Page 65 of Choosing Us

“Do you really believe that?”

“No, I think that she gives me exactly the amount she is willing, able, and interested in giving to our relationship. It’s not essential other than appearances.”

“Did she want to have children? Sorry if that’s rude, but she doesn’t seem like any mother I’ve ever met, and I’m trying to understand the woman.”

“Probably not, but I think it was an area of her life where she felt like she didn’t have a choice. In a certain level of society, your wealth is dependent on your bloodline, and it’s your obligation, for a lack of a better word, to continue it. I’ve even heard of some trusts where having a child or children is a requirement to have access to one’s trust fund.”

“Shut up.”

Harlow barks out a laugh at that. “No, I’m serious. People are weird when it comes to money, but when you grow up in a culture and environment where these things are typical and common, it’s not weird. It’s not unheard of for people to marry for mergers of companies, or for other benefits.”

“Like arranged marriages?”

“Exactly. If my parents thought I would agree, I’m sure I would be married off already.”

“You aren’t interested in marriage?”

“No, no, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m interested in marrying someone for love and the right reasons. I’m interested in marrying someone that takes my breath away, adds incredible value to my life, and who I love with everything that I am.”

I pull her closer to me and wrap my other arm around her. “I’m very interested in all of that, Lo. So long as it’s with you.”

She nuzzles into my chest, and I wish I could take away the sting of her mother’s words and choices, but I can’t heal that wound. What I can do is love this woman and hope that my love is enough to overshadow that pain.

She hums. “I agree, in fact, I think that is a brilliant idea.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Walker

Hey, team. You'll see the official email come through Chavez later today, but I’m officially on paternity leave as of this morning.

Walker

[Photo of Eloise grinning, sitting on Vivian’s hospital bed holding two newborns wrapped in blue blankets, one with a navy hat and one with a light blue hat, with help from her mama’s arms]

Christine

They're here?!

Walker

Viv went into labor last night and was incredible. Both babies and mama are doing well.

Tara

Yay! Congratulations, Walker!

Kelly

Amazing! Congrats, boss!

Me

Look at how proud big sister is! Congratulations! Please give my best to Vivian as well. Are you sharing names?

Walker

Our son in the navy hat arrived first at 3:45 AM. 6lbs 8oz and 20 inches long. Meet Henry Walker Bennett IV. He will go by Henry, like my granddad did. And twenty-two minutes after his big brother, our son in the light blue hat arrived. 6lbs 5oz and 21 inches long. Meet Davis Callahan Bennett.