She took the bait.
Her eyes closed, and she leaned into my hand.
Yes, she is mine. They both are.
???
The curtains opened, and I grabbed my new binoculars. She wore a vest top with matching shorts. The dark green top skirted over my son, and the white lace trim contrast made it stand out. Time was ticking, with less than two weeks left. I grabbed the car keys and teddy bear, slamming the door behind me, and sprinted to her apartment door. I buzzed her apartment number and waited.
“Hello?”
“Hey, It’s Elliot. I was on my way to work and wanted to drop a couple of things off for you.”
“Oh, come on up.”
The door buzzed, and I pushed it open. I ignored the overflowing letterbox of her neighbouring apartment. He would never touch my son again.
The door swung open, and there she stood, backlit by the morning sun, her silhouette curved with the weight of my son. The dark green vest clung to her swollen belly, the lace trim fluttering with each breath. Her collarbone glistened with sweat; the heat, the hormones, the life inside her pressing outward, ripe as stolen fruit—my son.
I tightened my grip on the teddy bear.
So close now.
Elliot?” She blinked up at me, fingers absently tracing the stretch marks along her ribs. “You’re here early.”
For you, always for you. The voice purred in my skull:Look at her. A vessel polished by need. She’ll never suspect a thing.
I forced a smile. It worked. She smiled, and her eyes softened when she said the teddy bear was in my hand.
“For Ellis, and your keys. The tyre had been replaced.”
Her mouth fell open. “Oh, how much was it? You shouldn't have.”
I waved my hand as she grinned at the inconspicuous bear wearing a grey sweater.
“He is adorable. I am sure Ellis will love it. I am so nervous and excited.”
“I can imagine. You have my private number if you have any questions or you begin to feel poorly,” I said, pausing to hand her the car keys. “Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?”
Her eyes widened, and she stared at my tie for a few seconds before nodding.
“Is that allowed?” she asked.
“I only helped with your initial consultation. The rest of your care is with the prenatal clinic and the maternity. If you want me there when they induce you, I wouldn't be there in a professional capacity.”
She didn't have a birthing partner, and her anxiety was crucial.
Yes, one more push, and she will be ours tonight.
The voice crooned.
“I would be there in a personal capacity. For you and Ellis,” I said low and husky. “You don't need to give me an answer now. I want you to know that I’m available if you need me, Charlotte.”
Her eyes searched mine. She was an independent soul, but one that wouldn't escape my trap. Her fingers tightened on the bear she clutched to her swollen breasts.
“No, I’d like that, Elliot.”
I leaned down and kissed her cheek, my lips barely touching her while she gasped. Her citrus and begonia shampoo made me throb and want to drag her to her bedroom. She placed her hand on my chest, her fingers brushing my tie.
