Page 15 of Flynn

Flynn looked up as his mother came striding into his office, a broad smile on her face. His heart bumped unsteadily against his ribs as he held his breath. It had been over two months since the process started, and he had firmly put it out of his mind.

"You are going to be a father!" She clapped her hands in delight and rushed forward to wrap her hands around him.

He stood there unmoving for a minute, unable or afraid to realize this was happening.

"Are you sure?" He asked gruffly, one hand going around her shoulders.

"Ryleigh just called with the excellent news." Easing her head off his chest, she stared up at him, noticing the look of glazed delight on his face. "She is three weeks pregnant and in excellent health. The expected due date is early September."

"I think I need a drink." Putting her away from him, he moved towards the recessed cabinet to push the button. He had come home earlier than usual because his dinner appointment had been canceled due to bad weather, and he had decided to close himself in his office and review the changes to the office complex.

Pouring the scotch into the glass, he swirled the liquid around before returning to his desk. "How is she doing?" He asked gruffly.

"Very well." Julia hesitated. "It would be nice if you would reach out to her."

"And say what exactly?"

"Thanks?" She ventured, watching him closely. She had told Mario that she was hoping something more than a baby would come of this agreement, and she was willing to do almost anything to bring it about.

She wanted this for her son, and if truth be told, she did feel some sort of responsibility for his continued unhappiness and the look of cynicism on his handsome face. She wanted her son back.

"Haven't you already done that?" He inquired, lifting one thick black brow.

"It would mean more coming from you. She is home now. She said she was feeling a little tired and drained."

He frowned at that. "I thought she was all, right?"

Julia felt a flutter of hope at the quick sliver of concern on his face. “She is holding up, darling.” She told him swiftly, a smile creasing her lips. “Hopefully, she will not have to go through the rough time I had when I was carrying you. It was completely worth it, and I would do it all over again.” She added as his frown deepened.

“I suppose she knows what she is getting into.” His frown had not disappeared as she had hoped but lingered as he sat down.

“She did her research and knows we are here for her,”

“Of course,” He sent her an absent smile.

Rising briskly, Julia prepared to leave him alone. “I just wanted to tell you right away.”

“Thanks, Mother,” Sipping his drink, he stared at the closed doors, a frown touching his brow. He shouldn’t get involved, he told himself. His lawyers had drawn up the terms, and the clinic was doing its job. He was in high spirits, of course, because this was what he had been waiting for to happen. And now it was happening.

Putting his glass down, he turned his phone over in contemplation. Nothing was wrong with just saying thanks and inquiring as to her well-being. The woman was carrying his seed, after all. The idea of that sent heat thrumming through his body, his heart rate increasing.

Taking a deep breath and feeling unaccountably nervous, he dialed her number. It rang three times, and it was answered just as he was about to hang up. Her voice sounded husky and a little breathless, making him unwittingly think of sex. Shaking the disturbing thought away, he forced himself to sound brisk and businesslike.

“Ms. Bogle- er Ryleigh-“ He amended, quickly realizing that it sounded ridiculous to call her by her surname under the circumstances. “This is Flynn – Flynn – er, Julia’s son.”

“I recognize the voice and the name.”

A blush stained his jaw as he realized she was amused by the awkward start of the conversation.

“Of course.” He cleared his throat and regretted like hell that he had called. “Mother told me the good news. How are you doing?”

“Pretty good, just a little drained.”

“I am sorry.” He found himself saying.

“Why?” The amusement was there again, and the color of his face deepened.

“For putting you through –“ Heaving a breath, he frowned and glared at the pale gray silk wallpaper. “I suppose you can tell I am way out of my depth.”

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