Page 42 of The CEO's Baby

“Sure. Or a girl. Mostly I want a healthy child.”

“As do I,” Cath said, the fear that constantly lurked rearing up until she felt suffocated.

She withdrew her hand and took a sip of water, forcing it past the block in her throat. She wanted this baby so bad she was afraid.

“So what did you want to suggest?” she asked a minute later.

She concentrated on her breathing, trying to quell the attraction she experienced every time she was near Trace. Shouldn’t she be becoming more indifferent?

“We hire a nanny to watch him. She’d be able to bring him to my place or live with you at yours. She’d offer stability to the child and make sure he has constant care. No shuffling to day care or having different sitters or housekeepers at each resident.”

Cath hadn’t thought that far ahead. She’d need someone to watch the baby once she returned to work. She’d thought of an au pair—but she’d also thought she’d be in Brussels by then.

“I don’t have a big enough apartment to have live-in help. In fact, it’ll be crowded with the baby.”

“So move. In fact, why not move to an apartment in the same building as mine. Make it a lot easier to share the baby that way.”

The man was crazy. Did he think she was made of money?

For one moment she almost asked for a raise large enough to cover the cost of living in that high-rise apartment building he called home. That would serve him right.

“It’s something to think about,” she said slowly.

“Perfect solution,” Trace said.

Perfect for him. She wasn’t sure how she would come out on top. It would cost much more than she was used to spending—at the same time she’d have other costs with a new infant.

“I can have Ellie begin to search—”

“No,” she interrupted. “First it’s too soon, and second, I’ll take care of that aspect myself.”

He studied her then nodded.

The waiter brought their meals. Cath deliberately changed the topic to a movie she’d seen with her friend Sally a few weeks ago. Trace hadn’t seen it, so she spent more time than was warranted explaining it to him. She wanted to enjoy the evening then to go home and take some time to assimilate all the aspects of the day.

Tuesday afternoon Cath and Trace once again left together. Because it was prior to closing time, there were lots of people to notice. She tried to maintain an aloof, professional air. Maybe everyone would think they were going to some off-site business meeting.

Once in his car, she tried to relax. But the meeting with her doctor only brought anticipated anxiety. Each week she wanted him to give her assurances everything would be all right. He remained steadfast in his cautionary position.

Once in the waiting room, Cath grew amused at the sight of Trace in a room full of women in various stages of pregnancy. He looked as out of place as a penguin would.

It didn’t seem to faze him. He stood with her when she checked in, then found two chairs together.

There were smiles from the other women, and a wistful glance from one or two.

Cath didn’t want to say a word in such a crowded place. Everyone present could hear everything. The minutes ticked by slowly. She flicked a glance at Trace. He seemed as relaxed and at ease as if he were in a boardroom.

Finally she was called.

“Your husband can accompany you,” the nurse said with a smile at Trace.

Cath opened her mouth to correct the woman, but Trace’s touch distracted her.

Once in the exam room, the nurse instructed her to disrobe and put on the gown hanging on the back of the door. When she left, Cath looked at Trace.

He watched her with amusement.

“Don’t let my being here stop you,” he said.

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