Accidental Family Read Online Free PDF Page A

of them.
    She considered lying, but somehow she knew Alan still wouldn’t back off. If she claimed to be in a relationship, he’d have even more questions about why she went to the clinic for the insemination procedure, and the truth would eventually come out anyway. “There is no man in my life.”
    He nodded, his face grim. “Then I am the father.”
    “Maybe,” she replied. “I think it would be better to wait until we receive the test results. If you’re not the father, then we have nothing to talk about.”
    He shook his head. “I’ve learned the hard way that it’s better to face bad news and deal with it head-on. Believe me, Rowena, I’m not any happier about this situation than you are. I’m sure as hell not ready to be a father. But I know we can find a solution to our problem.”
    Problem. It was the second time he’d used that word, and it raked against her nerves like fingernails on a chalkboard. How dare he come here and lay claim to her baby. A baby he obviously didn’t want. A fierce protectiveness enveloped her, shaking her to the very core. She loved this baby. And she’d do anything to protect it. “Exactly how do you intend to do that?”
    “I know neither one of us is happy about this situation,” he began. “But I’m hoping we can come to some kind of understanding that will satisfy us both.”
    “I’d be ecstatic if you’d just go back to Toronto.”
    “I will as soon as we settle this matter.” He reached into the front of his jacket. “You’re about four months along, right?”
    “Right,” she replied, his words making her a little uneasy. Why did he care how far along she was? And why the hell was he pulling out his checkbook?
    “I know a good doctor you can go to in Williamstown,” he continued. “I’m willing to pay all expenses, along with a little extra for all your trouble.”
    Trouble. That was definitely the right word to describe Alan Rand. Along with condescending, overbearing and conceited. She hoped those traits weren’t hereditary.
    “That isn’t necessary,” she said tightly.
    “I insist.” He flipped open his checkbook. “I’ll write you a check right now to cover the initial expenses.”
    Apprehension filled her. He’d told her he wasn’t ready to be a father. But did he actually intend to bribe her into making that a reality?
    Rowena sat back in the chair and watched as he pulled a silver pen out of his pocket, then scribbled out an amount. He’d obviously assumed from her job at the barbershop that she didn’t have much money. Her anger ebbed, temporarily overridden by a sort of morbid fascination. She wondered what the going rate for getting rid of a problem was these days.
    “Here you go,” he said, holding the check out to her.
    She stood to take it from him, looking at the amount. The number of zeroes in it impressed her.
    “As you can see, I’m willing to pay my fair share,” he said.
    “That won’t be necessary.” She ripped the check in half, then tore it again.
    “What are you doing?” Alan exclaimed, his brow furrowed in confusion.
    She let the pieces flutter to the floor. “Turning down your generous offer.”
    “You want more money?” he exclaimed.
    She rose to her feet, her protective instincts coming on full force. “No. I don’t want anything from you. I don’t need your money, Alan. No amount of money could make me even consider terminating this pregnancy.”
    His eyes widened. “Wait a minute,” he interjected, holding up both hands. “You don’t understand....”
    But she wasn’t about to let him bully her anymore. She’d learned the hard way that it only gave men like this a greater license to harass.
    Rowena advanced on him and saw his glance fall to the scissors she still held in her hands. “I think it’s time for you to leave now.”
    “Let’s be rational,” he said, backing toward the door.
    “I’m not feeling too rational at the moment,” she replied, still advancing. He was a big man,