Page 25 of Miracles and Marriage

“Not until you’re pregnant,” Cal said.

“Then any day suits me,” she said.

As soon as the kitchen was clean, they packed up and headed back to Washington. Zoe spent the entire ride worrying about the commitment she’d just made. Was it the best for both of them? Or would they come to regret it?

Cal stopped at her apartment when they reached Washington and insisted on carrying her suitcase up to her front door.

“Do you want to come in?” she asked.

“No, I’m heading for the office. I’ll let you know what I arrange.”

He nodded once and turned to leave.

Zoe watched him as he strode away. Not even a kiss on the cheek for the future mother of his child. She shivered wondering if she’d done something extremely dumb. Too late now. The bargain was made.

Turning, she entered, putting the suitcase to one side. She then headed for the phone to call her sister.

“Guess what,” she said when Chloe answered.

“You found Mr. Right and I’ll be an auntie in nine months,” Chloe said.

Zoe took a deep breath. What if she did fall in love with Cal? He had all the attributes she wanted in a father. In a husband as well? She shouldn’t burden her sister with all the pesky details behind the bargain. Would Chloe try to talk her out of the plan?

“I’m getting married and going to have a baby as soon as we can get me pregnant,” she said in a rush.

The silence on the other end lasted several seconds.

“Married? Who’s the lucky man?” she asked.

“Cal,” Zoe said, then held her breath.

She hears a whoosh of breath across the line.

“I always thought there was something between the two of you. Congratulations. What was it? He got jealous of you seeing all these men and you realized they were dweebs and he was the only man for you?”

Zoe laughed, feeling so comfortable with her sister. Maybe that would be a spin they could give it.

“Something like that. And—he wants a baby as much as I do.”

“Well, that’s a good thing. Have you told Mom yet? She’s going to be thrilled to death.”

“No. And don’t you tell her, either.”

“I won’t spoil your surprise. But I’d love to be there when you spring it on her.”

“It won’t be for a while.”

“What won’t?” Chloe asked.

“Telling her. Or anyone else for that matter. We want to keep this on the quiet for now.”

“Why?”

Good question. It was do or die time. Did she give her sister the real story, or gloss it over? No question, she trusted Chloe.

“It’s complicated, but if I don’t get pregnant, we’ll split.”

There was a pause on the other end.