by Donna Alward
Drew put down his beer. That made at least four odd looks and a couple of halted conversations. Something was definitely off.
“Okay, I might be totally crazy, but is there something going on? You looked funny just now, and a couple of times Adele and Harper stopped midsentence. Am I missing something?” He frowned. “And if it’s none of my business, say so.”
Dan hesitated. “Well...it’s not that it’s none of your business, it’s that we haven’t said anything to anyone yet.”
“About what?”
Dan took a drink of his beer. “Well, you know that Delly can’t have kids.”
“Y-es,” he replied, drawing the word out a bit.
“So when I asked her to marry me, we talked about possibilities. Maybe adoption. Maybe not having children at all, which would have been fine. But at the wedding, Harper told us that she wanted to offer to be a surrogate for us.”
Drew’s gaze snapped to the kitchen door. He could hear Adele and Harper talking. A surrogate? He’d heard of such a thing but had never met anyone who’d actually done it. “So you’re going to do it? But...how? I mean... I’m assuming you’re...you know, and are you using her...” He started to stammer. “Okay, so this is actually really awkward.”
Dan chuckled. “I know. It was for me at first, too. Adele had some testing done and we decided to try using her eggs. Normally this can be a bit of a long road, but we lucked out on the first try.” His smile widened.
Drew stared for a minute as what his brother had just said sank in. We lucked out on the first try. “Does that mean... God, Dan, are you saying you’re going to be a father?”
He nodded. “And Delly’s going to be a mom, and Harper is carrying our baby for us.”
Drew flopped back against the cushion of the chair. “Holy mackerel. I did not see that coming. That was fast.”
“We haven’t told anyone yet, not even Mom and Dad. She’s still in the first trimester, and we want to be sure everything is okay. But since you’re here...” He leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “I’ve been dying to tell someone, you know?” His grin broadened.
It made sense now. The whole garlic-doesn’t-agree-with-me thing and the strange looks and truncated sentences. Drew rubbed a hand over his face and wondered what kind of woman offered to carry a child for a friend. What a huge commitment. What a generous thing. He hadn’t realized that Harper and Adele were so close. What the heck was she getting out of it? He didn’t consider himself a cynic, but he’d done enough business to know that hardly anyone did anything 100 percent altruistically.
“You okay, bro?” Dan lifted an eyebrow. “You look a little freaked out.”
“I’m just surprised. You’ve only been married since March.”
“We didn’t want to wait. If it didn’t work, we knew it could take time to adopt. I’m telling you, Harper is one in a million. Adele has gone to every appointment so far and soon we get to hear the heartbeat. That’s our baby in there, you see? Adele’s and mine. We’ll never be able to repay Harper for this.”
Harper stepped into the living room, her face easy and unconcerned. “Does anyone want another drink?”
Drew got to his feet, his emotions in a bit of a storm as he tried to adjust to the news without being an awkward ass. “Uh, I can get it. You don’t need to wait on me.”
She smiled softly. “Suit yourself, then. Beer’s in the fridge.”
He glanced quickly at her abdomen, then back up, his face heating. Harper didn’t seem to notice anything and, with a flip of her ponytail, was gone back to the kitchen again.
His brain was a muddle, but he did manage to have one coherent thought as he followed her into the kitchen.
Harper is carrying my brother’s baby.
CHAPTER THREE
HARPER KEPT HER hands busy cutting vegetables so she wouldn’t have to look up at Drew, who’d come into the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge. She’d seen the way his gaze had dropped to her belly and back up and the way he’d stood when she came into the room. Dan had told him; she was relatively sure of that. And it was awkward as hell.
She knew there would be some odd looks from people over the next few months, and probably more than her fair share of intrusive questions. She was prepared for that, or at least she was trying to be.
But she hadn’t been prepared for Drew.
At the wedding in March he’d been crazy attractive, all sexy smiles and sparkling eyes, but she hadn’t been in the mood for a wedding fling, particularly with the groom’s brother. It would have been all kinds of messy.
Today had been far more awkward because the moment he’d stepped in the room her body had reacted just the same way as it had when he’d pulled her close on the dance floor. Her breath had caught and she’d felt that ridiculous butterfly feeling in the pit of her stomach. Forget the tux; Drew Brimicombe in faded, dusty jeans and a well-worn T-shirt was delectable. Add in that rough stubble and the slightly curling tips of his sun-streaked hair and she was a goner.
And she remembered how he’d propositioned her.
Now she was pregnant with his brother and sister-in-law’s child and...yeah. Just as she’d thought at the wedding. This would be potentially awkward as heck and his reaction proved it. Not to mention that her attraction to him hadn’t exactly disappeared.
She should never have agreed to stay for dinner.
“Harper. That might be enough cucumber.”
The plate in front of her was rounded with cucumber slices and she realized she’d sliced the whole thing. To cover her embarrassment at getting caught daydreaming, she grinned and popped one in her mouth. “I can’t get enough these days,” she admitted. “They’re so cool and fresh.”
“Well, maybe you could cut some carrot and tomato to go with it?”
“Of course. Sorry. I don’t know where my mind went.”
Except she knew exactly where it went. With Drew, back into the living room. Or more precisely, back on the dance floor at the Cascade, being held in his strong arms, their bodies brushing.
She was peeling a carrot when she chanced a look up at Adele, who was ladling broth into the risotto. “I think Dan told Drew about the baby,” she said.
Adele stopped stirring and stared at her. “You do? Why?”
“The way Drew looked at me when I went back in the room. It was the same look I got from Dan the moment I told you guys I was pregnant.”
Adele frowned. “We weren’t going to say anything to anyone yet. Not until after...” Adele let the thought trail away, and Harper put down the carrot peeler and went to her side.
“I know you’re worried, but we’re almost at the end of the first trimester. Besides, he didn’t take out a billboard or anything. It’s his brother. Who’s here in person. Don’t be too upset.”
Adele let out a breath. “I know. And I don’t mean to put extra pressure on you.”
“I know that.” Harper smiled easily, though deep down she felt as if a whole family’s hopes were pinned on her keeping this baby healthy. She didn’t want to be responsible for any big disappointments. “You’ll feel better when you can hear the heartbeat. It’s not long now. Besides, I feel great.” Most of the time, anyway. Beyond a bit of fatigue and a few hours in the morning where morning sickness had become an issue.
Adele smiled and nodded. “You’re right. Let’s finish this up and get dinner on the table. We can eat out on the deck.”
Harper finished preparing the vegetable platter, then checked on the chicken and the falafel on the grill. Adele brought out dishes for four and Harper set them out as Adele put the risotto in a bowl and brought out a pitcher of ice water.
The guys came a few moments later, still talking and laughing, and the early evening was more mellow in its heat, providing an easy warmth. Harper poured water in everyone’s glass as Adele took the food off the grill,
and in moments they were all seated and ready to eat.
Plates were filled, but then Drew lifted his glass. “Adele, I know Dan was supposed to keep it a secret, but I’m over the moon about your happy news.” He turned his gaze on Harper, his dark eyes warm. “And you, Harper. What an incredible gift you’re giving my brother and sister-in-law. To your happy family,” he finished, and they all clinked glasses before drinking.
Harper looked up at him over the rim of her glass. He was watching her steadily, and those pesky nerves started again.
She was pregnant, for God’s sake. One of the reasons she’d been so willing to do this now was because she wasn’t involved with anyone. And it wasn’t like she was thinking about starting something with Drew. He was the baby’s uncle, after all. It was just that every time he looked at her she got this silly feeling all over. All she could think of was the cheeky look on his face when he’d said, “I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.”
She looked away and instead cut into her falafel.
Dinner conversation moved on to small talk about work and the summer weather, and the mood was easy and relaxed. Harper had been hungry, and the rice and falafel took away the gnawing sensation that had been bordering on queasy. When Adele asked if anyone wanted tea, the men refused but Harper was more than ready for a cup. “I’ll get it, Adele. I know where everything is.”
She rose from her seat and tried to ignore Drew’s gaze following her as she went to the kitchen. For heaven’s sake, she didn’t look any different. But his perception of her had changed. That much was clear.
The kettle was on heating and she was reaching for a couple of mugs when Adele came through the sliding doors. “The boys are talking shop,” she remarked, selecting a tea flavor from the selection she kept in a box on the counter. “For all Drew’s outdoorsman ways, he’s a good businessman. When they started talking US versus Canadian tax law implications, I had to bail.”
Harper laughed lightly. “It was nice, what he said earlier.” She grabbed a mint pouch from the tea box and dropped it into her cup.
“Yeah. It’s funny, though. He can’t take his eyes off you.”
And there went that zingy feeling through her body again. She ignored it and shrugged. “It must seem really strange.” She smiled at Adele. “What we’re doing is pretty unconventional.”
“Are you sure that’s all it is? I’ve known Drew awhile. I mean, we had that break where we didn’t see each other at all, but when Dan and I were dating before, I got to know him pretty well. I’d say it’s more interested than curious.”
“I doubt it. Besides, guys don’t find women who are pregnant with someone else’s baby all that attractive, you know?”
“Maybe. Still. Did something happen between you two at the wedding or something?”
Harper shook her head and reached for the kettle. She poured water into the cups as she answered, the task allowing her to avoid meeting Adele’s gaze. “No. I mean, we danced and stuff, but just your typical best man and maid of honour duties.”
Which was an out-and-out lie.
“Well, he seems very happy with what you’re doing.” Adele reached over and touched Harper’s hand. “As we are. We’ll never be able to repay you.”
Harper smiled and turned her hand over, squeezing Adele’s fingers. “So you’ve mentioned a time or two.”
“Sorry. I know I probably go on a lot.”
“It’s okay.” Harper withdrew her hand and dipped her tea bag up and down. “I know you’re excited, and I want you to be a part of this pregnancy, every step of the way. It’s all good.”
Except Adele had a tendency to hover a bit, and Harper wasn’t sure how to deal with that. With understanding, surely. She’d rather bite off her own tongue than hurt Adele’s feelings. Adele was the sister she’d never had.
They took their tea back out to the deck. The sun had dipped behind the mountains, the air cooling. Once Harper and Adele returned to the table, the discussion morphed into things to do around town, and some of their favorite outdoor activities and spots.
“Of course, Harper has to be extra careful now,” Dan said, aiming a smile in her direction. “Precious cargo and everything.”
Harper shrugged. “I do, but the exercise is still important. I still love going out in the mornings and getting some sunrise pictures. I can do some cool things with the lighting.”
“Surely you don’t go alone, though,” Adele offered, sipping her tea. “I mean, anything could happen. The wildlife alone...”
Drew stepped in. “I’m sure Harper takes proper precautions. She’s not naive, after all. She’s been doing this a long time.”
She appreciated the support and it annoyed her at the same time, as if he felt he had to speak for her when she could obviously speak for herself. Still, she didn’t want to upset Adele and Dan. “I am careful,” she replied. “And there’s no reason why I can’t maintain my regular schedule for months. I do intend to work right up until the date.”
“Even wedding bookings?” Dan asked.
She shook her head. “No. I’ll book until I hit eight months. I don’t want to disappoint any brides. And once the baby is born, I’ll take a few weeks off to recover and then get back to it.”
Once the baby was born. It was a weird thing to think about. In reality, she was just the incubator. But there was no way she would come through this without having some emotions about it. She was going to feel the baby kick. Bring it into the world. She figured getting back to a regular schedule would be important.
“Still,” Adele said quietly. “You won’t take any unnecessary risks.”
“Of course not.” She knew the stakes. She’d willingly accepted them when she’d offered to do this. “I’ll be careful, you know that.”
The mood had dipped a little, so Harper drank the last of her tea and stood. “And now, I’ve totally overstayed my welcome. I should get home. Thanks for having me over for dinner...again.”
“How are you getting home?” Drew asked.
“Oh, walking. It’s not far.” She laughed. “Nothing’s really far in Banff, you know?”
“I’m going back to the hotel. I’ll walk with you, if it’s okay.”
“Sure, if that’s what you want.” Harper’s place wasn’t exactly on the way to the Cascade, but it was only a small detour. She couldn’t really say no, not after the nice toast he’d given. But she wondered why he’d want to. She didn’t think it was to be gentlemanly. Drew might look all casual and laid-back, but Harper got the impression that everything he did had a purpose behind it.
Dan got up, too, and started gathering glasses. “Didn’t you rent a car, Drew? You usually do.”
“I did, but it’s being delivered to the hotel tomorrow. The one I wanted wasn’t available until today. Besides, it doesn’t hurt me to walk.” He looked over at Harper and smiled. “Not when the scenery is so beautiful.”
Harper wasn’t sure if he meant the town or if he was turning on the charm like he had at the wedding, so she ignored the comment and made her way to the door.
The night had cooled enough that Harper wished she’d thought to bring a sweatshirt, though her intention had never been to stay this late. Trouble was, Adele was a wonderful cook and Harper got tired of eating alone all the time. Now that she was pregnant, Dan and Adele tended to stay a bit close, but she understood. Adele was understandably living vicariously through Harper’s experience.
She hadn’t counted on Drew being around, though, or offering to walk her home. She put her hand on her tummy for a brief moment, wondering what he really thought about the situation. It might be a good litmus test to find out how the rest of his family would react when they found out.
She tucked her hands into her hoodie pockets and looked over at him. “So I guess you were pretty surprised by the news, huh?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I mean, I
felt something was off, the way you and Adele seemed to talk in abbreviated sentences. So I came right out and asked Dan.” He stopped walking and turned to face her. “This is a huge thing. I can’t believe they asked it of you.”
She smiled then. Was that his issue? In that case, she could set his mind at rest. “They didn’t ask. I offered. Actually, I offered on the night of their wedding, not long before you and I danced. Adele is the best friend I’ve ever had. When I found out that she’d left Dan all those years ago because of her infertility, I knew I wanted to help. I told them that this would be my wedding present to them.”
Harper herself was what her mom called a “miracle baby,” having been adopted since her mom couldn’t have children. Being able to help a family—particularly someone she loved—was fulfilling.
“Carrying a baby is a heck of a wedding gift,” he remarked.
She started walking again and shrugged. “It’s only for a few months out of my life, so why not?”
She saw him shaking his head out of the corner of her eye. “Not many people in this world are completely altruistic. But I can’t seem to come up with a way that this benefits you. I mean, it can’t be the money.”
“No, you’re right. It can’t. Legally they’re not allowed to pay me and since there’s no fee for health coverage... I’m not making a penny off of this, Drew. I hope you didn’t think I was.”
His brow furrowed. “It crossed my mind for a minute or two.”
“Then clearly you don’t know me very well.”
“I apologize,” he said quietly. Then he looked over at her as their shoes made soft footfalls on the sidewalk. “I still find it hard to believe you’d go through something as life-changing as a pregnancy out of the goodness of your heart.”
She laughed. “Life-changing as in the morning sickness, weight gain, swollen feet, stretch marks, and other things I have to look forward to?”
Drew’s voice was soft and hesitant in the semidarkness. “Well, wouldn’t you want to go through those things for your own kid, rather than someone else’s?”
