Surrogate and Wife Read Online Free PDF

have to vote on it. All Hatcher really has to do is call a press conference questioning my morality. A public outcry from a few concerned citizens would be enough. He only needs a simple majority to vote me out of office. That’s just four other people.”
    â€œAnd you think he can convince them?”
    â€œI think it’s possible. He doesn’t even have to convince them that what I’ve done is wrong. He just has to convince them that supporting me could risk their reputations. With reelections right around the corner, how many judges do you think will stand against him?”
    Jake didn’t answer, but the clenching of his jaw muscle said it all. The situation pissed him off almost as much as it did her.
    â€œHe’ll have to convince the other district judges that I’m morally unfit to preside over a court of law, but—” she shrugged “—Williamson County is one of the most conservative counties in the state, maybe even the country. If there’s anywhere being labeled an unwed mother could cost me my job, it’s here.”
    He didn’t argue with her, which only confirmed that she was right. The simple truth was that people held judges to a higher standard of behavior. And Kate, for one, expected no less.
    â€œI still don’t see how our getting married will help things. You think people will notice that you and Beth are pregnant at the same time, but not notice six months from now when we get divorced and they adopt your child? You don’t think anyone will question your morality then?”
    â€œThat’s just it,” she countered. “By the time I have the baby in November, the elections will be over. Regardless of the outcome, Hatcher could no longer use me as a pawn in his or anyone else’s campaign.” She sensed she’d almost swayed him, so she added, “It’d only be until November.”
    After a long moment of studying her, he shook his head ruefully. “Look, the situation sucks, but—”
    She stood. “You said you would help.”
    â€œI know I did, but—”
    She crossed the room until she was standing right in front of him. “You said you would do anything you could to help out.”
    â€œI know. And you said you didn’t trust me to stick around.”
    â€œSo prove me wrong.” She met his gaze head-on. As disturbing as it was to stare into his eyes at this range, she didn’t let herself blink.
    â€œWhat makes you think I’ll make an even halfway decent husband?”
    â€œI don’t need you to be a decent husband. I just need a ceremony and a ring.”
    He chuckled. “Lowered your standards a bit, have you?”
    â€œDon’t make this harder than it is.”
    If possible, his smile broadened. Apparently whatever panic he’d initially felt had dissipated. “Why shouldn’t I? You certainly made my initial offer to help difficult.”
    Only Jake could find humor in this situation. “I was surprised,” she said through gritted teeth. “That’s all.”
    â€œâ€˜Are you insane?’ I believe those were your words.”
    Hearing him parrot her words back to her, she felt ashamed by how badly she’d treated him. Yet he didn’t seem hurt. Didn’t even seem angry. If anything, he seemed amused.
    â€œDon’t you take anything seriously?” she asked, suddenly feeling peevish.
    â€œVery little.”
    â€œNot even insults to your mental stability?”
    He just shrugged. “I’ve heard a lot worse than anything you can come up with, Katie.”
    She spun on her heel, needing to put distance between them. “This is never going to work. You’re not the crazy one. I am.”
    But before she could make a move, he was beside her, his hand on her shoulder, easing her back to her spot on the sofa. “Hey, calm down. I was just teasing.”
    â€œWell, stop. This isn’t the time