is caught so completely off guard I nearly laugh. “It’s nobody’s business how Zach and I created our child. A lot of women have trouble conceiving.”

“They do,” Melinda agrees before sharing, “My husband and I went through quite an ordeal to have our children.”

Sighing sympathetically, Yolanda says, “So you know how tough it can be.”

“I do. But I also know that you can’t have in vitro without a form clearly signed by both parents unless you’re using a sperm donor.”

Yolanda is starting to see the writing on the wall. “Those forms are confidential.”

“Of course,” Melinda tells her. “But you’ve already told us that Zachary Hart is the father so I’m sure you won’t mind making your form public.”

“I … well … I mean …” Yolanda is stuttering like she has lost the ability to speak English.

“I’d love a chance to ask Zach himself.” Melinda points into the cottage. “You said he’s taking a nap? Would you mind waking him up?”

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