“I have, sure. But this is different, Ryan. Like I’ve said before, we’re in this together.”
“I know you say that. I know you think you mean it, but I’m the one having this baby,” she says, pressing her hands to her stomach again. “I’m the one whose body will bear the brunt. Whose brain will frazzle. Whose sleep and time will be taxed. I’ll be the one responsible for the bulk of the caretaking. The one whose career will suffer.”
Has suffered,I think with a frown.
“I can’t help you carry this baby or deliver it, and honestly, thank Christ for that. If it was left up to men, the world would come to an end. But the rest is on me as much as it is you.”
“The practicalities don’t work that way. I’m gonna need to go back to work sometime, and—”
“I’ll help.”
“Help what?”
“With the baby. When he’s here. And when you’re ready to go back to work.”
“Sure.” She looks a little frustrated.
“You don’t believe me?”
“I bet you usually work as many hours as I do. I know you’re as passionate about your job as I am. Was. Unless your contribution is a nanny?”
“If that’s what you want. I mean, yeah.” I give a shrug. “It’s not a bad idea as backup for when we’re both up to our necks. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m gonna be a hands-on dad, Ryan. That’s the plan. I mean, realistically, neither of us knows what we’re in for. But this isourbaby, not just yours. Equal responsibilities. That’s what I hope for.”
“You’d really do that?”
Though I’m not sure she’s convinced, her expression hard to decipher right now.
“Why wouldn’t I? Especially when you’ll be looking after my money.”
“Your—what now?”
“I’ve decided to invest some money with you.”
“But I’m not working.” She shakes her head as though she can’t have heard right.
“But you miss it, yeah?”
“Of course. It’s all I’ve ever known.”
Well, that’s something. I have her intrigued. And that she hasn’t shot me down is a good sign.
Chapter 32
Ryan
Equal responsibility. Can he really mean it?
“And I’m thinking the easiest way for you to help me, and for me to help you, is by proprietary investment.”
“Um, what?” Weren’t we just talking about babies, not business?
If he knew about the past, he wouldn’t trust me with his money.
He wouldn’t trust me with his child.
I push those thoughts away as he slants me a look that’s pure indulgence.
“I know you don’t need me to explain the term to you.”
