Page 5 of Brokered Betrayals

“What? Why?”

“Because family members aren’t objective,” Royce explained. “We chose colleagues and friends.”

“Don’t you think the judge will find it weird?”

“Our lawyers don’t think so, but write a character reference if you’d like. I’ll happily submit it to our legal team.”

Eddie rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t know. I’m not as smart as Barron. He’s a respectable member of the community and would make a better reference.”

“You’re my dad,” Royce said. “You’re an amazing grandfather. Little Darla is going to be so lucky to have you in her life.”

Eddie pulled Royce into a fierce hug and held on longer than usual. “You’re the best part of me, kid. Never doubt that.”

“I won’t.” Royce pulled back from the embrace and smiled at his dad. “I won’t forget to tell Jace and Dru that you said it either.”

“Shithead,” Eddie snarled as he playfully reached for him.

Royce danced out of the way, bobbing and weaving until he bumped into the bed frame they’d been building. Eddie had him cornered, but Royce wasn’t afraid of his dad like he’d been as a kid. Laughter and orneriness sparkled in Eddie’s gray eyes instead of rage and misery. Royce held his hands up in mock surrender anyway. It was getting late, and he was eager to get his husband home. “We have our marching orders, and we best get to them.”

Eddie snorted and changed direction to the other side of the bed, where he hoisted that side of the headboard into the slot. “Bring me the drill?”

Royce grabbed it from the nightstand and carried it to Eddie, who screwed the headboard to the frame. Eddie gave the bed a good shake. “Nice and sturdy. Good.” He shot a wink at Royce, probably hoping to make him uncomfortable.

“I’ll do you one better,” Royce said. He withdrew a twelve-inch level from Eddie’s toolbox and placed it in the center of the headboard. The bubble landed dead center, and Royce stood back with a nod. “Good to go.”

They unrolled the wooden slats, positioned them in the bottom of the bed frame, and screwed them to the rail. Then came the bulky mattress. They wrestled the heavy son of a bitch into place and sat down to catch their breath.

“Whew!” Eddie exclaimed. “I talked a big game earlier, but I’m not getting any younger.”

“But thankfully, you are getting older,” Royce countered.

Eddie pointed at him and winked. “Good thinking.” He grabbed the linens from a box and set them on the bed. “Jo and I can handle this part.”

“Why wait?” Royce picked up the fitted sheet and shook it out. “Let’s do this.”

Eddie got quiet again as they worked, and Royce could tell he wanted to ask more questions.

“Just ask, Eddie. I won’t get mad.”

“Does it worry you that Kelsey might change her mind?” Eddie held up his hands before Royce could reply. “I didn’t mean it to sound like that, but it must be difficult for her. I’d think it would be next to impossible for Kelsey not to form a bond with a baby growing inside her, even if the child wasn’t her biological daughter.”

“Sometimes it is hard for her,” Royce said. “She’s been very honest about it. And we’re grateful for the bond she feels for Darla because we’ve chosen Kelsey and Andrew as hergodparents. Darla will always know that Kelsey’s act of love brought her into the world.”

“She’s an amazing woman to give you this gift,” Eddie said.

“One of the fiercest, most loving women I know.”

“Does she get compensated?” Eddie asked.

“Kelsey won’t let us pay for anything except her medical care, so we established a college fund for Ella with the surrogate fee she waived,” Royce replied. “Our agreement also covers paying for any emotional support she’ll need after Darla’s delivery and filling any salary gaps not covered by her maternity leave and supplemental insurance.”

Eddie ran a hand over his scruffy jaw. “Sounds expensive.”

“But worth every dime.” Royce placed the last decorative pillow on the bed and stepped back to survey their handiwork. “Not bad.” He leaned forward and gave them a chop in the center. “Better.” Royce turned to his dad. “Is there anything else you want to ask? Nothing’s off-limits.”

Eddie raked his teeth over his bottom lip. “Why’d you choose the name Darla? I figured you’d name your little girl after your mama.”

“Jace called dibs on Mom’s name when Holly was pregnant with Harper. They plan to have more kids, so the dibs are still in effect in case they have a girl.”