WORK IN PROGRESS The Parent Contract

Waiting

Amy helped me into the SUV. Another point of difference between my mother in law and myself.  Unless I was extremely fatigued, like now,  I would drive myself rather than get driven around.  Today Amy drove.

"I think I need to start working again." I said to Amy. Her eyes darted to me and then back to the road.
"Ok,  what help do you need?"
"None I think... can you take care of the paperwork for the lawyer? You have that connection with Gerald." My mind was starting to race, but it felt good. There was purpose to this energy.
"Will do." Amy said brightly.  She'd interned with Gerald the accountant for a few months before Drake stole her to help me. He was still a little upset at that waste of talent.  this story is available for free through Wattpad. Please search for it there. He didn't know she was still pursuing her studies.

Unfortunately there were visitors when we drove up the driveway. My mother in law's car was sitting there.
"Oh hell no. Keep driving,  I'm not going in while she's there." I told Amy. She tried to hide a grin and just did a lap and headed back out through the gates.

Drake

I paced around the sitting room.  Mom sat quietly on the couch picking daintily at the Petit four offered.  Peta was tapping diligently on the laptop. 
"So where is this wife of yours, Drake? I made a special trip out here to congratulate her." Mom looked down her nose at the mouthful she'd selected. 

I stopped pacing.
"I have no idea," I admitted.  The help just simply told me that she was out and they didn't know where.  Her phone was going to voice mail,  or maybe flat.  She probably didn't use it much any more.

I glanced at the wedding photos of us. We looked so happy and relaxed,  and young. In those days it was rare that she'd stop using the phone.  It was almost glued to her hand because of her job.  A job I'm sure she missed,  and that she was brilliant at. Politics was a little cut throat, but Toni swam with the sharks, easily dodging the barbs and putting forward agendas to the best spokesperson in parliament in her role as a backbencher.  She had retired because of her illness.

Nowadays she was a shadow of her old self. I hope this baby can bring back some of her spark. I missed her. I missed talking to her, although that was mostly on me,  I was working more hours than necessary.  But I'd cut back for the baby.

Thinking of the baby spread a warm feeling through me.  I could imagine Tori with our baby in her arms.  She'd be absorbed in his/ her features,  then glance up at me and smile that special smile she gives me.  The only one that crinkled the sides of her eyes and looks like stars are shining out with her gaze.

I wish it was her that was pregnant. Then I could go and feel her belly as our baby grew. But as everyone advised me, it wasn't a good idea for Toni to be pregnant yet.  And as Mom advised,  the company needed a baby now.

I turned away from the window and looked at the time.  I might as well get some work done while I waited. 
"I'm going to the office. We have no idea how long she's going to be out."
I said, moving to the doorway.
"So this was a wasted trip then, was it?" Mom flicked the crumbs off her fingers.
"So it seems, Mom.  Perhaps next time, give us a bit more warning."
Mom genteelly grunted.
"Well, I guess that's what you get for marrying a politician.  You can't really trust those people." She sniffed.

I stopped and glared at her.
"You will not say anything against my wife.  You can leave this house now."
I snapped at her. You would have thought she'd woken up to the fact that she couldn't criticise Toni.  I told her off for every snide comment I heard.
"I apologise, Drake darling,  I won't voice my opinion again." She simpered
I nodded, satisfied.
"However,  I will be leaving anyway.  I have commitments this afternoon. When do you think it's the best time for an announcement?" She stood up and stood next to me. I shrugged.
"I think I'll leave that up to Toni.  It's her expertise.  We have to finalise the custody arrangements in a contract first, I think." I rubbed my forehead, "Edward is working on that as we speak. So hopefully it will be ready soon." Thinking about it reminded me that Edward had suggested we engage separate lawyers for Peta and Toni. I turned to Peta.
"Peta,  did Edward get back to you with a lawyer referral?"
She looked up bored,
"Yes, but I didn't take it.  I can review the agreement myself." She shrugged and turned back to her work.  "I'm happy with the changes proposed.  I'll talk to my doctor about when would be a good time to do the DNA test."
"A DNA test?" Mom scoffed, "Why would you need one of those?"
"Just covering all bases, Mom." I sighed, I didn't want to tell her about Toni's reticence since she found out about the baby. I hoped she accepted my explanation about how things had happened.
"It seems silly to me,  but whatever keeps Toni happy.  That's your motto, isn't it,  Drake." Mom managed to look down her nose at me.
"Yes, Mom."
She sniffed,
"Never mind your poor mother's needs. Anyway, I'm off.  Let me know when we can next meet." She air kissed both cheeks,  and wiggled her fingers in Peta's general direction, before leaving.

"Do you want to work in Toni's home office?" I offered Peta. She closed her laptop and stood up.
"Yes that might be a bit more comfortable. My back is already starting to hurt."
I waited for her to get closer and then turned to guide her through the house to where the offices were located.  To my surprise, Toni's office was locked.
I looked around for a maid to unlock it for me. There wasn't one to be seen. 
"Come into mine for now.  I'll go and see if I can work out why it's locked.  As far as I know, it shouldn't be in use."

Peta nodded, and we moved to the room next door. 
"We'll have to see about converting Toni's office to yours.  I doubt she'll be using it when the baby arrives."
Peta walked to my desk and placed her laptop on there. Her phone jingled at the same time as mine vibrated.
"Edward has called a meeting at 10 tomorrow. I'll reschedule your day." She advised.
I nodded. 

She really was the best choice for the job.  She was impersonal, and competent.  I was lucky to have her in my team, but it was ridiculous to think of having an affair with her.